Rakuten Viber to launch payments for secure app-based transactions

<h3 style="text-align:justify;">With the introduction of a safe and secure cross-border digital payment solution, Rakuten Viber affirms “super app” status</h3>LUXEMBOURG. July 2022 – <a href="https://www.viber.com/">Rakuten Viber</a>, a global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, is expanding into digital payments with a mobile wallet available through the Rakuten Viber app. This new function will allow Rakuten Viber users to easily send money to each other, and set up a digital wallet to store money, starting with Euros. It will later expand to include multiple currencies, along with other services available soon.Rakuten Viber enters the global digital payments market with a worldwide user base of hundreds of millions of consumers and a strong reputation for security rooted in its on-by-default end-to-end encryption for private communications. McKinsey estimates the global payments market, including cross-border transactions, domestic transfers, and credit card payments, will grow to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-2021-mckinsey-global-payments-report">$2.5 trillion by 2025</a>.&nbsp;Payments on Rakuten Viber will go live initially in Greece and Germany and then roll out to more countries in the near future. Rakuten Viber is installed on 91% of smartphones in Greece and was named by Germany’s <a href="https://www.test.de/Messenger-Apps-im-Vergleich-4884453-0/">Stiftung Warentest</a> as one of the most secure messaging apps.&nbsp;Adding funds to the digital wallet will be possible via all Mastercard and Visa cards and local banks upon its launch in Germany and Greece. To provide licensed payment services in the first two markets, Rakuten Viber has partnered with Rapyd, a global Fintech-as-a-Service company. &nbsp;Rapyd will embed its licensed payment processing services directly into the Rakuten Viber app to power the in-app payment capabilities. Upon availability in more countries, Rakuten Viber users can access a wide variety of additional financial services, including:<ul><li>Rakuten Viber-to-Viber wallet payments for domestic and cross-border Euro transactions, with plans to introduce multiple currencies soon</li><li>Bank transfers for seamless payment of routine expenses like utility bills</li><li>Exclusive discounts and rewards from local partners</li></ul>To start using payments on Rakuten Viber, users are required to set a personal identification code or biometric recognition to enable secure transactions. Payment confirmations are sent automatically encrypted. For complete peace of mind, Rakuten Viber’s support team will be available to answer questions in local languages.&nbsp;The addition of a seamless payment solution with an in-app wallet provided by licensed financial partners, along with other soon-to–be-introduced features, is a natural evolution that newly positions Rakuten Viber as a standalone <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/whats-next-for-messaging-apps-a-trend-towards-more-features-and-functionality/">super app</a>. Since 2019, the app's users have conducted millions of peer-to-peer payment transactions in more than ten markets via various third party integrations with chatbot and chat extensions.&nbsp;“Rakuten Viber is already one of the world’s top messengers, and with fintech capabilities, it will extend its utility and value to make it an absolutely essential app for its hundreds of millions of users. User-friendly payment features will allow users to effortlessly connect, engage, and transact inside and across borders without ever leaving their preferred messaging platform,” says Ofir Eyal, CEO of Rakuten Viber. “Rakuten Viber’s world-class security and privacy-protection joined with the high standards of premium payment service partners, like Rapyd, creates a simple and secure app-based alternative for conducting personal and business transactions.”&nbsp;“We’re thrilled that Rapyd will serve as the licensed cross-border payments solution powering this historic milestone for Rakuten Viber: becoming one of the world’s first messaging platforms to offer secure in-app payments to its global user base,” says Rapyd CEO Arik Shtilman. “At Rapyd, we build the payments technology that removes the back-end complexities of cross-border commerce and payments. Through this partnership, the combined power of Rakuten Viber and Rapyd’s leading security and seamless embedded payments capabilities means millions of users can feel confident conducting their financial transactions via a single messaging app.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_digital_payments_on_Viber_0be6baeb60.png"><figcaption>Examples of digital payments on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Current Rakuten Viber users in Germany and Greece can join a waitlist later this summer to gain access to the payment features ahead of its official launch. More currencies and features will be added as Rakuten Viber launches payments in more countries, including coupons and cash back rewards from participating retailers and merchants.&nbsp;Join the waitlist here: <a href="https://lp.viber.com/viberpay">https://lp.viber.com/viberpay</a>

Rakuten Viber introduces a safe and secure digital payment solution

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Superapp for Marketers. Part 2. Rakuten Viber – A Trending Superapp

In the past decade, an important change has taken place in the way people communicate. In fact, with the rise of messaging apps, the word “conversation” almost became a synonym for “chat.” Messaging apps have been some of the most popular apps worldwide and are used for a variety of purposes. See part 1 of the “Superapp for Marketers” series, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/superapp-for-marketers-part-1-what-is-a-superapp/">“What is a Superapp?”</a>Rakuten Viber has played a major role in this change in communication, and has become a superapp with a wide range of features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, stickers, AR lenses, bots, and a recent introduction of the new fintech service - <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-to-launch-payments-for-secure-app-based-transactions/">payments on Rakuten Viber</a>. Trusted by users in many countries, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, today Rakuten Viber is available in more than 190 countries and 44 languages, and is popular for its ease of use, reliability, and security.Here are some important numbers for companies that are making a decision about the use of Rakuten Viber in their marketing mix. Rakuten Viber's TOP countries include (based on % of all smartphone users per country):<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_s_TOP_countries_with_the_highest_penetration_d8ff9ddcdf.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber’s TOP countries with the highest penetration</figcaption></figure>Besides, 78% of Rakuten Viber’s customers are in the 18-50 age range which is considered as a “payable” audience, and the audience is equally split between men and women (53% and 47%, respectively). 94% of our clients use the app on their smartphones - 78% on Android and 22% on iOS.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">At every step of the customer journey</h2>As a superapp, we provide users with a one-stop-shop experience, connecting them with the brands they love in a simple, convenient, and reliable way. Rakuten Viber’s massive reach, combined with its large user base and world-class security and privacy features, makes it the perfect platform for brands to interact with customers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_some_superapp_features_available_on_Viber_9e96696a09.png"><figcaption>Examples of some superapp features available on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber for Business is the go-to solution for companies of all sizes that want to improve their customer service and sales operations, no matter the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/connecting-with-your-audience-through-viber-at-all-steps-of-the-customer-journey/">stage of the funnel</a>. Rakuten Viber offers a powerful set of features for sales and marketing teams, including integrated CRM solutions and marketing automation tools. Besides, we provide a suite of tools to help brands streamline customer interactions, including live chats and automated customer support via chatbots.&nbsp;Learn more about Rakuten Viber offerings for business clients:<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Rakuten Viber Chatbots</a><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising on Rakuten Viber</a>And when it comes to creativity and content, there is nothing better than Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-snap-partnership/">Viber Lenses</a>. With this multimedia tool, you can create an engaging brand image, raise awareness, and, of course, make your campaigns more fun and interactive. Rakuten Viber’s integrated augmented reality (AR) technology lets people add decorative elements to their photos and videos, creating an engaging experience that can be shared with friends and loved ones privately or publicly. You can now also use Branded Rakuten Viber Lenses to engage the audience to subscribe to your chatbot or a channel. Branded Lenses are a great way to capture the attention of your existing and potential customers, especially among Gen Z users, unleash your creativity, and make your content stand out.Another powerful content marketing tool is Rakuten Viber Stickers. Every month, our users send over 1 billion of them, so be sure to add your own branded sticker pack! This way, you can represent your brand in a fun and engaging way. Plus, it's a great opportunity to get your company name out there and build up recognition.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_branded_Viber_Lenses_and_Stickers_6fdcce23dc.png"><figcaption>Examples of branded Rakuten Viber Lenses and Stickers</figcaption></figure>Besides being a great creative instrument, Rakuten Viber is excellent for performance marketers and allows brands to achieve various campaign goals, including acquisition, retention, and revenue generation. The possibilities are endless – whether you want to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-rise-of-personalization-in-mobile-marketing/">personalize your business messages</a> for every potential customer, reduce cart abandonment, or trigger a repeat purchase, Rakuten Viber is the perfect tool to do so.&nbsp;Your marketing goals are within reach - let’s get started!<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Official Account in Rakuten Viber</h2>Please make it as easy as possible for your customers to reach you and to know more about you. To be able to do that, you need an <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-are-official-accounts-in-messengers-so-important-for-your-company-s-reputation/">Official Business Account on Rakuten Viber</a> – you can have a dedicated company number and profile and will get access to all of Viber's business features that will help you send all types of messages you may want to send. With Rakuten Viber's API, you can integrate your Rakuten Viber account into your existing customer support tools.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Example_of_an_official_Viber_Business_Account_64580dab9d.png"><figcaption>Example of an official Rakuten Viber Business Account</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-open-a-viber-business-account/">How to open a Rakuten Viber Business Account</a><h2 style="text-align:justify;">What About Payments?</h2>Fintech is a vital part of the superapp concept. The ability for users to place orders within the app is crucial for brands that want to provide their clients with a seamless experience. When it comes to Rakuten Viber, we offer our users and partners such services as chatbot payments, P2P money transfers, and many more. But that's not all. Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-to-launch-payments-for-secure-app-based-transactions/">Viber Pay</a> is the easiest way for customers to send money to each other via Rakuten Viber or to make a bank transfer. With it, users can make payments as easily as sending a message. Plus, it's secure and quick.Payments on Rakuten Viber (launched first in Germany and Greece in July 2022 via waitlist and being gradually opened to all) allow people to set up a digital wallet directly within our app, so they don't have to switch to another one. Besides this, we give brands an opportunity to offer special deals to their customers when they use our new tool. Rakuten Viber partners with leaders in retail, fashion, electronics, and other markets to create unique offers for users of all ages and interests; that's why they choose us. In the upcoming future, more brands will be able to receive payments from their clients via our app. If your business wants to become part of Rakuten Viber Pay's loyalty program, <a href="mailto:rewards@viber.com">contact our team now</a>.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_purchases_and_digital_payments_on_Viber_4bc5aba6e6.png"><figcaption>Examples of purchases and digital payments on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Take Your Marketing To The Next Level</h2>Rakuten Viber has the power to connect brands and users across countries, languages, and cultures, making it a truly global solution. The superapp has the superpower to keep people engaged with the content they love – and that means to engage with brands that matter to them.A global leader in messaging communication and a superapp, Rakuten Viber has become a go-to platform where people come to connect with family, friends, and colleagues. We are excited to see how companies use this unique opportunity to connect with their users, and we’re proud to be able to offer them this powerful marketing tool.With us, you can build brand awareness, influence customer consideration, and drive conversions in a few simple steps. Our branded stickers and lenses, Ads, Business Messages, and Chatbots help businesses to connect with their audience in a more personal and engaging way. From customer service and support to marketing and sales, we provide the instruments and features businesses need to create a seamless customer experience.&nbsp;<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">Get started today</a>

Rakuten Viber as a superapp for marketers. Features to boost performance across the marketing funnel

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What Rakuten Viber Tools to Use at Each Step of the Customer Journey

A customer journey is a path that a buyer takes from initial awareness of a product or service to eventually becoming a paying client. It involves every touchpoint that a shopper has with a brand before they make a purchase. This includes everything from their first discovery to the moment they receive their package in the mail or walk out of the store, how they interact with the product after the purchase, and if their experience is generally positive or negative.Understanding customer journey helps businesses optimize their marketing so that they can deliver the most relevant messages at each stage. Its steps vary depending on a product or a service, but there are some common phases that all marketers take into account. Each of these steps presents an opportunity for brands to nurture their relationships with buyers and create a lasting connection.The purchase path is no longer linear. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/connecting-with-your-audience-through-viber-at-all-steps-of-the-customer-journey/">Customers interact with so many touchpoints</a> and make decisions in milliseconds. Still, the core steps of the customer journey remain the same, no matter how squiggly the journey might be:1. Awareness: A customer becomes aware of your brand and your products/services. They may see an ad, read a blog post, or hear about you from a friend.2. Interest: He or she compares different items and narrows down their options. This is when they may do some research online, read reviews, or check prices generating interest.3. Conversion: A customer decides to buy from you. They add a product to the cart, fill out their billing information, and complete the payment.4. Loyalty: A shopper continues to use your products and becomes a loyal customer. They may refer their friends, write positive reviews, or evolve into a brand ambassador.In this article, we talk about how you can use <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Rakuten Viber for Business</a> at every step of the way to get your clients' attention and drive conversions.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/h88_oOctUtc"></oembed></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Awareness</h2>Rakuten Viber offers a variety of features for you to reach and engage your target audience. With our platform, you can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">create a public account for your business</a>, send messages to customers, and run marketing campaigns.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Rakuten Viber Ads</a> is one of the best tools for creating awareness. The targeting options let you choose the audience you want to reach, including by age, gender, and location, as well as by interests. You can also create and run personalized campaigns, including with context-relevant creative and offers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Example_of_personalized_Viber_Ads_386786cb16.png"><figcaption>Example of personalized Rakuten Viber Ads</figcaption></figure>With <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-snap-partnership/">Rakuten Viber Lenses</a>, you can express your identity in a modern and engaging way. Create branded filters and lenses that can be used by your customers when they take photos or videos. This is a fantastic way for your clients to interact with your business in a new and unique manner.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Engaging_branded_Lenses_on_Viber_33bab23612.png"><figcaption>Engaging branded Lenses on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber Stickers are an excellent instrument to go viral. There are a few ways to use them to build brand awareness and get more customer attention:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Create original stickers with your logo or mascot: You can make a huge impact with branded stickers. Make sure all images are high quality and visually appealing, as this will ensure they get used often.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Tell a story: Rakuten Viber Stickers can be a great storytelling tool. For example, you could create a series of images that show the history of your company or the evolution of your product. This is a surefire technique to generate buzz and get people talking about you.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Link a Sticker pack to your communication channel: This is a great way to get more exposure to your existing Chatbot, Channel, or Community on Rakuten Viber. You can quickly grow your audience by having users subscribe to your channel after downloading your Sticker pack.</li></ul>There are endless possibilities for how businesses can use Rakuten Viber Stickers to build awareness. The key is to be imaginative and think outside the box. This will help you build brand loyalty and keep people coming back for more.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Building_brand_awareness_with_Viber_Stickers_2f82836bf1.png"><figcaption>Building brand awareness with Rakuten Viber Stickers</figcaption></figure>With Rakuten Viber, you can contact a large audience quickly and easily. Our platform has hundreds of millions of users worldwide, which is a lot of potential customers you can reach with your marketing messages. It is a perfect tool to use to get viral and make people talk about your products.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Interest</h2>The phase when customers are actively evaluating their options and weighing which product or service is right for them is extremely important for brands. This is where you need to make sure your offers are unique and catch the eye of a buyer. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-benefits-of-personalization-how-tailoring-content-to-your-audience-can-improve-engagement-and-conversions/">Personalization</a> is key – it gives your clients an exceptional experience they will remember long after they've made a purchase. With Rakuten Viber, you can easily send tailored messages to potential customers based on their interests and preferences. This helps create a more meaningful buyer experience and can ultimately lead to more conversions and sales.One of the most popular ways to engage with potential buyers during the Interest phase is through Rakuten Viber Promotional Business Messages. Promotional Messages keep your customers informed about the latest offers, deals, and special occasions. They can be sent to individual customers or to groups of customers. The benefits include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Cost-effective</li><li style="text-align:justify;">High reach</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Easily trackable</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Real-time engagement</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Customizable messages</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalization</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Integration with CRM or CDP, and more.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_Promotional_Viber_Business_Messages_843cfdbc92.png"><figcaption>Examples of Promotional Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>Be there for your potential customers when they have questions or want to learn more. Rakuten Viber provides two unique solutions to engage in a conversation: Conversational Business Messages and Chatbots.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-rise-of-conversational-commerce/">Conversational Business Messages</a> let you connect with your customers directly in Rakuten Viber, and not only through text but also with images, videos, and files. It is a great way to answer customer’s questions, resolve issues, and provide support – all in real time.Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a> provide 24/7 assistance and support, without the need for human intervention. Chatbots can help to choose the right product, manage orders, receive upsell and cross-sell offers, and answer FAQs.Another tool to provide your customers the information they might need to know about your brand is a <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">Commercial Account</a>. It hosts business information, services, and chats on Rakuten Viber under a single business entity. Since Commercial Account is searchable, users can initiate conversations with brand representatives and ask their pressing questions from the convenience of their favorite messaging app.&nbsp;To make sure your brand remains top-of-mind at this important stage, add Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mobile-ad-monetisation-best-practices-to-succeed-in-the-new-business-season/">Viber Ads</a> to the mix. They are highly effective, multi-format, and versatile. From post-call pop-ups and marketing content on the Rakuten Viber Explore page to non-intrusive notifications in Business Inbox, Chats, Calls, and More screens, there's something for every brand and every product. This is a perfect opportunity to cut through the noise and get your potential audience's attention.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Conversion</h2>In order to drive sales, you need to create a seamless and convenient purchase experience. There are many Rakuten Viber tools that can be of use during this critical phase.Just like during the Interest phase, driving conversions can be done through conversations.First, you can automate your shoppers' journey with Rakuten <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximize-the-value-of-chatbots/">Viber Сhatbots</a>. HubSpot Research Customer Support Survey <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/live-chat-go-to-market-flaw">shows that 82%</a> of consumers expect immediate responses to their queries and requests, so using fast and AI-powered visual assistants will help you provide better service. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/understanding-conversational-commerce/">Conversational Business Messages</a> are essential if you want to make sure the cart abandonment rate is within reasonable limits.&nbsp;Read our article <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-viber-for-business-can-help-with-cart-abandonment/">How Rakuten Viber for Business Can Help With Cart Abandonment.</a>Congratulations! The purchase came through. But it is not the end of the customer journey.Users want to stay in the loop and receive timely updates. That’s why <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-use-messaging-marketing-to-drive-real-world-sales/">Transactional Business Messages</a> come in handy for informing your customers about their purchases and deliveries. You can let them know about order status, shipment details, product warranty, and more.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Purchase_experience_with_Viber_Chatbots_and_Business_Messages_4b3bd560ca.png"><figcaption>Purchase experience with Rakuten Viber Chatbots and Business Messages</figcaption></figure>And when it comes to payments, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-to-launch-payments-for-secure-app-based-transactions/">Payments on Rakuten Viber</a> is a new solution that allows people to create a digital wallet within the app instead of switching to a different one (first launched in Germany and Greece via a waitlist in July 2022, now available in Greece and being gradually opened to all). We give brands the opportunity to offer special deals to their customers when they use our new tool. Brands will be able to receive payments from their clients via Rakuten Viber in the future.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Loyalty</h2>This phase of the customer journey is all about keeping your clients happy and motivating them to return. Plus, this is the stage where you need to think about how you can encourage your buyers to spread the word about your business to their friends and family. The best way to do this is to provide an excellent shopping experience throughout their journey and after the purchase is made. If people are happy with your brand, they will be more likely to tell others about you.This is another use case for <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-create-a-customer-focused-conversation-in-the-always-on-world/">Conversational Business Messages</a>, as they are perfect for building lasting customer relationships and nurturing loyalty. Some of the main benefits of using Conversational Rakuten Viber Business Messages include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Improved customer satisfaction: Shoppers can get the answers they need when they need them and leave feedback that can be used to further improve customer experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased trust: People are more likely to stick with a brand that offers timely and efficient assistance and asks their opinion about the services.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Optimized processes: By integrating Business Messages with your CRM or CDP system you can save important details and analyze conversation history with your customers to offer better support in the future.</li></ul>Retention with the help of Rakuten Viber Chatbots&nbsp;Chatbots can offer a wide range of services, from answering simple questions to providing support, and even selling products. They can significantly increase customer satisfaction and loyalty while reducing costs.And if you can keep your clients happy and keep them coming back, you'll be well on your path to success!<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Case Studies: How Brands Use Rakuten Viber</h2>Take a look at some of the best examples of businesses that have used Rakuten Viber to reach audiences at different stages of the purchase journey.The <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/primer/">Primer Group of Companies</a>, a retailer in the Philippines that distributes consumer goods from different brands, used personalized Promotional Business Messages to boost customer interest and sales. With the help of Rakuten Viber's messaging partner <a href="https://www.infobip.com/">Infobip</a>, Primer sent e-vouchers for its e-commerce site Bratpack to its customer base. This resulted in a 401% increase in sales and a 53% conversion rate.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Primer_Group_success_story_with_Viber_Business_Messages_a2a4c3d192.png"><figcaption>Primer Group - success story with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/leroy-merlin/">Leroy Merlin</a>, Europe's largest home improvement retailer, was looking for ways to improve customer service at checkout and increase basket size. It turned to Rakuten Viber’s official messaging partner <a href="https://www.m-stat.gr/">M-STAT</a> and chose Rakuten Viber Business Messages for communication with customers, which helped them achieve both goals. This campaign resulted in 300% faster customer service and a 20% increase in basket size.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_sent_by_Leroy_Merlin_2309535185.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber Business Messages sent by Leroy Merlin</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/dexpress/">DExpress</a>, an express courier service based in Serbia, turned to Rakuten Viber to enhance its communication with customers by letting them track and manage their deliveries. With the help of our trusted messaging partner <a href="https://www.akton.net">Akton</a>, D Express started to send automated and personalized messages via Rakuten Viber updating customers on their delivery. A customer could reply whenever it's convenient and get more information or have the shipment redirected at their convenience.D Express achieved a delivery rate of 85%, 15% higher than before they started using Rakuten Viber. The result was an improved service, an enhanced customer experience, and a higher level of trust and loyalty among D Express' customers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/D_Express_successfully_using_Viber_Business_Messages_99796d4b7f.png"><figcaption>D Express successfully using Rakuten Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>With Rakuten Viber, companies have a powerful tool at their disposal to create awareness, be available at a discovery and interest phase, drive conversions, improve customer service, and increase customer loyalty. All with ease, convenience, and efficiency.

Rakuten Viber suite of solutions and products for Awareness, Interest, Conversion, and Loyalty


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Rakuten Viber’s solution wins the MEFFYS 2023 Payments Award

Rakuten Viber receives the MEFFYS 2023 Payments Award from Mobile Ecosystem Forum in Barcelona, Spain, gaining recognition for its innovative mobile payment solution.Rakuten Viber, a global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, has received the prestigious MEFFYS 2023 Mobile Payments Award. Awarded by the Mobile Ecosystem Forum during this year’s MWC Barcelona, it celebrates the progress and innovation in the industry.Rakuten Viber <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-to-launch-payments-for-secure-app-based-transactions/">launched its payment solution</a> as part of the app’s superapp strategy. It allows users to set up a digital wallet and to send money to each other in a fast, secure, and seamless environment. Rakuten Viber remains true to its reputation for stalwart commitment to security: payment confirmations are sent automatically encrypted, and the solution is enabled by licensed financial partners. Payments on Rakuten Viber are set to be intuitive, user-friendly, allowing users to effortlessly make payments—at no cost to them.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber's digital payments were introduced in Greece and Germany via a waitlist in July 2022, and to all users in Greece in December 2022. Rakuten Viber is now working on its worldwide roll-out, as well as developing additional features that would increase its utility to users and brands alike.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_digital_payments_on_Viber_2dfd17c6d8.png"><figcaption>Examples of digital payments on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>It is a great inspiration for the team to see our product recognized, especially given how strong and innovative the competition had been. The Rakuten Viber team is profoundly grateful to everyone who has voted: it is the best kind of feedback.The team also congratulates fellow industry leaders who have secured MEFFYS awards in other categories: BTS (Global Connectivity), BICS (Mobile IOT), Tata Communications (Personal Data &amp; Identity), Telefónica Global Solutions (Enterprise Communications), MobiBox (Content &amp; Advertising), Vodafone (Sustainability), and Carlos Aragon (Special Award: Personal Contribution to the Mobile Ecosystem).&nbsp;A long-running industry awards series, MEFFYS Awards, celebrates ingenuity, creativity, and innovation in the mobile world. Our team is grateful to MEF for the chance to discover developments and companies that have impacted the mobile ecosystem.“RakutenViber’s digital payment solution introduced last year has brought us a step closer to our goal: letting people make transactions within the app as easily as sending a message. Secure, fast, and free. With this update, Rakuten Viber has truly entered the league of superapps, and we will continue developing in this direction—to benefit both our users and brands using our solutions.” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/limor-bailey-b0451718/">Limor Bailey</a>, Partnerships Account Director at Rakuten Viber, who received the award on behalf of the company.We hope this award will be one of many achievements that we will share with you this year!<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/BR76H6LwObg"></oembed></figure>

Rakuten Viber secures a prestigious award for its payments product

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Navigating the Digital Transformation: Trends Shaping the Future of Messaging and Connectivity

With <a href="https://www.mwcbarcelona.com">Mobile World Congress 2023</a> behind us, now’s the time to review the state of the industry. Let’s analyze the trends through the prism of key topics defined at MWC: 5G acceleration, Fintech, OpenNet, Reality+, and Digital Everything. What do these trends mean to Rakuten Viber, and how do they impact the <a href="https://mobileecosystemforum.com/2023/03/03/meffys-2023-winners-announced-in-barcelona/">best-in-class</a> solutions that we offer?MWC has once again emphasized the continuous evolution and ongoing digital transformation. The latter is no longer optional – technologies are being used to optimize every business process and create maximum efficiency. The same is true for interaction with customers – traditional advertising methods alone fall short. Companies need to establish meaningful, relevant, and timely connections with their audiences across multiple channels, keeping in mind that in 2023, mobile is one of the key elements of successful engagement. If brands want to maintain a personal connection with their audience, the only way to do so is to embrace rapid developments.Let’s look at each of the topics.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">5G Acceleration</h2>5G went mainstream in 2022, but, as of now, its potential is far from realized – or recognized. 5G provides faster speeds, lower latency, and more connectivity for mobile devices. It can link up to a million devices per square kilometer, which is important for the development of the Internet of Things.Why does it matter? The importance of 5G is that it can revolutionize the way we connect and communicate with each other. With faster speeds, 5G can enable the development of new technologies and applications that were not possible before. This includes real-time applications like virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and even remote surgery.&nbsp;5G is set to transform the way we live, work, and communicate, and we at Rakuten Viber are quite ready for this new era of connectivity.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">FinTech Revolution</h2>Technology continues to transform our daily lives so fast that even consumers barely keep up. One striking example is FinTech, or financial technology, which is revolutionizing the way people handle their finances. But what exactly is FinTech, and why is everyone obsessed with it?&nbsp;FinTech is the use of technology to provide financial services and products. It is disruptive because it offers both consumers and businesses more efficient, convenient, safe, and cost-effective solutions. Here are some examples:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Mobile payment systems allow users to make transactions using their smartphones. At the Mobile Ecosystem Forum in Barcelona, our very own payment solution was recently recognized with a prestigious <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/vibers-solution-wins-the-meffys-2023-paymentsaward/">MEFFYS 2023 Payment Award</a>.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Robo-advisors are digital platforms that provide clients with financial advice and investment recommendations using algorithms (Betterment, Wealthfront, and others).</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Crowdfunding platforms allow businesses and individuals to raise money from a large number of people. Examples include Kickstarter, Patreon, and Indiegogo.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Online lending platforms allow borrowers to obtain loans quickly and easily, for instance, LendingClub and Prosper.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Blockchain technology is used to develop new financial products and services, such as cryptocurrencies or smart contracts, that are secure and decentralized.</li></ol>At the current pace of innovation, new major FinTech trends can appear and take the world by the storm in a matter of weeks. It’s wise to keep your hand on the pulse of technology and be ready to put that new tech to work, fast.<figure class="image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/kO2uIC8QcKRso27W_J1VnzMmWHoRAxoqz4dRCLAS-7BqNZ084lSIeto5hvqTwSjcofvCveS7jIv4wLrb1nyjQEpKmCtNG_vYHPw2kmep3FtXXbvlhfNQh8gB3o8vm9A3M4VkwlSxJKrf2TDt-tdBIW8"><figcaption>Digital payments on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">OpenNet&nbsp;</h2>The mobile network ecosystem is competitive, but collaboration might just be the leap that will elevate the entire industry.&nbsp;OpenNet endorses openness, innovation, and adaptability as it requires companies to use open standards, exchange expertise, and team up. It already paves the way for groundbreaking technologies like 5G, IoT, edge, and cloud.For Rakuten Viber, collaboration with partners and clients has always been the way to operate. By working with others and using open standards, we can create new and innovative solutions that benefit everyone. Besides, as a messaging app, we know full well the value of open communication.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Reality+ Emergence</h2>What used to be the subject of imaginative sci-fi is very quickly becoming reality – Reality+.&nbsp;Reality+ is a term that describes blending the physical world with virtual elements. It uses various technologies such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR) to create a seamless integration of digital and real-world environments. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates an entirely immersive virtual environment, reality+ overlays digital elements on top of the world. This means that users can still interact with the real world while perceiving those elements, which enhances their overall sensory experience.Consumers are already living in a “phygital” world, expecting a seamless in-store and online experience. As reality “expands”, the customer journey and expectations will be profoundly transformed. It’s time for brands to chart the new frontier and map their customers’ journey in the physical world – and beyond.How might that look? For example, an application with Reality+ features could overlay digital pieces onto a physical product in a store, providing customers with additional information such as its features, pricing, and reviews.&nbsp;Our most recent step towards Reality+ is<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-use-viber-lenses-a-guide-for-marketers/"> Rakuten Viber Lenses</a>, a product we launched in 2021 that lets users visually express themselves. Since launch, Rakuten Viber users have engaged with Lenses almost 1 Billion times. Brands leverage this tool and create their own Lenses to increase brand awareness and enhance marketing.<figure class="image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XNesjtKjCmCC9ivDA_W7Vs77qiKza3Act_hyU84TOiaHYd8nTev0OEarVY_WnFSTMbkngLmp7SgDKAWi7yE8VK2Yu4aHaNbNVHA4JUgIf5Ak0XCWEmYkD0nArPtjNchnUK_v84YQrkunSD8rq8vJuds"><figcaption>Branded Rakuten Viber Lenses</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Digital Everything Trend</h2>"Digital Everything" has become the new normal. Digitalization touches all business areas, from communication and marketing to transactions, storage, and work processes. The benefits are numerous:&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased efficiency. Digital allows for faster and more streamlined processes, reducing the time and effort needed to complete tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced costs.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Convenience. Digital Everything allows people to access information and services anywhere, anytime. This makes it so much faster and less expensive for businesses to reach their customers, and for individuals to manage their personal and professional lives.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Improved accuracy. Technologies can help eliminate errors and inconsistencies that occur when processes are done manually. This can lead to better data quality and more accurate decision-making.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Better customer experiences. Marketers are exploring personalization at full speed. It is a normal practice for companies to use data analytics to understand people’s preferences and behavior and help businesses to tailor their offerings and marketing messages according to those insights.</li></ol>Increased efficiency, convenience, and accuracy are no longer “good to have” – for many industries, they can make the difference between sinking or soaring. We’re living in the age of accelerated digital transformation, so adaptability and readiness to keep up with the evolving world are crucial.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">What the Future Holds For Messaging and Always-On Connectivity</h2>With the continued evolution of technology and the trends discussed above, we can expect to see even more innovations and advancements in the coming years.&nbsp;Always-on connectivity will become the norm, with 5G and other technologies providing faster and more reliable connections. This will enable the development of even more IoT devices, allowing for more efficient and automated processes in both personal and professional settings.Yes, the digital landscape evolves rapidly, but messaging remains the key channel for businesses to engage with their audiences. The statistics from <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-in-2022-trends-defining-the-future-of-brand-user-communication/">Rakuten Viber in 2022</a> serve as a testament to this trend, with a 32% surge in promotional business messages, a 73% increase in transactional business messages, and a 17% growth in conversational business messages worldwide.&nbsp;With the rise of chatbots, we will see more personalized and relevant conversations between brands and customers. And the integration of messaging with innovative technologies such as AR and VR is already revolutionizing the way we experience immersive interactions.Rakuten Viber will continue to push the boundaries of digital communication – and it's evident that the possibilities are endless.

The state of the mobile industry in 2023: 5G, Fintech, OpenNet, Reality+, Digital Everything

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How Mobile Messaging Marketing is Transforming the Way Businesses Communicate

In today's highly connected world, the continuous growth of mobile communication and messaging has changed how people interact with one another. Traditional methods like phone calls and emails are no longer the only ways to engage with customers. The popularity of mobile messaging has led to a shift in business communication – according to Data Reportal, <a href="https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-global-overview-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">94.8%</a> of people use chat and messaging, with more than half of their Internet time spent on mobile devices.This blog post explores mobile messaging marketing by looking at Rakuten Viber, a feature-packed example of this emerging trend. Let’s explore how the app is transforming the way businesses establish and strengthen connections with their audiences in the digital era.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Mobile Messaging Marketing: The New Opportunities for Businesses</h2>Mobile messaging marketing stands out as a powerful, yet sometimes still overlooked, tool for companies aiming to boost their customer engagement. It helps businesses talk directly to the users in a personal way without spending much, and leads to more sales and better relationships.There are multiple benefits, such as:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Direct communication between businesses and customers, delivering timely information and offers.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">High open rates making text messages more effective than emails for communication.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalized messaging for different audience segments.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Cost-effectiveness in comparison with other marketing channels while being suitable for businesses of all sizes.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rapid results — quick customer responses and faster conversions.</li></ol>Connecting through messaging can create really personal and engaging experiences. As a result, more and more companies are embracing messaging tools, realizing the huge potential they offer. The question brands must ask is not, “Should we integrate such a tool in our marketing?” but “Which one is the best choice for my business?”<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_business_messaging_on_Viber_67dbe32fc0.png"><figcaption>Examples of business messaging on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber as a SuperApp: The All-Inclusive Solution</h2>Rakuten Viber, an easy-to-use gateway for lots of services with rich <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/superapp-for-marketers-part-1-what-is-a-superapp/">superapp</a> features, may be just what you need. By smoothly connecting various capabilities, it gives both users and companies an integrated platform, making the entire experience easier and enjoyable for everyone. In Rakuten Viber, users can do the following:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Order food</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Get a taxi</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Pay bills</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Get help from customer support</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Shop and make purchases within the app</li><li style="text-align:justify;">And so much more.</li></ul>Let's take a look at Rakuten Viber’s solutions for companies.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber for Business: Toolbox for Success</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business/">Rakuten Viber for Business</a> allows brands to build convenient communication with users. To provide personalized and engaging content to their customers, organizations can leverage:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising solutions</a>, delivering targeted ads to attract the right audience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2021-11-21/say-it-all-with-viber-lenses/">Lenses</a> and Stickers, incorporating enjoyable visuals for viral campaigns.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Chatbots</a>, helpful automated tools that promptly reply to customer questions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber Business Messages</a>, providing personalized messages for different purposes.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Searchable <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">Business Accounts</a>, featuring all information and ways to interact with brands at glance.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_for_Business_solutions_e5b37982d7.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure>This toolset can help strengthen brand loyalty and increase customer satisfaction, keeping your clients coming back for more.On top of that, businesses can see how their marketing campaigns are performing in real time. By analyzing user behavior, engagement levels, and sales rates, companies can fine-tune their strategies for the biggest impact and the highest returns.&nbsp;With Rakuten Viber, you'll have access to a complete system that creates seamless brand-user interactions at every step of the customer journey.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Intelligent Marketing</h2>Having explored the individual features, here is just one of the examples of how they can seamlessly work together in a comprehensive 360-degree campaign:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Capture attention with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-use-viber-lenses-a-guide-for-marketers/">Rakuten Viber branded Lenses</a>, Ads, or Stickers.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Add a link and lead customers to subscribe to your <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-viber-chatbots-can-help-improve-customer-service-for-large-companies/">Chatbot</a> where they can learn about your products and seamlessly create their first order.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Connect with your database via <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-are-viber-business-messages/">Business Messages</a>, provide support, collect feedback, and ensure that customers will come back for more.</li></ol>With Rakuten Viber's toolkit, brands can ensure a consistent and captivating experience across all touchpoints, boost customer satisfaction, and truly succeed in today's competitive digital world.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/foodpanda/">Discover how foodpanda used Rakuten Viber Ads, Stickers, and a Chatbot to enhance brand awareness and customer experience</a>Check out how Coca-Cola leveraged Rakuten Viber Stickers, Chatbot, and an interactive game to create an engaging Easter marketing campaign:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9MOlK-NQZE"></oembed></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Payments on Rakuten Viber: The Future of Streamlined Payments&nbsp;</h2>Another major feature is <a href="https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2022-07-27/our-latest-super-feature-viber-pay/">payments on Rakuten Viber</a>. First fully launched in Greece and Germany in December 2022 and recently opened for Cyprus, it is being gradually rolled out in other markets. Payments on Rakuten Viber lets users create a digital wallet and transfer money to peers right within the app, removing the need to use multiple banking or money-sending applications.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber is working on adding new features to its payment solution that will benefit brands, such as:&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Payments to merchants within the app. This will simplify the payment process by accommodating a wide array of user requirements, and delivering a one-stop solution on a user-friendly platform.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Exclusive discounts and rewards as the cherry on top. These incentives allow people to get exclusive discounts and special offers from their favorite brands.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_276d5c9a86.png"><figcaption>Examples of digital payments on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>The trend of using mobile messaging for marketing transforms how businesses talk to their customers and creates fresh opportunities for brand-user interaction. With mobile messaging becoming more popular, Rakuten Viber's multifaceted marketing toolbox puts it at the forefront of this trend.If you have any questions or need assistance leveraging Rakuten Viber's solutions for your business, don't hesitate to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out </a>– we're here to help you make the most of mobile messaging.

Learn how Rakuten Viber improves mobile messaging for businesses

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Rakuten Viber to launch payments for secure app-based transactions

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Rakuten Viber’s solution wins the MEFFYS 2023 Payments Award

Navigating the Digital Transformation: Trends Shaping the Future of Messaging and Connectivity

How Mobile Messaging Marketing is Transforming the Way Businesses Communicate

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