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Boost CX and loyalty with Rakuten Viber via ads, chatbots, personalized messages, and in-app calls

How to enhance customer experience & foster customer loyalty with Rakuten Viber

In today's business world, customer experience and loyalty are pivotal in ensuring long-term success. As businesses recognize the profound impact of retaining existing customers versus acquiring new ones, the focus has shifted to enhancing customer experiences and nurturing lasting relationships. It is estimated that it can cost up to <a href="https://www.outboundengine.com/blog/customer-retention-marketing-vs-customer-acquisition-marketing/#:~:text=Acquiring%20a%20new%20customer%20can,customer%20is%205%2D20%25." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">five times more</a> to attract new customers than to keep existing ones, making it clear that investment in customer satisfaction and loyalty is not just beneficial but essential.&nbsp;The benefits are manifold:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increased customer retention: A superior customer experience ensures that customers are satisfied, reducing the likelihood of them switching to competitors.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Higher customer lifetime value: Loyal customers are more likely to make repeated purchases and spend more over time.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Positive word of mouth: Happy customers are your best advocates. Their satisfaction drives recommendations and organic growth.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhanced brand reputation: Consistently delivering excellent customer experiences strengthens your brand’s reputation and builds trust.</li></ul>Implementing a rewards program is a highly effective strategy for fostering customer loyalty and spending. Research indicates that <a href="https://dc-docs.dcatalog.com/Bond-Brand-Loyalty/TLR-2021/ea224c14-999b-404d-9ec9-c2bd8a2ffab3/TLR2021_ExecutiveSummary_USA.pdf?v=16351975111190.2676058934113973" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">64%</a> of loyalty program members spend more money.Given that a significant number of customers prefer rewards that are accessible via mobile devices, Rakuten Viber offers an ideal platform to meet this requirement.Rakuten Viber offers a range of features designed to enhance customer experience effectively. From <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-rise-of-conversational-commerce-how-viber-rich-business-messaging-is-transforming-the-customer-experience/">Rich Business Messaging</a> and personalized interactions to integrated CRM and CDP systems, the platform ensures that your customers feel valued and understood. Rakuten Viber is not just about enhancing experiences; it's about building lasting relationships.&nbsp;<h2>Enhance Your Loyalty Program with Viber Integration</h2>Loyalty programs supported by Viber can significantly boost customer satisfaction and spending.Here are several ways you can leverage Viber:1. Virtual loyalty cards: Provide your customers with virtual loyalty cards that they can easily access and manage through the Viber app. This not only makes it convenient for them but also keeps your brand top-of-mind.2. Promoting loyalty programs and encouraging customers to join: Using <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Ads</a> in conjunction with personalized messages ensures that a business’ promotional efforts are both effective and non-intrusive. Viber integrates ads seamlessly into the user experience, while personalized messages provide value and relevance, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand perception.&nbsp;3. Reminder notifications: Send timely reminders to customers about their bonus points and encourage them to redeem these points. This can effectively drive repeat purchases and maintain engagement.4. Exclusive offers and updates: Send personalized messages and exclusive offers to your loyalty program members. Keeping your customers informed about the latest deals and updates can further incentivize them to stay engaged with your brand.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Promote_and_manage_loyalty_programs_with_Viber_Ads_and_Rich_Business_Messaging_a671001b36.png"><figcaption>Promote and manage loyalty programs with Viber Ads and Rich Business Messaging</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Streamline Your Loyalty Program: Leverage CRM, CDP, and Viber Chatbots for Ultimate Efficiency</h2>Managing a loyalty program requires efficient handling of customer data and interactions. Integrating Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems with Customer Data Platforms (CDP) can significantly enhance your ability to manage and optimize your loyalty program.1. Comprehensive customer profiles: By merging CRM and CDP, you can create detailed customer profiles that consolidate data from various touchpoints. This unified view helps you understand customer behaviors, preferences, and purchase history, enabling more personalized engagement.2. Data-driven insights: The integration of CRM and CDP provides robust data analytics capabilities. You can identify trends, segment your customer base more effectively, and tailor your loyalty program to meet the specific needs of different customer groups.3. Enhanced targeting: With a comprehensive dataset at your disposal, you can design targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with individual customers. This can increase the effectiveness of your loyalty program, driving higher engagement and retention rates.4. Real-time updates: A synchronized CRM and CDP setup allows for real-time data updates. This means that any changes in customer behavior or preferences are immediately reflected, which enables you to respond promptly and keep your loyalty program relevant.Automation is a key component in managing a loyalty program efficiently, and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a> offer an excellent solution for this purpose.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalized communication: With the help of integrated CRM and CDP systems, Viber Chatbots can deliver personalized messages and offers to the members of the loyalty program.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Automated reminders and notifications: Chatbots can be programmed to send automated reminders to customers about their unredeemed points, upcoming expiration dates, or new rewards. These timely notifications encourage them to stay active in the loyalty program.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Interactive engagement: Viber Chatbots can facilitate interactive experiences, such as quizzes, surveys, or mini-games to keep your customers engaged. These activities can be linked to earning additional points or unlock special rewards, adding a fun element to your loyalty program.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Send_special_offers_to_loyal_customers_through_Viber_Chatbots_6addd50785.png"><figcaption>Send special offers to loyal customers through Viber Chatbots</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Podorozhnyk’s Success Story</h2>For over twenty years, the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/podorozhnyk-pharmacy/">Podorozhnyk</a> pharmacy chain has been at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry in Ukraine, dedicated to providing high-quality pharmaceutical care.Podorozhnyk aimed to achieve the following goals through the partnership with Rakuten Viber:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance customer engagement</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Generate leads and boost revenue</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Offer tailored promotions</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Collect customer feedback</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Improve customer experience and loyalty</li></ul>To meet these objectives, Podorozhnyk utilized Viber Rich Business Messaging to engage with customers throughout their purchasing journey. Personalized Viber Business Messages directed users to the chatbot, which increased engagement with promotional offers. The Viber Chatbot played multiple roles: it gathered feedback, conducted polls and promotions, acted as a virtual loyalty card, and facilitated order placements for in-store pickup.The results of this strategy were impressive:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Return on Investment: Increased by 10%</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Year-over-Year Turnover: Grew by 37%</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Promotional Campaign Performance: Achieved a 450% Return on Marketing Investment</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Chatbot Subscribers: Reached 1.1 million within the first year</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Customer Feedback: Received from 46% of bot subscribers</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Online Orders: Half of all online orders for pickup were placed via the chatbot</li></ul>This case study highlights how Podorozhnyk’s strategic use of Viber Business Messages and Chatbot functionalities significantly boosted customer engagement, feedback collection, and overall business performance.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_Podorozhnyk_Pharmacy_engaged_1_M_audience_in_a_year_on_Rakuten_Viber_113a9986e9.png"><figcaption>How Podorozhnyk Pharmacy engaged 1M+ audience in a year on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Seamless and Swift: Delivering Instant, Efficient Customer Support</h2>In today's fast-paced world, customers have exceptionally high expectations for support services—<a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/live-chat-go-to-market-flaw?hubs_content=blog.hubspot.com%2Fservice%2Fcustomer-service-stats&amp;hubs_content-cta=HubSpot%20Research" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">most expect assistance to be instantaneous</a>. Poor quality or delayed support can severely impact the customer experience, leading to dissatisfaction and potential loss of business. Viber Business Messages and Chatbots are designed to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/improve-customer-service-with-viber-messaging-solutions/">meet this demand</a>.1. 24/7 chatbot support: Viber Chatbots can address routine inquiries around the clock, and manage multiple questions simultaneously. This not only ensures that customers receive immediate responses but also alleviates the workload and operational costs for human agents.2. Efficiency and speed: Automated responses through chatbots handle common queries instantly, while more nuanced issues are escalated to human agents for personalized care.3. Seamless two-way communication with Viber Business Messages: Engaging with a brand on Viber is as straightforward and convenient as chatting with a friend. This ease of use enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, this platform supports the exchange of pictures, videos, and files, allowing for a richer and more responsive experience.4. Personalized human assistance: For more complex issues that require a human touch, Viber’s Conversational Business Messages facilitate convenient, one-on-one communication between customers and support agents. This ensures that customers receive personalized and attentive service when it matters most.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Provide_customer_support_with_Viber_Chatbots_and_Viber_Business_Messages_d62227909d.png"><figcaption>Provide customer support with Viber Chatbots and Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Viber Business Calls for Instant, In-App Support</h2>Statistics show that <a href="https://pr.liveperson.com/2022-04-20-Hold-the-phone-87-of-consumers-worldwide-prefer-brands-that-connect-their-interactions-across-voice-and-messaging" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">91%</a> of customers prefer to have the option to message or call a business. For those who prefer voice communication, <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-expands-its-portfolio-for-brand-user-interaction-with-business-calls/">Viber Business Calls</a> provide a seamless and free in-app calling option.&nbsp;Early adopters have the option to set up searchable business accounts featuring an integrated Viber Business Call button or to incorporate this functionality into their current accounts. This integration simplifies the process for customers to locate and directly contact the service through the app. Moreover, users can start a call straight from a chat, such as contacting a delivery service to reschedule a parcel delivery after getting a notification.This feature serves multiple purposes across various industries, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.1. Retail and delivery sector: Assist customers with product inquiries, track orders, and provide post-sales support.&nbsp;2. Banking and financial services: Address account inquiries, schedule appointments, manage transactions, and offer personalized financial advice.&nbsp;3. Pharmacies and healthcare: Assist with prescription refills, share branch schedules, and provide consultations on medications, including advice on allergic reactions and side effects.&nbsp;4. Travel and hospitality: Manage bookings, provide travel advice, and handle cancellations or rescheduling.&nbsp;5. Telecommunications: Troubleshoot technical issues, manage service plans, and offer promotional deals.&nbsp;All in all, in-app calls enable instant resolution of customer queries, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Give_customers_the_choice_to_message_or_call_your_brand_via_Viber_Business_Calls_9c7717fcdf.png"><figcaption>Give customers the choice to message or call your brand via Viber Business Calls</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Secure Your Brand’s Future</h2>Investing in customer experience and fostering loyalty is not just good practice; it's necessary for any brand aiming for long-term success. By neglecting loyalty programs and robust customer support mechanisms, brands risk losing a significant portion of clientele over time. Rakuten Viber offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance customer satisfaction, from promoting loyalty programs with Viber Ads and personalized messages to managing these programs efficiently through CRM and CDP integration and Viber Chatbots. Additionally, Viber’s capabilities in providing personalized assistance and instant support via Business Messages and in-app call centers ensure that your customers receive the timely and effective service they deserve.Don’t wait to see your customers drift away. Take proactive steps to enhance their experience and foster loyalty. Turn to the Rakuten Viber team today and revolutionize your customer engagement strategy.&nbsp;<a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">Contact us</a> now to get started.

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KIKO Milano leverages branded Viber Lenses for an immersive shopping experience in Greece

Rakuten Viber and KIKO Milano bridge the gap between online and offline beauty experiences with innovative virtual try-on

<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Rakuten Viber</a>, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, has teamed up with <a href="https://faisgroup.com/index.php/en/faisgroup/">KIKO Milano</a>, No. 1 makeup brand in Italy, distributed exclusively by Fais Group, to transform the beauty shopping experience in Greece. Now, Greek users can <a href="https://lenses.viber.com/4ea08b8a-3a16-41cc-b6c6-efc6f15bd0cf/05c50ddf-2c46-4c9a-b64d-9ebf738c5db2">try on the iconic KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss</a> virtually within the Rakuten Viber app and then quickly buy it with just a few clicks.KIKO Milano creatively uses <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/get-creative-with-viber-lenses-how-to-leverage-them-for-unique-marketing-strategies/">branded Viber Lenses</a> for a virtual try-on, blending the physical and digital ("phy-gital") experiences to create a smarter, more engaging way for consumers to interact with beauty products. This innovation leverages the trend of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-your-e-commerce-strategy-needs-rakuten-viber-a-path-to-success/">online shopping</a>, as 67% of internet users in Greece shopped online last year, according to Eurostat.How it works:&nbsp;<ol><li>Users find KIKO Milano lipsticks in the Rakuten Viber app’s Lens collection.</li><li>They can try different shades virtually without visiting a store.</li><li>Users click the purchase button to go to the KIKO Milano website and complete the purchase.</li></ol><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Lenses_for_a_virtual_try_on_Kiko_Milano_ed766ea541.png"><figcaption>Virtual try-on of KIKO Milano lipstick with Viber Lenses</figcaption></figure>To draw customers’ attention to the virtual try-on Lens, KIKO Milano has used Viber Ads, guiding users from the Explore screen — where they typically read local content and news — straight to the Lens.Nikos Syrios, Media Sales Manager in CEE at Rakuten Viber, commented on the collaboration: "We are thrilled to partner with KIKO Milano to bring this innovative virtual try-on experience to our users in Greece. By combining the power of AR with the convenience of mobile shopping, we are setting a new standard for consumer engagement in the beauty industry."Thymios Kostakis, Head of Digital Marketing at Fais Group, added: "At KIKO Milano, we are always looking for innovative ways to connect with our customers and enhance their shopping experience. Our partnership with Rakuten Viber allows us to bring the magic of our products directly to our customers' fingertips, making beauty shopping more accessible and enjoyable."<a href="https://lenses.viber.com/4ea08b8a-3a16-41cc-b6c6-efc6f15bd0cf/05c50ddf-2c46-4c9a-b64d-9ebf738c5db2">Viber Lenses with KIKO Milano lipstick</a> are available in the app’s Lens collection until June 22.&nbsp;Would you like to create your own virtual try-on experience with branded Viber Lenses? <a href="mailto:advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com">Reach out </a>to our team to launch your innovative campaign.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/DczLWdvxmQE?si=etM4vsMy4Xd59vQ1"></oembed></figure>

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Immersive advertising on Rakuten Viber: Loux & FYI Marketing Easter campaign with Viber Gems

In collaboration with Rakuten Viber and our partner FYI Marketing House, Greek beverage company Loux , 'celebrated' Easter with an immersive marketing campaign on Rakuten Viber. Loux became the first local brand in Greece to use branded Viber Gems for an Easter celebration.Viber Gems are special animations activated by specific holiday-related words and phrases in users' conversations. So, this year, as millions of people in Greece sent Easter greetings to each other, phrases like "Happy Easter", "Many Happy Returns", and "Xristos Anesti" activated a branded Loux animation with the Easter basket.Perfect for holiday marketing, corporate branded Viber Gems offer a unique brand placement opportunity. They increase brand visibility, while staying immersive and creating a pleasant and positive association between the brand and a holiday period full of festive vibes. During the Easter period of 2024 in Greece, 13 million Loux-branded Viber Gems were created within just 5 days, making the brand a part of the nationwide celebrations. This was an excellent way to leverage the new holiday marketing tool, as well as Rakuten Viber’s tremendous presence in <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/shaping-the-future-viber-for-business-exclusive-event-in-greece/">Greece, which is one of the company’s key markets</a>.“In Lοux's DNA lies innovation, even in communication. Through the collaboration we've developed with Rakuten Viber, we believe we've done something different. The utilization of branded Viber Gems not only amplified engagement with Loux but also expanded our reach to a broader audience demographic,” says Platon Marlafekas, Vice President at LOUX. “This online campaign differs from the ways of interacting with the public that we have been using until now as it has something completely new to offer.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Branded_Viber_Gems_used_in_Loux_s_2024_Easter_campaign_2c635f1ce7.png"><figcaption>Branded Viber Gems used in Loux’s 2024 Easter campaign</figcaption></figure>Branded Viber Gems are an innovation in digital marketing because they:<ul><li>seamlessly integrate the brand into users' daily conversations on Rakuten Viber, providing a unique opportunity to enhance brand recognition immersively;</li><li>offer a <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/more-than-ads-discover-creative-tools-on-viber/">fun way to showcase the brand</a> and create positive emotional associations for the users;</li><li>cut through the competition and noise in the digital space as vibrant branded animations easily <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">garner attention from users</a>;</li><li>increase audience interaction and engagement with the brand, while offering a fun user experience on the Rakuten Viber platform;</li><li>enhance the brand's image in the digital space and highlight its use of innovative marketing tools and technical solutions, attracting new and existing customers.</li></ul>"We would like to thank our client, Loux, and our partner, FYI Marketing House, for their trust and continuous effort to innovate and offer inventive formats to the public,” says Nikos Syrios, Media Sales Manager, CEE, at Rakuten Viber. “We believe that this kind of campaign offers Rakuten Viber users a unique interactive experience and strengthens brand awareness.""We're incredibly proud of our collaboration with Loux and Rakuten Viber on this pioneering campaign,” says Giorgos Karamitsos, CEO at FYI Marketing House. “By harnessing the power of branded Viber Gems, we've not only elevated engagement with Loux but also revolutionized the digital marketing landscape in Greece. This innovative approach marks a new era in our industry."Curious about this ground-breaking tool for immersive advertising? <a href="mailto:advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com">Get in touch with us</a> to learn more about branded Viber Gems!

Loux joined nationwide Easter celebrations in Greece with a holiday marketing campaign using branded Viber Gems

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Recovering Lost Sales: Reducing Cart Abandonment with Viber Business Messages

In the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-your-e-commerce-strategy-needs-rakuten-viber-a-path-to-success/">world of e-commerce</a>, one of the biggest challenges retailers face is cart abandonment. Imagine a scenario: you've spent hours curating a beautiful online store, optimizing your product descriptions, and crafting irresistible offers. A customer comes along, fills their virtual cart with items, and then, just as they're about to check out, something distracts them. Maybe their phone rings, or they get a notification on another app. Whatever the reason, they abandon their cart, denying you potential sales. Many e-commerce brands will find this scenario all too familiar.The phenomenon of cart abandonment is a menace to businesses worldwide. According to Forrester Research, it costs brands up to <a href="https://www.dynamicyield.com/blog/shopping-cart-abandonment-ebook-announcement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$18 billion</a> in lost sales revenue annually. That's a staggering amount of potential revenue slipping through the cracks.Cart abandonment rates are not static; they fluctuate based on factors such as device used, geographic location, and specific industry. However, as aggregated data from <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Dynamic Yield</a> shows, the average rate rose to 72.97% (as of April 2024), across all devices and regions.Assessing from a regional standpoint, the APAC region outdid others with the highest proportion of abandoned carts at <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">79.94%</a>, followed by EMEA at <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">72.8%</a>, and then the Americas at <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">71.76%</a>.These rates can rise even further for particular device types, industries, or types of products. For instance, as <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Dynamic Yield’s data</a> shows, mobile has been responsible for 76.06% of shopping cart abandonment across all industries and regions.There are differences by industry, too: for example, Luxury &amp; Jewelry saw the highest cart abandonment rate (<a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">79.04%</a> in April of 2024 and on average <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">80.22%</a> over the past twelve months), compared to Pet Care &amp; Veterinary Services where it’s been the lowest in the last year, at <a href="https://marketing.dynamicyield.com/benchmarks/cart-abandonment-rate/#:~:text=Cart%20abandonment%20rate%20statistics&amp;text=APAC%20has%20witnessed%20the%20most,%2C%20and%2061.18%25%20from%20desktop.">57.43%</a>.This issue is alarmingly prevalent when it comes to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mobile-commerce-how-messaging-apps-are-driving-sales-and-conversions/">mobile commerce</a>, especially during a time when e-commerce brands are witnessing the increased shift to mobile shopping, with <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/568684/e-commerce-website-visit-and-orders-by-device/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">78%</a> of global retail site traffic being attributed to smartphones, mobile accounts for more than two-thirds of all online shopping transactions as over <a href="https://webinarcare.com/best-mobile-e-commerce-software/mobile-e-commerce-statistics/#:~:text=The%20share%20of%20mobile%20ecommerce,2016%20market%20share%20of%2052.4%25." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">72% </a>of e-commerce sales happen on mobile devices.There is a solution to combat cart abandonment with the help of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a>. In this article, we will explore various methods that can help <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-viber-for-business-for-retail-brands/">retailers</a> recover lost sales and engage with their customers effectively.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_to_reduce_cart_abandonment_with_Viber_Rich_Business_Messages_d890341c2c.png"><figcaption>How to reduce cart abandonment with Viber Rich Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h2>Cart Abandonment in Focus</h2>To effectively address the cart abandonment issue, businesses must understand the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8811303/pdf/fpsyg-12-829696.pdf">reasons</a> shoppers abandon purchases — and implement effective sales-rescue strategies. Here are some top reasons why consumers abandon carts:1. Distractions: Customers can be easily sidetracked by everyday occurrences like calls, messages, or other events.2. Cost-related issues: Higher total costs due to shipping fees or any other additional charges might deter a person from completing the purchase.3. Indecisiveness: Customers may have doubts and second thoughts about making a purchase, especially if they're uncertain about the product's quality, suitability, or functionality.4. Lack of time-based incentives: If offers aren't time-bound, buyers might add items to the cart intending to finalize the process later but end up forgetting all about it.5. Lack of personalized offers: Customers are always looking for deals that cater to their specific needs. If the offer isn't tailored enough, they may drop out.6. Lack of trust: Many customers have concerns about data privacy and safety and feel reluctant to provide their personal and financial details to unfamiliar websites.7. Lackluster visuals: Unappealing visual presentations of the products or the offers can lead to cart abandonment.&nbsp;8. Complex checkout process: A lengthy or complicated checkout process can cause customer friction and discourage shoppers from completing their purchases.While it sounds challenging, all of these issues can be addressed with a smart strategy that combats cart abandonment. Getting it done right would allow your business to:<ul><li>Recover lost sales: combating cart abandonments allows businesses to recover potential lost sales by convincing customers to make it through the transaction. This can significantly impact revenue and profitability.</li><li>Build customer loyalty: Implementing effective remarketing methods shows customers that the company values their business and wants to help them complete their purchase. This can build trust, loyalty, and long-term customer relationships.</li><li>Improve customer satisfaction: By addressing cart abandonment causes, businesses can improve the overall customer experience. Simplifying the checkout process, offering multiple payment options, and providing clear product information can help buyers feel more confident about their purchase decisions — which improves both customer satisfaction and your bottom line.</li><li>Increase customer lifetime value: smart remarketing tactics and personalized offers not only help recover lost sales but also increase the potential for repeat purchases. By re-engaging customers who have abandoned their carts, businesses can increase their customer lifetime value (CLTV) and generate additional revenue in the long term.</li><li>Gain competitive advantage: Companies that effectively address cart abandonment gain a competitive advantage in the market. By offering a seamless and personalized shopping experience, they can draw customers away from competitors and secure a larger market share.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Smart_remarketing_tactics_and_personalized_offers_with_Viber_Rich_Business_Messages_4b7bd85a92.png"><figcaption>Smart remarketing tactics and personalized offers with Viber Rich Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h2>Rakuten Viber's Arsenal: Tactics to Beat Cart Abandonment</h2>Let's explore some tactics that can help you beat cart abandonment using Rakuten Viber.&nbsp;1. Using Viber Rich Business Messaging for reminders: One effective tactic is sending reminders to customers about their abandoned shopping carts. Thanks to rich media available withViber Rich Business Messaging, you can create eye-catching and visually appealing messages that capture their attention and remind them why they wanted the product to begin with. Use images, video to showcase the products left in their carts and provide a link to complete the purchase easily and quickly, before another distraction or concern can get in the way. The attractive visuals and persuasive content will motivate them to finish their shopping.2. Offer personalized incentives to complete the purchase: Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to push shoppers toward completing their purchase. Rakuten Viber allows you to integrate CRM &amp; CDP systems, so each offer you send via Viber Business Messages can be tailored to each specific customer. Use your owned customer data to segment your audience and deliver custom incentives that would actually tempt the customer: exclusive discounts on products they buy frequently, free shipping, or a personalized offer they are likely to want. With a smart cross-selling approach, you can laser-target your offers based on the customer’s history of purchases and everything else you know about them. A compelling incentive is both more effective and appreciated: it can make your customers feel valued and provide them with an extra push to complete their purchase.3. Use instant messaging on Rakuten Viber to send time-sensitive updates and offers: Creating a sense of urgency can be a powerful motivator for customers to complete the purchase. Rakuten Viber's TTL feature enables you to send messages that must be delivered within a specified timeframe, so you can use them to send limited-time offers. Combined with good CTA buttons, the urgency compels buyers to take immediate action, reducing the chances of them abandoning their carts and boosting conversions. With limited-time personalized offers, you can create a feeling of exclusivity and encourage customers to act quickly to secure the deal.4. Remarketing strategies:&nbsp;Another effective tactic to tackle cart abandonment is remarketing. With Rakuten Viber, you can leverage the owned, first-party data you’ve collected from customer interactions and create personalized remarketing campaigns. By retargeting customers who abandoned their carts with tailored offers and messages, you can remind them of their unfinished purchases and entice them to come back. Rakuten Viber Rich Business Messaging and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Advertising solutions</a>&nbsp;can both be used to engage and reconnect with potential customers.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/How_personalized_offers_via_Viber_Rich_Business_Messages_help_with_cart_abandonment_774394e45d.png"><figcaption>How personalized offers via Viber Rich Business Messages help with cart abandonment</figcaption></figure><h2>Case Study</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/yespo/">Yespo</a>, an omnichannel customer data platform catering to B2C businesses, integrated Rakuten Viber as part of its communication portfolio to extend its outreach. The platform deployed the combined power of Rakuten Viber's promotional and transactional business messages, aiding brands in delivering tailored offers, diminishing shopping cart abandonment, boosting revenues, and carrying out entire omnichannel cascade campaigns.Many of Yespo's customers benefited from this integration with Rakuten Viber. For example, the international e-commerce marketplace Shafa used promotional Viber Business Messages containing links and dynamic content. Thanks to Rakuten Viber, it received 2.5x more orders at half the operational costs.Another notable example is the Auchan supermarket chain in Ukraine: after Rakuten Viber was added to Yespo’s CDP, Rakuten Viber users generated revenue accounting for an impressive 20% of their total. 70% of this revenue was attributed to reducing cart abandonment through the use of promotional Viber Business Messages.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Success_Story_how_Yespos_integration_with_Rakuten_Viber_boosted_sales_and_reduced_costs_by_reducing_cart_abandonment_b5c131eb24.png"><figcaption>Success Story: how Yespo's integration with Rakuten Viber boosted sales and reduced costs by reducing cart abandonment</figcaption></figure><h2>Rakuten Viber: Your Solution for Recovering Abandoned Carts</h2>Reducing cart abandonment and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-sales-the-power-of-viber-ads-and-viber-business-messages/">boosting sales</a> is much easier with Viber Rich Business Messages. By using personalized offers and reminders, time-sensitive updates, and remarketing tactics, businesses can engage customers, recover lost sales, and increase revenue. With a large user base and high engagement rates, Rakuten Viber provides a wide reach and the right tools for maximum impact. By optimizing campaigns using data-driven insights in real time, businesses can enhance their cart recovery tactics and achieve even better results.Don't miss the chance to re-engage customers and maximize revenue. Contact our <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">team</a> today, and we’ll help you implement effective cart abandonment solutions with Rakuten Viber.&nbsp;

Reduce cart abandonment with Viber Business Messages. Discover effective tactics to recover lost sales and boost conversions.

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Branded Viber Gems debut in APAC: Nido Mother’s Day campaign in the Philippines on Rakuten Viber

Rakuten Viber, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication and a leading communication app in the Philippines, has <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/a-unique-media-first-campaign-is-led-by-fanta-on-rakuten-viber/">recently rolled out</a> Branded Viber Gems, its latest interactive <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">advertising</a> solution.One of the country’s trusted growing up milk brands and the expert in healthy toddlerhood, NIDO 3+5+, introduced the solution in the Philippines with a special Mother’s Day campaign, developed together with its integrated media agency OpenMind. The NIDO 3+5+ Branded Viber Gems campaign is the solution’s debut not just in the country, but across the entire Asia Pacific region.Viber Gems are special festive animations activated when users send certain words or phrases such as ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Happy New Year’. The feature has long been enlivening chats: in 2023 alone, it received over 35 million views in the Philippines. Branded Viber Gems are a unique product placement option that raises <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/more-than-ads-discover-creative-tools-on-viber/">brand visibility</a> and creates <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-being-authentic/">positive associations</a> between a popular holiday and a brand.Rakuten Viber and NIDO 3+5+ made sure to celebrate all moms and their acts of love: when users send ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ in chat, their moms, grandmas, aunts, and all kinds of mothers (fur ones included!) will see a vibrant festive greeting with a yellow heart, courtesy of NIDO 3+5+. Truly recognizing everything our moms do for us and honoring every mom as a #1Mom.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Branded_Viber_Gems_debut_in_APAC_with_Nido_Mother_s_Day_campaign_mockups_purple_fc97bf91d4.png"><figcaption>Branded Viber Gems debut in APAC with Nido Mother’s Day campaign</figcaption></figure>“NIDO 3+5+ has been the #1 Ally of Filipino moms for more than 50 years now. We take pride in supporting our moms in ensuring a healthy future for their toddlers. That's why we celebrate all moms as #1Moms! We're very excited to partner with Rakuten Viber for our Mother’s Day campaign. We see Branded Viber Gems as an innovative digital advertising tool in raising brand awareness and engagement but also a way to really connect with an evolving and modern audience,” says Gian Abaya, NIDO 3+5+ Brand Manager. “Given that 65% of Rakuten Viber users in the Philippines are women, we want to leverage this unique opportunity to boost engagement with our target market and deepen our connection with them during this highly anticipated celebration, a time when mothers get the spotlight, uplift each other, and also express love to those who raised them.”“Seeing Filipinos’ enthusiastic response to Viber Gems, we seized the opportunity to introduce it to our brand partners as an <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-impact-of-visual-content-how-messaging-apps-are-changing-the-way-we-connect/">inventive way to interact</a> with their customers,” shares Karla Banua, Sales Lead, Advertising in APAC at Rakuten Viber. “We’re thrilled to roll out this Branded Viber Gems campaign in collaboration with NIDO 3+5+ and OpenMind for Mother’s Day, a cherished occasion in the country. This partnership allowed us to launch the first Branded Viber Gems campaign in the Philippines and across Asia Pacific. Together, we hope to set new standards for creating immersive digital solutions that enhance positive brand experiences.”&nbsp;The Nido-branded Viber Gems are accessible to users in the Philippines on May 11–15: both on mobile and desktop, matching fun and festive greetings will help celebrate Mother’s Day.Curious about this ground-breaking tool for immersive advertising? <a href="advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com">Get in touch</a> with us to learn more about branded Viber Gems <a href="advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com">advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com</a>

 The superapp and the milk brand make chats more festive for the special occasion

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Rakuten Viber and Share Treats join forces to deliver a unique gifting experience in the Philippines

​​Rakuten Viber and Share Treats join forces to deliver a unique gifting experience in the Philippines

Rakuten Viber, a global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication and a leading chat app in the Philippines, has partnered with Korean online-to-offline casual mobile commerce company Share Treats to introduce the first-of-its-kind gifting experience in South East Asia with <a href="https://chats.viber.com/sharetreats">Treats on Rakuten Viber</a>. Filipinos can now greet and treat the special people in their lives directly in the Rakuten Viber app, as well as request gifts for any occasion, be it a birthday, a regular fine day, or an upcoming holiday like Mother’s Day.Thanks to their partnership with Rakuten Viber, Share Treats has become the first company to introduce the gifticon technology (a combination of ‘gift’ and ‘icon’) in the Philippines. With this technology, which originated in South Korea, online gift-giving is as easy as sending a message — and comes with a plethora of options to suit every taste and budget.&nbsp;With Treats on Rakuten Viber, users can now send online gift cards to their friends and family: from beloved food chains like Jollibee, Dunkin’, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Auntie Anne’s, The Bistro Group and McDonald’s — to essential staples like the convenience store giant 7-Eleven and trusted pharmacy Mercury Drug. They can also share online gift passes for shopping destinations, such as The SM Store and Lazada, or services, like the FoodPanda food delivery and motorcycle taxi app Angkas. They can even give vouchers for e-wallets such as GCash and Maya or gift codes for GrabGifts.&nbsp;To start giving and getting gifts, users need to subscribe to the Treats on Rakuten Viber chatbot or look for it via the app’s search function. They can also subscribe to the bot simply by clicking "Send Birthday Treat" in the one-to-one chat when they see a birthday notification for a person in their contacts. Once subscribed, users can pick a brand and a specific treat. They can proceed to payment through options like GCash, Maya, and GrabPay. After payment, users can select a Rakuten Viber friend and send the treat! Similarly, to request a treat, users can simply choose a brand, or an item from the brand, and then click ‘Request’ and send it to any contact.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Gifting_experience_with_Share_Treats_on_Rakuten_Viber_501f4e7f6e.png"><figcaption>Gifting experience with Share Treats on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;As Mother's Day approaches, Share Treats and Rakuten Viber provide a way to express love and gratitude to mothers — and a variety of options to make the day truly special. Users can now send heartfelt gifts with just a few taps on their smartphones, seamlessly and regardless of distance. Soon, users will be able to create and see their contacts’ WishLists to make the gifting experience even easier.&nbsp;“It is a significant milestone in digital gifting that allows Filipinos to send greetings with treats, while prioritizing ease of use, security, and efficiency,” says Hong Bae Lee, CEO and President of Share Treats Innovation. “Rakuten Viber already has millions of Filipino users who are relying on this superapp to stay connected with their loved ones. It’s an essential part of everyday conversations. Adding the Share Treats experience to the app allows them to give gifts as easily as sending a message.”“Rakuten Viber is thrilled to partner with Share Treats because it’s part of our goal as a superapp to enrich the overall experience of our users and meet their needs at every touch point,” explains Karla Banua, Sales Lead, Advertising in APAC at Rakuten Viber. “Given the Filipino’s rich gift-giving culture, this partnership with Share Treats allows our users to strengthen connections and express their thoughtfulness in exciting new ways.”&nbsp;&nbsp;About Share Treats&nbsp;The first in the Philippines to introduce the power of Gifticon, <a href="https://www.sharetreats.ph/welcome">Share Treats Innovation Corporation</a> (STIC) allows Filipinos to send casual treats through different platforms. With more than 10,000 Merchant Redemption Centers nationwide, STIC provide its partners diverse content for their e-commerce platforms, loyalty, rewards and engagement Programs. Share Treats has offices across South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia.&nbsp;&nbsp;About Rakuten Viber<a href="https://www.viber.com/en/">Rakuten Viber</a> connects people. No matter who they are or where they are from. The global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favorite brands and celebrities. Rakuten Viber ensures users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions. Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., a world leader in e-commerce and financial services.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">For businesses</a>, Rakuten Viber offers rich business messaging solutions (business messages, chatbots), display ads, branded stickers and lenses, and business calling solutions. All these tools help businesses to reach their customers at each stage of the customer journey.All private, group chats and private calls on Viber are protected by built-in end-to-end encryption, and Viber Business Messages have encryption in transit, so users and brands can be sure that their conversations are always secure.

The Korean m-commerce company partners with Rakuten Viber to offer easy direct-into-chat gifting 

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 Coca-Cola Hellas is pioneering innovative advertising formats with Fanta’s campaign on Rakuten Viber

A unique “Media-first” campaign is led by Fanta on Rakuten Viber

<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Rakuten Viber</a>, <a href="https://www.coca-cola.com/gr/el">Coca-Cola Hellas</a>, and <a href="https://www.mindshareworld.com/">Mindshare</a> partner to create media-first advertising formats for a Fanta campaign that spotlights carnival season in Greece. With this initiative, Coca-Cola Hellas becomes the first company in the world to use branded Viber Gems, as well as the first to launch branded Viber Lenses in Greece.The capabilities of branded Viber Lenses and Viber Gems:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-snap-partnership/">Viber Lenses</a>, powered by Augmented Reality (AR): They enable users to instantly enhance their photos and videos using AR, which fosters interactive engagement. By sharing these augmented moments, users can deepen their connection with brands.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Viber Gems: ‘Gems’ are special animations triggered by specific words and phrases in users' conversations, such as 'Happy Birthday', 'Happy New Year', and similar holiday greetings. Used nearly 7.3 million times each month in Greece, Viber Gems brighten up the chats and draw additional attention to special occasions. This year, for the first time, carnival-related words (Carnival, Masquerade, Clean Monday, Meatfare Thursday, Koulouma, Costume, Dress up, Long weekend) activated a Fanta-branded carnival animation in conversations.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Branded_Viber_Lenses_and_Viber_Gems_for_the_Fanta_campaign_in_Greece_922b7a443d.png"><figcaption>Branded Viber Lenses and Viber Gems for the Fanta campaign in Greece</figcaption></figure>"We're thrilled about our collaboration with Rakuten Viber on this pioneering “media-first” campaign. Viber Gems and Viber Lenses attracted the Gen Z audience and boosted engagement with Fanta. The implementation of these solutions, for the first time in Greece, represents a significant innovation in digital marketing," stated Maria Fitta, Media Operations Senior Manager MED at Coca-Cola Hellas."Our goal is clear — to empower Greek businesses to innovate and to serve as a global superapp that addresses their local needs,” says Nikos Syrios, Sales Manager, CEE, at Rakuten Viber. “Our collaboration with Coca-Cola Hellas and Mindshare to introduce branded Viber Gems and Viber Lenses for the first time in the country has been a part of this mission, made possible thanks to the company’s trust and dedication to pushing boundaries.”<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/vz5grN5ExUI?si=OuxBZDmrZ3yiHq9o"></oembed></figure>

Coca-Cola Hellas is pioneering innovative advertising formats with Fanta’s campaign on Rakuten Viber


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Rakuten Viber reinforces its commitment to Ukraine by appointing its first Country Director

Rakuten Viber has appointed Ilya Boshnyakov as Country Director in Ukraine

Kyiv, April 10, 2024 — Rakuten Viber appointed Ilya Boshnyakov as the Country Director in Ukraine. He will lead the local team, oversee the adaptation of the new features for the Ukrainian market and diaspora worldwide, and manage partnerships, marketing, and communications in the country. Previously, VP of Global Marketing &amp; Growth Atanas Raykov was responsible for these activities from the office in Sofia, Bulgaria.Atanas Raykov, Rakuten Viber's VP of Global Marketing and Growth, comments on the new appointment: “Ukraine is one of the key countries for Rakuten Viber, and we were looking for a highly reputable leader who understands Ukrainian needs and how our product can best match them. At Rakuten Viber, we are building an extensive ecosystem of seamlessly integrated features and services that allow our users to save time, money, and effort in their key daily tasks. According to this strategy, Ilya will be responsible for local launches of all new products and solutions to ensure that Ukraine sees as many of the latest innovations from Rakuten Viber as possible. We have been meticulously looking for the right person. Now that he is finally on board, we are focused on greatly scaling up our activities."Ilya Boshnyakov shares his impressions of the first weeks in the team: "I have long admired the concept behind Rakuten Viber, which first set the app as the standard for many aspects of daily life and has now built an entire ecosystem of products, content, and services on that foundation. I am excited to join the team and collaborate on solutions that have a tangible positive impact on users, businesses, and the economy as a whole."Previously, Ilya led the technology media outlet AIN.UA for 8 years. In the last 3 years, he launched AIN.Capital, AIN.Business, and Recruitika. Before his media career, Ilya managed recruiting and HR for a group of British technology companies covering FinTech, GameDev, MarTech, and other industries.&nbsp;

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Discover the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging for the elevated customer experience 

The Rise of Conversational Commerce: How Viber Rich Business Messaging is Transforming the Customer Experience

In recent years, with the advent of smartphones and the widespread availability of mobile internet, the way we live, communicate, and shop has completely transformed. Gone are the days when making a purchase required a visit to a physical store or spending countless hours navigating complex websites. With just a tap of a finger, we can now order goods and services from anywhere in the world, all from the convenience of our mobile devices.Conversational commerce takes this convenience to a whole new level by enabling businesses and customers to engage in real-time conversations through messaging platforms. It allows for seamless, interactive communication, transforming transactions into conversations and creating a more engaging and satisfying customer experience.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-are-viber-business-messages/">Viber Rich Business Messaging</a>, which consists of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, is at the forefront of this conversational commerce revolution. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, businesses can now connect with their customers on a deeper level, providing personalized recommendations, answering queries, sending booking confirmations or transactional details, and even completing transactions within the chat interface.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Conversational Commerce: Enhancing Customer Experience Through Personalization and Convenience</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-is-conversational-commerce/">Conversational commerce</a> is a significant shift in modern business interactions, as it enables companies to engage customers in natural and meaningful two-way exchanges. This approach refers to the use of messaging apps, chatbots, voice assistants, and other conversational interfaces to facilitate sales and customer service.&nbsp;One of the key advantages of c-commerce is the ability to provide personalized experiences. By leveraging data and AI-driven technologies, companies can tailor their interactions to individual customers, taking into account their preferences, pain points, purchase history, and even their current context. This level of personalization creates a sense of being understood and valued, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.Another benefit of c-commerce is the convenience it offers to customers. With <a href="https://cxm.co.uk/webexs-guide-to-conversational-messaging-can-enhance-brand-interaction/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">messaging apps being a preferred method of communication for many people</a>, they can easily engage with businesses at any time and from anywhere. Whether it's seeking product recommendations, getting real-time support, or making a purchase, customers can do so effortlessly through a conversation. Plus, conversational commerce eliminates the need to switch between different platforms or websites, improving accessibility for customers.Furthermore, it allows for interactive and engaging experiences. Through chatbots and voice assistants, brands can guide customers through the buying process, provide product information, and even offer personalized recommendations. This interactive nature adds an element of fun and excitement to the buyer’s journey, making it more memorable and enjoyable.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Viber Business Messages: Seamless Conversations, Unforgettable Experiences</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-messages-essentials-for-brand-growth/">Viber Business Messages</a> empowers brands to have real-time, personalized conversations with their customers, unlocking new levels of customer engagement and satisfaction. With its impressive features and capabilities, this platform is a game-changer in the world of customer communication.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Customized and individualized conversations: Viber Business Messages allows businesses to tailor their communication to ensure an experience that resonates with the customer. Be it a query, support request, or promotional message.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Instant messaging for smooth interactions: Businesses can have instant communication with their customers, just like having a conversation with a friend. This enables frictionless back-and-forth interactions, fostering trust and reliability between the brand and the consumer. Whether it's resolving a customer's concern or offering real-time support, this platform empowers you to be there for your customers when they need you the most.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Showcase creativity and brand personality: Brands can incorporate emojis, files, pictures, and even videos into their messages, adding a touch of visual appeal to their conversations.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use interactive buttons to drive engagement and conversions: Businesses can use interactive buttons, such as call-to-action buttons, to guide customers toward specific actions or promotions. This not only enhances the user experience but also drives increased engagement and conversions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Easy conversation management with reply and pin features: Users can reply to specific messages, allowing for easy context within the conversation. Messages can also be pinned for quick reference.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Effortless sharing and accessing of information: Users can copy codes, emails, and links directly from the message, making sharing and accessing information a breeze.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Visual communication through photos and videos: Customers can send photos and videos to the brand, enabling them to share visuals that give additional context or support their inquiries. This rich media integration allows for a more immersive and comprehensive customer experience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Send messages up to 1000 characters for comprehensive communication: Businesses can effectively convey their message with Viber Business Messages, providing all the necessary details in a concise yet comprehensive manner. This eliminates the need for multiple exchanges and ensures that customers have access to the information they need without any hassle.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Auto-reply messages for added convenience: With this feature you can automatically respond to customer inquiries, even outside of regular business hours, ensuring that no message goes unanswered.&nbsp;</li></ul>With Viber Business Messages, your brand can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/faster-customer-service-and-lower-costs-how-viber-business-messages-make-it-happen/">elevate customer experiences</a> by integrating interactive messaging, multimedia content, and efficient customer support. By providing a convenient and engaging communication platform, you can strengthen brand loyalty and drive business growth.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Tailoring Experiences for Success: The Benefits of Personalization</h3>Tailoring messages and offers to individual customers is key to building strong relationships and driving loyalty.Studies show that customers expect personalized interactions from businesses. In fact, <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/EpsilonMktg/the-power-of-me-the-impact-of-personalization-on-marketing-performance#1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">80%</a> of consumers are more inclined to buy from companies that provide tailored experiences, while <a href="https://c.smarterhq.com/resources/Privacy-Personalization-Report.pdf?mtime=20200616175059&amp;focal=none" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">72%</a> indicate that they will only interact with brands that provide personalized messaging. By delivering <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/ua/blog/post/the-benefits-of-personalization-how-tailoring-content-to-your-audience-can-improve-engagement-and-conversions/">customized content</a>, businesses can not only meet customer expectations but also increase engagement and conversions.Viber Business Messages equip brands with the tools they need to create and send personalized messages to their customers. By leveraging customer data and insights, businesses can send tailored messages and offers. For example, new customers can receive personalized onboarding messages, offering special discounts or free samples to help them get acquainted with products or services.&nbsp;Additionally, Viber Business Messages allows businesses to send automated reminders, personalized recommendations, and exclusive offers based on customer behavior and purchase history. This level of customization creates a personalized journey for each client, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty to the brand.<h4 style="text-align:justify;">The benefits of personalized recommendations and targeted marketing campaigns</h4>1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Personalized recommendations create a meaningful and relevant customer experience, boosting loyalty and engagement.2. Increased Sales: When a client feels understood and valued, the chances of making a purchase skyrocket. Individualized recommendations tap into the customer's preferences and buying behaviors, enabling you to provide offers that are almost impossible to resist.&nbsp;3. Cost-Effectiveness: Tailoring messages maximizes the impact of your marketing budget, ensuring each dollar spent delivers the desired results. Moreover, with Viber Business Messages brands pay for delivered messages only.4. Improved Customer Retention: By consistently providing relevant offers and recommendations, you foster loyalty, encouraging customers to return for future purchases.5. Data-Driven Insights: Personalized recommendations and targeted marketing campaigns generate a wealth of data. By analyzing this data, you can gain valuable insights into customer behaviors and trends, informing future marketing strategies.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Convenience at Every Step: Viber Business Messages and the Streamlined Transactions</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages cater to a wide range of business needs:&nbsp;Send <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-customer-experience-in-transportation-logistics-with-viber-business-messages/">order confirmations</a> with attached receipts directly to your customers, providing them with all the necessary information at once. Keep your customers informed about the status of their orders with a tracking link, ensuring transparency and satisfaction.Want to authenticate registrations? Deliver <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">one-time passwords</a> (OTPs) through Rakuten Viber, simplifying the login process for your users and enhancing security.Running low on stock? Send personalized triggers to encourage repeat purchases, offering discounts or promotions on frequently ordered items.Don't miss out on appointments or meetings. Viber allows you to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-business-messages-for-thepharmaceutical-industry/">send reminders</a> to ensure your customers never forget important engagements.Showcase your products directly within the messaging platform: You can provide visually rich product photos or videos, detailed descriptions, and even consumer reviews. This not only enhances the customer experience but also increases the likelihood of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/why-your-e-commerce-strategy-needs-rakuten-viber-a-path-to-success/">making a purchase</a> right then and there.Supply customers with real-time product information. Whether it's the latest stock availability, pricing updates, or limited-time promotions, you can keep your customers informed and engaged.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Rich_Business_Messaging_solutions_for_streamlined_customer_interactions_94d6c60614.png"><figcaption>Viber Rich Business Messaging solutions for streamlined customer interactions</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Chatbots to Virtual Assistants: The Evolution of Conversational Commerce</h2>Viber <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-evolution-of-chatbots/">Chatbots</a> are a great rich business messaging tool that allows brands to provide automated around-the-clock support and sales assistance. Brands can customize their chatbots with interactive buttons, send personalized notifications to customers, and engage them with photos, emojis, and GIFs. They can also showcase products with carousels and lead customers to complete transactions directly in the bot. With the ability to showcase products, provide real-time information, and facilitate seamless purchases, Viber Chatbots eliminate the need for customers to jump through hoops while navigating multiple websites or filling out lengthy formsThe future of chatbots in conversational commerce is promising, thanks to advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP). These technologies empower businesses to create even more advanced and intelligent chatbot systems that can understand and respond to customer queries with greater accuracy and efficiency.Furthermore, AI and NLP technologies enable chatbots to learn and improve over time. With every interaction, chatbots can gather valuable insights and data, allowing businesses to refine their marketing strategies, improve customer service, and enhance the overall user experience.&nbsp;In addition to AI and NLP, other advancements include the integration of voice commands and virtual assistants. Voice technology is becoming increasingly popular, with devices like smart speakers and virtual assistants becoming commonplace in households. Customers will be able to make purchases, order products, and access customer support services using voice commands, making shopping even more convenient and hands-free.Conversational commerce will seamlessly integrate across various channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, and messaging apps. Customers will enjoy a consistent experience, regardless of the channel they choose to interact with the brand, resulting in a frictionless purchasing process.Conversational commerce is here to stay, and companies that embrace it will gain a significant competitive advantage in the future. By leveraging AI, integrating with popular platforms, and providing personalized, context-aware communication, businesses can create engaging customer experiences, drive sales, and build long-lasting relationships.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Empowering Businesses, Enchanting Customers</h2>As the world of conversational commerce continues to evolve, Viber Rich Business Messaging remains at the forefront of the customer experience transformation. By providing a perfect solution for personalized interactions, it empowers businesses to meet the evolving demands of today's consumers. With its ability to enhance the customer experience and foster loyalty, this tool is revolutionizing the way brands connect with their clientele. Stay ahead of the curve and embrace the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">transform your customer experience</a>.

Discover the power of Viber Rich Business Messaging for the elevated customer experience

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Rakuten Viber announces dynamic partner program to maximize advertising effectiveness

Starting with Greece: Rakuten Viber launches Partner Excellence Program for advertising companies

Athens, Greece – February 13, 2024 – Rakuten Viber, one of the leading global communication companies and a pioneer in Greece, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of a cutting-edge incentive program tailored for advertising agencies in Greece. This dynamic initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering mutually beneficial collaborations within the Greek market, assisting advertising agencies in their growth through enhanced education and new tools, thereby building stronger relationships with their clients.With the Partner Excellence Program, Rakuten Viber underscores its dedication to cultivating relationships with advertising agencies in Greece. Ready to reveal the program, Rakuten Viber sees Greece taking the lead as the inaugural market in its global rollout. This marks a significant milestone, underlining once again the strategic importance of the Greek market for Rakuten Viber.The elements of this program aim to fortify agencies and their clients to reach new heights. By opting to become official partners through the Rakuten Viber Partner Excellence Program, advertising agencies not only elevate their recognition and prestige but also gain exclusive tools that empower them to deliver distinctive services, reinforcing and enriching their collaborative endeavors.The program will have three different tiers—Partner, Gold Partner, and Platinum Partner—to access exclusive privileges, such as:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Recognition: public acknowledgment as official partners.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Education and training: access to specialized educational resources and training programs.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Priority access to new products: early access to new products or features, providing a competitive advantage.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Premium support: availability of premium support services for the highest level of assistance.</li></ul>With the Rakuten Viber Partners Excellence program, advertising agencies demonstrate their commitment to best practices in Viber's products, and each level's certification serves as a testament to the reliability by Rakuten Viber.&nbsp;To learn more information about the program's benefits for advertising agencies, please visit the <a href="https://stage.forbusiness.viber.com/partner-excellence-program/">landing page</a>.“We always strive to innovate in our industry, offering exceptional added value to our core services and more functionalities. Our mission with this program is clear: to be your steadfast partner in the advertising market's journey toward unparalleled success," stated Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer of Rakuten Viber. “We tailored the Rakuten Viber Excellence Program to be a reliable companion, offering new advantages that enable companies and advertisers to chart new paths to success. I am genuinely excited about the incredible journey we are about to embark on and look forward to celebrating new successes for your company through our collaboration”.

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Rakuten Viber boosts digital transformation of Greek brands at Athens event

Shaping the future: Viber for Business exclusive event in Greece

Athens, Greece – January 25, 2024 – On January 24, Rakuten Viber, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, held its first exclusive business event in Greece in seven years. The event took place at the stunning Lighthouse at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, with a focus on exploring innovative solutions addressing contemporary business challenges. The focal point of the event was Viber for Business, an ecosystem of solutions for all business needs, powered by the well-known Rakuten Viber app.Led by Rakuten Viber's senior executive team, including CEO Ofir Eyal on his first visit to Greece since taking the role, and Chief Revenue Officer Cristina Constandache, the event drew in top industry experts and leading brands in Greece. Ofir Eyal referred to Greece as a flagship market for many Rakuten Viber updates and emphasized the country's pivotal role in the company's superapp development.&nbsp;"Greece is one of the biggest stars of Europe, seamlessly blending its heritage and culture with technology and progress. Watching how Greeks preserve their rich history while embracing innovation is truly inspiring," says Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber. "We are honored to be a part of your digital transformation journey, helping local businesses change, grow, and innovate."<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Ofir_Eyal_CEO_at_Rakuten_Viber_d893313537.jpg"><figcaption>Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>This was followed by the honorable commencement delivered by Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou. He emphasized the importance of empowering digital transformation to make Greece even more outward-looking, brighter, and digital. In addition, a separate reference was made to the digital assistant mAIgov, the first Artificial Intelligence application for the Greek public sector. It further facilitates the daily lives of citizens and businesses, simplifying and accelerating their interaction with the state.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Dimitris_Papastergiou_Minister_of_Digital_Governance_87c90ac9d4.jpg"><figcaption>Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance</figcaption></figure>Delving into the latest digital trends and future predictions, Rakuten Viber’s Chief Revenue Officer, Cristina Constandache, highlighted the key factors businesses need to be aware of today for future success. Notable trends include direct-to-consumer marketing, two-way brand-user interaction, and a reduced number of MarTech tools used by brands. Cristina noted that brands might soon be seeking a single platform to address their needs, and superapps are expected to continue their emergence in Europe, following significant success in Asia with examples such as WeChat, Line, and Grab.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Cristina_Constandache_Chief_Revenue_Officer_at_Rakuten_Viber_c1ce5f6bf5.jpg"><figcaption>Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber’s Noa Bar Shay, Sr. Director, Partnerships &amp; Sales, and Konstantin Kostadinov, Sr. Sales Director CEE &amp; CIS, presented how brands can use Viber for Business solutions as a superapp ecosystem for their various business needs: building brand awareness, boosting sales, increasing ROI, enhancing customer experience and building loyalty and more.&nbsp;They noted that the top-5 industries using Viber for Business today in Greece include: retail &amp; ecommerce (43%), finance &amp; insurance (14%), health &amp; wellness (11%), FMCG (10%), IT &amp; telecom (7%), closely followed by hospitality.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Noa_Bar_Shay_Konstantin_Kostadinov_Rakuten_Viber_f09832c566.jpg"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber’s Noa Bar Shay, Sr. Director, Partnerships &amp; Sales, and Konstantin Kostadinov, Sr. Sales Director CEE &amp; CIS</figcaption></figure>Leading industry experts and top brands in Greece shared their insights on digital transformation and trends. Expert insights included a fireside chat and a panel discussion on how brands should navigate the current digital landscape and what they should consider when building digital strategies.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber’s team offered a glimpse of a few upcoming releases that Greek brands can expect in the future. These include a click-to-message ad that allows brands to convert leads to customers in a few steps, a brand-new solution for one-time passwords, enhanced security for brand-user interactions, and an opportunity for users to make free calls to brands, recently launched worldwide."All of these updates are part of our superapp strategy, which involves building an ecosystem of solutions for businesses of all sizes to address their needs," says Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. "Our goal is clear – to empower Greek businesses to innovate and to serve as a global superapp that addresses their local needs."Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a networking soirée and a special performance by the exceptional Thodoris Marantinis, singer of the band Onirama.Watch the key highlights from the dynamic Viber for Business event in Greece in this <a href="https://youtu.be/Z_Ku0YlgMK0?si=pjXubnj-ONVyHoTc">video recap</a>.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/Z_Ku0YlgMK0?si=o4Dp9A-6e85c5WFp"></oembed></figure>

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Rakuten Viber launches a unique business tool, serving as an in-app call center 

Rakuten Viber expands its portfolio for brand-user interaction with Business Calls 

<a href="https://www.viber.com/">Rakuten Viber</a>, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, announces the global launch of Business Calls, a solution designed to enhance communication between businesses and their customers on the app. Brands can establish a new communication channel, letting customers make free international calls to their landline numbers directly through Rakuten Viber—a unique service in the messaging app industry.&nbsp;The new offering is particularly valuable for businesses that rely on call centers. In-app calls can serve various purposes, such as assisting with product inquiries, order tracking, and post-sales support in the retail and delivery sector. Banks can address account inquiries, schedule appointments, manage transactions, and offer financial advice and support, while pharmacies can assist with prescription refills, share branch schedules, and provide consultations on allergic reactions and side effects. Rakuten Viber brings a powerful tool to businesses across various industries to effectively address customer queries in a convenient place, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.&nbsp;Surveys indicate that <a href="https://www.liveperson.com/resources/reports/2021-conversational-commerce/">91% of consumers</a> prefer brands that offer the option to either call or message.&nbsp; Viber Business Calls enhances the current communication suite of Viber for Business Solutions and complements the existing business messaging solution, which has facilitated connections between customers and brands. With the introduction of Business Calls, Rakuten Viber offers users the freedom to choose their preferred method of communication with a brand, whether through calling or messaging.&nbsp;The in-app call option allows users to make calls seamlessly within the same app, eliminating the need to switch applications. This boosts conversions for brands, facilitates immediate query resolution, mitigates customer frustration that can result in negative feedback and reputation damage, and opens up opportunities for upselling and cross-selling products during conversations.Early adopters have the opportunity to create searchable business accounts with an embedded Viber Business Call button or add the solution to their existing accounts in the app, allowing customers to easily find and call the service. Users can also initiate a call directly from a chat with a business, for example, reaching out to a delivery service to reschedule a parcel delivery after receiving a notification. Brands can include a Rakuten Viber call link on their websites, making it even more convenient for customers to get in touch with them.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Using_Viber_Business_Calls_to_contact_brand_0edb2b9b20.png"><figcaption>User contacting a brand directly from a chat via Viber Business Calls</figcaption></figure>All business calls will be free for customers, regardless of their location. This is particularly beneficial for serving customers calling from abroad, such as a foreign traveler seeking information about their booking or a local bank client experiencing issues with their credit card overseas. It allows to improve global brand accessibility, elevate crisis management, and gain a competitive advantage by providing free support calls for customers anywhere. Businesses can choose to either designate a specific number for Rakuten Viber or continue using their regular call center number.&nbsp;"Rakuten Viber was the first messaging app to offer business messaging nine years ago, revolutionizing the way businesses communicate with their customers. Since then, we have developed a robust business messaging ecosystem and are now taking a significant step forward by introducing in-app Business Calls, a distinctive offering in the market,” says Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. "Being a superapp means providing our users with as many value-added services as possible throughout their day and offering brands more opportunities to engage with their customers. This update marks our next step in advancing our global superapp strategy."Viber Business Calls are now available for integration globally. To use the solution, brands can inquire with the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">official partners of Rakuten Viber</a> whether they already support Business Calls or <a href="mailto:calls@forbusiness.viber.com">contact the Rakuten Viber team</a> and learn how to get started.To discover more about Viber Business Calls, visit <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/business-calls.pdf">this page</a>.&nbsp;

Rakuten Viber launches a unique business tool, serving as an in-app call center 


Rakuten Viber expands its portfolio for brand-user interaction with Business Calls

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Rakuten Viber now has an office in Kyiv, Ukraine,  along with Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards

Rakuten Expands Commitment to Ukraine with New Office in Kyiv

Rakuten Group, Inc., a leading technology conglomerate and owner of Rakuten Viber, Ukraine’s most widely adopted messaging and communications app, today announced that the Group has established an office in the heart of the country’s capital city, Kyiv, and plans to join Ukraine’s “Diia City” initiative to grow the country’s IT sector. The new Rakuten office opened its doors earlier today.Three of Rakuten’s businesses – Rakuten Viber, Rakuten Advertising, and Rakuten Rewards – currently have software development and digital marketing operations concentrated in Kyiv and Odesa. The new Kyiv office will enable local contributors to work together to bring valuable technology products and services to users around the world, further cementing Ukraine’s reputation as an IT innovation hub. Rakuten’s commitment comes after Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani recently accompanied Japanese government officials on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine in September 2023. Serving as a representative of Japan’s private sector, Mikitani met with Ukraine leaders including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology and Minister of Digital Transformation. Rakuten has provided consistent support to Ukraine throughout the war and demonstrated a commitment to its people, economy and post-war reconstruction. Among other actions,&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2023/0802_02.html">Rakuten signed a memorandum of understanding with VEON Ltd.</a>&nbsp;(NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON) to collaborate on the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure through open radio access networks (Open RAN) and digital services. Additionally, Rakuten launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2022/0228_02.html">Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Relief Fund</a>&nbsp;through its online donation platform, Rakuten Clutch&nbsp;Special Charity Fund, and held a&nbsp;<a href="https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2022/0311_01.html">t-shirt donation drive to support Ukraine</a>&nbsp;that raised more than 1.3 billion yen*.&nbsp; Mikitani has also shown strong personal support for Ukraine on multiple occasions. At the war’s onset, he made a personal donation of 1 billion yen to the Ukrainian government for humanitarian aid. Last winter, he supported the donation and delivery of 500&nbsp;power generators to Ukrainian citizens through the Samurai Donation Project. In recognition of his efforts and those of Rakuten Group, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Japan recently awarded Mikitani with the national Order of Merit for distinguished service*. Rakuten's plans for its Kyiv location include additional hiring in the technology sector and appointment of a country manager to oversee local operations. One of these is expected to be the launch in Ukraine of Rakuten Viber’s digital wallet service, following its successful introduction in several European countries. This service will provide Viber users in Ukraine, where its app is installed on 98% of mobile phones, with enhanced financial accessibility, including the ability to send money in and out of the country through secure instant messaging transactions. *1. Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Emergency Relief Fund: Approximately 1.29 billion yen&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charity T-shirt donation drive for Ukraine: Approximately 51 million yen Both fundraising events ended June 30, 2022. *2. Ukraine Order of Merit (Distinguished service), third class.

Rakuten Viber now has an office in Kyiv, Ukraine,  along with Rakuten Advertising and Rakuten Rewards


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Review key mobile messaging marketing trends in 2023 and how Rakuten Viber makes the most of them

2023 Recap: Top Mobile Messaging Marketing Trends

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Discover how Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you boost your online and in-store sales

Maximizing Sales: The Power of Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages

Rakuten Viber has recently celebrated its 13th birthday and today it is one of the leading global messaging apps with users in more than 190 countries around the world. It allows people to connect via voice and video calls, private and group text messaging, media sharing, and much more. But it's not just a tool for personal communication, it's also a dynamic platform to connect with customers and solve business goals, providing solutions such as <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-solutions-for-brands-business-messages-chatbots-ads-lenses-stickers-and-business-inbox-feature/">Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages</a>. Introduced years ago as the first business tools on the app, they now help more than 20,000 brands all over the world to reach wider audiences, enhance brand visibility, and boost sales. Let’s see how these solutions that once have shaken the traditional marketing landscape can benefit your brand today.&nbsp;<h2>Redefining Advertising Strategies with Viber Ads</h2>The importance of digital campaigns in today's competitive market cannot be overstated. As the world becomes increasingly connected, businesses must adapt their strategies to reach customers where they are most active – online. Digital ads have been proven to enhance brand awareness by a staggering <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">80%</a>, making them a vital tool in any marketer's arsenal. They also have a considerable influence on online behavior, with the likelihood of consumers searching for brand-specific terms increasing by <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">155%</a> after being exposed to display ads. This heightened interest can directly translate into sales, as customers are <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">70%</a> more likely to purchase via a retargeting ad. With these impressive statistics, it's clear that digital advertising is not just a trend but a necessity for companies aiming to thrive in the digital age.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Ads</a> offer businesses an opportunity to increase <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/maximizing-the-power-of-viber-advertising-solutions-for-building-brand-awareness/">brand awareness</a> and bring more customers, thus driving both online and in-store sales. It allows companies to showcase their advertising where people spend the majority of their time – on a chat app – while placing it natively within the interface. These ads can target the audience based on their interests and demographics, making it easier to attract their attention. It helps brands to stay on top of minds of their potential customers, increasing the chances of turning them into buyers, whether they choose to purchase online or in the store. Moreover, brands can get analytics about the performance of their ads to further strengthen their campaigns and optimize their strategies for maximum impact.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_Ads_on_Rakuten_Viber_2d58dafbc5.png"><figcaption>Examples of different ad placements on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>For online sales, Viber Ads can drive traffic directly to an e-commerce website or a specific product page. Potential customers can be redirected to the store website by clicking on the link inside the ad, thereby facilitating an immediate purchase. This can be particularly effective during the sales season or in combination with special promotions and discounts that incentivize potential consumers to buy online. Soon, Viber Ads will also allow brands to lead customers to a specific product or selection of products within the app.&nbsp;For in-store sales, Rakuten Viber Ads can be used to promote events, new product releases, or deals available only at physical locations. Geolocation features can target Rakuten Viber users in a specific area, making the ads highly relevant and timely. This can drive foot traffic to physical shops, enhancing the opportunity for in-store sales.In a time where competition is rife and businesses are looking for effective methods to stand out, Viber Ads offer a great solution. It allows companies to reach out to their customers in a way impossible with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-ads-vs-traditional-advertising-efficiency-and-scale/">traditional advertising</a> channels. They can help businesses build strong relationships with their clients and drive revenue, both online and in-store.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Use_Rakuten_Viber_Ads_for_targeted_campaigns_a1a375253f.png"><figcaption>Targeted Viber Ads campaigns&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>Unlocking Customer Engagement: The Impact of Viber Business Messages</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Viber Business Messages</a> is a powerful tool to engage clients in a more personalized and interactive manner. It allows companies to send alerts, promotional messages, and service notifications directly to their customers' Rakuten Viber app. Moreover, consumers can reply or send questions, facilitating two-way communication. Businesses can also share images, videos, buttons, URLs, and various types of files in the messages, making them more engaging and informative. It's all about enhancing customer experience and building stronger relationships while simultaneously bringing more opportunities to drive sales.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rich_media_Viber_Business_Messages_1b03ab62ee.png"><figcaption>Examples of rich-media Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>The many <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-for-business-how-to-increase-engagement-and-drive-sales/">benefits of Viber Business Messages</a> include:• Broad User Base: Rakuten Viber boasts over 1 billion Android downloads, making it a widely-used messaging app globally. This assures businesses that clients from their customer base are already on the app and can be effectively reached there.&nbsp;• Direct and Instant Communication: Viber Business Messages allow brands to communicate directly with their customers in real-time. This direct and instant communication enables brands to provide immediate support, answer questions, and resolve issues efficiently.• Enhanced User Satisfaction: Businesses can integrate their CDP or CRM system with Viber Business Messages to send targeted messages to their clients, thereby increasing loyalty and enhancing client satisfaction. It ensures that every interaction is relevant to the audience.• Improved Conversion Rates: Brands can send promotional offers, assist with purchases, send updates on the delivery, and collect feedback through a single chat. This helps customers to get all essential information in one place, prevents platform-switching that can lead to shopping fatigue, and thereby increases conversion rates.• Detailed Analytics: Rakuten Viber provides analytics of your marketing campaigns, including seen and click-through rates. This allows companies to monitor their success and optimize for better results.&nbsp;• Cost Efficiency: With Rakuten Viber, businesses can benefit from pricing strategies that maximize their ROI. For example, when sending Business Messages, brands only pay for messages that are delivered, ensuring that the campaign budget is allocated to customers who have received the messages.&nbsp;<h2>Leveraging Viber Business Messages for Retail Success</h2>Viber Business Messages offer plenty of opportunities for businesses to establish a stronger bond with their customers, boost sales, and drive revenue.1. Personalized Promotions: Utilize Rakuten Viber to send consumers <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-effectively-engage-your-audience-on-viber-without-overwhelming-them/">customized promotional messages</a> or discounts based on their purchase history and preferences. Making them unique and relevant to each client increases their likelihood of purchase.2. Sales Event Updates: Keep your customers informed about new product releases, exclusive launches, or upcoming sales. This creates anticipation and increases the chance of clients visiting your online or physical store.&nbsp;3. Customer Service: Viber Business Messages can be an effective <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/faster-customer-service-and-lower-costs-how-viber-business-messages-make-it-happen/">customer service</a> tool. Prompt resolution of consumer inquiries or issues not only improves client satisfaction but also fosters a positive relationship with the consumer, encouraging them to frequent the store.4. Product Recommendations: Based on customer purchase history, recommend products they might be interested in. Such personalized suggestions can act as a catalyst for additional purchases.5. Loyalty Programs: Use Rakuten Viber to update customers about their loyalty program status, reward points, and exclusive member-only offers. This not only gives customers a sense of exclusivity but also incentivizes them to make more purchases to earn more bonuses.6. Feedback Requests: Ask customers for feedback on their shopping experience or on products they've bought. This not only provides valuable insights for the company but also makes customers feel valued and heard, which can encourage repeat purchases.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Examples_of_business_messaging_on_Rakuten_Viber_8a6bc1b084.png"><figcaption>Using Viber Business Messages in retail&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>A New Era of In-Store Sales: The Potential of Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages&nbsp;</h2>Using Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you enhance your in-store sales. Here's how:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Boosted Brand Awareness: Using Viber Ads can boost your brand awareness among customers. Increased recognition can lead to more in-store visits and, therefore, more revenue.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">In-Store Experiences: Promote unique experiences, such as expert consultations or live demonstrations, via Viber Business Messages or Viber Ads. These events can attract customers to your physical location.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Cross-promotion: Collaborate with other local companies to offer joint promotions that can be redeemed in-store. Spread the word about these deals via Viber Business Messages.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">In-store Pickup: Promote 'buy online, pick up in-store' services through Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages. This can increase visits to your store and potentially lead to additional purchases.</li></ul><h2>Increase Your Sales Footprint with Viber for Business</h2>Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages were the first solutions that helped businesses interact with audiences on Rakuten Viber. With Viber Business Messages, businesses can engage with their customers personally and directly communicate promotions, updates, and essential information. This not only enhances the customer experience but also drives sales and fosters brand loyalty. Viber Ads provide an effective way for businesses to advertise their products or services. With its targeting capabilities, brands can ensure that their ads reach the right audience, resulting in higher brand awareness and helping to drive sales. Moreover, businesses have access to analytics and valuable insights into campaign performance, enabling them to optimize their strategies and maximize their return on investment.&nbsp;If you’d like to learn how Viber for Business solutions can help your brand achieve your goals, don’t hesitate to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out to us</a>.&nbsp;

Discover how Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages can help you boost your online and in-store sales 

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Discover how collaboration between different messaging players can benefit the industry

Recap: Key Discussions at MEF CONNECTS Omnichannel 2023

The Mobile Ecosystem Forum events are always a great source of learning and inspiration for professionals in the industry, and one of the most productive ways to get insights from fellow participants is — through open conversations. At <a href="https://mobileecosystemforum.com/event/mef-connects-omnichannel/">MEF CONNECTS Omnichannel 2023</a>, our Chief Revenue Officer, Cristina Constandache, and Head of Carrier Relations, Messaging, Ritu Taneja, took part in two excellent discussions, alongside industry experts:<ul><li>Catalin Badea, VP Product Management at netnumber Global Data Services</li><li>Ron Bonnici, VP Pre-Sales &amp; Product Management at HAUD</li><li>Silvija Renusa, Senior Product Partnership Manager at Infobip</li><li>Paul Louden, Regional Director UK &amp; Ireland at Sinch</li><li>Moderated by James Williams, MEF Director of Programmes</li></ul>Here are some key takeaways from these sessions.Connecting the Dots: New and Old in the OmnichannelA lot of modern conversations about traditional channels such as SMS and the “new-comers” (having been in the messaging business for over a decade, we use the term loosely) such as OTT messaging apps — focus on comparing the two, as competition. However, the simple truth is that, when it comes to omnichannel strategies, businesses should not choose one channel, but rather look for the most effective ways to use them in synergy. So, for most enterprises, it’s not a question of whether to pick SMS or a messaging app, so much as a quest to optimize their communication via both: to be most effective, to engage their customers better, and to save costs.&nbsp;As Cristina Constandache put it, OTT messaging doesn’t have to be an alternative to SMS when they can instead <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/mef-the-changing-dynamics-in-business-messaging/">work together</a>. One example from Rakuten Viber’s own practice is the SMS Fallback feature that allows our clients to automatically deliver via SMS those messages that couldn’t be delivered via Rakuten Viber (for example, if the intended recipient is not connected to the Internet). This is just one example, showing how intelligent communication strategies that use SMS and Rakuten Viber in tandem can create a better experience for the brands’ customers.Driving Omnichannel Adoption: the ChallengesBusinesses are certainly seeing value in many individual channels, and, as Paul Louden astutely pointed out, there’s an appetite for omnichannel. But there are two challenges enterprises face here: one, building a cohesive omnichannel strategy where channels work optimally and supplement each other without duplicating information and cluttering the brand-user communication. And two — integrating it all smoothly, which is where companies like Infobip and Sinch come in to save the day, that is to make implementation and use of the omnichannel strategy easier and more seamless for the brands.Another challenge is how fast <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/navigating-the-digital-transformation-trends-shaping-the-future-of-messaging-and-connectivity/">digital transformation</a> impacts communication tools. Although the pace of technological progress can hardly be viewed as a bad thing, it leaves many enterprises struggling to keep up with the ever-shifting landscape of digital communication. As a result, many companies may be underestimating the potential of some tools, such as rich messaging, or, even if interested, lack the understanding to implement them effectively. So, education of business clients is another major goal that Rakuten Viber shares with our messaging partners. Ultimately, the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-types-and-advantages-of-viber-business-messages/">advantages of rich business messaging</a> — such as the personalization capabilities, the inherent two-way nature, and the versatility of applications — speak for themselves and drive adoption.Transcending Boundaries: Use Cases for Rich Business MessagingOne important driver of digital transformation is the abundance of use cases that benefit from an optimized messaging strategy. Communication channels are applied by different departments, for different goals across each enterprise: from providing effective customer support in a channel where customers already spend their time — to sending promotions and other marketing messages or driving sales directly.&nbsp;Even <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">security can be empowered</a> by messaging: as Ritu Taneja pointed out, the ongoing challenges in identity verification have created a demand among businesses for additional safeguards, especially when communicating sensitive customer information. This is one of the reasons Rakuten Viber is working on a new offering that provides an extra layer of security for transactional business messages and helps ensure that the right messages reach the right customers.&nbsp;Establishing trust in brand-user communication is an important objective for which rich business messaging is being used by companies in a wide range of industries, from banking and finance to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-viber-for-business-for-retail-brands/">retail</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-customer-experience-in-transportation-logistics-with-viber-business-messages/">delivery</a> companies. These are aided both by the ability to send files, images, and video safely — and by the very conversational nature of two-way communication.&nbsp;Collaboration: Synergy between Actors in the IndustryFor Rakuten Viber, a collaborative approach has always come naturally: aside from working directly with our business clients, we have long relied on partnerships with other major stakeholders in the industry, including developers, MNOs, and, of course, our messaging partners. That includes joint efforts in driving product awareness, adoption, and customer education and onboarding.But as Silvija Renusa pointed out, another form of inter-industry collaboration is being each other’s clients: for example, many MNOs work with aggregators, such as Infobip, to use Rakuten Viber as a communication tool to reach their customer base (for instance, with special offers and entire marketing campaigns). Similarly, our partnership with Netnumber helps Rakuten Viber solve our verification objectives at scale.As our Chief Revenue Officer Cristina Constandache summarized it, “There is a place for every channel in this ecosystem, it’s just a matter of joining the dots. Finding a way to jointly educate the enterprises on how to best use the omnichannel.”You can watch the recording of these sessions here:&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/SDKM3ESwpTw?si=mf-U5qkiqcTCD2EG"></oembed></figure>Connecting the Dots: Building Untapped Synergies to Advance Businesses<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/8nr_ZXKgmp0?si=imSp_49tGqziDw4C"></oembed></figure>Phone Number Verification: Must-Haves, Methodologies &amp; Mastery

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Discover how Viber Business Messages boost secure banking communication and integration

Enhancing Security & Efficiency: Revolutionizing Banking Communications through Viber Business Messages

In today's digital age, secure and efficient customer communication has become a cornerstone of success in the banking industry. With the surge of online and mobile finance platforms, customers expect instant yet secure conversations with their financial institutions. According to a study by The Motley Fool Ascent, <a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/digital-banking-trends/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">92%</a> of consumers consider the security of their data one of the most important features when choosing their bank. Meanwhile, research published in the International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences shows that communication and information accessibility accounted for a <a href="https://faculty.uobasrah.edu.iq/uploads/publications/1646395792.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">36%</a> variance in customer experience.Meeting these expectations is where <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Rakuten Viber’s Business Messages</a> step in. A part of the app’s Rich Business Messaging, it offers a secure, real-time means of communication, enabling banks to interact directly with their clients in an efficient, streamlined manner. This approach not only <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-banks-can-use-viber-to-reach-out-to-young-generation/">aligns with users' expectations</a> but also adds value to their experience.&nbsp;This article explores how Viber Business Messages can enhance client service, shows its key security features, and demonstrates how banks can successfully integrate business messaging into their communication strategies.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Mastering Mobile Messaging: A Look at PrivatBank and Ukrsibbank's Strategy</h2>The banking industry has seen significant changes in the way banks communicate with their customers. Viber Business Messages is an innovative tool that has redefined customer communication in the industry. Its successful implementation by leading banks throughout the world showcases its potential to drive customer engagement and improve the delivery of services. Let’s look at the real-life example showcasing how Ukrsibbank used Viber Business Messages.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/ukrsibbank/">Ukrsibbank</a>, a subsidiary of the French international bank BNP Paribas operating in Ukraine, aimed to increase client adoption of their mobile app and educate existing clients on its functionalities. To achieve this, Ukrsibbank turned to Rakuten Viber’s official partner <a href="https://www.gms-worldwide.com/">GMS</a> and utilized Viber Business Messages, integrating images, CTA buttons, and standard text to drive user engagement and enhance campaign performance. The adoption of Viber Business Messages was a game-changer for Ukrsibbank. Over three months, they sent 6M+ messages to their clients via Rakuten Viber, resulting in a 2x higher conversion rate compared to traditional SMS. The campaign exceeded initial expectations with a 50% increase in app downloads and a 30% rise in app usage.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Ukrsibbank_using_Viber_Business_Messages_for_marketing_d90ea8301c.png"><figcaption>Ukrsibbank using Viber Business Messages for marketing</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Unmatched Security: Safeguarding Your Business Communications with Rakuten Viber</h2>Rakuten Viber Business Messages offers a robust suite of features, ensuring that banks and financial institutions can <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-customer-data-how-to-use-it-to-improve-your-marketing-efforts/">reliably communicate with their users</a>.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">All public server connections are made over HTTPS only, designed to provide a secure connection that guards against interception and eavesdropping.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Specific IPs are whitelisted for each business, adding an extra layer of security and trust for users.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">All Viber Business Messages are encrypted in transit, ensuring a high level of security for brand-user interactions.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Client information is never sold, reinforcing Rakuten Viber's commitment to privacy.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Messages are not stored on Rakuten Viber servers after delivery, further safeguarding client data.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber’s servers support numerous security standards and compliance certifications to make sure we provide secure communication.</li></ul>These are just a few measures that Rakuten Viber is taking to secure communication on the platform. The company is also continually developing new solutions to enhance security further. The upcoming updates will include the possibility for brands to highlight any non-compliant activity for the recipient’s number before sharing essential information, such as OTP passwords, transaction notifications, account balance updates, and other confidential information. It further solidifies the security of transactional business messages which is essential for the financial industry.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_for_sharing_important_information_9109b1cc1f.png"><figcaption>Viber Business Messages for sharing important information</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Streamlining Customer Communication: The Power of Efficiency with Rakuten Viber Business Messages</h2>Banks can significantly benefit from using Rakuten Viber Business Messages to enhance customer communication efficiency.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">The platform provides instant message delivery, ensuring clients receive real-time updates on transactions and account balances.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The provision of read receipts enhances transparency, confirming that messages have been successfully received.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber's automation capability allows banks to program responses to frequently asked questions, freeing up time and resources for other crucial tasks.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The platform maximizes engagement through personalized messages, fostering a stronger customer bond.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber's security features mentioned above offer an added layer of protection, ensuring all communications are secure.</li></ul>To sum up, utilizing Rakuten Viber Business Messages in banking not only boosts efficiency and customer service but also fortifies client loyalty through its engaging and protected platform.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Enhancing Customer Experience: Implementing Rakuten Viber Business Messages in Banking</h2>To integrate Rakuten Viber Business Messages into your financial operations, find <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-partners/">a trusted messaging partner</a> well-versed in the financial sector. This partner will guide you throughout the process, providing crucial support tailored to your needs. The next step involves the creation of your business account.&nbsp;How to open a Rakuten Viber Business AccountYour chosen partner will fully support the creation of your dedicated business account and integration with your existing banking CRM system. This integration is essential to streamline and manage customer interactions skillfully. After the successful setup and once clients from your existing database have approved to receive notifications from you, you can begin client engagements, providing real-time updates and personalized services through Rakuten Viber.In order to fully leverage the potential of Viber Business Messages in the banking sector, you can follow a set of best practices. Here are several tips for successfully implementing Viber Business Messages in your financial operations:1. Thorough Training: Ensure your team is well-trained in utilizing the new platform. This will help seamless integration and efficient use of Rakuten Viber’s Business Messages.2. Clear Onboarding: Make sure to notify your customers about the new communication channel through the onboarding message on Rakuten Viber and by sharing information in your other channels.&nbsp;3. Consent is Crucial: Remember to send messages to the clients from your own customer database who gave consent to receiving marketing communication from your bank (for example, when filling out a loyalty program).4. Integration with Existing Systems: Correctly integrate Rakuten Viber into your existing CRM system. This will help in tracking user interactions and providing personalized service.5. Regular Updates: Update your customers with the latest information about your bank’s promotions. This will help in keeping your clients informed and engaged.6. Prompt Response: Open two-way communication with your clients through Viber Business Messages, enabling real-time conversations. This approach ensures swift responses to user inquiries and requests, fostering trust and boosting client satisfaction.7. Analyze and Improve: Regularly analyze the performance of your Rakuten Viber Business account. Use insights to upgrade your communication strategy.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_for_enhancing_bank_clients_experience_e6943be603.png"><figcaption>Viber Business Messages for enhancing bank clients' experience</figcaption></figure><h2>Rakuten Viber: A Game-Changer in the Banking Sector</h2>Here are just a few examples of how financial organizations can use Viber Business Messages:<ul><li>Send messages about transactions to keep clients informed</li><li>Remind about important account updates</li><li>Share news about new products or services</li><li>Send interesting and informative content using multimedia features</li><li>Answer questions and provide support</li><li>Send messages based on what each client is interested in</li></ul>While banks increasingly use business messages to&nbsp;send updates, help customers, and share new offers, they also turn to Viber for Business suite to achieve more business goals. The super app makes it easy for banks to reach a wide audience, promote banking services, and strengthen customer relationships. For example, Rakuten Viber also allows banks to set up chatbots to answer questions and provide support. This helps banks stay connected and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/the-power-of-viber-for-banks-boosting-customer-engagement/">engage more with their clients</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/raiffeisen-bank/">Raiffeisen Bank</a>, a leading financial institution in Serbia, aimed to amplify its mobile presence and offer an integrated digital experience to its existing and prospective customers. Raiffeisen Bank has chosen to utilize Rakuten Viber's Stickers and Chatbot to optimize its client engagement. Focusing on the interactive and automated elements of the platform, the bank launched an animated "free &amp; subscribe" Rakuten Viber sticker campaign and developed a chatbot in the native Serbian language. The results were striking: the campaign reached 850K Serbian users, saw over 209K sticker packs downloaded, and recruited over 120K chatbot subscribers, significantly enhancing brand awareness and client engagement.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Raiffeisen_Bank_using_Viber_Chatbot_and_Stickers_for_client_engagement_6bc8d74b73.png"><figcaption>Raiffeisen Bank using Viber Chatbot and Stickers for client engagement</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Stepping Up Banking Security and Communication: How Rakuten Viber Business Messages Makes the Difference</h2>The integration of Viber for Business solutions, Business Messages, in particular, has proven to be a significant step toward secure and efficient customer communication for many banks. This comprehensive platform and its tools enhance the financial industry's service, operational efficiency, and security.Other benefits include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Automated messages for account activities</li><li>24/7 customer service with automatic responses</li><li>Secure communication</li><li>Powerful marketing tool for targeted promotions</li><li>Greater client loyalty due to improved service</li><li>Ability to track client engagement and response</li><li>Automated reminders for bill payments or due dates</li><li>Easy integration with existing banking systems</li></ul>Adopting Viber for Business solutions, and Business Messages in particular, is not just about staying on par with technology trends; it's about future-proofing your financial operations and setting a new standard in customer service. It's an investment in your bank's future, ensuring you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving banking industry.If you're interested in Viber Business Messages for your banking needs, feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out to our team</a>.

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Discover how to use Viber for Business to optimize your retail marketing funnel

The Ultimate Guide to Viber for Business for Retail Brands

Retailers face a variety of challenges, including attracting new customers, maximising sales, and building loyalty. Finding a native environment for brand-user interactions across various touchpoints to solve all of these challenges can be tricky, yet messaging apps can be an effective solution. <a href="https://datareportal.com/global-digital-overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Nearly 95% of adults</a> worldwide actively use chat apps, making them a great way for retail brands to interact directly with consumers. &nbsp;Rakuten Viber provides a cost-effective and efficient suite of tools for a variety of business goals. <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/">Viber for Business</a> solutions work in synergy, offering an array of features to connect seamlessly with clients, regardless of their location or stage in the buying process. Retail brands can personalize customer communication by integrating the app's business solutions with CRM and CDP tools. Rakuten Viber's rich media capabilities provide a powerful opportunity to create visually appealing, interactive, and engaging content that drives brand awareness, engagement, and ultimately, purchases.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Viber for Business Ecosystem: Boost Your Marketing, Sales and Customer Service</h2>A global leader in messaging communication, Rakuten Viber has an active, payable audience. The app has successfully established a worldwide presence, spanning more than 190 countries. It makes Rakuten Viber a valuable platform for businesses around the world aiming to connect with their audiences.Viber for Business suite of solutions is designed to help brands drive sales, enhance marketing, and improve customer support.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Advertising solutions</a>, which include Viber Ads, branded Viber Stickers, and branded Lenses, provide creative and effective ways to promote a brand to a wide user base.<a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-solutions/">Rich Business Messaging solutions</a>, which are made up of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">Business Messages</a> and <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/chatbots/">Viber Chatbots</a>, allow brands to strengthen their communication with customers. Viber Business Messages offer retailers a streamlined and efficient communication channel to become closer to their customers. Brands can drive purchases by delivering personalised promotional messages, send important notifications through transactional messages, and provide around-sales customer service through conversational messages. Viber Chatbots allow businesses to provide automated support, available 24/7 without the added costs of human resources. This gives human service agents time to focus on more complex customer care needs, ultimately enhancing customer experience.All messages from brands land in the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/boost-your-brand-with-the-power-of-business-inbox/">Business Inbox</a> by default – a dedicated folder for brand-user interactions that keeps brand-consumer conversations separate from regular chats.With the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/milestone-release-meet-commercial-account-and-business-inbox/">Business Account</a>, retailers can also establish a brand presence on Rakuten Viber. This is a searchable account where customers can learn more about the brand and initiate a conversation.&nbsp;Viber for Business offers all the business solutions a brand needs at <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/what-viber-tools-to-use-at-each-step-of-the-customer-journey/">each stage of the marketing funnel</a> to build awareness, spark interest, drive conversion, and nurture loyalty. Let's explore how Rakuten Viber for Business can solve retailers’ pain points and help them achieve their goals at each of these stages.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rakuten_Viber_for_Business_solutions_1_fb9bcabef8_f009f88942.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber for Business: suite of solutions for all your needs</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">From Awareness to Loyalty: Optimizing the Marketing Funnel with Rakuten Viber for Business</h2>Retailers can use Viber for Business solutions for various business needs. Here are some of the ideas on how brands can achieve their objectives with Viber along the marketing funnel.<h3>Awareness</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance brand visibility. Use a range of Viber Ad formats and placements that can be seamlessly integrated into chat or call screens, as well as other frequently visited areas.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Catch customers’ attention. Design interactive AR Viber Lenses for your audience to use in the photos or videos. This is a great way for people to connect with your business in a non-common way.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Generate new leads. Use a synergy of solutions on Rakuten Viber. For example, you can reach users with Viber Ads with a CTA button incentivizing them to share contact information and sign up for your marketing offers. Then, you can send targeted offers via Viber Business Messages. You can also use branded Stickers, Lenses, and Ads to bring prospective customers to your chatbot on Rakuten Viber.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Drive product demand. Make the most of Viber Ads by utilizing the targeting options by age, gender, geographical location, and even personal interests. You can also create and launch personalized campaigns with contextually relevant creative content and offers.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Inform existing clients about new offerings. Multimedia features of Viber Business Messages allow you to interact with your customers in a more visually pleasing way through photos, videos, and emojis, and better showcase your products.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Building_brand_awareness_with_Viber_for_Business_solutions_d6e1d479b5.png"><figcaption>Building brand awareness with Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure><h3>Interest</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Stay top of mind. Reach a wide audience with compelling Viber Ads and show your competitive advantage or facilitate immersive product interactions with AR-powered Viber Lenses.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Re-engage interested customers. Use Viber Ads to reignite their existing interest and encourage action. You can also use CRM and CDP insights to send Viber Business Messages with restock alerts to customers who are interested in the product. Don’t forget to share helpful content through Viber Business Messages, showcasing products through rich media.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Generating_interest_via_Viber_Lenses_Ads_and_Business_Messages_48bf84c496.png"><figcaption>Generating interest via Viber Lenses, Ads, and Business Messages</figcaption></figure><h3>Conversion&nbsp;</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Boost conversions with flash offers. Use Viber Ads and Viber Business Messages to share limited-time offers with the relevant segments of the audience.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhance holiday sales by communicating special deals. Send discount alerts or offer customers an extra perk with their purchased product to drive seasonal sales via Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbot.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Fight cart abandonment. Send reminders about items left in the cart and offer personalized discounts on abandoned items using Viber Business Messages and Viber Chatbots.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Upsell and cross-sell. Use customers’ purchase history to recommend products &amp; make personalized offers through Viber Business Messages. Use interactive carousels in Viber Сhatbot to suggest add-on products that go with the customer’s main purchase.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Converting_leads_into_customers_via_Viber_Advertising_and_Messaging_solutions_cb15aeb875.png"><figcaption>Converting leads into customers via Rakuten Viber Advertising and Rich Business Messaging solutions</figcaption></figure><h3 style="text-align:justify;">Loyalty</h3><ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Encourage repeat purchases. Remind buyers about their bonuses or discounts through Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbots.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Build long-term relationships. You can use Viber Chatbots to provide your customers with convenient access to the loyalty program details.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Collect customer feedback. Automate customer feedback collection via Viber Chatbot to get product insights efficiently. Use Viber Business Messages to collect feedback and promptly address any issues in personal, 1-to-1 chats.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalise your customers’ experience. Send personalized gifts and offers to earn customer loyalty and celebrate your relationship with each customer in a personalized holiday greeting using Viber Business Messages.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Re_engaging_customers_and_building_loyalty_via_Viber_Messaging_solutions_638da269f1.png"><figcaption>Re-engaging customers and building loyalty via Rich Business Messaging on Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Viber for Business supports retailers from raising awareness to fostering customer loyalty while enhancing the buyer’s journey.<h2>The Impact of Viber for Business on Customer Support and Experience</h2>According to HubSpot research, <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/service/customer-service-stats" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">93%</a> of consumers are likely to continue buying from companies that provide exceptional customer service. Viber for Business solutions can help retailers significantly enhance support and the customer experience. Brands can provide real-time customer support via conversational Viber Business Messages and instantly answer urgent questions from many customers at the same time by using a Viber Chatbot to automatically reply.&nbsp;&nbsp;It allows seamless interaction between the brand and its users, enabling quick and efficient problem-solving. By integrating CRM and CDP tools with Rakuten Viber's Rich Business Messaging, brands can access relevant information for each user's query.&nbsp;Retailers can save resources by automating responses to frequently asked questions using a Viber Chatbot. It will also help brands prevent customer loss during off-hours, as Viber Chatbots can deliver customer support 24/7.Rakuten Viber makes it easy for brands to update customers on their orders and transactions. Retailers can provide rapid order status updates using Viber Business Messages or Viber Chatbot, giving customers easy access to necessary information. They can also empower customers to directly manage their orders, ensuring seamless delivery. Plus, with Viber Business Messages, brands can easily send important documents like receipts, warranties, and bills. Thus, customers will have all the information they need organised in one place.&nbsp;Rakuten Viber also allows for easy verifications through OTP messages, important reminders, and updates on purchase status.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Providing_customer_support_with_help_of_Viber_for_Business_solutions_6c999f90df.png"><figcaption>Providing customer support with the help of Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure><h2 style="text-align:justify;">A Seamless Customer Journey: The Power of Viber for Business Solutions in Action</h2>In the current digital landscape, the client's purchasing journey is no longer a straightforward path. Instead, it has evolved into a complex process where consumers interact across multiple channels, devices, and touchpoints before making a purchase. Businesses need to be present where their audiences are, and Rakuten Viber, with <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/viber-in-2022-trends-defining-the-future-of-brand-user-communication/">over a billion downloads on Android alone</a>, provides just that platform.To understand how users become loyal customers on the app, let's explore how your brand can influence a customer's journey with Viber for Business solutions. Imagine that a potential client comes across a Viber Ad and decides to opt in to marketing notifications from your brand. You can then send a personalized discount via Viber Business Message, enticing them to make a purchase. To keep the product top-of-mind, you can use Viber Ads for retargeting, reminding the person about the item they showed interest in. To further spark interest, you can send additional information about the product via another Viber Business Message.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_user_s_introduction_to_the_brand_3c273eec03.png"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber user's introduction to the brand</figcaption></figure>Later, the client adds products to their cart and subscribes to your chatbot to have easy access to your offering. To encourage completion of the purchase, you can send a reminder about the items in the cart via a Viber Chatbot. Once a purchase is made, a confirmation and receipt are sent via Viber Business Message.&nbsp;After the purchase, you can continue the interaction by collecting post-purchase feedback using Viber Business Messages. This prolonged engagement helps to build a lasting relationship with the client, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat purchases.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Customers_receiving_around_sales_support_on_Viber_410d560f06.png"><figcaption>Customers receiving around-sales support on Rakuten Viber&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><h2>Success Stories of Viber for Business Clients</h2><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/coca-cola/">Coca-Cola</a>, the world's largest beverage company, wanted to expand its mobile presence and engage with both existing and new consumers in Bulgaria. To achieve these goals, Coca-Cola strategically partnered with Rakuten Viber because of its connected and engaged audience in the country. Through the launch of Viber Stickers with a promo code mechanism and a chatbot experience on Rakuten Viber, Coca-Cola was able to reach a wider audience and drive conversions over a 3-months period. By cross-promoting this campaign across their social channels and supporting an "under-the-cap" sweepstake, Coca-Cola achieved impressive results, including almost 30,000 cap codes redeemed and a 30% conversion rate, 10 times higher than the industry average.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_campaign_results_for_Coca_Cola_in_Bulgaria_0e885982e7.png"><figcaption>Coca-Cola’s marketing campaign using Viber for Business solutions</figcaption></figure>The <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/primer/">Primer Group of Companies</a>, a prominent retailer in the Philippines known for distributing a variety of consumer goods, utilized personalized promotional Viber Business Messages to stimulate client interest and drive sales. In collaboration with Rakuten Viber's messaging partner, <a href="https://www.infobip.com/">Infobip</a>, Primer sent e-vouchers to the clients of its youth apparel and lifestyle store Bratpack. The result was a staggering 401% surge in sales and a code redemption conversion rate of 53%.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Primer_s_campaign_via_Viber_Business_Messages_3d9b8161f5.png"><figcaption>Primer’s campaign via Viber Business Messages</figcaption></figure>Another compelling example is <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/leroy-merlin/">Leroy Merlin</a>, the largest home improvement retailer in Europe. They were looking for innovative ways to make interactions with the members of their new loyalty program more convenient. With the help of Rakuten Viber’s official messaging partner, <a href="https://www.m-stat.gr/">M-STAT</a>, Leroy Merlin adopted Viber Business Messages to communicate with their loyal customers. The outcome was a 300% faster customer service response and a 20% growth in basket size.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Viber_Business_Messages_from_Leroy_Merlin_e04d976177.png"><figcaption>Leroy Merlin sending Viber Business Messages to their customers</figcaption></figure><h2>Harness the Power of Viber for Business for Retail Success</h2>Rakuten Viber for Business is the ultimate retail solution that directly addresses the needs of today's customer-centric market. Its ability to support every stage of the marketing funnel, from raising awareness to fostering loyalty, makes it an indispensable tool for retailers. Thus, retail brands around the world already see great results using Viber for Business solutions.&nbsp;In short, if you're a retailer and not using these instruments yet, you're missing out on a potential game-changer for your business. Leverage Viber for Business and experience firsthand the difference it can make in your customer engagement. Your audience is already on Rakuten Viber; it's time for your business to be there, too.Feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">contact our team</a> to learn more about Viber for Business capabilities for your retail brand.