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Discover how brands in Bulgaria can use Viber for Business solutions

Event recap: The Super App for All Your Business Needs in Bulgaria

September 26 was an important day for our team and partners as we gathered in Bulgaria to discuss the current trends taking shape within business messaging and the important role super apps play in customer communication.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Challenges and trends for businesses: The super app era</h2>Our Chief Revenue Officer, Cristina Constandache, opened the event discussing the current communication challenges businesses and their customers face, and the trends we need to know today to stay relevant tomorrow.Here are a few of the key trends highlighted during the event:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Consumers want privacy – but are looking for relevance: It’s time to move away from spray-and-pray messaging and lean into zero-party data that enables targeted and personalized two-way communication.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Mobile-first to mobile-only: As 5G and mobile commerce grow, brands will shift to mobile-only, focusing on seamless mobile engagement.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Consumers use fewer mobile apps as they settle on favorites: Brands need to embrace super apps, that will end up on users' home screens - the most expensive digital real estate.</li></ol>When choosing digital channels, brands should also pay attention to security and privacy features, as choosing an untrustworthy channel poses several threats. In her presentation, Cristina shared how Rakuten Viber has been building its <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/superapp-for-marketers-part-2-viber-a-trending-superapp/">super app</a> ecosystem over the years, while keeping security at it’s core, which has led to its top three ranking among messaging and calling apps for security.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Viber for Business: A powerful suite of solutions for brands&nbsp;</h2>Our Senior Director of Advertising solutions, Jean-Marc Alomassor, and Partnerships Account Director, Limor Bailey, shared the many ways businesses can use Viber for Business to grab customer attention, guide them on their journey with your brand, and keep them coming back for more – all in one place.With 94% of smartphone users in Bulgaria already using Rakuten Viber, brands that are thinking of building their presence on the app can ensure they’ll reach their customers - old and new.&nbsp;And with our recent innovations and newly launched features, brands have a wider scope of use cases to experiment with to learn what resonates with their customers, including:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Full screen ads that help your message grab customers’ undivided attention</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Click-to-message solution that make it easier for you to quickly convert potential leads into customers with a combination of Ads and a pre-defined Viber Chatbot</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Viber Gems which enable brands to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/fanta-greece/">build emotional connections</a> with customers with the help of branded animations in user chats that are triggered by keywords during important seasons, such as holidays or international sporting events</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Verification messages that help brands send one-time passwords in a cost-efficient and secure manner</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Enhanced-protection messages that provide maximum safety and security with user verification before sharing sensitive information</li></ul><h2 style="text-align:justify;">What’s next for Rakuten Viber?</h2>Although we are launching new solutions that brands can use to boost their marketing efforts, we aren’t stopping there.Cristina Constandache highlighted Rakuten Viber’s plans to create a one-stop shop for customers and businesses of all sizes – providing a seamless, cost-efficient way to maintain online presence that makes it easy to find, reach, and do business with brands.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">How brands use Rakuten Viber to reach their goals</h2>Our Senior Director of Sales and Partnerships, Noa Bar Shay, and Director of Global Strategic Partnerships, Konstantin Kostadinov, showed how to use Viber for Business to <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">enhance security</a>, create <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9MOlK-NQZE&amp;t=1s">360-degree campaigns</a>, and build a unique and personalized <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-to-enhance-customer-experience-foster-customer-loyalty-with-rakuten-viber/">customer experience</a>.We even had the chance to hear the success stories from our customers and partners who have built brand presence on Rakuten Viber using our suite of business solutions. Among the presenters were:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Angela Sinkovic, Head of Enterprise at our trusted partner NTH Group, who presented the success story of Klett. The company used personalized and targeted Viber Business Messages to enhance marketing campaign effectiveness, leading to higher delivery rates and doubled event registrations.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Boryana Gigova, Marketing and Business Development at The Media Shop Bulgaria, who shared a success story of our client Mr. Bricolage about how Viber Ads and branded Viber Lenses leading to their new channel increased engagement and click-through rates.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Radoslav Dimitrov, Senior Director, Card Business at Borica Bank Services, who showcased how they used a Viber Chatbot to simplify food voucher management and access to exclusive promotions and discounts from retailers for its employees.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Maya Angelova, CEO of DSK Ventures, who explained how they used transactional Viber Business Messages with SMS fallback and rich promotional Viber Business Messages for marketing campaigns to reach more than half of their customers while reducing costs.</li></ul>The Rakuten Viber team was delighted to meet with brands and partners in Bulgaria! Watch the video of the best moments and highlights of the evening below to relive it with us.If you’re ready to tap into Viber for Business solutions to reach your business goals, <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">talk to our team</a>.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/5YnZ8sEXhWA?si=TBTkyhqWFBoi5vYc"></oembed></figure>

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Learn about the latest updates for safe communications between businesses and customers

Rakuten Viber launches new security solutions for businesses 

Rakuten Viber, a pioneer in secure global messaging solutions and a leading super app in Europe, today launches new security solutions to further protect communication on the platform. Now businesses can authenticate users to enhance trust and reduce fraud.Verification messages provide a secure and seamless way to authenticate clients through one-time passwords (OTPs). Businesses can use ready-made templates, which are designed to increase conversions, to send OTPs easily and save time. Rakuten Viber offers lower costs than SMS and allows businesses to set a time limit for delivery. The messages are encrypted, and the sender is marked with a blue tick to indicate a verified business, adding an extra layer of trust. When users receive a Viber verification message, they can quickly copy the PIN code using a ‘copy’ button in the chat. Push notifications also feature a 'copy' button, allowing users to copy codes without even opening the chat.SecurePlus messages add an extra layer of security by checking the recipient’s number to confirm it’s not flagged for potential fraudulent activity. Private and sensitive information, such as transaction details and bank statements, is only delivered once Rakuten Viber has verified the recipient in real-time. Originally developed for Eurobank, one of Europe’s leading banks, this solution is now available globally to meet the growing demand for <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/how-brands-can-find-the-most-secure-messaging-app-for-business-use/">advanced security</a> from companies handling sensitive customer information.&nbsp;New solutions help businesses increase trust and meet rising consumer expectations, as<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1332294/trustworthiness-transparency-in-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> 60% of online customers</a> now prioritize security and transparency in communications with businesses. This is especially important for companies in the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/enhancing-security-efficiency-revolutionizing-banking-communications-through-viber-business-messages/">finance</a>, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries, handling sensitive customer information. In addition, Viber verification messages support a fast, frictionless authentication process, and data shows that this smooth experience can boost conversions by <a href="https://www.beyondidentity.com/resource/the-importance-of-user-experience-in-customer-authentication#:~:text=The%20Benefits%20of%20Optimizing%20The%20User%20Experience&amp;text=When%20the%20UX%20behind%20your,as%2054%25%20for%20new%20customers." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">up to 54% for new customers</a>.These updates are complemented by Rakuten Viber’s recent <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-achieves-soc-2-type-2-certification/">SOC 2 Type II certification</a>, a rigorous security audit that validates the app’s robust data protection measures. As one of the top three messaging and calling apps rated for security by <a href="https://www.test.de/Messenger-Apps-im-Vergleich-4884453-0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Stiftung Warentest</a>, Rakuten Viber provides encryption in transit for communication between businesses and users, while maintaining end-to-end encryption for private and group chats as well as private calls. Rakuten Viber’s enhanced security means that private messages are never stored on the super app's servers and that all connections remain HTTPS-secure.Sokratis Kalamatianos, responsible for Digital Solutions at Eurobank comments, “As a bank, security is paramount to us. Collaborating with Rakuten Viber to develop a product for enhancing the protection of sensitive information was truly rewarding for Eurobank. Our journey through this process was seamless, driven by our shared commitment to security. The fact that this solution is being rolled out further is a testament to our innovative collaboration.”"Security is a part of Rakuten Viber's DNA," said Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber. "Our new solutions reinforce our commitment to safeguarding every brand-user interaction while solidifying our role as a secure super app. Our mission is to create a platform where everyone can engage seamlessly, with confidence in the privacy and integrity of their communications.”The new security solutions are available to businesses worldwide on demand.If you’d like to learn more about building customer communication within a secure ecosystem, feel free to <a href="https://b2b.viber.com/viber-for-business-form">reach out to us.</a>

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Rakuten Viber is evolving into the next stage in the Philippines

Rakuten Viber expands operations with new Manila office to boost services for Filipino users

Leading messaging app Rakuten Viber has officially opened its new office in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone for the company as it broadens its presence and increases activities in the region. This new hub is a major indication of how Rakuten Viber - which is part of Rakuten Group, Inc. - intends to expand its investments and operations in the market.Located in the bustling BGC in Manila, the new office aims to foster a culture of creativity and innovation and is designed to facilitate collaboration and growth for the local key business units. These include Growth covering marketing and business development, B2B for advertising sales and business messages, Fintech which involves legal and product management, and Customer Support.&nbsp;David Tse, Senior Director for APAC at Rakuten Viber, shared that the opening of the Manila office is part of the goal to support the growth of the region. “Rakuten Viber is evolving into the next stage. We are adding more features to meet the growing needs of our users, both individuals and businesses. This is an essential part of our growth strategy as a true super app in the Philippines,” said Tse.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Official_opening_of_the_new_Rakuten_Viber_office_in_the_Philippines_de5d5599c2.jpg"><figcaption>Official opening of the new Rakuten Viber office in the Philippines (L-R) Karla Banua, Sales Lead – Advertising, APAC; Kris Aquino, Support Shift Manager; Kiel Desengaño, Product Manager (Fintech); and David Tse, Senior Director for APAC</figcaption></figure>Rakuten Viber has consistently extended its features and services in the Philippines, from channels promoting small businesses to enabling artists to engage with fans via the Backstage Pass Channel. The app also offers useful productivity tools such as the AI Chat Summarizer and Folders to organize chats, on top of business toolkits for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). These initiatives have made the super app an essential part of the daily communication and lifestyle needs of Filipinos, with more features for individuals and businesses set to be released in 2025.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Rakuten_Viber_office_in_the_Philippines_aa639eb7f1.JPG"><figcaption>Rakuten Viber office in Manila</figcaption></figure>Tse added, “The Philippine market has absolutely evolved for Rakuten Viber. This would not have been possible without every person on the Rakuten Viber team in the country. We will continue to expand our headcount and are building a truly great team here. I’m happy to see their passion and dedication in providing more innovative solutions and services that will enhance the lives of our Filipino users.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Viber for Business team shows how the app develops solutions to meet the needs of brands and users

Rakuten Viber reveals new superapp features for  trusted brand-user communication in Hungary

<a href="https://www.viber.com/">Rakuten Viber</a>, the leading global communications platform that securely connects hundreds of millions of users with thousands of brands worldwide, presented new features of the app, enabling efficient and trusted interactions between Hungarian businesses and consumers.&nbsp;At an event held in Budapest, Rakuten Viber looked at how trust impacts reputation and revenue for businesses. This is particularly important for the diverse business community in Hungary where the rules of communication are changing, with users relying on fewer mobile apps but are also expecting personalised offers while their privacy is upheld.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expanding features for businesses&nbsp;To address this changing landscape, Rakuten Viber is a superapp that matches expectations of Hungarian consumers with moderated public channels, manually verified official business accounts and high-level encryption and processes that are certified and compliant with international and local data privacy laws.&nbsp;The company enables businesses to reach their customers safely and efficiently through dedicated <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/">Viber for Business</a> solutions, which are gaining more interest among Hungarian brands. In a year, average monthly impressions for <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/marketing-solutions/">Viber Ads</a> grew by 15% as brands enhance their visibility and attract new users. The number of <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages/">business messages</a>, used to build 1-to-1 communication, increased by 19%. Among these, promotional notifications like special offers grew by 27%, conversational messages used for around-sales support grew by 88%, and transactional messages, such as order confirmations and important information like account balances, grew by 47%, reflecting greater trust from brands.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Konstantin_Kostadinov_Director_Global_Strategic_Partnerships_at_Rakuten_Viber_3b14f54915.JPG"><figcaption>Konstantin Kostadinov, Director, Global Strategic Partnerships at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>The app is expanding its suite for businesses, helping them further build brand awareness, customer engagement and trust. Amongst the updates are click-to-message solutions for simple conversions and branded <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/immersive-advertising-on-rakuten-viber-loux-fyi-marketing-easter-campaign-with-viber-gems/">Viber Gems</a> - animations that appear in response to keywords in user chats, which businesses in Hungary can now brand for special occasions.Rakuten Viber also launched Secure Rich Business Messaging solutions for one-to-one communication with customers, which provide a high level of safety for user and transaction verification. In addition, Viber now offers <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/rakuten-viber-expands-its-portfolio-for-brand-user-interaction-with-business-calls/">Business Calls</a> in Hungary, which serve as an ‘in-app business call center’ customers can reach from anywhere, for free. This feature has been developed to cater for the <a href="https://www.liveperson.com/resources/reports/2021-conversational-commerce/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">91% of consumers</a> who prefer brands that offer them the option to call or message.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Mariia_Martyrosian_Global_PR_and_Marketing_Innovations_Director_B2_B_at_Rakuten_Viber_190ee04cf5.JPG"><figcaption>Mariia Martyrosian, Global PR &amp; Marketing Innovations Director, B2B at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>Peace of mind for users and brandsWhile these features enable businesses to optimise customer experience, trust is often eroded by identity theft and cyberattacks. Hungary has the fourth highest exposure rate to cybercrime in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a report from 2022. With Hungary also lagging behind other European countries in terms of cyber awareness, businesses in the country are particularly vulnerable to cybercrime.To support them, Rakuten Viber is built with security at its core. Rated among the top three messaging and calling apps for security by the European consumer organization<a href="https://www.test.de/Messenger-Apps-im-Vergleich-4884453-0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> Stiftung Warentest</a>, Rakuten Viber uses encryption in transit for brand-user communication. The app also offers end-to-end encryption for its core private and group chats as well as private calls. Private messages are never stored on Viber’s servers, and connections are secure and HTTPS-only. These high security standards give Hungarian users and brands a unique opportunity to communicate with each other in a safe space.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Noa_Bar_Shay_Senior_Director_Sales_and_Partnerships_at_Rakuten_Viber_3cc9bb8560.JPG"><figcaption>Noa Bar Shay, Senior Director, Sales &amp; Partnerships at Rakuten Viber</figcaption></figure>“Hungary has been one of our key markets for many years, and we are excited to expand our offering in the country”, said Noa Bar Shay, Senior Director, Partnerships &amp; Sales at Rakuten Viber. “Businesses are under a lot of pressure to build, retain and grow a loyal customer base. With budget restraints, an easy-to-use and cost-efficient platform is crucial for them to communicate safely with their customers. We will give them a boost with safe and efficient tools that help them increase customer satisfaction and retention.”The new features form part of Rakuten Viber’s superapp strategy in Hungary to build a trusted ecosystem for businesses of all sizes, from MSMEs to large corporations with international operations.<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/p5tKlfxnJDs"></oembed></figure>

Viber for Business team shows how the app develops solutions to meet the needs of brands and users


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Branded Viber Gems and Viber Lenses take the award for Best Innovative Service

Rakuten Viber, Fanta, and Mindshare win Silver at the Digital Media Awards 2024 in Greece

Athens, Greece – Rakuten Viber, <a href="https://www.coca-cola.com/gr/el">The Coca-Cola Company </a>, and <a href="https://www.mindshareworld.com/">Mindshare</a>, won the Silver Award at the <a href="https://www.digitalmediaawards.gr/">Digital Media Awards 2024</a> in Greece for Best Innovative Service, recognizing their <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/blog/post/a-unique-media-first-campaign-is-led-by-fanta-on-rakuten-viber/">media-first Fanta campaign</a>. The ceremony, held at the Markou Wine Museum, celebrated top innovations in the digital media space.The Fanta campaign, launched during Greece’s vibrant carnival season, introduced two groundbreaking solutions on Rakuten Viber:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Branded Viber Gems: Fanta-themed animations were activated by carnival-related keywords and phrases in users' chats and brought the celebration spirit to life. In Greece alone, Viber Gems are used approximately 7.3 million times each month, highlighting the significant reach and impact of this innovative approach.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Branded Viber Lenses: Powered by Augmented Reality (AR) technology, these interactive lenses allowed users to embellish their photos and videos with festive carnival themes, encouraging user-generated content and deepening engagement with the Gen Z demographic.</li></ul>Both the Fanta-branded Lenses and Gems were promoted externally and within the app through the official Rakuten Viber Greece channel and a banner on the Explore screen.<figure class="image"><img src="https://env-stage-hosting.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/Branded_Viber_Lenses_and_Viber_Gems_for_the_award_winning_Fanta_campaign_in_Greece_e4a4579963.png"><figcaption>Branded Viber Lenses and Viber Gems for the Fanta campaign in Greece</figcaption></figure>The Coca-Cola Company became the first company worldwide to use branded Viber Gems and the first to launch branded Viber Lenses in Greece. During the <a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/success-stories/story/fanta-greece/">two-week campaign</a>, over 5.6 million Fanta-branded Viber Gems appeared in the chats, and more than 256,000 users engaged with the AR-powered Lenses. Impressively, 13.5% of those who tried the Lenses shared their photos with others."We're thrilled to see our collaboration with Rakuten Viber recognized on such a prestigious platform. The implementation of branded Viber Gems and Viber Lenses marked a significant innovation in digital marketing, resonating strongly with the target audience of the campaign," said Maria Fitta, Media Operations Senior Manager Greece, Cyprus &amp; Malta, at The Coca-Cola Company.Nikos Syrios, Sales Manager, CEE at Rakuten Viber, added, "This award is a testament to our mission to empower local businesses with innovative digital solutions. Our collaboration with Coca-Cola Hellas and Mindshare has pushed the boundaries of what's possible in digital media, and we are honored to have been part of this journey."To learn more about Rakuten Viber’s innovative advertising tools, feel free to <a href="mailto:advertisers@forbusiness.viber.com">reach out</a> to our team.

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Rakuten Viber unveils new added-value features for users and brands in Vietnam

Global app goes local: Recap of Rakuten Viber events in Vietnam

Rakuten Viber visited Vietnam to meet with local journalists, brands, and partners and announce the launch of new initiatives to strengthen ties with users and businesses in the country. At the events with media and brands in Hanoi, the company unveiled its strategy to support local communities with innovative and secure communications solutions.&nbsp;A key focus for the company, which has been in the market for several years,&nbsp; is to provide Vietnamese users and brands with innovative products and features that resonate with their daily needs. Rakuten Viber is already collaborating with multiple government services and over 100 leading brands across sectors including telecommunications, financial technology, and aviation.&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;"> App usage is growing in Vietnam, based on advanced security features</h4> Each month, Vietnamese Viber users send 474 million messages, make 16 million calls, and exchange 36 million pictures on the app. Usage numbers continue to grow and are primarily driven by highly dynamic working professionals, with the majority living in big cities and 67% aged 25 to 50. The app provides them with new intuitive tools to organize and summarize chat messages, enhancing their productivity.Rakuten Viber also provides users with peace of mind by offering end-to-end encryption for all private and group chats as well as private calls. Messages are never stored on Viber’s servers, and connections are secure and HTTPS-only, keeping the user experience safe. This is crucial as security is a growing concern in Vietnam, with 32,265 cyber attack attempts reported in Q1 2024 by the Information Technology and Cyber Security Monitoring Center of Vietnam. Rated among the top three messaging apps for security by the European consumer organization <a href="https://www.test.de/Messenger-Apps-im-Vergleich-4884453-0/">Stiftung Warentest</a>, Rakuten Viber also uses encryption in transit for brand-user chats. These high security standards give users and brands a unique opportunity to communicate with each other in a safe space.&nbsp;<h4 style="text-align:justify;"> Trusted and targeted communications for businesses</h4> To further enhance the security of these user interactions, Rakuten Viber recently introduced a secure way for brands to safely share activation passwords (OTP codes). Rakuten Viber will also launch ‘enhanced-protection messages’, which verify that a recipient's number is not connected to fraudulent activity. This feature will be available to Vietnamese brands by Q1 2025 and is especially useful for banks, financial institutions, and companies dealing with sensitive information.Vietnamese brands also benefit from Viber for Business, a suite of solutions to build tailored customer journeys within the app. These include Viber Advertising to reach and engage target audiences, and Viber Rich Business Messaging for secure and cost-effective one-to-one communication between brands and users. Viber Business Calls provide an ‘in-app call center’ that is accessible and free for customers from anywhere in the world, helping brands create a better customer experience. In Vietnam, key industries using these solutions are travel and hospitality, retail and e-commerce, finance, real estate, logistics, and transportation. During the presentations, the Rakuten Viber team showed how to use Viber for Business to elevate the brand's mobile marketing strategy.“Vietnam is one of the most developed countries in the world when it comes to smartphone usage, and messaging is a crucial element of day-to-day communications”, says David Hoang, Business Development &amp; Sales Manager for Vietnam at Rakuten Viber. “We look forward to working closely with consumers and businesses in Vietnam, to create an experience that is built on a maximum of security and brings value to both with innovative solutions. These help users to communicate freely and safely, and businesses to engage efficiently and securely with them.”&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/d1LO7QzIJrs"></oembed></figure>

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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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Our commitment to top security and user privacy is recognized at the highest level

Rakuten Viber achieves SOC 2 Type II certification

At Rakuten Viber, security and privacy are core to our product design and philosophy. As we aim to provide a secure communication environment for users and brands, we are proud to announce that Rakuten Viber has received the SOC 2 Type II certification.<h3 style="text-align:justify;">What is SOC 2 Type II?</h3>SOC 2 is a rigorous audit framework commonly used for SaaS companies and developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). SOC 2 is like a financial audit but for data security. Just as an accountant thoroughly reviews a company’s financial records to ensure they are accurate and comply with regulations, SOC 2 auditors thoroughly review a company’s data security practices to ensure they meet high standards.Type II involves extended testing of security systems: from three months to a year. This thorough approach ensures the company consistently maintains high security standards, not just for a short time. It provides stronger proof that the company's data protection measures are reliable and trustworthy.Rakuten Viber’s audit was conducted by one of the Big Four professional services firms and a true auditing expert. It confirms our high standards in security, availability, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.This certification proves that Rakuten Viber’s security practices meet some of the highest standards in the world.“Obtaining SOC 2 Type II compliance is a significant milestone for Rakuten Viber and a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and privacy of our users,” said Liad Shnell, VP Engineering and CISO. “This certification validates our proactive approach to information security and our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of data protection. We will continue to prioritize the confidentiality and integrity of the information entrusted to us and strive to provide a secure and reliable messaging platform for our global community.”<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Rakuten Viber: private &amp; secure — as a standard</h3>SOC 2 compliance is an important benchmark, but it's not the only reason to trust us. In 2016, Rakuten Viber became one of the first major messaging apps to implement end-to-end encryption for all private chats and video calls, and we constantly work on improving our infrastructure to ensure security.Key security and privacy measures:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">AWS cloud infrastructure&nbsp; (Amazon Web Services): Our servers use AWS, which supports many security standards and compliance certifications: PCI-DSS, HIPAA/HITECH, FedRAMP, GDPR, FIPS 140-2, and NIST 800-171.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Secure connections: Public servers connect to ours over HTTPS only, and communication with partner or customer servers is always SSL-encrypted.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Legal compliance: We comply with PCI, GDPR, and applicable data protection laws, including CCPA &amp; CPRA. (Rakuten Viber’s GDPR compliance includes complete data mapping, adjustments to data practices where required, and also allowing the automated exercise of data subject rights.)&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">IP Whitelisting: We whitelist specific IPs, rather than domains, for each business.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">No message storage: We do not store the contents of our customers’ private messages on our servers after delivering them.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Rigorous encryption: All private and group chats and private calls use end-to-end encryption by default. Viber Business Messages and bots are protected with encryption in transit: as soon as the message is sent (it’s “in transit”), it’s encrypted and will stay encrypted while it is in transit — until it reaches the final destination.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">No data selling: Rakuten Viber never sells our customer information.</li></ol>We want everyone using Rakuten Viber — both users and brands — to feel completely safe and in control of their data.&nbsp;Have questions about our security practices? Check out these resources for more information:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/privacy/">Viber for Business: security &amp; privacy</a></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><a href="https://www.viber.com/en/terms/viber-privacy-policy/">Rakuten Viber: Privacy Policy</a></li></ul>

Our commitment to top security and user privacy is recognized at the highest level


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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>