Rakuten Viber, a pioneer in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication, is ushering in a new era for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines. Introducing an array of diverse business solutions, Viber has evolved into a dynamic communications hub, extending its support to businesses in achieving their marketing objectives while enhancing local users’ ability to discover a wide range of services.
In today’s digital landscape, where personalization reigns supreme, a staggering 60% of online shoppers express a preference for brands that tailor their content. Recognizing this shift in consumer expectations, businesses are turning to customers’ preferred messaging apps to provide bespoke experiences. Viber, with over 1 billion downloads on Android alone, offers SMEs a gateway to a vast pool of potential customers. Responding to the increasing demand for brand-user interaction on the platform, Viber has expanded its suite of tools to assist businesses in reaching new customers, cultivating loyalty, and driving sales.
The inaugural offering on the platform is a free, self-serve communications hub designed for small and micro-businesses. This tool empowers SMEs to effortlessly engage with local customers, manage incoming inquiries, boost their discoverability, and drive sales. For medium-to-large business accounts, additional value-added services are on the horizon.
Viber’s free offering for small and micro-businesses draws inspiration from its successful Viber Business Accounts product designed for enterprise-level companies. In the first half of 2023, Viber saw a remarkable 30% year-over-year increase in business accounts created and a 34% year-over-year increase in delivered business messages in the Philippines.
Key Features of Viber’s New Business Solutions Include:
- Public Business Profile: Businesses can create a searchable business page featuring essential information, shareable both within the app and with non-Viber users.
- 1:1 Customer Chats: Prompt responses to customer queries via instant messaging.
- Discoverability through Viber Search: Customers can easily find and engage with local products and services by searching for businesses by name or category.
- Dedicated Chat Folders: Businesses can neatly organize customer messages separately from personal conversations, with users accessing a dedicated Business Inbox.
- Product Catalog: Business owners can effortlessly showcase products and services within their catalog, allowing customers to explore and inquire directly via chat.
Viber’s new self-serve business accounts are now available in the Philippines and Greece, with plans to expand to additional countries in the near future. The company is also gearing up to introduce features like broadcast messages, voice calls, and quick, automated replies, further elevating communication capabilities for small business owners. Tailored pricing plans, based on market feedback, will complement the initial set of free self-serve business solutions.
During the development of this solution, Viber engaged Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in a beta-test phase. Through personalized onboarding processes, Viber collaborated with local businesses, actively participating in 15 local trade shows and conducting over 300 in-depth interviews. This feedback-driven approach led to the creation of core features such as catalogs, search functionality, and enhanced discoverability, all based on the insights provided by local business owners.
As a small business owner of a coffee farm, I also created a business account. Check it out : Agnep Heritage Coffee business account on viber https://vb.me/Busine…/d921a4de-68b0-11ee-9227-3a7cdb9905fc
Early adopters of Viber’s new small business features are already witnessing remarkable results. Nene Tamayo, owner of Nene Prime Foods, a Philippines-based shop specializing in gourmet Filipino specialties, relies on Viber as her primary communication platform with customers. This allows her to infuse a personal touch into conversations, fostering loyalty and enabling customers to find her business with ease.
Mon Cabsag, proprietor of Bistro Box, which offers baked goods, highlights how Viber has become a growth partner for his small business. He notes, “Starting during the pandemic, Viber has been instrumental in my business’s growth. Now, with these new tools, I can seamlessly engage with my customers, provide tailored assistance, and ensure seamless communication about their orders.”
Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber, extends an invitation to all MSMEs: “We invited early adopters to experience the exclusive Viber self-serve beta business account. Now, we welcome all MSMEs to embark on their growth journey with Viber. As we expand our business portfolio, we are unwavering in our commitment to tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses of every scale. Our mission is clear: to offer customized services for enterprises of all sizes. With Viber as your growth partner, you gain a communications platform that adapts to the challenges that arise on your business journey.”
For more information about Viber’s new business solutions, visit Viber Business.