WhatsApp or Viber for SMBs in Serbia
Both channels are alive. The choice depends on audience, API budget, and time-to-launch.
In Serbia SMB customers use both WhatsApp and Viber. Telegram as a sales channel for local SMBs is less common.
WhatsApp: Cloud API via Meta or a BSP, business and template verification, fees for template messages outside the 24-hour window. Inbound and in-session replies are usually cheaper.
Viber Bot API is simpler to start for bot subscribers; bot hosting is about €100/month, outbound outside the session is a few cents per message. Business Messages for cold phone numbers is a separate, pricier product; for a salon or auto shop MVP, Bot API is usually enough.
Practical advice: ask where customers already write you. One strong channel beats two half-alive ones. We connect WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram — matched to your audience.