CallRail’s Voice Assist Brings AI to the Front Lines of Lead Capture and Call Conversion

After quietly beta-testing it with impressive results, CallRail has officially launched Voice Assist, a 24/7 AI-powered voice agent designed to ensure that no inbound call—and no lead—is left behind.

For the 220,000 businesses and 7,000+ marketing agencies already using CallRail to track and optimize calls, this is a serious step forward. In early tests, Voice Assist cut missed calls in half and boosted answered call volume by an average of 44%, helping businesses convert inbound leads—even after hours—without needing more staff.

“Voice Assist unlocks the full potential of every call,” said Marc Ginsberg, CEO at CallRail. “It captures intent, streamlines follow-ups, and gives businesses a faster, smarter way to turn calls into revenue.”

No More Missed Leads After 5 PM

According to CallRail’s data, 30% of business calls go unanswered—a huge leak in the sales funnel. Voice Assist plugs that hole by answering calls automatically, engaging with leads using real-time AI trained on a business’s own website and call transcripts.

And setup is painless: no manual scripts, no coding, and full personalization—including voice tone, business hours, and escalation rules for handing off high-value opportunities.

More Than a Virtual Receptionist

Voice Assist goes beyond simply answering calls. It's deeply integrated into CallRail’s broader lead engagement platform, turning every conversation into a marketing signal:

• Lead qualification & scoring: Understand not just who’s calling, but why—and how urgent they are.

• Appointment booking: Callers can book directly through the AI.

• Conversion tracking: Calls tagged by Voice Assist (e.g., “requested an appointment”) feed directly into ad platforms like Google Ads to inform campaign targeting.

• Unified attribution: Whether answered by a human or AI, data flows into CallRail’s reporting—keeping keyword, channel, and campaign performance insights intact.

• Transcripts & sentiment summaries: Know exactly what happened in each call without listening manually.

“It’s made our campaigns smarter and our results stronger,” said Michael Hurley, COO of Einstein Industries. “Now we’re capturing high-intent leads even after hours and qualifying them automatically.”

AI That Knows Your Business—Fast

Unlike traditional IVRs or bot assistants that require tedious manual setup, Voice Assist is pre-trained with your business context, pulling data from your site, previous calls, and marketing content to sound informed right out of the box.

“I was blown away by how much the agent knew about my business,” said Scott Clift, CEO of Westpark Equity Group.

From auto-tagged call outcomes to seamless integrations with 60+ martech tools, Voice Assist is part AI receptionist, part analytics engine, and part campaign optimizer.

Built for Agencies and SMBs Alike

With security and compliance top of mind, and millions of hours of call analysis behind its AI models, CallRail is betting Voice Assist can be a game-changer—especially for small businesses that can’t afford to miss a lead or delay a follow-up.

“We cut unanswered calls in half,” said Franco Aquino of REN Marketing LLC. “It’s made a huge difference in our lead flow.”

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Omnisend's research shows coastal states New Jersey and California become less attractive with scale, while rust belt states remain steady for every business scenario

New research from Omnisend, a leading email and SMS marketing platform for ecommerce brands, ranked every U.S. state based on factors relevant to ecommerce entrepreneurs and found that for an average ecommerce brand earning $1 million yearly and selling primarily out of state, the top three scores belong to South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Notably, these three states combine zero corporate income tax, lean regulations, and above average household purchasing power.

At the other end of the spectrum, the non-contiguous states of Hawaii (50th) and Alaska (49th) consistently rank lowest on the Index. Among mainland states, California (48th) and Louisiana (47th) perform worst for an average company – though for different reasons. California's steep tax and cost burdens add up quickly, while Louisiana struggles with poor infrastructure and one of the most complex tax systems in the country.

Omnisend's Ecommerce Opportunity Index ranks every state on ten factors, including taxes, purchasing power, infrastructure quality, red tape, regional opportunities, and more, to pinpoint the best places to base an online retail business.

"The ideal home base for an online store isn't the same for every company — what works for a startup selling within state might restrict a bigger brand shipping nationwide," said Marty Bauer, ecommerce expert at Omnisend. "But once you match those company specifics against each state's taxes, buying power, broadband, and logistics, a handful come out on top, while high-cost or infrastructure-poor states sink."

From coasts to the Midwest – ecommerce success shifts with scale

The Index tells a different story for coastal states. New Jersey ranks #1 for a business earning $100 thousand in-state, thanks to strong infrastructure and dense customer base. But as revenue grows to $1 million and sales shift out-of-state, NJ drops to 45th due to steep progressive taxes and low purchasing power. California shows a similar pattern – ranking 11th at lower revenue but falling to 48th as costs surge with scale and expansion.

Reality backs the numbers. From 2025 New Jersey's top marginal tax rate is 11.5% – the highest corporate tax rate in the nation by far. Whereas California posted the largest net domestic-migration loss in 2024 – 239,575 residents – and holds the record for 17 headquarters departures in one year. 

Texas and Florida sit in the Index's broad middle. Each offers clear strengths – competitive taxes in Florida, a giant home market in Texas – but none delivers the across-the-board advantages the top-ranked Plains states do.

For stability, you can't go wrong with Rust Belt states Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, which stay in the index's top half across almost all scenarios thanks to moderate taxes, decent purchasing power, and great regional connections.

"While the Rust Belt is often seen as past its prime, the states offer manageable taxes, solid infrastructure, and easy reach to half the U.S. market in a day's drive. That said, early-stage brands can still benefit from the talent, capital, and connections found in places like California and New Jersey. The smartest founders launch where momentum is easiest and scale where it's sustainable," says Marty Bauer.

If you want to find out more about other states, visit the full report: https://www.omnisend.com/ecommerce-index/ 

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ON24 taps Performars to drive AI-powered digital engagement for B2B marketers across APAC

In a move that underscores the growing demand for AI-driven marketing in Asia, ON24 has partnered with digital transformation specialist Performars to fuel its expansion into South Korea and Taiwan. The partnership, announced today, is aimed at helping regional enterprises transform customer engagement and accelerate revenue through ON24’s Intelligent Engagement Platform.

For ON24, a Nasdaq-listed player (NYSE: ONTF) known for powering webinars, virtual events, and content experiences, the collaboration represents a key milestone in its Asia-Pacific growth strategy. Performars, a HubSpot Diamond partner with expertise in RevOps and CRM consulting, brings local market fluency and execution muscle—two things global tech platforms often lack when entering nuanced, high-context regions like Korea and Taiwan.

Why This Matters

The APAC market, particularly South Korea and Taiwan, is heating up in the B2B digital engagement space. With privacy regulations tightening globally and third-party cookies on the way out, the ability to capture and activate first-party data through direct digital engagement is now mission-critical. ON24’s platform, with its AI-powered Analytics and Content Engine (ACE), offers a timely solution.

“Performars brings deep local market knowledge and executional strength that complements our APAC growth strategies,” said Daniel Harrison, VP and Managing Director of ON24 for APAC & Japan. “Together, we’re enabling businesses in Korea and Taiwan to transform how they engage prospects and customers.”

In other words: ON24 is betting on local enablement to beat global rivals in one of the most digitally mature markets in the world.

What’s In It for Marketers

The partnership promises more than just webinars. Performars will offer a full suite of services—from running digital experiences to automating post-event workflows. That includes analytics, follow-up content creation, and integrating ON24 into CRMs for actionable sales insights. For marketers in life sciences, IT, finance, and electronics—industries already data-heavy and engagement-starved—this is a welcome turnkey approach.

“ON24 is a global leader in intelligent, AI-driven digital engagement,” said Jake Nobler, Sales Director at Performars. “This partnership allows us to help more organizations in Korea and Taiwan harness the full potential of first-party customer engagement.”

The Road Ahead

Starting July 2025, ON24 and Performars will roll out a series of digital campaigns and virtual events showcasing the capabilities of ON24’s platform across key industries. Expect success stories, live demos, and a heavy push to convert local marketers into AI-powered engagement believers.

With this expansion, ON24 joins a growing list of U.S.-based martech players strengthening their foothold in Asia through strategic local alliances. Given Performars’ regional experience and ON24’s technology stack, this could be one to watch.

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AI isn’t just for the tech giants anymore. According to a new report from ActiveCampaign, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are using AI to claw back time, cut costs, and take on enterprise-level competition with sharper marketing firepower. The report, titled “13 Hours Back Each Week,” finds that AI is helping SMBs recover an average of 52 hours and $4,739 monthly—giving them a fresh edge in a crowded digital landscape.

And it’s not just about saving time. It’s about leveling the playing field.

AI Is the Great Equalizer for SMBs

The report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. marketers and small business owners, paints a compelling picture: 75% of SMBs say AI is making them more competitive with large organizations. Those classified as “Power Users”—people who use AI at least once daily—are saving up to 57% more time and slashing operational costs by 36% compared to their more passive counterparts.

“Small businesses may work with tighter margins, but their size and agility provide a perfect opportunity for the strategic implementation of AI,” said Jason VandeBoom, ActiveCampaign’s CEO. “They're not just adopting AI—they're pioneering creative applications that deliver real ROI.”

From Task Automation to Strategic Insight

The study also highlights a key shift in AI adoption: SMBs are moving beyond simple automations to more strategic applications. 81% are leveraging AI for marketing, while 78% apply it to design and creative tasks, and 76% for analytics. In fact, SMBs are nearly neck and neck with enterprise firms when it comes to AI’s role in tasks like lead nurturing, follow-ups, and performance reporting—only a 3% gap separates them.

Among the most telling stats:

• 47% of SMBs now use AI daily.

• 77% of marketers say they feel more confident when supported by AI.

• 97% say AI has already reshaped how they view their work.

“The real opportunity arrives when marketers move from isolated AI use to embracing it as a long-term strategic partner,” said Amy Kilpatrick, CMO of ActiveCampaign. “That’s where real differentiation and leadership begin.”

What This Means for the MarTech Ecosystem

This isn’t just another “AI is coming” headline—it’s already here, and small businesses are wielding it with surprising sophistication. As AI tools become more user-friendly and integrated into mainstream platforms like ActiveCampaign, barriers to entry are collapsing. SMBs no longer need large teams or deep pockets to compete—they need smart workflows and the right tools.

For marketers in particular, the report suggests that we’re entering a second phase of AI maturity: moving from efficiency-driven use cases to predictive modeling, trend forecasting, and fully automated marketing funnels.

If you’re running an SMB and haven’t yet embraced AI in your day-to-day ops, the clock is ticking—and competitors may already be weeks ahead in saved hours.

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Returning CTO to drive Omilia’s transformation into an AI-first, agentic enterprise platform

Omilia is doubling down on its AI ambitions. The enterprise conversational AI leader has named Marios Fakiolas as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), marking both a strategic leadership shake-up and a bold step toward evolving its platform into an “AI-first” powerhouse.

A familiar face at Omilia, Fakiolas rejoins the company after founding and scaling HelloWorld PC, a boutique AI consultancy known for modern engineering and advanced conversational solutions. His return signals Omilia’s intent to push beyond basic chatbots into the realm of intelligent, adaptive systems that can reshape how enterprises engage customers.

Leading the Agentic AI Evolution

“Conversational AI is no longer just about scripted bots,” said Fakiolas. “We’re entering a new era of agentic systems that understand context, adapt in real time, and deliver tangible business results.”

That’s more than marketing speak. Under Fakiolas’ leadership, Omilia will overhaul its architecture around four ambitious pillars:

• AI-Driven Engineering

• Cloud-Native Data Flywheel Architecture

• Full-stack GenAI Integration

• Agentic AI for Customer Service

It’s a roadmap aimed at putting Omilia at the forefront of enterprise-grade AI innovation—at a time when global interest in large language models and intelligent agents is hitting a fever pitch.

The Right Leader at the Right Time

With more than 20 years of experience across defense, enterprise software, and AI startups, Fakiolas blends deep technical fluency with executive-level vision. During his first stint at Omilia starting in 2017, he helped define the company’s early voice-first capabilities. Now he returns with fresh perspective and a track record of scaling AI-driven teams and systems.

“His previous work with AI-native architectures and proven ability to scale high-performance teams positions him well to lead us into the next era of Conversational AI,” said Dimitris Vassos, Omilia’s CEO and Co-founder.

Why This Matters

Enterprise CX leaders are under pressure to modernize call centers and digital channels—not with gimmicky bots, but with intelligent systems that resolve issues, anticipate needs, and deliver measurable ROI. Omilia’s appointment of a returning CTO with startup-hardened credentials suggests it’s serious about answering that call.

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Thryv Holdings, the small business software provider known for its all-in-one platform, is dialing up the temperature for HVAC contractors with the launch of Thryv for HVAC—a specialized marketing automation solution designed to help heating, ventilation, and air conditioning businesses streamline lead conversion, customer retention, and recurring revenue.

Currently working with nearly 6,000 HVAC-related businesses, Thryv developed the solution in close collaboration with industry professionals, including Boeschen’s Heating & Cooling. The result? A software package that speaks HVAC fluently.

Built for Contractors, Not Marketers

“Contractors told us they need tools that work behind the scenes to automate customer follow-ups, boost their brand visibility, and drive repeat business,” said Rees Johnson, Chief Product Officer at Thryv. “With Thryv automations, they can grow their business while keeping their focus on service delivery.”

In a survey of over 75 HVAC business leaders, 77% said marketing was a top growth priority, but only a third felt they had the time or know-how to execute it effectively. Thryv’s new solution is aimed squarely at that gap—offering practical, hands-off tools designed with and for HVAC contractors.

What’s Under the Hood?

Here’s a quick rundown of what Thryv for HVAC offers:

• Online Visibility Boost: Synchronizes business information across 60+ directories and improves local rankings on Google, Yelp, and more.

• Automated Lead Response: Sends personalized email and SMS replies within seconds of lead inquiries.

• Seasonal Campaigns: Keeps customers engaged year-round with timely promotions and maintenance reminders.

• Recurring Revenue Tools: Promotes service plans and automates post-service follow-up.

• Reputation Management: Centralized dashboard for requesting and managing online reviews.

The system comes with customizable, pre-built campaigns that cover the full customer journey—from appointment requests to satisfaction surveys—helping HVAC pros spend less time in front of a screen and more time on the job.

Turning Wrenches Into Revenue

“Not all marketing software is created equal,” said Janet Turner of Boeschen’s Heating & Cooling, who helped advise the Thryv product team. “We needed something that understood the way we work. Now we can follow up, nurture leads, and even run promotions without lifting a finger. It’s built for real contractors with real day-to-day demands.”

With demand for HVAC services rising, especially in light of extreme weather patterns and increasing focus on indoor air quality, Thryv’s tailored solution arrives at just the right time. It also underscores a broader trend in verticalized SaaS—giving industry-specific professionals access to smart tools without a steep learning curve.

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SundaySky, the enterprise-grade AI video platform, is making a bold move to accelerate its next stage of growth. The company announced a wave of high-impact executive appointments, signaling its intent to cement leadership in the AI-powered video personalization space. The new team includes:

• Tammy Martin as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Mark Flaharty as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

• Brendan Cournoyer as Vice President of Marketing

• Dan Sylvester, promoted to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

The expansion of SundaySky’s leadership bench comes at a pivotal time, as the company doubles down on scaling its AI-driven video platform and expands personalized video capabilities across verticals like advertising, marketing, and customer success.

Executive Hires Signal Strategic Inflection Point

“SundaySky is entering a period of strategic momentum,” said CEO Marc Zionts. “Tammy, Mark, Brendan, and Dan bring the leadership, experience, and energy needed to execute with precision and accelerate growth across key verticals.”

The appointments bolster SundaySky’s ability to execute on a product vision that's already resonating across the enterprise landscape—with customers increasingly demanding more personalized, measurable, and scalable video solutions.

Meet the New Leaders Driving SundaySky’s Next Chapter

Tammy Martin – Chief Financial Officer
A veteran of high-growth tech firms, Martin most recently served as CFO at industrial analytics startup Seeq, where she helped secure $300 million in funding. With experience in scaling SaaS metrics and executing strategic exits—including deals with IBM and UnitedHealth Group—Martin is poised to guide SundaySky through its next phase of growth with a focus on capital efficiency and operational rigor.

Dan Sylvester – Chief Revenue Officer
Since joining SundaySky in 2018, Sylvester has helped build and scale the revenue organization. As CRO, he now oversees all revenue-generating functions—from new business acquisition to customer retention and partnerships. His promotion underscores SundaySky’s focus on integrated growth and client success.

Mark Flaharty – Chief Commercial Officer
Flaharty returns to SundaySky with a deep track record in digital media, including stints at Google, Criteo, and Piano.io. He’ll now lead commercial strategy for SundaySky Advertise, the company’s personalized video ad solution. Expect him to sharpen the focus on ROI-driven campaigns for major brands across retail, finance, and media.

Brendan Cournoyer – VP of Marketing
With experience leading marketing at Building Engines and Brainshark, Cournoyer brings a data-driven approach to brand and demand generation. At SundaySky, he will spearhead initiatives to grow the platform’s customer base and expand awareness of its AI-powered personalization capabilities.

Video is no longer a "nice-to-have" in enterprise engagement—it's a strategic must. But personalization at scale has remained elusive for many brands. SundaySky is aiming to solve that with an AI-first, modular platform that generates customized video experiences across the customer lifecycle—from acquisition to loyalty.

These leadership appointments suggest SundaySky is not just expanding—it's preparing for a potential breakout moment. With SaaS-savvy leadership now in place across finance, marketing, commercial strategy, and revenue, the company is well-positioned to compete in a crowded, fast-evolving space.

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Infobip, the global cloud communications giant, has just turned up the volume on customer engagement. The company announced the launch of WhatsApp Business Calling, a new capability that lets businesses initiate and receive voice calls directly within WhatsApp—giving customers a frictionless way to escalate conversations without switching platforms.

This feature brings real-time voice communication into one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps, building on Infobip’s omnichannel mission to unify digital customer journeys across chat, voice, and more.

Chat, Meet Call: Seamless Escalation Inside WhatsApp

Businesses using Infobip’s cloud contact center solution, Conversations, can now switch from chat to voice without breaking the conversational thread. Agents keep access to the full chat history and context, making transitions smooth for both sides.

Voice calls can be initiated straight from:

• WhatsApp chats

• Interactive messages

• Deep links in websites or apps

The move streamlines support for industries like banking, retail, travel, and eCommerce—especially for complex or high-stakes customer service interactions that text alone can’t resolve.

“Our customers tell us voice remains critical for delivering exceptional service, especially for complex issues,” said Mijo Soldin, VP of Voice and Telecom Strategy at Infobip. “With WhatsApp Business Calling, we’re blending the convenience of chat with the immediacy of voice—inside an environment customers already know and trust.”

More Than a Call: Branded Voice Meets Customer Trust

One standout feature: branded voice calls. When a business places a call, verified details like company name, logo, and a green checkmark appear on the recipient’s screen. That’s a big deal in an age of rising call spoofing and fraud—it reassures users the call is legit and helps businesses boost answer rates.

It also dovetails with Infobip’s broader focus on trusted communications, setting the stage for the rollout of its Branded Calling ID (BCID) solution later this year.

Omnichannel Is No Longer Optional

With WhatsApp Business Calling, Infobip is closing the loop on asynchronous messaging and synchronous voice—an essential step in meeting customer expectations for fluid, channel-agnostic experiences.

Now available globally, the feature includes:

• Full integration with the WhatsApp Business Platform

• Unified reporting and billing

• Context-aware agent transitions via Infobip Conversations

The result? Faster resolution, higher satisfaction, and stronger brand consistency—all without forcing users to exit the app they already prefer.

Infobip’s latest launch shows that in the race to redefine customer communication, messaging and voice aren’t rivals—they’re powerful allies.

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