WhatsApp is a popular messaging app for those who want to connect with the people they love. But not just that, the messaging service can also be used for people to connect with small businesses they care about.
WhatsApp was initially built for people in mind, and here the company wants to put that advantage to the next level by improving business experience. So for example, businesses can respond to their customers by creating official presence to interact with their customers, but having that experience separated from their personal messages.
On January 18th, 2018 WhatsApp launches WhatsApp Business, a free-to-download Android app for small businesses.
"Our new app will make it easier for companies to connect with customers, and more convenient for our 1.3 billion users to chat with businesses that matter to them."
Using WhatsApp Business users can create and have:
- Business Profiles: Help customers with information such as a business description, email or store addresses, and website.
- Messaging Tools: Ability for quick replies for FAQ, create greeting messages, and others.
- Messaging Statistics: Review simple metrics like the number of messages read.
- WhatsApp Web: Send and receive messages with WhatsApp Business on desktop computers.
- Account Type: Authenticated Business Account which can be verified to Confirmed Account to ensure customers' satisfaction and trust.
WhatsApp Business has been in limited trials for years. With the announcement, businesses can finally have their own WhatsApp solutions.
According a WhatsApp spokesperson, the feature set will remain free in the long term, but the company has plans to charge users for additional capabilities in the future, similar to a freemium model, but without taking away existing features.
Initially, WhatsApp Business is available and free to download on Google Play in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S.