Messaging giant Whatsapp has officially launched its new Whatsapp Business App in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the UK and the US. From today, you can get the free-to-download app from Google Play. It is soon going to launch the app in other markets, including India.
Whatsapp said that its new app will help companies connect with their customers and also make it easier for their huge user base to chat with business organizations that actually matter to them.
With the business app, customers can get helpful information like business description, email or store addresses and website. Also, users will get quick replies to certain common frequently asked questions and greeting messages which introduce a business to a customer.
Once the businesses confirm their account, users will come to know that they are talking to a business account. The app will also provide businesses with certain important statistics like the number of messages read. However, users, in general, do not need to download any other app. They can continue to use Whatsapp as usual. Also, they have complete control over the messages they receive. They can block any business or even report them as spam.
Back in September 2017, when the company first announced the app, it started verifying business accounts as part of its WhatsApp Business pilot program. Verified business accounts were marked with a green checkmark. Whatsapp says that their business app is mainly designed for large businesses with a global customer base – like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks.
In September, it partnered with BookMyShow making it the first Indian online ticketing brand to participate in the WhatsApp business project. Besides BookMyShow, other startups including 1mg also participated in the pilot.
I business app would be of great help to small and medium-sized enterprises. Even though the app will remain free in the long term, the company is planning for a freemium model by charging for additional features in the future. Currently, it is available for only Android, however, the messaging app is planning to launch it on other major platforms too.
