WhatsApp officially introduces Business App for small businesses

WhatsApp today officially announced the WhatsApp Business app for small businesses in select markets, including Mexico, Indonesia, Italy, U.K. and the U.S. The free-to-download Android app for small businesses is designed to make it easier for companies to connect with customers and vice versa. WhatsApp Business app has some exclusive features to help companies and small firms to create an official presence on the worldwide messaging service.

It is worth mentioning that the app is only available on Android for now and WhatsApp hasn't specified any precise date for the release on iOS platform. The company has only said that WhatsApp Business is rolling out around the world in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, you can have a look on the new features of WhatsApp Business app:
Business Profiles: Help customers with useful information such as a business description, email or store addresses, and website.

Messaging Tools: Save time with smart messaging tools - quick replies that provide fast answers to frequently asked questions, greeting messages that introduce customers to your business, and away messages that let them know you're busy.

Messaging Statistics: Review simple metrics like the number of messages read to see what's working.

WhatsApp Web: Send and receive messages with WhatsApp Business on your desktop.

Account Type: People will know that they're talking to a business because you will be listed as a Business Account. Over time, some businesses will have Confirmed Accounts once it's been confirmed that the account phone number matches the business phone number.

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WhatsApp on company's blog mentioned, 'People can continue using WhatsApp as usual - there's no need to download anything new. And people will continue to have full control over the messages they receive, with the ability to block any number, including businesses, as well as report spam'.

WhatsApp also highlighted that the app was built for people and the company wants to improve the business experience. The business version of the app will make it easier for businesses to respond to customers, separating customer and personal messages, and creating an official presence.

The business version of WhatsApp can prove quite beneficial for small businesses around the globe. Firms would have the opportunity to set up their WhatsApp Business profiles on the new app by filling out important information like a business description, email, address and website, etc. This will make it easy for small firms to reach out to their customers on a bigger landscape.

Source: WhatsApp Blog