WhatsApp Business app launched for small businesses to connect with customers

Instant messaging service provider, WhatsApp Inc., has launched a new app for small businesses to connect and chat with their customers. It is called WhatsApp Business app.

Here are the features of this new 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.

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 Business app is available as from today and free to download on Google Play in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. Only the Android version is available for now. The app is rolling out around the world in the coming weeks. Watch out!