WhatsApp Business was made official for Android users and is targeted at businesses. The new app from WhatsApp is basically targeted to give businesses a presence on the messaging app and let them communicate more efficiently with customers, and help grow their business. But, will this change anything for regular users? Not really.
The company announcing the new Business app stressed that people can continue using WhatsApp as usual and there's no need to download anything new. It added that 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.
What is WhatsApp Business app? Do I need to download and install it?
WhatsApp Business app is meant for small businesses so unless you own one, this might be of no use to you. For instance, if you run a small online clothing company or have a local grocery store or bakery, then WhatsApp Business app can then help you connect more efficiently with your customers. For those of you who prefer WhatsApp for sending pictures and good morning messages, then the current version of the app is good enough.
What features will WhatsApp Business app offer?
WhatsApp Business app plans to make it simpler for smaller businesses to connect with the customers. Some features of the WhatsApp Business App will be as follows. First is Business Profiles, which can help customers with useful information such as a business description, email or store addresses, and website. So an SMB will be able to create their profile, which will be highlighted to regular users on WhatsApp.
Second is messaging tools, where WhatsApp will offer smart messaging tools like quick replies, etc. to help provide fast answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). There will also be greeting messages for customers and away messages as well.
So what will WhatsApp charge for this Business app?
Nothing. For now, the WhatsApp Business app is free for all SMEs. However, WhatsApp has indicated in the past that it could look at monetising services by charging larger enterprises. Remember WhatsApp is also partnering with bigger firms and enterprises to bring more services straight to the app. Players like Netflix, BookMyShow, MakeMyTrip, etc are all partnering with WhatsApp. The latter two are already sending messages, alerts, etc to customers on WhatsApp itself, rather than relying on SMS.
What about me as a user? I do not want to talk to these businesses. Can I block them?
WhatsApp says users will have “full control over the messages they receive”. If you do not wish to receive messages from any number, you can still block it and this applies to businesses as well. If a business starts spamming you on WhatsApp, there will also be the option of reporting spam.
So what is the need for a whatsapp Business app?
Well, it can open up revenue possibilities for WhatsApp, which has over 1.3 billion users in the world. Remember WhatsApp is free and has no ads on the service, so it will need to look at new ways of monetising the app. Also, WhatsApp says, in countries like India and Brazil, over 80 per cent of small businesses are using their app to connect with customers.
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