WhatsApp launches business focused app

On Thursday 18 January 2018 WhatsApp announced via its blog that it launching WhatsApp Business, a free-to-download Android app for small businesses.

The 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.

Here’s how:

• 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.

The company highlighted that people can continue using WhatsApp as usual, there’s no need to download anything new. The added that users 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.

The company revealed that WhatsApp Business is available today and free to download on Google Play in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. The app is rolling out around the world in the coming weeks.

Edited by Dean Workman
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