WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion users. It is not only a great tool for personal communication, but also for business transactions. It is a product that helps medium and large businesses provide customer support and deliver important notifications to customers.
In this article, we will explore some of the new features that WhatsApp Business has launched recently, and how they can help your business grow. These features include Flows, Payments, and Meta Verified. Let’s take a look at each of them in details.
Table of Contents
Why use WhatsApp Business for Your Business?
WhatsApp Business can help you grow your business in many ways. If you are looking for a way to improve your customer service, reach new customers, and grow your business, WhatsApp Business is a great option to consider. Here are some of the benefits of using for your business:
- Reach more customers: WhatsApp offers a vast user base for direct engagement. Reach potential customers who favor chat over calls or emails. Send notifications, confirmations, reminders, and more.
- Build trust and loyalty: WhatsApp Business enables a credible and professional presence. Customize your discoverable WhatsApp page and infuse personality into messages for personalization.
- Improve customer satisfaction: Also streamlines customer service with quick and easy interactions. Create in-chat menus and forms for seamless actions.
- Increase sales and conversions: It showcases products and services via digital catalogs. Customers can browse and order right on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Business New Features: What You Need to Know
WhatsApp Business is a platform that allows businesses to communicate with their customers and prospects in a fast, simple, and secure way. It has a recently introduced some new features that can help businesses improve their customer service, marketing, and sales. Here are some of the new features that you need to know:
Flows
“Flows” on allows businesses to create interactive menus and forms within chats, enabling customers to take actions seamlessly. For instance, book appointments, place orders, or check-in for flights, all without leaving the conversation. This feature will roll out globally on the WhatsApp Business Platform soon.
Payments
WhatsApp’s “Payments” feature simplifies in-chat purchases. In India, customers can add items to their cart and pay through various methods like UPI apps, debit/credit cards, etc., partnering with Razorpay and PayU. This feature is also available in Brazil and Singapore.
Meta Verified
“Meta Verified” boosts business credibility with badges, support, and impersonation protection. Premium benefits encompass a discoverable WhatsApp page and multi-device support. Testing starts with small businesses on WhatsApp Business app, expanding later to the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Catalogs
WhatsApp Business Catalogs are digital storefronts for showcasing products. They offer easy sharing of info, images, prices, and links. Customers can browse and order directly on WhatsApp. Catalogs can also link with Facebook Shops for broader online presence across Facebook and Instagram.
QR Codes
QR codes on WhatsApp Business link businesses with customers. Display them on websites, social media, packaging, or receipts for easy scanning. Customers scan QR codes with their phones to initiate WhatsApp conversations. QR codes can also share catalogs or message templates with customers.
Message Templates
Message templates are pre-written messages that businesses can use to send notifications, confirmations, reminders, and other types of messages to their customers. Message templates can save time and ensure consistency in communication. Businesses can create their own message templates or use the ones provided by WhatsApp Business.
Stickers
Stickers are expressive images that businesses can use to add personality and emotion to their messages on WhatsApp Business. Stickers can help businesses convey their brand identity, tone of voice, and customer satisfaction. Businesses can create their own stickers or use the ones provided by WhatsApp Business.
Multi-device Support
Multi-device support in WhatsApp Business enables businesses to use it on up to four devices simultaneously, no active internet connection needed on the primary device. Enhance productivity and responsiveness by accessing chats and messages on desktops, laptops, tablets, or phones.
WhatsApp Business Directory
WhatsApp Business Directory connects customers with local businesses. Search by category, location, or name to find profiles, catalogs, and ratings. Initiate chats directly from the directory. Currently in Brazil and India, with plans for global expansion.
WhatsApp Web Beta
WhatsApp Web Beta lets users access WhatsApp Business via web browsers, no downloads needed. Simply scan a QR code with your phone to start. It offers flexibility for businesses to uses on any web browser-enabled device. Limited availability now, expanding soon.
WhatsApp Business API v2.35
WhatsApp Business API v2.35 is the latest interface for business integration. It brings interactive messages, list messages, reply button, media templates, delivery notifications, and more. Enhanced security and performance are also part of this update for businesses on WhatsApp Business.
Insights
WhatsApp Business Insights provides businesses with performance analytics. Metrics include message counts, chat status, catalog activity, payments, and more. Identify trends like peak hours, customer segments, and conversion rates. These insights optimize strategies and enhance customer satisfaction.
How to use WhatsApp Business Effectively?
To use WhatsApp Business effectively, you need to follow some best practices that can help you make the most of its features and benefits. This can help you to build stronger relationships with your customers and increase customer loyalty. Here are some tips effectively:
Set Up Your Business Profile
Your business profile is the first thing that customers see when they open your chat or visit your catalog. Ensure its complete, accurate, and appealing with details like business name, logo, address, website, email, hours, and description. Keep it updated for any changes or new information.
Use Automated Messages and Quick Replies
Automated messages and quick replies are useful features that can help you save time and respond to common questions or requests. Greetings welcome new customers, away messages indicate availability, and quick replies offer concise responses to FAQs. Use keywords or symbols for easy quick reply to activation.
Segment Your Customers and Create Labels
Organize chats and enhance communication by segmenting customers and applying labels. Consider criteria like location, interests, and purchase history. Labels can signify chat status (e.g., new customer, pending payment). Utilize filters for efficient follow-ups.
Provide Customer Support and Feedback
Providing customer support and feedback is one of the main reasons why customers use WhatsApp Business. You should provide prompt and polite customer service that can resolve issues and satisfy customers. You should also ask for feedback and reviews from your customers that can help you improve your products and services.
Promote Your Products and Services
Promoting your products and services is another way to use WhatsApp Business effectively. You should also use QR codes and short links to drive more traffic to your WhatsApp Business account from other channels such as your website, social media, email, etc.
How Can These Features Help Your Business Grow?
As you can see, these new features of WhatsApp Business can help you transform your customer experience and drive better business outcomes. It’s the features can help your business grow in a number of ways. Here are some of the benefits that these features can offer:
- Engage customers with personalized chat experiences: Flows enable tailored, interactive chats matching customer preferences, boosting engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
- Increase sales and conversions with seamless payments: WhatsApp Payments accelerates transactions, driving higher sales and conversions.
- Build trust and credibility with Meta Verified badge: Meta Verified earns your business a trust badge on WhatsApp, enhancing credibility and visibility via web search.
- Reach a global audience: WhatsApp is used by people in over 180 countries, so you can use it to reach customers all over the world.
- Save time and money: WhatsApp Business can help you to save time and money by automating tasks, such as sending out welcome messages and away messages.
Like a WhatsApp business app, WhatsApp also has a personal AI assistant that helps you with various tasks and queries. If you want to know more about this WhatsApp AI-assisted read, How to Use WhatsApp Pi – Personal AI Assistant for WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Download WhatsApp Business?
You can download WhatsApp Business from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for free. You can use WhatsApp Business with a different phone number than your personal WhatsApp.
What are the New Features of WhatsApp Business?
It introduces new features, flows for customized chat experiences, Payments for in-app transactions, and Meta Verified for authenticity badges and benefits.
How Can I Use Flows to Create Chat Experiences for My Customers?
Flows create forms for bookings, orders, check-ins, surveys, and more. Offer personalized, interactive chat experiences tailored to customer preferences.
How Can I Use Payments to Accept Payments from My Customers?
With Payments on WhatsApp, accept payments via UPI apps, cards, and more. Boost sales and conversions by offering discounts, coupons, and rewards to customers who choose WhatsApp for transactions.
How Can I Get Meta Verified on WhatsApp?
Obtain Meta Verification via WhatsApp Business Platform for enhanced support and anti-impersonation measures. Enjoy premium perks like a discoverable custom WhatsApp page and multi-device support.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business is a powerful tool that can help you grow your business by providing customer support and delivering important notifications to customers. It also offers new features that can help you enhance your customer experience and drive better business outcomes. These features include Flows, Payments, and Meta Verified.
By using these features, you can engage your customers with personalized chat experiences, increase your sales and conversions with seamless payments, and build trust and credibility with Meta Verified badge. These features can help you grow your business in the competitive market.
