WhatsApp, the application widely renowned for its communication services, is now much more than just that.
After being acquired by Facebook in 2014, has now become a tool for commercial and engagement purposes as well. WhatsApp Business is being used by entrepreneurs and small businesses as another platform/channel for brand building, customer interaction and intelligence, and revenue opportunities as well.
Today’s consumers and businesses are always on the move and prefer mobility. WhatsApp now offers exactly that. Here are some features that explain that:
- Creating product catalogs
WhatsApp Business, introduced by Facebook in 2019, works as a substitute version of a ‘real web presence’. Here, you can create product catalogs that can be made available for the customers to browse through.
It is a more simple and easier user experience. Different content and images can also be uploaded on these catalogues based on target audiences. Customers find it easier to use this platform to shop on and in turn can also promote the same amongst their social circles. This in turn promotes brand image and widens the reach.
- Being able to order products
In addition to creating catalogs for customers to browse through, WhatsApp also gives you the option of placing orders. Similar to shopping sites, customers can also just place an order with the click of a button and ‘add to cart’.
This feature was added in 2020 and more payment tools are to be added in 2021.
The added benefit is that the entire shopping process can be completed within the messaging window of this app, hence creating a better user experience.
- Customer Support and Communication
With these features, the concept of ‘conversational commerce’ is being emphasized by WhatsApp.
Companies use interactive media to communicate with customers. WhatsApp is now being used for the same, with added benefits. WhatsApp allows customers the option of being in control of the whole process of communication. Whether they choose to have it over a phone call or messages. This gives them a sense of security and comfort.
Amongst other features, it provides the option of ways to start the conversations between customers and businesses or services. This helps maintain a good relationship and builds loyalty.
- WhatsApp API
WhatsApp API is a paid version of WhatsApp business, designed for larger business-related communications and transactions.
The additional features of this version are –
- Being part of Facebook, it integrates with the Facebook Advertising Tools
- Allows desired target audience to contact the brand directly.
- Paid advertisements on social media
- API gives you more data about your audience allowing you to manage content for promotional and marketing activities.
Being an API, it can integrate with larger third-party organizations and therefore extend their businesses.
- Exploring new territories
The very simple commerce infrastructure helps businesses and entrepreneurs cover new territories and market segments.
It is cost-effective and ideal for small businesses and start-ups. This helps them take the risk of exploring new target segments for their products and services.
Being an online interface, it is much more preferred by customers, and covers all services; from deliveries to retail as well.
While these are some of the features to know about, an added benefit for entrepreneurs and businesses in this segment is that, conducting business and communicating via WhatsApp helps with the internal growth of a company.
How? Using WhatsApp instead of emails and other tools for communicating business strategies, is much simpler and helps the team stay connected and grow internally.
An example of this would be having groups of your marketing teams or sales teams, making it easier to communicate and more accessible.
There is a hacking application for WhatsApp which is considered risky for the users. However, WhatsApp has always been a very powerful communication tool. With all its added features it has now become a platform for businesses to use and grow. Its simplicity is one of the main reasons as to why it has become widely popular.
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