In a groundbreaking announcement at Meta’s second annual Conversations conference in Mumbai, WhatsApp has unveiled a suite of game-changing features tailored for businesses in India. These innovations are set to redefine customer interactions and enhance the business landscape in the country.
Flows: Crafting Customized Chat Experiences
One of the standout features, ‘Flows,’ empowers businesses to create tailor-made chat experiences for their customers. This means customers can now perform various actions seamlessly within the chat interface without the need to navigate away. For instance, banks can enable customers to book appointments for opening new accounts, food delivery services can facilitate orders from an array of partner restaurants, and airlines can streamline check-in processes and seat selection. The rollout of Flows is imminent for businesses worldwide utilizing the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Payments: Simplifying Transactions within Chat
WhatsApp has introduced ‘Payments,’ a feature designed to streamline the purchase process directly within chats. Customers in India can conveniently add items to their cart and make payments using their preferred method, including supported UPI apps, debit and credit cards, and more. Collaborating with payment partners Razorpay and PayU, WhatsApp is transforming the act of sending a message into a seamless transaction. Payments are already active in Brazil and Singapore and are poised to revolutionize the Indian business landscape.
Meta Verified: Ensuring Trust and Authenticity
Building trust in online interactions is paramount, and WhatsApp’s ‘Meta Verified’ feature is a game-changer in this regard. This feature allows businesses to obtain verification from Meta, assuring customers that they are communicating with a legitimate entity. To attain Meta Verified status, businesses must demonstrate their authenticity to Meta, in return receiving a verified badge, enhanced account support, and protection against impersonation. This prestigious status also unlocks premium features, including the creation of a customized WhatsApp page easily discoverable through web searches, and multi-device support, enabling multiple employees to respond to customer inquiries. Meta Verified will undergo testing with small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app before being introduced to businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform soon.
WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing business communication in India is evident through these groundbreaking features. With Flows, Payments, and Meta Verified, the platform is poised to transform the way businesses interact with their customers, fostering trust, convenience, and seamless transactions in the digital realm.
