How will WhatsApp’s new app help small businesses?

The global communications brand, which boasts an average of 1.3 billion active monthly users, has recently announced the release of its new business-focused app. The new product aims to provide a more streamlined web of communication for small businesses around the globe. After revealing breadcrumbs of information for the last year, the company has finally released WhatsApp Business along with a detailed list of all its features. Here’s a look at what business owners can expect from the new app.

The key focus of developers was to utilise the same streamlined communication features that users of WhatsApp have become accustomed to but apply them to an interface designed for business owners and professionals. The new app allows users that have a personal number and a business number to use both simultaneously from the same device. This is just one of the new features that will help businesses improve communication.

Business profiles

One of the key features of WhatsApp Business is the ability for companies to create unique profiles. Much like the profiles found on Google, these will provide customers with all of the essential information about the business such as location, contact details and web address.

Smart messaging

In order to help companies engage with more consumers even when no one is available, the new app will feature smart messaging features that will send out replies automatically. Greeting messages will provide new customers with essential information and automatic replies will inform them when a brand is unavailable.

Message analytics

The new app will include basic analytics features, allowing companies to see the level of messages being read and what specific content is being best received. The depth of the analysis seems to be relatively shallow so far but it’s expected that WhatsApp will roll out more intricate analytics further down the line.

Company groups

The ability to make groups on WhatsApp has been one of the app’s most popular features and it will carry over to the business version. Companies will be able to make closed groups in which staff can contact each other quickly and seamlessly without having to go through several channels of communication.

As of now, the WhatsApp Business app is available for Android but no iOS release dates have been confirmed. The app has already been used in countries like Brazil and India, with research showing that 80% of small businesses reported increased growth. While there are sure to be a few teething problems, the new app offers a range of benefits for small companies and startups.