At the first WhatsApp Business Summit in India, several features and updates were announced to assist businesses in building a presence, creating engaging in-chat experiences for customers, and driving performance ahead of the festive season.
“The ubiquity and ease of WhatsApp places it at the center of India’s transformation, helping businesses fuel compelling ideas and new models of growth. These features and programs, which we are announcing today, demonstrate our commitment to helping businesses maximize their value per dollar while providing exceptional customer experiences on WhatsApp,” said Sandhya Devanathan, VP at Meta in India.
Meta Verified for Small Businesses
Millions of small businesses use the WhatsApp Business app in India. To help them stand out and build credibility with customers, Meta Verified is now available to all eligible small businesses using the app. Businesses that subscribe will receive a verified badge, impersonation protection, account support, and premium features designed to amplify their brand online and facilitate more efficient customer interactions. The verified badge will also appear on their WhatsApp Channels and Business pages.
Customized Messages
Starting today in India, small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app can send customized messages such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or holiday sale updates. This feature is available for a fee and allows businesses to personalize messages with a customer’s name and customizable call-to-action buttons. They can also schedule when these messages are sent.
WhatsApp Bharat Yatra
To help small businesses maximize the potential of WhatsApp, Meta will soon launch the WhatsApp Business Yatra in India. This initiative will provide on-ground training in various tier 2 & 3 cities. Training will cover setting up WhatsApp Business accounts, creating catalogs, setting up ads that click to WhatsApp, among other topics. Additionally, a resource center will be built on Meta's website as a quick-access tutorial center for these businesses.
Best Practices for Businesses
To prevent overload on users’ WhatsApp channels while fostering meaningful connections between businesses and customers:
- Send messages that customers want and seek permission for each type of message.
- Be thoughtful about when and what messages are sent; ensure relevance is clear.
- Use provided stats like read rates to determine effective messaging frequency.
- Listen to customer feedback regarding message types and frequency preferences.
With these updates and best practices as the festive season begins in India, it is believed that businesses can elevate sales and accelerate growth by leveraging these innovative solutions.
