WhatsApp Business App Launches With Messaging Statistics And Smart Tools

by Shane McGlaun — Thursday, January 18, 2018, 02:21 PM EDT

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Android users that is called WhatsApp Business. The free app is designed to allow small businesses to more easily connect with their customers. WhatsApp also figures that the new app will make it more convenient for the 1.3 billion people around the world that currently use WhatsApp to connect with businesses that matter most to them.

WhatsApp wrote, “People all around the world use WhatsApp to connect with small businesses they care about — from online clothing companies in India to auto parts stores in Brazil. But WhatsApp was built for people and we want to improve the business experience. For example, by making it easier for businesses to respond to customers, separating customer and personal messages, and creating an official presence.”

WhatsApp Business help customers to find information like business descriptions, email and store addresses/websites via Business Profiles. Messaging Tools are integrated to make it faster for businesses to respond to the common questions received from customers. The tools also include greeting messages that can introduce a customer to the business and away messages to let the customer know if the business isn’t available.

WhatsApp Business also gives the business owner Messaging Statistics to allow data to be gathered on the number of messages read and help owners to learn what’s working best for engagement. Businesses can also send and receive messages from the WhatsApp Business interface on a desktop computer.

“People can continue using WhatsApp as usual — there's no need to download anything new," WhatsApp added. "And people will continue to have full control over the messages they receive, with the ability to block any number, including businesses, as well as report spam.”

WhatsApp Business is available for download today on Google Play in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. The app will roll out to other areas in the coming weeks.

Tags: Android, App, WhatsApp

Shane McGlaun

Shane has been into tech since his dad brought home a Pong game when he was a toddler. A passion for gaming led to a passion for PC tech and hardware. That passion was eventually turned into a career writing about cool gadgets, computers, and automotive technology for some of the biggest publications online and in print. Shane also has a passion for the outdoors and when not writing about tech can be found hiking the trails of Colorado whilst keeping an eye open for nefarious rattlesnakes and bears.

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