Meta added new features and programs to WhatsApp Business app in India to help of the country use businesses WhatsApp to communicate with their customers.
The tech giant shared the news about the messaging and calling app during the first WhatsApp Business Summit in India, Meta said on Thursday (12 September). press release.
“These features and programs, which we’re announcing today, demonstrate our commitment to helping businesses maximize their value per dollar by delivering exceptional customer experiences on WhatsApp.” Sandhya DevanathanMeta’s vice president in India said in the release.
In an update, Meta Verified now available to all eligible small businesses in India who use WhatsApp Business application, according to the notification. Meta Verified provides business with a verified badge, anti-spoofing, account support and premium features that help them promote their brand and engage with customers.
Another new feature Meta is rolling out in India is the ability for small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app to create personalized messages for their customers and schedule when those messages are sent, the release said. Suggested uses for this feature include appointment reminders, birthday wishes AND holiday sales updates.
Meta is also introducing in-person and online training in India to help small businesses make the most of WhatsApp, according to the release. In-person training will be offered in several cities across the country and will show small businesses how to create their own WhatsApp Business accounts, create catalogs AND set up clickable ads on WhatsApp. Online training will be available through a new resource center on the company’s website.
“WhatsApp’s ubiquity and ease of use puts it at the center of India’s transformation, helping businesses drive compelling, innovative ideas growth patterns,” Devanathan said in the release.
India is home to more than 1 billion people, and more than half a billion of them are WhatsApp usersreported PYMNTS in September 2023.
The country’s consumers are also happy with mobile payments. Consumers in India use digital wallets to pay for 55% of retail purchases, according to PYMNTS Intelligence report “Global Digital Shopping Index 2023: India Edition.