Mumbai, Sept 20: At the annual Conversations event held in Mumbai, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, introduced a series of new features aimed at improving business interactions on WhatsApp. These features are designed to streamline the process of engaging with businesses within the messaging platform.
Faster Chat Experiences with Flows
One of the key highlights of the announcement is the introduction of “Flows.” This feature allows businesses to offer a range of experiences directly within a WhatsApp chat. Whether it’s selecting a train seat, placing a meal order, or booking an appointment, users can now access these services without leaving the chat. Flows enable businesses to create rich menus and customizable forms to cater to various customer needs. This feature is set to roll out on the WhatsApp Business Platform worldwide in the coming weeks.
Meta Verified Businesses on WhatsApp
Meta is also introducing a verification system for businesses on WhatsApp. Businesses that undergo Meta’s authentication process will receive a verified badge, enhanced account support, and protection against impersonation. Additionally, Meta Verified businesses will gain access to premium features, such as the ability to create a custom WhatsApp page for better discoverability through web searches and multi-device support, allowing multiple employees to respond to customer inquiries. Testing for Meta Verified will begin with small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app before expanding to the broader WhatsApp Business Platform.
Mark Zuckerberg, the Founder & CEO of Meta, emphasized the significance of these developments for businesses and customers, highlighting the company’s commitment to improving customer service and enhancing business offerings.
Zuckerberg stated, “We’re excited to continue building great features for businesses to improve the customer service and other offerings they provide to people, and look forward to hearing how these new updates help establish connections, build relationships, and get more done.”
Expanding the Payment Options
Meta is expanding its payment services within WhatsApp, with India being the latest market to receive this feature. This expansion includes support for various payment methods, including all UPI apps, to make it more convenient for users to pay Indian businesses within WhatsApp chats.
Meta Verified for Enhanced Credibility
Meta Verified is also being introduced for businesses on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. This initiative aims to provide users with assurance that the businesses they interact with are legitimate and verified. Subscribing to Meta Verified will grant businesses a verified badge, account support, impersonation protection, and additional features to enhance visibility and credibility.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his enthusiasm for these new developments, particularly in India, a country at the forefront of messaging-based business interactions. He underscored the company’s dedication to innovating and enhancing messaging platforms to meet evolving user needs.
The introduction of Flows, Meta Verified, and expanded payment options within WhatsApp represents Meta’s commitment to improving the business-customer interaction experience on the platform. These developments are expected to have a significant impact on how businesses engage with their customers and how users access services within the messaging app.
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