WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature to make interactions with businesses a seamless affair. The Facebook-owned messaging app on Thursday announced that it is introducing a feature that would let people interact with businesses on WhatsApp using a QR code. WhatsApp had announced that it would announce the QR code feature soon and it did get the feature albeit for business accounts.
WhatsApp in a blog post said as the businesses are limping back to normalcy, they would require simpler tools to expand the reach of their businesses and market it well, therefore the messaging app introduced a tool that would help the business owners get in touch with their customers but will also share their catalogs via links. WhatsApp introduced three new features inclining the QR codes, that would help in starting a new chat, the feature to share catalog link, and a sticker pack for exclusively for businesses.
WhatsApp stated in a press release that as businesses across the world begin to re-open and expand online, they will need simpler ways for their customers to get in touch with them and also let people know about their business and catalog. For this, WhatsApp Business has got three new features – using QR codes to start a chat, the ability to share links for catalogs, and a new sticker pack.
WhatsApp has also revealed that there are now over 50 million WhatsApp Business app users around the world, of which 15 million are Indian.
Starting a chat using QR codes with businesses
Earlier when users came crosses ads of a new shop or store in their locality, they had to add the contact numbers to get in touch with them. But now with WhatsApp’s new feature, buyers can simply scan the QR code that a business displays on its storefront, product packaging, or receipt to start a conversation. “Scanning a QR code will open a chat with an optional pre-populated message created by the business to start the conversation. With the app’s messaging tools, businesses can quickly send back information such as their catalog to get the conversation going,” the blog reads.
Businesses across the globe can access the new feature using the WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp Business API starting today.
Sharing business catalogs as links
WhatsApp makes it simpler for businesses to share the catalogs of their products as links on websites, Facebook, Instagram and anywhere they want. People can share link them with their family and friends simply by copy-pasting the link. Catalog links are available globally.
WhatsApp Business users on Android who want to use QR codes can do so by tapping on More options > Business Tools > Short link > View QR Code. iPhone users can tap on Settings > Business Tools > Short Link > QR Code.
