WhatsApp just released an exciting new feature allowing customers to find businesses and start conversations with trusted API accounts.
Each month the usage of WhatsApp globally is growing rapidly. Now, with over 2bln active users, Meta is focused on investing in the product as users demand more and more features to be available.
Right now, many people use WhatsApp to shop and want a convenient way to quickly find the businesses they're looking for among the millions of small businesses and tens of thousands of brands already on WhatsApp.
With the introduction of the new Business Seach feature, users don't have to leave the app to find the store there are looking for, allowing them to find and chat with businesses locally.
WhatsApp now lets you search for businesses (those using the Business Platform API) by categories – such as travel or banking – or search by name to find them. The feature is initially available in the UK, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil and will expand over time.
Users can simply type the name of a business they want to contact and see one or many business results. e.g., by typing 'american' - American Express would display along with some local businesses.
Tapping on a result opens a chat view where users can send messages.
How to make sure you're visible on WhatsApp Business Seach
You can manage search visibility directly from your WhatsApp Business Manager, where you can toggle the visibility per each WhatsApp number associated with your WhatsApp accounts.
Quick tips on how to be found on WhatsApp Business Seach
The key first step is to consider how your brand shows up in search results, meaning how you'd look for your business if you've never heard of it. Think about your business presence to make it more appealing for consumers to get in touch by making your account visible with a brand-oriented display name.
The next step is ensuring you have a unique account display name. Do some research and find out if other businesses use the same name or keywords and adjust if needed. You're aiming to be searchable and avoid a confusing experience for your potential customers. Also, please remember that duplicated display names will not be displayed.
Last but not least, if you're using Greeting messages or Template messages on WhatsApp, make use to reflect the purpose of your account in those early messages. You want to ensure your customers that they found exactly the place they were looking for right from the first message they see.
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