WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has launched a new feature that will allow users to connect with brands and make purchases directly within the app. The “Business Search” feature is intended to help users “find, message, and buy” from businesses on WhatsApp.
According to the company, its employees are currently in Brazil discussing how to make the entire purchasing process happen instantly on its Chat service. WhatsApp launched the first end-to-end shopping experience on WhatsApp with JioMart in India in August of this year.
Find a business
With this update, users can now find businesses from within WhatsApp. They can search for businesses by name or by category, like “travel” or “banking.”
This reduces the need for people to look up phone numbers on websites or type them in by hand. It also mentions that the company has designed its search to protect the privacy of its users. What you search for is processed in such a way that it cannot be linked to your account.
Message
As more businesses begin to use WhatsApp, the company says its first priority is to ensure that people have control over their own conversations. It is critical that both WhatsApp and the people and businesses who rely on us get this right. Some of the newest businesses to join WhatsApp help people open bank accounts, buy subway tickets, and order groceries.
Buy
According to the company, users should be able to make secure credit or debit card payments via conversation.It is also advised to conduct tests with various payment partners in Brazil. This frictionless checkout experience will revolutionise how people and businesses buy and sell on WhatsApp without having to visit a website, open another app, or pay in person.
Availability
To begin, the feature is being rolled out in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, where people can find businesses using our WhatsApp Business Platform. Furthermore, the search feature will assist Brazilians in locating small businesses.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, Meta, announced the feature
Users can now search for businesses using our WhatsApp Business Platform right on WhatsApp, either by browsing a list of categories – like travel or banking – or by typing the name. We think search will make it way easier for people and businesses to get in touch on WhatsApp, and we’re looking forward to making it better and available in more countries over time!
