Apart from connecting with the loved ones and friends by chatting on WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform has now also become an interesting source to connect with multiple businesses. But, till now having to exchange multiple messages and photos to get product information was a very tedious task. And to make it easier for people to connect with businesses and services they offer, the company has introduced new catalogs feature in the WhatsApp Business app.
What are catalogs?
Catalogs act as a mobile storefront for businesses wherein they can showcase and share their goods so people can easily browse and discover something they would like to buy. The new catalogs feature will allow consumers to see a full product portfolio within WhatsApp instead of requiring businesses to send product photos one at a time and repeatedly provide information. The whole idea behind catalogs is to push entrepreneurs by making them look more professional, which in result will keep customers engaged in the chat without having to visit a website.
Here’s how catalogs will connect businesses with customers
With the new catalogs feature, budding entrepreneurs can showcase various images of their products along with the related information by which consumers can browse through. Previously, product catalogs feature on WhatsApp allowed small businesses to showcase products in a single place.
The updated catalogs features are now rolled out for WhatsApp Business app on both Android and iOS in countries including India, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Britain, and the US.
The catalogs feature makes it easier for customers to learn about products, know the prices and view the images of what the businesses have to offer — which is essential oil to serve customers better. And for each item in a business catalog, entrepreneurs can add information including price, description and product code. And to save you on storage, WhatsApp hosts these catalogs.
Watch this video to know more about how to create a catalog
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In India, WhatsApp has over 400 million users and the company is expected to soon launch WhatsApp Pay. Other big tech giants including Google has already launched their payment platform Google Pay in India. Once launched, WhatsApp will join the league of PhonePe, and Paytm that are already offering UPI-based payment transactions.
However, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on its earning call said that despite the data compliance issues from the Indian government, the company has completed testing WhatsApp Pay with over a million people in the country and the service will now be launched soon. Additionally, one of the big four consultancies is also reported to be conducting an audit on the security compliance of WhatsApp Pay.
‘We’re very optimistic that we’re going to be able to launch to everyone in India soon but, of course, will share more news when we have that,’ Zuckerberg said.