I have been waiting for this announcement by WhatsApp for quite sometime. The $20 billion WhatsApp is completely free for users and ad free. That puts a lot of pressure on the organization to monetize their app. And rolling out a 'freemium' model or an application for business was the most obvious way of monetizing the WhatsApp.
As one of the mostly used and common mobile app, WhatsApp for Business for sure opens new avenues for business and can become an important channel for Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. So do consider it if you have a business!
On the other side, I hope that the new feature does not spoil the existing WhatsApp experience with a lot of WhatsApp Business pings and calls.
Below are the excerpts from WhatsApp blog:
People all around the world use WhatsApp to connect with small businesses they care about — from online clothing companies in India to auto parts stores in Brazil. But WhatsApp was built for people and we want to improve the business experience. For example, by making it easier for businesses to respond to customers, separating customer and personal messages, and creating an official presence.
So today we're launching WhatsApp Business — a free-to-download Android app for small businesses. Our new app will make it easier for companies to connect with customers, and more convenient for our 1.3 billion users to chat with businesses that matter to them. Here's how:
Business Profiles: Help customers with useful information such as a business description, email or store addresses, and website.
Messaging Tools: Save time with smart messaging tools — quick replies that provide fast answers to frequently asked questions, greeting messages that introduce customers to your business, and away messages that let them know you're busy.
Messaging Statistics: Review simple metrics like the number of messages read to see what's working.
WhatsApp Web: Send and receive messages with WhatsApp Business on your desktop.
Account Type: People will know that they're talking to a business because you will be listed as a Business Account. Over time, some businesses will have Confirmed Accounts once it’s been confirmed that the account phone number matches the business phone number.
People can continue using WhatsApp as usual — there's no need to download anything new. And people will continue to have full control over the messages they receive, with the ability to block any number, including businesses, as well as report spam.
Over 80% of small businesses in India and Brazil say WhatsApp helps them both communicate with customers and grow their business today (Source: Morning Consult study). And WhatsApp Business will make it easier for people to connect with them, and vice versa, in a fast and simple way.
WhatsApp Business is available today and free to download on Google Play in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S. The app is rolling out around the world in the coming weeks. This is just the beginning!
Source: https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000637/Introducing-the-WhatsApp-Business-App