WhatsApp testing in-app enterprise directory feature to brings shops, services information to customers

Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp is testing a new feature that would allow customers to search for enterprises inside the app, Reuters reported.

The feature would let WhatsApp customers search for services and shops via an in-app directory and is the company’s newest work to bolster its e-commerce supplying. The test is becoming carried out in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Facebook Vice President of Business Messaging Matt Idema stated this new feature could be the major way that men and women start a commerce procedure on the app.

Unlike Instagram and Facebook, WhatsApp does not run ads on the app. Idema stated enterprises have been earlier restricted to advertising their WhatsApp numbers via Facebook advertisements, sites or packaging.

We’re kicking this off in São Paulo which is home to millions of tiny enterprises. For these who are not in São Paulo to attempt it out, here’s what it appears like: pic.twitter.com/cMu9DwlUYw

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) September 15, 2021

WhatsApp has increasingly moved to court enterprise customers in current years. It has a specialised app for tiny businesses and an API for bigger enterprises.

As on line purchasing witnessed a boom throughout the pandemic, the social media giant has pushed in-app purchases on its platforms. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in June that the Shops feature would be expanded to WhatsApp in a couple of nations. WhatsApp itself has launched purchasing tools such as purchasing carts and solution catalogues in current years.

WhatsApp will involve thousands of enterprises across categories such as retail, meals, and regional services in particular São Paulo neighbourhoods in the test. According to Idema, Indonesia and India have been excellent next candidates for the feature to be expanded in the future.

The corporation has lately faced backlash from customers amid confusion more than its privacy policy updates. It was also slapped a fine by the Irish information protection regulator following breaches of privacy. In order to assuage these issues, WhatsApp stated it would not know or shop the place search or outcomes.

Idema also refused to rule out the possibility of introducing in-app advertisements in WhatsApp in the future.

Originally appeared on: TheSpuzz