WhatsApp Introduces Innovative Tools For Businesses: Meta Verified, Flows & Simple Payments

WhatsApp has announced a slew of new business-centric features coming to the app during the WhatsApp Conversations event, including Flows, easier purchasing, and Meta Verified for Businesses.

WhatsApp claims that 1 billion users visit businesses every week on WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram Direct. Whether it’s inquiring from brands, browsing product catalogs, seeking support or interacting with stories, this is one of the reasons why we’re witnessing a growing emphasis on developing the business side of the platform.

What is WhatsApp Flows?

The Flows feature, according to WhatsApp, enables a “richer in-chat” experience, enabling better experiences with activities such as booking a train seat, ordering a meal or making an appointment – without ever having to leave the chat.

In addition, WhatsApp claims that companies can choose from a variety of “flexible, ready-made building blocks” to create customized and meaningful experiences for their customers. The feature is expected to roll out to WhatsApp business users in the coming weeks.

Meta Verified for businesses

Earlier this year, Meta introduced the option to get verified on Instagram and Facebook for individual users for a monthly fee. Now it brings similar functionality to businesses on WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. They can subscribe to the service by paying a monthly fee, which entitles them to a verified ID, account support, impersonation protection and other premium features. It will first roll out to Facebook and Instagram businesses in select countries in the coming weeks, and will later trickle down to WhatsApp as well.

WhatsApp payment to merchant

WhatsApp expands its payments service to all WhatsApp Business users in India. The popular chat app now makes it easier to make purchases directly in WhatsApp chat. “Starting today, people in India can add items to cart and send payment via their choice of all supported UPI apps, debit and credit cards and more,” WhatsApp said. It added: “We’re excited to work with partners Razorpay and PayU to make paying as simple as sending a message.”