Messaging app WhatsApp has finally rolled out its new WhatsApp Business app in Nigeria. The app which is currently available for Android, is now available for Nigerians to download via the Google Play store . It is compatible with devices running Android 4.0.3 and above. A version with similar features is also expected to be available for iOS devices (iPhone) in the coming future.
WhatsApp had previously announced the app’s arrival and begun verifying business accounts as part of its WhatsApp Business pilot program back in September 2017. Before now, the company has been testing the beta version of WhatsApp Business in select countries which include US, UK, Italy, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Targeted at small businesses, the WhatsApp for Business app allows business owners to connect with their customers and be a part of the messaging platform that has over 1.3 billion users worldwide. Unlike the original WhatsApp app, the business-centric offering allows businesses to create their own Whatsapp business profiles with information such as business description, email, or store addresses, and website.
The app also has features that include whatsapp verified business account listing, labels – for sorting contacts, messaging tools such as quick replies, greeting messages and away messages. Further, there are metrics such as the number of messages sent, delivered, read and WhatsApp Web support to let businesses send and receive messages directly through a computer.
In terms of some major similarities with the original WhatsApp Messenger, the WhatsApp Business app allows businesses to set privacy for their profile photo, about information, and status as well as lets them block any of their contacts and enable read receipts. The app also has a live location feature that helps companies share their live location with their clients and customers.
It addition, the whatsapp business mobile application allows businesses to make voice and video calls. Notably, the app offers end-to-end encryption for all the messages and calls it circulates to restrict any third-party access.
Customers won’t need to install new apps as messages sent from WhatsApp Business will be received on WhatsApp Messenger as usual.
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While several early users of Whatsapp business app in Nigeria said they were impressed, they observed that several important features that small businesses need are still missing such as receiving payments and the possibility of finding potential customers. Well, let’s hope they roll out those features in the nearest future.
Are you using Whatsapp business app? Feel free to share your experience.
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