The business version of WhatsApp received a new update this week that includes a pretty useful feature – catalogs.
WhatsApp Business was released for iOS on April 6th this year and is designed to make it much easier for business owners to communicate with their customers. The Facebook subsidiary released an update this week that includes a new feature called “Catalogs”. The company writes on its own blog:
"People love chatting with their favorite businesses on WhatsApp. However, having to exchange multiple messages and photos to get information about products can be a hassle. Today, we want to make it easier to learn about the products and services a business has to offer by introducing Catalogs in the WhatsApp Business app."
WhatsApp Business users can now create a catalog directly in the app and make it available to all customers. Specifically, products or services can be created with a suitable image. Fields for a description, a link and a product or service code have also been integrated.
Currently only available in seven countries
"Catalogs are mobile shop windows where companies can present and share their goods. Interested people can easily browse through them and find something they want to buy. In the past, companies had to send product photos and the same information over and over again. Now customers can view the entire catalog directly in WhatsApp. This way, business owners appear more professional and can interest customers in something in the chat without having to refer them to a website." – explains WhatsApp in its own blog.
According to the company, the new feature is currently in Brazil, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Great Britain and the USA. Other markets are to follow "soon" - according to the Facebook subsidiary. The feature is only available in the WhatsApp Business app for iOS and Android. Catalogs can be set up via the WhatsApp settings in the "Company Settings" section. (Photo by Faizal Ramli / Bigstockphoto)
