Meta has expanded some of the features and functionality of messaging app WhatsApp in their efforts to maximize the apps business opportunities, with Click-to-Message ads and other direct connection resources.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has officially announced a new update that will enable WhatsApp users to search for businesses, filtered by both category and/or name, directly within the WhatsApp UI.
“We’ve built business search in a way that preserves people’s privacy” the company said. “What you search for is processed in a way that cannot be linked back to your account. To start, we’re bringing the ability to search for a business to Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and the UK where people can find companies using our WhatsApp Business Platform. In Brazil, search will help people find small businesses as well.”
Meta also stated that it was expanding WhatsApp payments:
“Ultimately we want people to be able to make a secure payment right from a chat with their credit or debit card. We recently launched this experience in India, and we’re excited to now be testing this in Brazil with multiple payment partners. This seamless checkout experience will be a game-changer for people and businesses looking to buy and sell on WhatsApp without having to go to a website, open another app or pay in person.”
