New Delhi: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a series of new features and initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses in India. The company unveiled these updates at the WhatsApp Business Summit in Mumbai.
One of the key highlights of the event was the full availability of the verified badge for small businesses. This badge acts as a trust marker, helping businesses establish credibility and build stronger relationships with their customers.
In addition to the verified badge, Meta also showcased artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to enhance the messaging experience on WhatsApp Business. These tools will enable businesses to engage more efficiently with their customers and provide better customer service.
To further support small businesses, Meta announced customized messages on the WhatsApp Business app. This feature allows businesses to send personalized messages to their customers, such as appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or sale updates.
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Meta also committed to providing on-ground training to small businesses in tier 2 and 3 cities through its WhatsApp Bharat Yatra initiative. This program will help businesses set up their WhatsApp Business accounts, create catalogs, and learn how to set up effective WhatsApp ads.
Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President of Meta India, emphasized the growing importance of WhatsApp for businesses in India. She noted that the platform’s ease of use has made it a central part of the country’s digital transformation.
WhatsApp showcased several examples of how businesses are already using messaging to engage with their customers. Max Life, for instance, has simplified the experience for non-savvy digital users by offering vernacular chat support. Maruti Suzuki, on the other hand, has tapped into digital-savvy customers through WhatsApp Flows.
Overall, Meta’s new features and initiatives aim to empower small businesses in India and help them thrive in the digital age. By providing tools and resources to build credibility, enhance engagement, and reach new customers, Meta is positioning WhatsApp as a valuable platform for businesses of all sizes.
