WhatsApp has introduced a suite of new features designed to support small businesses in India, starting with the ability to sign up for the Meta Verified badge for WhatsApp Business, which enhances credibility and access to advanced tools. A key addition is the customized messaging feature on the WhatsApp Business app, allowing businesses to send tailored messages, including personalized call-to-action buttons and scheduled communications. Additionally, the company is launching the WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, a program offering on-ground, in-person training in tier-2 and tier-3 cities to help businesses set up accounts, create catalogs, and run effective ads. These initiatives collectively aim to boost small business growth and streamline customer interactions.
Meta Verified badge for WhatsApp Business: What it offers
With Meta Verified, small businesses using WhatsApp Business can now enjoy a suite of premium features. Subscriptions for Indian users start at around $8 (approximately ₹639) per month. Once subscribed, businesses receive a verified badge that not only authenticates their account but also protects against impersonation. The badge is visible on WhatsApp Business pages and Channels, making it easier for businesses to share their presence across social media platforms and websites.
Beyond the verification benefits, Meta Verified also provides multi-device support, allowing businesses to manage customer interactions from multiple accounts and devices. This is particularly useful for businesses with teams, as employees can seamlessly use the same WhatsApp Business account to engage with customers. Another premium feature is the ability to create custom WhatsApp pages, which are discoverable on the web, increasing the visibility of small businesses online.
Customized Messages On WhatsApp Business App
In addition to the core benefits of Meta Verified, WhatsApp is introducing a valuable feature for small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app: the ability to send customized messages to their customers. For a fee, businesses can now personalize interactions by sending tailored messages like appointment reminders, birthday greetings, or updates on a holiday sale—all in a faster and more efficient way.
This feature allows businesses to include the customer’s name in the message, creating a more personal touch, and adding customizable call-to-action buttons to direct customers toward specific actions, such as making a purchase or booking an appointment. What’s more, businesses can schedule messages to be sent at specific dates and times, ensuring important communications reach customers exactly when needed.
WhatsApp Business Yatra
WhatsApp is also launching an initiative called WhatsApp Business Yatra to promote its services in tier-2 and tier-3 cities across India. Through this program, WhatsApp aims to provide in-person training to small businesses, helping them effectively use WhatsApp Business for their operations.
As part of this initiative, WhatsApp will guide small businesses through setting up their WhatsApp Business accounts, creating catalogs, and educating them on running ads that click to WhatsApp. These training sessions will provide hands-on learning opportunities to equip businesses with the knowledge to leverage WhatsApp as a tool for growth. Additionally, WhatsApp plans to build a resource center on its website, which will serve as a quick-access tutorial hub, offering essential training materials and resources to help small businesses optimize their use of WhatsApp Business.
Wrapping Up:
For small businesses in India looking to grow their online presence, Meta Verified on WhatsApp business offers an affordable way to build trust, protect their brand, and access advanced features that make customer engagement easier and more effective. As this service becomes more widely adopted, it’s poised to become a crucial tool for businesses aiming to thrive in the digital age.
