15 September (Reuters) - According to Reuters, Facebook's messaging service WhatsApp unveiled a new feature on Wednesday that allows users to search for companies within the app for the first time.
The trial, which allows WhatsApp users in So Paulo, Brazil, to discover stores and services through an app directory, is the latest addition in Facebook's push to boost e-commerce on its services.
In an interview last week, Matt Idema, Facebook's vice president of commercial communications, stated, "This may be... the primary method that people start a commerce transaction in WhatsApp."
Thousands of companies in sectors like food, retail, and local services will be included in the latest test, according to WhatsApp, which will take place in key So Paulo areas. India and Indonesia, according to Idema, are strong possibilities for expanding the feature.
The new feature will allow users to touch on ‘Businesses Nearby' in their WhatsApp contact list, which will then display them a list of current local business profiles in the app, as shown in these sample screens.
Users will be able to tap through to read the company's entire profile, which will allow marketers to promote their products as well as facilitate direct interaction.
With WhatsApp already being the dominant messaging network in many places, Facebook has the chance to turn the platform into an eCommerce powerhouse that might propel the digital revolution in emerging countries.
0 Comments