WhatsApp is making it easier to learn about the products and services businesses offer with the introduction of catalogs in the WhatsApp Business app.
Catalogs are now available to users of the WhatsApp Business app on both Android and iPhone in Brazil, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the UK, and the US. The catalogs feature will soon be rolling out globally.
Catalogs are a mobile storefront for businesses to showcase and share their goods so people can easily browse and discover something they would like to buy. Previously businesses had to send product photos one at a time and repeatedly provide information — now customers can see their full catalog right within WhatsApp. This allows business owners to look more professional and keeps customers engaged in the chat without having to visit a website.
For each item in its catalog, a business can add information including price, description and product code. WhatsApp hosts these catalogs to save valuable storage space on the phones of both businesses and customers.
WhatsApp launched the WhatsApp Business app in January of 2018. Now more than 5 million businesses use the app. For some small businesses, the app serves as the main method of direct communication with consumers. WhatsApp Business is most popular in emerging markets such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia where over 80% of small businesses in these regions provide customer service through the app.