Facebook has introduced a new local business directory in WhatsApp
that will show users a listing of active local business profiles in the app. Users
will be able to view full profiles of businesses, which would include their products,
contact details, and possibly other information.
The new business directory feature is Facebook’s attempt for
promoting eCommerce through WhatsApp, so as to give rise to digital transformation,
especially in developing regions. With billions of users, WhatsApp is becoming
a powerful day-to-day digital tool and is no more just a social media platform.
Digital transformation through WhatsApp has already seen a rise in countries like
India and Indonesia.
Statistics show that more than 175 million people are already in contact with businesses in WhatsApp every day. Therefore, it seems like business discovery could be a successful addition to WhatsApp.
The feature is currently being tested by the social company
in Brazil, where about 93% of the people with access to smartphones use WhatsApp.
As a result, a realistic feedback of the test is likely to be produced.
WhatsApp also clarified that it would not pry on users’
personal information through this feature. It is good that the company chose to
throw light on this matter, considering the latest controversies around its
privacy policy update that was of concern to a lot of people.
While the business discovery feature is not expected to
attract engagement from users in the West, it still seems like a valuable
addition to WhatsApp for promoting connection with businesses into more
markets.
