Introduction
The second edition of Meta's first ever business messaging event took place on 20th September in Mumbai.
There were a lot of interesting announcements with a vision which to transform WhatsApp into an ecosystem than just an app. There are majorly 3 focus areas :-
a. WhatsApp Conversion APIs:-
- These are performance APIs for brands which will make WhatsApp more data driven for so that businesses can tailor their marketing strategies.
- Businesses will also be able to become Meta Verified, which will inform the users that they’re chatting with the right business.
b. WhatsApp Payment:-
- Without leaving WhatsApp, users will be able to complete a purchase using UPI apps, debit and credit cards.
- Users will be able to make payments for their purchases while they are in the app. Meta has partnered with Razorpay and PayU to enable the same.
c. WhatsApp Flow:-
- Users will be able to choose their train seat, order a meal or book an appointment without leaving the app.
- Businesses will be able to create a seamless flow for users with rich menus and customizable forms.
With so many developments bringing in different verticals in the same ecosystem, WhatsApp has set the scene to pioneer conversations for at least the next 5 years.
Message Central who was there at the event says, "WhatsApp flows and WhatsApp payments these are groundbreaking releases from meta which will surely help unlock the next wave of growth in e commerce in India."
While some are calling it a revolution and some think it is the beginning of its end (trying to be a lot of things at the same time), it will be interesting to see how communication landscape will change over the next decade.
