WhatsApp has just added a Shopping button on its platform, where users can easily check a business’s catalog. Previously, users are supposed to check the catalog by clicking on the profile.
This was announced last month and appeared only if the business has added any products to its catalog. This addition is aimed at making WhatsApp a one-stop-shop for purchasing products online.
Checking Catalog With a Single Click
Facebook wants WhatsApp to become a one-stop-shop for purchasing goods online. While the parent company has tried and failed, it can easily attain success with its subsidiary messenger.
After all, WhatsApp has just announced its native payment system in India; it’s the largest market by user base with over 400 million users.
It added a dedicated button to browse the product catalog of businesses, hoping to increase their sales. According to WhatsApp, about 170 million users interact with a business account daily, and about 40 million people check the catalog every month. Thus, adding a dedicated button to bring that product a step closer is justified.
WhatsApp said this feature will be available throughout the world and will be set in the voice call button’s place. This moves both the voice call and video call to a call button, tapping, which shows you the options to choose one. Tapping will directly open the product catalog (if set), which would otherwise be looked at within the profile.
If you’re a business wanted more reach through this feature, make sure you add your products to the catalog. This can be done by going to Settings > Business Tools > Catalog and tap on the “+” icon at the bottom.
You’ll have an option to add photos of the products from your gallery or camera. Also, make sure you mention the product in its description and add a price (optional) to it.
If you’re a user, open any business account chat and check at the top beside the contact’s name. You’ll be seeing a storefront icon if that business has added any products to its catalog.
While running on the latest version of the app is necessary, it may not need users to update the app now since it shows up just like that. Thus, it could be a server-side update.
