WhatsApp would be moving closer and closer to the e-commerce world, so much so that it would offer users the ability to search (and find) businesses without leaving the App. This would be a new function, a kind of super modern ‘Yellow Pages‘ for contacting companies and thus skipping many steps. Several sales sectors will be available, including food, retail, and local services. As a result of this development, will we begin to see announcements within the popular messaging app as well?
“There is definitely a path on ads, Facebook’s main business model, which in the long run I think, one way or another, could be part of WhatsApp’s business model,” said Idema Matthew, chief operating officer of Whatsapp .
Therefore, it would not be excluded that in the future there could be ads on Whatsapp as well as on Facebook and Instagram, since sponsorships have always been the business model of the Apps of ‘the Zuckerberg house’.
For months now, a shop channel has been added to WhatsApp Business with the ability to list products for sale from one’s business in the catalog. In addition, it is currently even possible to make purchases within the App, implementing quick responses and automatic messages, just like within a ‘mini’ online store.
“I am thrilled – Will Cathcart wrote on Twitter, Head of Whatsapp at Facebook – that we are starting to pilot a local business directory within WhatsApp. This will help find and contact local businesses, such as the neighborhood coffee shop, florist, clothing store and more.”
