According to the Meta-owned messaging service, this new feature will allow WhatsApp users to explore companies by categories, such as travel or banking, or search by business name. “This will save people from having to find phone numbers off websites or type a number into their contacts,” the company added.
The company also said that it is partnering with various payment partners so that WhatsApp users are able to purchase products without leaving the company’s interface. This feature is similar to the functionality that the company introduced in India with the launch of the JioMart shopping experience on WhatsApp earlier this year. Now, the company is expanding the reach of this functionality to more countries.
Furthermore, WhatsApp claims that this function is designed to protect people's privacy. In a blog post, the business stated, "What you search for is processed in a way that cannot be connected back to your account."
In terms of availability, WhatsApp stated that this feature would be accessible in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
How to Find Businesses on WhatsApp
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your phone.
Step 2: Tap the Chat icon, then select 'Businesses' from the 'Discover' menu.
Step 3: Choose your location-sharing preferences.
Step 4: To restrict WhatsApp's access to your location data and use it to discover companies in your neighbourhood, press 'Continue' and then 'Allow Once.'
Step 5: Enter the search term for the company you're looking for.
Step 6: You may further narrow your search by touching a filter chip at the top of the list. Businesses may be filtered by category, distance, open status, or catalogue
Step 7: Select a business from the list that displays to examine its business profile.
Step 8: Finally, Click the Chat button to initiate a new conversation with the company.