A new feature will let business owners start creating “click-to-WhatsApp” ads that will run on Facebook and Instagram straight from the WhatsApp Business app.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said there are now 1 million businesses using those “click to WhatsApp” ads.
It’s also launching a new feature: business users will now be able to start creating such advertisements directly from the WhatsApp Business app, which wasn’t possible before, making the ad buying process more seamless.
The new feature makes use of the WhatsApp Business “catalogues” — basically virtual storefronts or menu on a businesses’ profile where customers can view their offerings. Business users will now be able to select an item from their catalogue and quickly turn it into a Facebook or Instagram ad with a button directing viewers back to their WhatsApp profile.
Previously, business owners had to go to Facebook or Instagram to initiate the ad buying process.
“For a lot of people, online commerce is less about websites and shops, and more about messaging,” Zuckerberg said. “The next step is to make it easier for businesses to adopt all these services and to give them the tools that can handle messages and customer relationships.”