WhatsApp Business crosses 200 million monthly users mark, introduces new ad features

Meta has revealed that WhatsApp Business, its messaging app designed specifically for small businesses now has more than 200 million monthly active users. 

This is a four-fold jump from 2020 when the platform had 200 users, chief Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday.

As it made this announcement, Meta also revealed that it is adding new features to the platform, Starting today, the company notes that WhatsApp Business users will be able to create “click-to-WhatsApp” ads without a Facebook account. 

Previously, users were required to have a Facebook account to run ads. Meta now says small businesses across the world that run their entire operation on WhatsApp will now be able to create, purchase and publish a Facebook or Instagram ad directly within the WhatsApp Business app

‘’That means no Facebook account required – all businesses need to get started is an email address and form of payment. When people click on an ad, it opens a chat on WhatsApp so they can ask questions, browse products and make a purchase’’. The company says in a blog post.

It adds that these ads are one of the most powerful ways to drive potential customers to message them on WhatsApp and this will open new opportunities for WhatsApp-only small businesses that need a simpler way to get started with advertising. 

Meta is is also planning to roll out a new feature within the WhatsApp Business where small businesses will have the option to send personalized messages to their customers – like appointment reminders, birthday greetings or even updates on a holiday sale – in a faster and more efficient way. 

‘’The new feature will give businesses the ability to send personal messages with the customer’s name and customizable call-to-action buttons to specific customer lists such as those with a select label (like “VIP customers” or “new customers”), schedule the day and time the messages are sent and then see what’s working. ‘’ it says. 

Meta will however offer this advanced, optional type of message for a fee in the WhatsApp Business app.