WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It is also a powerful tool for businesses, as it allows them to communicate with their customers, offer customer service, and even sell products directly through the app. But what are the new features that WhatsApp is planning to launch in 2023, and how will they impact your business? In this blog post, we will explore some of the upcoming WhatsApp features that you should know about, and how you can use them to grow your business and improve your customer experience.

Companion mode

Companion mode is a feature that will allow you to use your WhatsApp account on multiple devices simultaneously, without needing your phone to be connected to the internet. This means you can access your WhatsApp chats and calls on your laptop, tablet, or desktop, even if your phone is switched off or out of battery. This will make it easier for you to manage your business communications on different platforms, and also improve your security and privacy. For example, you can use companion mode to:

• Respond to your customers faster and more efficiently, without having to switch between devices or worry about your phone's battery life.
• Keep your chats and calls secure, as they will not be stored on any device other than your phone. You can also lock your chats with a password or fingerprint on any device.
• Access other features such as screen sharing or chat while on a call, which can enhance your communication and collaboration with your customers.

Business directory

WhatsApp is also working on a business directory feature, which will let users discover and contact local businesses within the app. Users will be able to search for businesses by category, location, or name, and see their profile, ratings, reviews, and catalog. This will help businesses reach more potential customers, and also increase their visibility and credibility. For example, you can use the business directory feature to:

• Showcase your products or services in an attractive and organized way, using photos, videos, descriptions, and prices.
• Get more exposure and referrals from your existing customers, who can rate and review your business, and share your profile with their contacts.
• Connect with new customers who are looking for businesses like yours in their area, and start a conversation with them directly from the app.

View once text

View once text is a feature that will let you send text messages that disappear after the recipient opens them. This is similar to the view once feature for photos and videos that WhatsApp already has. This feature can be useful for businesses that want to send sensitive or confidential information to their customers, such as passwords, verification codes, or receipts. For example, you can use view once text to:

• Protect your customers' privacy and security, by ensuring that their personal or financial information is not stored or shared by anyone else.
• Provide a better customer service experience, by sending timely and relevant information that your customers need at that moment.
• Save space and bandwidth on your customers' devices, by avoiding cluttering their chat history with unnecessary messages.

Screen sharing

Screen sharing is a feature that will let you share your phone's screen during a WhatsApp video call. This can be helpful for businesses that want to demonstrate their products or services, troubleshoot issues, or provide training or guidance to their customers. For example, you can use screen sharing to:

• Show your customers how to use your product or service, by walking them through the features and functions on your screen.
• Solve your customers' problems faster and more effectively, by seeing what they see on their screen and guiding them step by step.
• Educate your customers about your product or service, by sharing presentations, documents, or videos on your screen.

HD photos

HD photos is a feature that will let you send high-quality photos to your contacts, without any compression or loss of quality. This feature can be beneficial for businesses that want to showcase their products or services in the best possible way, and also impress their customers with their professionalism and attention to detail. For example, you can use HD photos to:

• Display your products or services in high resolution and clarity, which can attract more customers and increase conversions.
• Enhance your brand image and reputation, by showing that you care about quality and customer satisfaction.
• Create a stronger connection with your customers, by sending them personalized and memorable photos of your product or service.

Voice status

Voice status is a feature that will let you post voice messages as your status updates. This can be a fun and engaging way for businesses to communicate with their customers, and also express their personality and brand voice. You can use voice status to share updates, tips, offers, testimonials, or anything else that you want your customers to hear. For example, you can use voice status to:

• Stand out from the crowd and grab your customers' attention, by using a unique and creative way of communicating.
• Build trust and loyalty with your customers, by letting them hear your voice and tone, which can convey more emotion and authenticity than text.
• Encourage your customers to interact with you, by asking them questions, inviting them to share their feedback, or offering them incentives.

Call tab on WhatsApp desktop

Call tab on WhatsApp desktop is a feature that will let you make and receive voice and video calls on your computer, using the WhatsApp desktop app. This will make it more convenient for you to handle your business calls on a bigger screen, and also use other features such as screen sharing or chat while on a call. For example, you can use the call tab on WhatsApp desktop to:

• Improve your productivity and efficiency, by multitasking and managing your calls and chats from one place.
• Enhance your communication and collaboration with your customers, by using a larger and clearer display and audio quality.
• Save time and money, by avoiding the need to use other apps or devices for your business calls.

These are some of the new features that WhatsApp is planning to launch in 2023, which can have a positive impact on your business. By using these features wisely, you can enhance your customer experience, increase your sales, and grow your brand awareness.

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