According to Verdict, through the partnership Watford-based small businesses will benefit from free digital tools from WhatsApp and access to the WhatsApp Business app. The initiative comes to facilitate the communication with their customers, while using the platform as a digital storefront to showcase their products and services.
Moreover, the suite of features available through WhatsApp Business include a profile, catalogue, templated responses to standard questions, and a variety of features to organise communications.The WhatsApp High Street initiative was initially rolled out as a pilot programme on Watford’s Market Street, which is known for its independent shops and outlets, with 12 small businesses participating. Other businesses are being encouraged to join the initiative, with WhatsApp keeping its free training open for further participants in Watford.
Overall, the mission of the partnership is to support bricks and mortar small businesses that have been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As for many businesses the solution has been digital, with 82% SMEs embracing digital tools. However, this has been far more challenging for smaller companies, with only 48% of SMEs with less than 10 employees, Verdict stated.
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