WhatsApp, a Facebook-owned instant messaging platform will now start charging the businesses for marketing and customer service messages, reports Livemint. According to the publication, the platform will start charging to the firms looking to boost their floppy revenue growth. However, the regular WhatsApp users will not be charged as of now; however, the business users will have to pay for the services. But the prices for the same will vary from country to country. WhatsApp Payment Service to Be Delayed? Facebook Owned Company Needs to First Set Up an Office in India.

Depending upon the country, the company could charge anywhere between 0.5 cents to 9 cents for each message as per the report from Reuters.

WhatsApp wrote in its blog that, “Businesses will pay to send certain messages so they are selective and your chats don't get cluttered. Besides, messages will remain end-to-end encrypted, and you can block any business with the tap of a button.” WhatsApp Group Video Calling, Voice Calling Features Rolling Out on Android & iOS Platforms: All You Need to Know About the New Features.

Moreover, the company has also acknowledged that it will be charging a premium in comparison to the regular SMS charges. In the blog, the company has also highlighted that how people can connect with a business. Fake WhatsApp Messages Being Spread in India by Pakistan Groups; Kerala IT Experts Raise Red Flag Over Major Cyber Intrusion.

Here are some practical ways that businesses can employ for connecting with its customers:-

Requesting necessary info: When essential information such as shipping confirmation or boarding pass details is required, you can provide your mobile number to the business on their site, app or store for sending you information on WhatsApp.

Starting a conversation: A click-to-chat button on a website or Facebook ads can help you with a quick message.

Getting real-time support: Specific companies might offer real-time support on WhatsApp for answering queries about an issue or a product.

WhatsApp Business was rolled in the country earlier this year with an aim to help businesses for communicating better with the customers.

Moreover, the Business version of the platform has over 3 million people globally, and it is the only individual app separate from the other version of the platform that is being by more than 1.5 billion users.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2018 05:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).