WhatsApp has announced the launch of two new features designed to help businesses with an official account on the service keep in touch with customers by scanning a QR code.

Businesses can display the QR code on their storefront, product packaging or receipt, allowing customers to start a chat by scanning the code rather than the previous method of adding the number to their contacts.

“QR codes are a digital front door that make opening a chat with a business as easy as possible,” said the company in a blog post.

WhatsApp is also now letting businesses share their catalogues and individual products as links on websites, Facebook, Instagram and elsewhere through the QR Code feature.

Since launching last year, catalogues have become a popular way for people to engage with a business on WhatsApp, said the company, adding that more than 40 million people already view a business catalogue on WhatsApp every month.

Both of the new features are now available to businesses around the world using the WhatsApp Business app or WhatsApp Business API.

Story via Telecom Paper