Last year, Facebook purchased Whatsapp, an acquisition that baffled many. Whatsapp, a messaging service, didn’t seem to provide Facebook with much strategic value. But according to recent reports, Facebook might begin to allow businesses to contact Whatsapp users. Finally, we’re learning Facebook’s method to its madness.
Business to consumer messaging, or B2C, is a major marketing opportunity for businesses, and in turn, a major revenue opportunity for Facebook. David Wehner, Facebook’s Chief Financial Officer, agrees. “We think that enabling that B2C [business-to-consumer] messaging has good business potential for us,” he said.
Whatsapp is a popular messaging alternative for those traveling internationally and for domestic users trying to cut down their phone bills. So far, the service has resisted revenue-raising advertisements and games. The incorporation of B2C might just change the app’s appeal.
