WhatsApp has introduced WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing in-person training to small businesses, enabling them to maximize their use of WhatsApp’s business tools for digital growth. This unique mobile bus tour will deliver hands-on guidance to small and medium businesses (SMBs), helping them enhance their digital skills, expand their customer reach, and streamline operations.

Starting in Delhi-NCR, the WhatsApp-branded bus will visit bustling markets such as Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Nehru Place, Malviya Nagar, Amar Colony, and Safdarjung Enclave. The tour will also cover prominent locations in Gurgaon and Noida, including Sapphire Mall and Atta Market.

Following its Delhi-NCR leg, the initiative will expand to key cities across India, including Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nashik, and Mysore. The program offers interactive demonstrations, personalized training, and expert support to help businesses:

Create their Business Profile.
Set up product catalogs.
Design advertisements that initiate WhatsApp conversations.
By leveraging these tools, SMBs will be better equipped to establish a strong WhatsApp presence, connect with customers, drive sales, and achieve business growth.

Focus on Digital Transformation
Ravi Garg, Director of Business Messaging at Meta India, highlighted the initiative’s goal:
“Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy. With the right digital tools, they can lead the nation’s digital transformation. The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra reaffirms our commitment to empowering SMBs by equipping them with essential digital skills and resources, ensuring their long-term success in a connected world.”

New Features to Boost Business Efficiency
WhatsApp recently rolled out updates tailored for small businesses:

Meta Verified: A feature to enhance credibility and trust with customers.
Customized Messaging: For appointment reminders, birthday wishes, or holiday sale updates.
Meta AI Integration: Currently in testing, this feature allows businesses to activate AI directly within the WhatsApp Business app for improved customer engagement.
The WhatsApp Bharat Yatra will provide SMBs with practical training to utilize these tools effectively.

A Broader Vision for India’s SMBs
This initiative is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to empower small businesses. Programs like WhatsApp Se Wyapaar with CAIT, the Digishaastra initiative powered by WhatsApp in collaboration with the India SME Forum, and partnerships with platforms like ONDC underscore Meta’s commitment to driving India’s digital economy.

Through the WhatsApp Bharat Yatra, the platform aims to meet SMBs where they are—physically and digitally—ensuring their inclusion in the nation’s growing digital ecosystem.

Author: Sonali kamble