Messaging service WhatsApp launched support for business accounts last Thursday. The service aims to improve connections between customers and small businesses.

The official WhatsApp blog posted on Jan. 18 that the app will support special accounts made for small businesses. These accounts have additions that separate them from personal accounts. The select accounts will have spaces to display their business e-mail address and website, the description of services they provide, and the addresses of their stores or offices.

There are also messaging tools for business accounts. Account managers can set up automatic replies depending on the customer's query. They could also create pre-written greetings and messages for when the business is closed or when the account manager is away.

Data metrics also help businesses monitor the number of their sent and received WhatsApp messages.

Those who already have a personal WhatsApp account can still set up a separate business account. The accounts will have different numbers even if they are shared on the same device. In addition, the WhatsApp business version is also compatible with the app's desktop client which can be accessed via a web browser.

WhatsApp users will know if they are connecting with a business account, as the app says that there will be an indicator. As the feature develops, the app also promises to give "check marks" on verified business accounts, much like the check mark on verified Twitter accounts. To get this mark, businesses will have to register a valid phone number. Once WhatsApp confirms that this is a verified number for their business, then the "verified" check mark will appear.

The only significant limitation of the WhatsApp business feature so far is its limited platform. While it is compatible with the desktop version via web browser, the main business features are only still made for Android. The developers made no announcements yet regarding Apple iOS support.