In a recent announcement, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, revealed a game-changing update for users: personal accounts can now evolve into business accounts by simply paying a monthly fee. This strategic move opens up a plethora of possibilities for small business owners, particularly those running cafes or shops, who can now effortlessly showcase vital information like location and operating hours.
Telegram Business Accounts: What’s New?
With this transformation, users gain access to a suite of business-centric features designed to streamline communication and enhance customer engagement. Among the notable additions are the ability to categorize chats with color labels, employ automated greetings or away messages, and utilize shortcuts for swift responses. Durov also hinted at forthcoming innovations, including the integration of AI-powered chatbots for advanced customer service capabilities.
The Battle for Business: Telegram vs. WhatsApp
Telegram’s foray into business territory intensifies its rivalry with WhatsApp Business, which boasts over 200 million monthly active users. While WhatsApp offers similar functionalities, Telegram distinguishes itself by implementing a subscription-based model for accessing business features, diverging from WhatsApp’s revenue strategy reliant on conversation volume and chat frequency.
The Meta Factor: WhatsApp’s Business Push
Owned by Meta, WhatsApp has been aggressively expanding its suite of business-oriented tools. Recent additions such as personalized customer messaging and in-app e-commerce transactions underscore WhatsApp’s commitment to catering to businesses of all sizes, further solidifying its position in the market.
Telegram’s Strategic Evolution
In the past couple of years, Telegram has strategically positioned itself for growth by introducing premium subscriptions, a self-custodial crypto wallet, and premium username auctions. With a user base exceeding 800 million globally, Telegram is now set to roll out its advertising platform, complete with a revenue-sharing program for channels, signaling its intent to monetize its expansive reach.
As the competition between messaging giants heats up, users stand to benefit from an array of innovative features aimed at enhancing their business endeavors. With Telegram’s latest offering, businesses can expect streamlined operations, heightened customer engagement, and unprecedented opportunities for growth.
