How to Create a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Link for Your Business
How wa.me links work, the right number format, pre-filled messages and the best places to use click-to-chat on your site.
For many businesses โ especially in India, where WhatsApp is often the first place customers go โ a WhatsApp chat converts better than a contact form. A click-to-chat link opens a conversation with your number in one tap, without the customer saving your contact first.
How click-to-chat links work
WhatsApp's official link format is the address wa.me followed by a slash and your full phone number.
You can also add a pre-filled message after the number, so the chat opens with text such as "Hi, I'd like to book a table" already typed in.
On phones, the link opens the WhatsApp app; on computers, it opens WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
The number format matters
- Use the full international number: country code then number.
- Leave out the plus sign, spaces, brackets, dashes and the leading zero of local numbers.
- Example: Indian mobile
098765 43210becomes919876543210.
Most broken click-to-chat links are caused by a plus sign, a leading zero or a missing country code.
Pre-filled messages
A pre-filled message saves the customer typing and tells you where they came from. Keep it short and natural:
- "Hi, I'd like to know the price of the cotton kurta (KUR-NAVY)."
- "Hello, I want to book a consultation for this week."
- "Hi, I found you on Google and have a question about delivery."
The message must be URL-encoded (spaces become %20 and so on). The customer can still edit it before sending.
Where to use your link
- Website: a "Chat on WhatsApp" button on product, contact and service pages.
- Google Business Profile and social media bios.
- Instagram and Facebook posts for enquiries.
- Email signatures and invoices.
- QR codes on packaging, flyers and shop counters.
Use different pre-filled messages for different places, so you know which ones bring conversations.
Click-to-chat and your website's performance
Many sites add WhatsApp through a third-party chat widget that loads heavy scripts on every page, slowing the site down and sometimes tracking visitors. A plain wa.me link inside a normal button needs no script at all: it loads instantly and does the same job. If you want a floating button, a few lines of your own CSS are enough. Fast pages are better for visitors and for search, so prefer the simple link wherever you can.
Good practice
- Reply quickly. A chat button sets an expectation. Show your response hours if you are not always available.
- Use WhatsApp Business for a business profile, catalogue, quick replies and away messages.
- Respect privacy and consent. Customers who message you have not agreed to marketing broadcasts. Ask before sending promotions.
- Keep a fallback. Some visitors do not use WhatsApp; keep a phone number or email visible too.
Create your link in seconds
The free WhatsApp link generator formats your number correctly, encodes your message and gives you a ready-to-share wa.me link. See the WhatsApp link generator guide for website button examples. If you promote the link in campaigns, track the landing pages with the UTM builder.
Related guides
More free tools: browse all our free utility tools, no sign-up needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need WhatsApp Business to use click-to-chat?
No. wa.me links work with regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business numbers.
Why does my link say the number is not on WhatsApp?
Usually the format is wrong โ check the country code and remove the plus sign and leading zero.
Can I use a landline number?
Only if that number is registered on WhatsApp Business.
Can customers see my number?
Yes. The chat opens with your number, as with any WhatsApp conversation.