How to create a link to a WhatsApp page?

How to create a link to a WhatsApp page - briefly?

To create a link to a WhatsApp page, use the following format: "https://wa.me/[countrycode][phonenumber]". Replace "[countrycode]" with your country code and "[phonenumber]" with the phone number you want to contact. For example, to reach +1 234567890 in the United States, the link would be "https://wa.me/1234567890".

How to create a link to a WhatsApp page - in detail?

To create a link that directs users to a specific WhatsApp page, you need to understand the structure of WhatsApp URLs and how they can be customized. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

  1. Understanding WhatsApp Link Structure:

    A standard WhatsApp link follows this format: https://wa.me/<phone_number>. The <phone_number> should include the country code without any leading zeros, plus signs, or hyphens. For example, if you want to create a link for a number in the United States, it would look like this: https://wa.me/1234567890.

  2. Adding Text Message:

    You can pre-fill a message that will be sent when the user clicks on the link. To do this, append a query parameter to the URL in the following format: https://wa.me/<phone_number>?text=<urlencoded text>. The text should be URL encoded. For example, if you want the pre-filled message to say "Hello!", the link would be: https://wa.me/1234567890?text=Hello%21.

  3. Using WhatsApp Business API:

    If you are using the WhatsApp Business API, you might want to direct users to a specific business page. In this case, the link format changes slightly: https://wa.me/<phone_number>?text=<urlencoded text>&type=business. Again, ensure that the phone number and message text are URL encoded.

  4. Customizing the Display Name:

    You can also customize the display name that appears in the chat window by adding another query parameter: https://wa.me/<phone_number>?text=<urlencoded text>&type=business&source=<source>. The source parameter allows you to set a display name for your business or brand.

  5. Testing Your Link:

    Once you have constructed the link, it's essential to test it on different devices and browsers to ensure that it works correctly. Clicking the link should open WhatsApp directly and pre-fill the message field with your specified text.

  6. Best Practices:

    • Always test your links before sharing them publicly.
    • Make sure the phone number is correct and the recipient has an active WhatsApp account.
    • Be mindful of privacy and only share numbers that you have permission to use.

By following these steps, you can create a link that seamlessly directs users to your desired WhatsApp page, enhancing user experience and facilitating communication.