How to set a link to a WhatsApp number - briefly?
To create a clickable link that opens WhatsApp with a specific phone number pre-filled, use the following format: https://wa.me/[phone_number]. Replace [phone_number] with the actual number in international format (e.g., +1234567890).
How to set a link to a WhatsApp number - in detail?
To create a clickable link that opens WhatsApp and pre-fills a message or phone number, you'll need to use the wa.me URL scheme provided by WhatsApp. This method allows users to quickly start a conversation with your business directly from their browser. Here’s how you can set it up in detail:
Basic Link Structure
The basic structure of a WhatsApp link is as follows:
https://wa.me/[phone number]
Replace [phone number] with the international phone number in full E.164 format, which includes the plus sign (+) and country code. For example, for a US number, it would look like this:
https://wa.me/+1234567890
Pre-filling a Message
If you want to pre-fill a message along with the phone number, you can add a text parameter to the URL:
https://wa.me/[phone number]?text=[URL encoded text message]
For instance, if you want to send a message saying "Hello!", and your phone number is +1234567890, the link would be:
https://wa.me/+1234567890?text=Hello%21
Note that spaces in the message should be URL-encoded as %20.
Adding a Subject
To include a subject line, you can add a subject parameter:
https://wa.me/[phone number]?text=[URL encoded text message]&subject=[URL encoded subject]
For example:
https://wa.me/+1234567890?text=Hello%21&subject=Order%20Inquiry
Handling Different Devices
WhatsApp links work differently on various devices:
- Mobile Browsers: The link will open WhatsApp directly if it is installed. If not, it will prompt the user to download WhatsApp.
- Desktops and Laptops: The link will open the WhatsApp web client in a new browser tab, allowing users to scan a QR code to log in.
Best Practices
- International Format: Always use the full international format for phone numbers (
+followed by country code and national number). - URL Encoding: Ensure that any text you include in the link is URL-encoded to avoid breaking the link.
- Testing: Test your links on different devices and browsers to ensure they work as expected.
- Security: Be cautious about sharing phone numbers publicly, especially if associated with sensitive information.
By following these steps, you can create effective WhatsApp links that enhance user engagement and simplify communication with your business.