When integrating WhatsApp, you can generate a unique URL that people can open to directly access the WhatsApp chat and initiate a conversation. This article explains how to do this.
The unique URL can link directly to the WhatsApp chat, allowing the person who opens the link to land in the chatbot's main menu and start the conversation. For more information on the main menu, refer to this article.
Creating the URL
- Create the URL by filling in the following link: https://wa.me/number?text=starttext.
- For the number, enter the phone number you use for WhatsApp (in international format, without zeros, parentheses, or dashes).
- For the start text, enter the text that will be automatically filled in the chat, with plus signs replacing spaces. This start text is necessary to trigger the chatbot. For example, consider 'I want more information about your product'.
- The link will then look like this: https://wa.me/31612345678?text=I+want+more+information+about+your+product.
- When the customer clicks on this link, they will be directed to the WhatsApp screen with the text already filled in.
- The customer only needs to click send to start the chat.
What can you do with the URL?
You can use the URL leading to the WhatsApp chat in various ways. For instance, you can place it in your email footer or on your website. Another interesting option is creating a QR code.
You can convert the link you just created into a QR code. There are various programs available for creating QR codes, and below are a few possibilities.
- MyQR
- QR Code Generator
- Free QR Code Generator
- Create QR Code
Now that you've created the QR code, you can start using it! You can print the code and display it within the organization or place it on the website. Then, simply scan the code with a mobile device, and the WhatsApp conversation will be opened.