WhatsApp click to chat set up - tutorial

At a time when digital communication is not only omnipresent but has also become an essential part of doing business, companies are constantly looking for effective ways to connect with their target audience. In this context, WhatsApp, the world's leading messaging service, has established itself as a valuable tool. But the focus here is not only on simply sending messages. With functions such as "Click-to-Chat", WhatsApp offers companies the opportunity to simplify communication and address potential customers directly and in a straightforward manner. In this article, you will learn everything about "Click-to-WhatsApp", from the benefits to the setup.

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What is WhatsApp Click-to-Chat?

WhatsApp, with over two billion users worldwide, has established itself not only as a platform for private communication, but also as an effective tool for businesses. One of these business-oriented features is "Click-to-Chat" - also known as "Click-to-WhatsApp" or wa.me Link.

WhatsApp Click-to-Chat allows users to start a conversation on WhatsApp with just one click on a link or linked item. Instead of going the traditional route of saving a person's or company's phone number and then manually starting a chat, this feature allows prospects to start a dialogue immediately. This proves especially valuable for businesses, as it lowers the barrier for potential customers and allows for more direct, frictionless communication.

Another advantage is the flexibility of this feature. The WhatsApp Click-to-Chat link can be included in various digital media - be it on a website, in an email signature or in social media. Or as a QR code in local stores. Thus, companies can strengthen their presence and expand their reach.

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WhatsApp click-to-chat setup: create a wa.me link

WhatsApp Click-to-Chat feature is not only extremely convenient, but also easy to set up. Creating such a link can be completed in just three simple steps. The link is also called wa.me link. Here is a detailed overview of how to accomplish this:

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Use of the official "wa.me" URL template:

Each "Click-to-WhatsApp" link starts with the base URL template https://wa.me/. This template has been officially provided by WhatsApp to ensure a consistent and reliable link with the platform.

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Insert WhatsApp (Business) phone number:

The desired phone number is appended directly to this base URL. It is important to note that this phone number must not contain any special characters such as brackets, spaces or plus signs. Also the leading zeros in the area code must be omitted
Example with German country code (+49) and the number 030 30807311: https://wa.me/493030807311

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Add a message template (optional):

For companies, it can be helpful to provide the link with a predefined message that is displayed to users when they click on the link. This can be a welcome message or a specific request, for example. The message is simply appended to the URL, with spaces and special characters encoded appropriately. Even the opt-in for a WhatsApp newsletter can be implemented in a simple way
Example of the text "I want to learn more #mateodemo":
https://wa.me/493030807311?text=Ich%20m%C3%B6chte%20mehr%20erfahren%20%23mateodemo

Pre-filled message with WhatsApp Click-to-Chat — This is what a pre-filled message that can be created with WhatsApp Click-to-Chat looks like.

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By using these steps, businesses can ensure that they create a correct and working link that takes their customers or prospects directly to a WhatsApp chat.

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Here's how to make it even easier: create click-to-chat link and QR code with Mateo's tool

You can easily create your personal wa.me link and its QR code using Mateo's free generator:

Call the URL https://www.hellomateo.de/whatsapp-qr-code-generator
Enter your WhatsApp (Business) number in the corresponding line
Optionally you can add a message template
Click on "Create QR Code
Copy the wa.me link or the QR code (right click on the QR code → copy image)
Done! You can now embed the WhatsApp Click-to-Chat link or QR code in as many places on your website as you want
If needed, you can repeat the process with more message templates and insert the link in the appropriate places on your website.

Behind this QR code is a WhatsApp click-to-chat link. Try it out: Simply scan or click the QR code!

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Use cases of Click-to-WhatsApp for enterprises

WhatsApp is more than just a tool for private chats; it has now become a powerful tool for business communication. The click-to-chat feature opens up a wealth of opportunities for businesses to optimize their communications and marketing strategies. Here are some of the most prominent use cases:

Lead generation: A simple click and potential customers are in a direct chat with the company. By including the click-to-chat link on their website, in newsletters or on their social media profiles, companies can address prospects directly and convince them of their offers.
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Newsletter Opt-in: The traditional way to subscribe to a newsletter can be cumbersome. Click-to-chat allows businesses to offer a unique opt-in for WhatsApp newsletters or other Messenger campaigns, simplifying the process for both the business and the customer. To find out what this can look like, click on the following link:
https://wa.me/493030807311?text=Ich%20m%C3%B6chte%20mehr%20erfahren%20%23mateodemo
‍Simply submit the pre-filled message, confirm opt-in and you will receive the Mateo newsletter!

Customer service: Use WhatsApp for your customer service. Clicking on your WhatsApp click-to-chat link is the easiest way for customers to contact customer service. WhatsApp has key advantages in customer service: Response times are very short and the user atmosphere is very personal. As a result, problems can be solved quickly and customer satisfaction and loyalty are increased. Message templates and text modules enable your service department to answer incoming inquiries highly efficiently.
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Chatbots: Companies can use an automated WhatsApp chatbot to answer frequently asked questions. A specific trigger word in the wa.me link could activate the bot. However, it is important that the chatbot offers the possibility to forward the chat to a real employee in case of complications or misunderstandings. This feature is only usable with the WhatsApp Business API.

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Each of these use cases highlights how WhatsApp's click-to-chat feature can help businesses improve their communications, generate leads and optimize their marketing strategies.

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How to make customer communication even more professional: With a WhatsApp web widget

With a web widget, you can connect a number of other communication channels such as Instagram, Facebook, email and SMS, as well as customize the appearance of your web widget. This means that the customization options are much more diverse than with WhatsApp buttons via website construction kits. With the web widget, the freedom to decide on the preferred communication channel lies with your customers. Another enormously important advantage: Communication via Mateo's web chat function runs via the WhatsApp API interface and is therefore 100% DSGVO-compliant, unlike the normal WhatsApp Business version.

All webchat messages end up in the central inbox. Your entire team can reply to these messages, structure them and add comments and notes.

Feel free to try the web widget on our website. You can find it at the bottom right (cookies must be accepted for the widget to be visible).
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Web widget on a web page — Webchat function with web widget from Mateo: other channels can be connected in addition to WhatsApp.

Feel free to schedule a free consultation to get all the details.

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More advantages of Mateo and the WhatsApp Business API

Mateo has much more to offer. Our customers particularly appreciate the following advantages:

‍Centralizeduser interface: Mateo combines WhatsApp Business API, email, Instagram, SMS and Facebook Messenger in one central inbox. The intuitive user interface includes various tools for efficient customer communication and saves you valuable working time.
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Integrations: With Mateo you can integrate WhatsApp with over 6,000 software programs and send fully automated messages such as invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices or reminders.
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Newsletter marketing: Send DSGVO-compliant newsletters via WhatsApp and benefit from open rates above 95%.‍
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Review management: Mateo can automatically request online reviews from your customers, boosting your Google ranking and trust in your business.
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‍Data protection: Mateo complies with all German and European data protection requirements and offers end-to-end encryption for secure customer communication.
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Scalability: Our software is suitable for companies of any size and can be expanded indefinitely depending on the package.‍
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Cost-effective provider: With an entry-level price of just 79 euros per month, Mateo offers very good value for money.

WhatsApp Click-to-Chat - How to use [November 2023]