Quick answer

Click-to-WhatsApp is a link or button that opens a WhatsApp chat with your business. The basic link format is https://wa.me/60XXXXXXXXX (your number in international format, with no + or dashes). Add ?text= followed by a URL-encoded message to pre-fill the customer's first message. Facebook and Instagram also offer Click-to-WhatsApp ads, which open a chat directly from the ad.

How to create a WhatsApp link

  1. Write your number in international format without symbols. For a Malaysian mobile number 012-345 6789, that's 60123456789 (drop the first 0 and add 60).
  2. Build the link: https://wa.me/60123456789
  3. To pre-fill a message, add ?text= and your message with spaces written as %20, for example: https://wa.me/60123456789?text=Hi%2C%20I%27m%20interested%20in%20the%20RM999%20package
  4. Test it on your phone and on desktop before publishing.

Why the pre-filled message matters

A blank chat often turns into "Hi" followed by silence. A pre-filled message gives the customer an easy first line and tells you where they came from. Use a different message for each page, service or campaign:

  • "Hi, I'm interested in the RM999 landing page." (from your pricing section)
  • "Hi, I saw your ad about WhatsApp API setup." (from an ad landing page)
  • "Hi, I'd like a quote for kitchen renovation in Petaling Jaya." (from a service and location page)

Where to put click-to-WhatsApp buttons

  • First screen of your landing page, next to the main offer.
  • After proof sections (reviews, results, portfolio), when trust is highest.
  • Pricing and FAQ sections, with a message that mentions the package.
  • A floating WhatsApp button on mobile, so it's always one tap away.
  • Your Google Business Profile, Instagram bio and Facebook Page.

Click-to-WhatsApp ads

On Facebook and Instagram, you can run ads whose button opens a WhatsApp chat instead of a website. They work well for service businesses where people want to ask a question before buying.

There's also a cost benefit if you use the WhatsApp Business API: when a customer messages you from a Click-to-WhatsApp ad and you reply within 24 hours, messages in the following 72 hours are free under Meta's free entry point rule. See WhatsApp Business API cost in Malaysia.

Qualify leads in the first three messages

Once the chat opens, the aim is to learn quickly whether this is a serious enquiry. Have a short script ready:

  1. Confirm what they want: "Thanks for your message! Is this for a new business or an existing one?"
  2. Ask one qualifying question: budget range, location or timeline.
  3. Offer the next step: a quote, a call or a booking link.

If you get many chats, an AI Lead System can handle these first steps automatically and pass warm leads to your team.

Common mistakes

  • Using a local format (0123456789) instead of international (60123456789), which breaks the link.
  • Sending all traffic to one generic message, so you can't tell which page or ad worked.
  • Putting the button only at the bottom of a long page.
  • Slow replies. The best link won't save a chat that waits hours for an answer.