Key takeaways
- The format is https://wa.me/ followed by the full international number, with no +, spaces or leading zero.
- Add ?text= with a URL-encoded message to pre-fill the first message.
- Put the link in your Instagram bio, Google Business Profile and website; put the QR code on the counter, bills and packaging.
In India, most customers would rather send a WhatsApp message than fill in a form or make a call. A click-to-chat link removes the one step that loses many of them: saving your number first.
How a WhatsApp link works
WhatsApp’s official format is:
https://wa.me/919876543210That is wa.me/, then the country code (91 for India) and the mobile number, with no +, no spaces, no brackets and no leading 0. On a phone it opens the WhatsApp app; on a computer it opens WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
Adding a ready message
Add ?text= and your message, URL-encoded:
https://wa.me/919876543210?text=Hi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20menu%20and%20want%20to%20orderThe customer sees the message typed in, can edit it, and taps send. A good pre-filled message tells you where the enquiry came from, for example “Hi, I scanned the QR at your Navrangpura shop”. The WhatsApp link generator handles the encoding for you, in any language.
Where to put your link
Online:
- Instagram and Facebook bio link, and a “Message us” story highlight
- Your website’s contact button and a floating chat button
- Google Business Profile (in the website or booking field, where it fits)
- Email signatures, YouTube descriptions and online ads
Offline, as a QR code:
- Counter card and shop window
- Bills, receipts, delivery slips and packaging
- Visiting cards, pamphlets and standees at events
Why links fail and how to fix them
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Phone number shared via URL is invalid” | Missing country code, or a leading 0 | Use 91 + 10 digits |
| Opens the wrong chat | Old number, or someone else’s number pasted | Test from another phone |
| Message shows %20 or symbols | Message not encoded | Generate the link with a tool |
| QR does not scan | Printed too small or low contrast | Print at least 2.5 cm, dark on light |
Click-to-chat is not bulk messaging
A wa.me link only lets customers start a chat with you. Sending offers to many people needs the WhatsApp Business Platform (API), approved message templates and each customer’s opt-in. Sending unsolicited bulk messages from a normal account can get the number banned.
Make yours
Create your link and QR code in the WhatsApp link generator, test it, and print the code. For a fully branded code with your logo and colours, paste the link into the QR code generator.
Free tools for this
No. 28 · Business
WhatsApp Link Generator
Create a wa.me click-to-chat link and a printable QR code for your WhatsApp number, with an optional pre-filled message.
No. 22 · QR codes
QR Code Generator
Make a custom QR code with your logo, colours, dot style and frame for links, Wi-Fi, UPI, WhatsApp, vCards and events.
