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E-commerce / Guides

Author

theHoracle

Date published

How to Create a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat Link (With Pre-filled Messages)

A WhatsApp click-to-chat link is one of the simplest, most useful tools for any Nigerian business. Put it in your Instagram bio, on your website, in a flyer QR code or in an email signature, and customers can start a chat with you in one tap — no need to save your number first. Add a pre-filled message, and you'll know exactly what they want before you even reply.

This guide shows how to create these links correctly, with examples, and how to use them to take orders.

The basic format

WhatsApp's official click-to-chat link looks like this:

https://wa.me/<number>

The number must be in full international format:

  • Start with the country code — 234 for Nigeria
  • Drop the leading 0 from your local number
  • No plus sign, spaces, brackets or dashes

For example, our studio number 0813 256 4274 becomes 2348132564274, so the link is:

https://wa.me/2348132564274

Replace it with your own number.

Adding a pre-filled message

You can add a message that appears in the customer's text box when the chat opens:

https://wa.me/2348132564274?text=Hello%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20quote

The text must be URL-encoded, which means spaces and special characters are replaced with codes:

  • Space becomes %20
  • Comma becomes %2C
  • Apostrophe becomes %27
  • New line becomes %0A
  • The naira sign ₦ becomes %E2%82%A6

Most link tools and spreadsheet functions (like ENCODEURL in Google Sheets or Excel) can encode text for you.

Message templates that save you time

Good pre-filled messages tell you what the customer wants and where they are. Some examples:

  • General enquiry: "Hello, I found you on Instagram and I'd like to know more about your services."
  • Product order: "Hi, I'd like to order: Custom photo mug (11oz) × 2. Delivery to: [area]."
  • Booking: "Hello, I'd like to book a photoshoot. Preferred date: [date]. Package: [package]."
  • Quote request: "Hi, I'd like a quote for a business website with about 5 pages."
  • Event registration: "Hi, please register me for the workshop on [date]. Name: [your name]."

Customers can still edit the message before sending, but most just tap send.

  • Instagram and TikTok bio — a direct link or a link to your storefront
  • Website — floating WhatsApp button and "Order on WhatsApp" buttons on product pages
  • Flyers and posters — as a QR code, so people scan instead of typing your number
  • Google Business Profile — in your website or booking link
  • Email signature and invoices
  • Status and broadcast messages — linking to specific products

A QR code is just your WhatsApp link encoded as an image. When creating one for print:

  • Test it with several phones before printing
  • Make it large enough — roughly 2–3 cm or bigger on a flyer, much bigger on a banner
  • Keep contrast high — dark code on a light background
  • Add a short instruction next to it: "Scan to chat on WhatsApp"
  • Keep the link short — long pre-filled messages make denser QR codes that are harder to scan

Our flyer design guide covers how to make the call to action stand out.

For sellers, the most powerful trick is a unique link for each product, with the product name and price already in the message. When the chat arrives, you know exactly what to confirm. This is the core idea behind a WhatsApp storefront, and behind Whatstore, the WhatsApp commerce platform I built. I explain the full approach in how to sell on WhatsApp with a real storefront.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving the leading 0 after 234 (23408132564274 won't work)
  • Including + or spaces in the number inside the link
  • Forgetting to encode spaces and symbols in the message
  • Using a personal number you might change — use a stable business line
  • Not testing the link on both Android and iPhone
  • Greeting message so customers get an instant reply
  • Quick replies for prices, delivery and payment details
  • Catalogue to show products inside WhatsApp
  • Labels to track new, paid and delivered orders

If you'd like WhatsApp ordering built into a proper website or storefront, see our e-commerce and WhatsApp store setup service, or book a free call.

Whatstore landing page, a WhatsApp commerce platform built by theHoracle Studio
E-commerce,  Guides

How to Sell on WhatsApp With a Real Storefront

Turn chaotic WhatsApp selling into a real storefront: organise your catalogue, add one-tap order links, automate FAQs and track orders. A guide for Nigerian sellers.