How to create a WhatsApp link and QR code for your business, with a pre-filled message that tells you where the customer came from
A WhatsApp link is the cheapest marketing asset a small business has: one URL that turns a tap into a conversation. Add a pre-filled message and the chat tells you where it came from before the customer types a word. Print it as a QR code and the shop counter, the van and the receipt all start conversations too.
Quick answer
Build the link as https://wa.me/
Building the link
https://wa.me/60123456789?text=Hi%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20poster%20in%20the%20shop
The number is digits only in international format. The text is URL-encoded: spaces become %20, commas %2C. Most browsers will encode plain text for you, but encode it yourself for print. WhatsApp's documentation is in the Help Center.
One message per channel
| Channel | Pre-filled message |
|---|---|
| Website pricing page | Hi, I am asking about your prices |
| Instagram bio | Hi, I am messaging from Instagram |
| Facebook or Instagram ad | Hi, I saw your ad for [offer] |
| Shop poster or counter | Hi, I am in the shop |
| Receipt or packaging | Hi, I have a question about my order |
| Vehicle or signage | Hi, I saw your van |
An agent or a person reading the first message knows the source instantly, and the lead card records it. The ad version is expanded in tracking leads from ads.
The QR code
Any QR generator turns the full link into a code. Export as SVG for print so it scales cleanly, keep a quiet margin around it, print at least 3 cm wide for a counter card and larger for a window, and put the words "WhatsApp us" next to it so people know what scanning does. Test with both iPhone and Android cameras. ReplyKit produces a ready poster for each connected number from the dashboard.
Short links
For a bio or a printed line, a short link is easier: use your own domain (yourbusiness.com/wa redirecting to the wa.me link) or a short-link service. Your own domain is better because you control it and can change the number behind it without reprinting anything.
Which number
The link will be everywhere, so use the number you will keep: a business number, not the owner's personal one, and if you automate replies, a dedicated number as described in the dedicated number guide. Protect it with two-step verification before you publish it; see protecting your business WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a WhatsApp link for my business?
https://wa.me/ plus your number in international format with no plus sign, optionally followed by ?text= and a URL-encoded message.
How do I make a WhatsApp QR code?
Paste the full link into any QR generator, export as SVG or PNG, print at least 3 cm wide, and test with a phone camera.
Can I know where a WhatsApp chat came from?
Yes, by using a different pre-filled message for each channel.
Can I change the number later without reprinting?
If you print a short link on your own domain that redirects to the wa.me link, yes.
Is there a free WhatsApp link generator?
You do not need one; the format above is the whole thing. ReplyKit also produces a QR poster for each connected number.
Every chat arrives labelled
Links, QR posters and an agent that answers them. 7-day free trial.
Sources and further reading
- WhatsApp Help Center, About click to chat
- WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy · opt-in, opt-out and prohibited-use rules every business must follow
ReplyKit is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or WhatsApp. This article is general guidance for running a small business, not legal, financial or regulatory advice.