A WhatsApp link with message opens a chat and types your custom text automatically. The customer just taps send — no blank chat box, no awkward “Hi” with no context. For businesses, that means higher response rates and better-qualified leads from day one.
What is a WhatsApp link with message?
A standard wa.me link opens WhatsApp to your number:
https://wa.me/15551234567Add ?text= to pre-fill the message field:
https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20free%20quoteWhen the customer opens the link, they see: “Hi, I’d like a free quote” — ready to send.
Why add a message to your WhatsApp link?
- Lower friction — Customers don’t have to think about what to type
- Better leads — You know their intent before the first reply
- Source tracking — Use different messages per channel (website, Instagram, ads)
- Professional first impression — Shows you’ve thought about the customer experience
How to create a WhatsApp link with message
Step 1: Format your phone number
Use international format without + or leading zero:
| Country | Local number | WhatsApp format |
|---|---|---|
| United States | (555) 123-4567 | 15551234567 |
| United Kingdom | 07700 900123 | 447700900123 |
| Pakistan | 0300 1234567 | 923001234567 |
Use the free Phone Number Formatter if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Write your message
Keep it short, friendly, and action-oriented:
- “Hi, I’d like to book an appointment”
- “Hi, I found you on Instagram and have a question”
- “Hi, I’m interested in your [product name]“
Step 3: URL-encode the message
Spaces become %20, commas %2C, apostrophes %27. Or skip manual encoding — use the WhatsApp Link Generator and WaURL handles it automatically.
Step 4: Build the full URL
https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20to%20book%20an%20appointmentStep 5: Test and share
Open the link on your phone. Confirm the message appears correctly, then add it to your website, social bios, email signature, or ads.
Message examples by use case
| Channel | Pre-filled message |
|---|---|
| Website homepage | ”Hi, I visited your website and have a question” |
| Instagram bio | ”Hi, I found you on Instagram” |
| Google Business | ”Hi, I found you on Google Maps” |
| Product page | ”Hi, I’m interested in [product name]“ |
| QR code (store) | “Hi, I scanned your QR code in store” |
| Email signature | ”Hi, I got your email and have a question” |
Best practices
- Keep messages under 100 characters — Long text gets truncated on some devices
- Include your business name — Helps you recognize where the lead came from
- Use different messages per campaign — Track which channel converts best
- Avoid salesy language — Sound like a natural first message, not an ad
- Update seasonally — Change messages for promotions, holidays, or new services
Create a link with message instantly
Use the free WhatsApp Link Generator on WaURL:
- Select your country
- Enter your phone number
- Type your custom message in the message field
- Click Generate Link
- Copy the URL or download the QR code
No signup, no limits — all processing happens in your browser.
FAQ
Can I change the message after creating the link? The message is part of the URL. Generate a new link if you want different default text.
Does the customer have to send the pre-filled message? No. They can edit or delete it before sending. The pre-fill is a suggestion, not a requirement.
Do pre-filled messages work on WhatsApp Web? Yes. The message appears in the chat box on both mobile and desktop.
Is a WhatsApp link with message free?
Yes. wa.me links with ?text= are completely free to create and share.
Can I use emojis in the message? Yes. Emojis work in pre-filled messages. WaURL encodes them correctly when you use the generator.