How to Make a WhatsApp Link With a Predefined Message
A WhatsApp link with a predefined message auto-fills the chat box the moment someone clicks it. No typing, no confusion — your customer lands directly in a conversation with the exact text you chose. You can create one in under 30 seconds using wplink.app.
Key Takeaways
- A predefined message link uses the
wa.meformat with atextparameter - You control what the user sees before they hit "send"
- Works on mobile, desktop, and WhatsApp Web — no app installation needed on the sender's side
- Perfect for ads, social bios, QR codes, and email signatures
What Is a WhatsApp Predefined Message Link?
It's a URL that opens a WhatsApp chat with a specific phone number and pre-fills a message. The format looks like this:
https://wa.me/1234567890?text=Hi%20I%20want%20to%20know%20about%20your%20services
When someone clicks it, WhatsApp opens with that text already written. They just tap send.
The %20 replaces spaces. Line breaks use %0A. Manually encoding these is tedious — that's why tools like wplink.app exist.
How to Create One Step by Step
1. Go to wplink.app
Open wplink.app in any browser. No account needed.
2. Enter Your Phone Number
Include the country code without the + sign. For a US number: 14155551234. For UK: 447911123456.
3. Write Your Predefined Message
Type the exact text you want pre-filled. Keep it short and action-oriented:
- ✅ "Hi! I saw your ad and I'm interested in [product]. Can you send me more info?"
- ✅ "Hello, I'd like to book an appointment for [date]"
- ❌ Long paragraphs that overwhelm the user
4. Generate and Copy
Click generate. Copy the link. Done.
You also get a QR code automatically — useful for print materials, packaging, or in-store displays.
Where to Use Predefined Message Links
| Use Case | Example Message |
|---|---|
| Instagram bio | "Hi! I found you on Instagram 👋" |
| Facebook ads | "I'm interested in the [product] from your ad" |
| Email signature | "Hey, reaching out from your email" |
| Product packaging | "I just bought [product] and have a question" |
| Google My Business | "Hi, I'd like to visit your store. What are your hours?" |
Each touchpoint gets its own message. That way you know where the lead came from without asking.
Best Practices for Predefined Messages
Keep it under 100 characters. Long messages feel invasive. The user should feel like the message is theirs, not a corporate script.
Include context. "Hi, I'm interested in your services" tells your team nothing. "Hi, I saw the 20% off ad for running shoes" tells them everything.
Use one link per campaign. Different ads, different messages. This is free attribution tracking.
Test on both mobile and desktop. WhatsApp Web handles links slightly differently on some browsers. Always verify.
Don't force the send. The user sees the message and decides whether to send it. Respect that friction — it builds trust.
Can You Track Clicks on These Links?
The basic wa.me link doesn't track anything. But you can:
- Use UTM parameters in a landing page that redirects to the WhatsApp link
- Use a link shortener with analytics (like Bitly or wplink.app's built-in tracking)
- Vary the predefined message per campaign — your team sees the source in the first message
Option 3 is the simplest and most reliable. No extra tools needed.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the country code.
wa.me/5551234won't work. You need the full international format. - Using
+in the URL. Thewa.meformat doesn't accept the plus sign. Just digits. - Spaces in the URL. Raw spaces break the link. Use
%20or a generator that handles encoding. - Testing only on your own device. Always test from a different number to see the real user experience.
Does It Work With WhatsApp Business?
Yes. Predefined message links work identically with WhatsApp Business accounts. The recipient sees the message in their Business inbox, and auto-replies or chatbots can trigger based on the incoming text.
This makes predefined messages even more powerful — you can route conversations automatically based on the message content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a WhatsApp link without showing my phone number?
The phone number is embedded in the link, but users don't see it as a raw number — they see your WhatsApp profile. If privacy is a concern, use a dedicated business number.
Do predefined message links work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. They work on iOS, Android, WhatsApp Web, and WhatsApp Desktop. The experience is nearly identical across platforms.
Can I include emojis in the predefined message?
Yes. Most generators — including wplink.app — handle emoji encoding automatically. Just type them in.
What happens if the user doesn't have WhatsApp installed?
They'll be redirected to the WhatsApp download page or web version, depending on their device and browser.
Is there a character limit for the predefined message?
There's no official limit, but messages over 200 characters tend to feel scripted. Stick to 50–100 characters for the best conversion rates.
Conclusion
A predefined message link removes the biggest friction point in WhatsApp marketing: getting the conversation started. Your customer clicks, sees a relevant message, taps send — and you're talking.
Create yours free at wplink.app. Takes 30 seconds. No signup. No limits.