How to connect WhatsApp Business to your website

The click to chat button

WhatsApp offers a simple link, wa.me followed by your full phone number with the country code, that opens a chat with you. Put it behind a button on every page of your website, and it works on phones and computers.

You can add a prefilled message, such as “Hello, I saw your website and I would like to ask about…”, so customers do not face an empty box, and you know where they came from.

The free WhatsApp Business app

The WhatsApp Business app is free and made for small businesses. Useful features include:

• A business profile with your address, hours and website.
• Quick replies for questions you answer every day.
• An away message outside working hours.
• Labels to keep track of new customers, orders and payments.
• A catalogue of your products or services, which customers can browse in WhatsApp.

When the paid platform makes sense

The WhatsApp Business Platform is the paid version for businesses that need automation, several staff on one number, or an assistant that replies by itself. Meta charges for many messages, depending on the type of message and the country, so costs grow with use.

For most small businesses, the free app plus a well placed button is enough. Move to the platform when you are answering more chats than you can handle by hand.

Website and WhatsApp working together

• Show prices and common answers on the website, so WhatsApp chats are about buying, not basics.
• Link to the right page in your quick replies, such as your menu or delivery areas.
• Put your website link in your WhatsApp Business profile.
• Keep both up to date with the same hours and prices.

An assistant before the chat

An AI assistant on your website can answer the everyday questions instantly, any time, then hand serious customers to you on WhatsApp with their details. Read AI chatbots for websites in Rwanda or see AI assistants.