WhatsApp entry points are touchpoints across digital and physical channels that let customers start a conversation with your business. Adding entry points to your website, social media profiles, ads, and offline locations increases your visibility and gives customers a convenient way to reach you on the messaging platform they already use.
Creating entry point chat links and QR codes
Most entry points require a WhatsApp chat link or QR code. To create one, you need:
- A WhatsApp Business account.
- A valid phone number connected to that WhatsApp Business account.
Chat link and QR code in Aelyst
QR Code: Learn how to create a QR code using Growth Widgets.
Chat Link:
- Navigate to Settings > Channels in your Workspace.
- Select your WhatsApp Channel, then click Configure.
- Copy the chat link.
High-traffic entry points
The three highest-traffic entry points for most businesses are your website, Facebook page, and Instagram profile.
Your business website
Your business website is the first place potential customers look. Add a WhatsApp Growth Widget to direct website visitors into a WhatsApp conversation. Learn how to add a Growth Widget to your website.
Add a WhatsApp button to your Facebook page so customers can message you directly. Before adding the button, make sure you have:
- A WhatsApp Business account linked to your business phone number.
- A Facebook page for your business.
Learn how to add a WhatsApp button to your Facebook page.
Add a WhatsApp entry point to your Instagram profile through any of these options:
- A WhatsApp action button on your Instagram profile.
- A WhatsApp link in your Instagram bio.
- A WhatsApp link in your Instagram Stories highlights.
Learn how to add a WhatsApp button and links to your Instagram profile.
Additional digital entry points
Several other digital entry points — organic and paid — can increase the number of customers reaching out. Use a WhatsApp chat link to direct customers from each of these channels.
Social media
Add WhatsApp chat links to other social media platforms to capture more inbound conversations.
Add a WhatsApp chat link to your TikTok profile bio:
- Navigate to your profile.
- Click Edit Profile.
- Click Add a bio.
- Add your WhatsApp chat link.
- Click Save.
Add a WhatsApp chat link to your YouTube video description:
- Open YouTube Studio and select the video you want to update.
- Click the Edit icon.
- Add the WhatsApp chat link in the video description.
- Click Save.
You can also add a WhatsApp chat link to your video info cards (available to YouTube Partners only).
Ads
Include your WhatsApp chat link in paid ads to capture interested customers:
- Click-to-chat ads — Facebook and Instagram ads that lead directly to WhatsApp.
- Google ads — direct users to a landing page such as your business website, then let them message you via the WhatsApp Growth Widget.
E-commerce website
Add a WhatsApp chat link or Growth Widget to your e-commerce website to make it easy for shoppers to contact you.
Email marketing
Include your WhatsApp chat link in marketing emails so customers can reach you about promotional campaigns.
Business mobile app
If your business has a mobile app, add a chat link to the messaging feature or module to redirect customers to WhatsApp.
Offline entry points
QR codes placed at physical locations let customers scan and start a chat immediately. Below are examples of where to place them.
Retail and pop-up stores
Place a QR code at the cashier or entrance of your retail or pop-up store so customers can get in touch while browsing or purchasing.
Print advertising
Add QR codes to print materials so customers can scan and start a chat. Suitable placements include billboards, newspapers, magazines, brochures, and catalogs.
FAQ and troubleshooting
What do I need to create a WhatsApp chat link or QR code?
You need a WhatsApp Business account and a valid phone number connected to it. Create a chat link in Workspace Settings > Channels > WhatsApp Channel > Configure.
Can I use entry points if my WhatsApp number is not connected to Aelyst?
Entry points such as chat links and QR codes work independently of Aelyst. However, to manage inbound conversations and automate responses, the number must be connected to Aelyst as a Channel.
Do click-to-chat ads require a WhatsApp Business account?
Yes. Facebook and Instagram click-to-chat ads that route to WhatsApp require a WhatsApp Business account linked to your business phone number and a connected Facebook page.