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 on respond.io
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 > Configure.
Copy the chat link.
Alternatively, use respond.io’s WhatsApp Link Generator to generate a 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 from your page. 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 to your business. 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.
ClickEdit Profile.
ClickAdd a bio.
Add your WhatsApp chat link.
ClickSave.
Add a WhatsApp chat link to your YouTube video description
Add a WhatsApp chat link in a video description to direct viewers to message you after watching.
Open YouTube Studio and select the video you want to update.
Click the Edit icon.
Add the WhatsApp chat link in the video description.
ClickSave.
You can also add a WhatsApp chat link to your video info cards. This feature is limited 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 WhatsApp 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
Catalogs
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, or use respond.io's WhatsApp Link Generator.
Can I use entry points if my WhatsApp number is not connected to respond.io?
Entry points such as chat links and QR codes work independently of respond.io. However, to manage inbound conversations and automate responses, the number must be connected to respond.io 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.
