WhatsApp QR code and click-to-chat link for your business

In the WhatsApp Business app:

1. Tap Tools, then Short link. WhatsApp creates the link automatically when you set up the account (WhatsApp).
2. Turn on the default message and write the opening line you'd like customers to send, such as "Hi, I'd like to book an appointment."
3. Tap View QR Code to see your code, then share or save it.

WhatsApp says your business QR code "won't expire unless you reset it" (WhatsApp). It suggests using it on shop signs and table cards.

To print it, WhatsApp has a QR code sticker template. To use the template, WhatsApp says your printed QR code must be 8cm x 8cm (WhatsApp).

If you're on normal WhatsApp, or you want a link with a different message for your website, you can build one. WhatsApp's format is https://wa.me/ followed by your full number in international format, leaving out any zeros, brackets or dashes (WhatsApp).

For a UK mobile:

Drop the first 0, put 44 in front, and leave out the spaces and the plus sign.

To add a pre-filled message, put ?text= on the end, followed by your message with spaces written as %20:

https://wa.me/447700900123?text=Hi%20I%20would%20like%20a%20quote

When the customer taps it, the message appears ready in their chat box. They can change it before sending. WhatsApp says click to chat works on phones and on WhatsApp Web.

To turn your link into a QR code, any QR code maker will do; you don't need a WhatsApp-specific one. Test it on two phones before you print anything.

• Counter or reception: "Scan to message us" next to the till.
• Van or trailer: large enough to scan from a few steps away. Test it from the pavement.
• Quotes, invoices and business cards: the QR code plus the link.
• Your website: a "Message us on WhatsApp" button on the contact page and in the footer. On a phone, the button opens the chat directly. WhatsApp asks that if you use its official "Chat on WhatsApp" button, you use it as is, without changing it.
• Your Google Business Profile: Google lets businesses add a WhatsApp click-to-chat link under Edit profile, Contact, then Chat (Google). Google says chat options are only available in select regions, so it may not appear for every profile. If you add both WhatsApp and text messaging, Google only shows the text option.

If you post your QR code online and start getting spam, reset it. WhatsApp says resetting means the old code "will no longer work", and can stop spammers using it. You'll then need to reprint (WhatsApp).

The NCSC says QR codes in places like pubs and restaurants are probably safe to scan, that codes in open spaces like car parks can be riskier, and that people should use their phone's own scanner (NCSC). For your printed codes, check now and then that nobody has stuck another code over yours.

A customer who scans your code and messages you has started the conversation, and you can reply. The ICO says most of the marketing rules apply to unsolicited messages, and if someone specifically asks you for information, you can send it (ICO).

Sending them offers later is different. The ICO says marketing by email, text, direct message or any similar electronic message needs consent, or must meet the "soft opt-in" for existing customers who bought (or asked about) a similar product or service and were given a simple way to opt out (ICO). This is a summary, not legal advice.

Once people can message you in one tap, the same questions start arriving: prices, availability, directions. If that's taking up your evenings, we can set up an assistant that answers them on WhatsApp or your website from information you've approved, and passes anything else to you. Our WhatsApp auto reply guide covers the free tools to try first. We can also add a WhatsApp button to your website.

• Chatbot for your website or WhatsApp
• Website design for small businesses