If you have a business or work with customers, it must have happened to you: someone wants to talk to you on WhatsApp but doesn't want to take the trouble to save the number manually, copy, open the application and look for the contact. It's too much friction. And friction kills conversations.

The good news is that there is a simple solution — a direct link to WhatsApp — that allows anyone to start a conversation with you with a single click, without having to save the number. In this article I explain exactly how to create this link, how to shorten it and where to share it to get the most out of it.

What is a WhatsApp link and how does it work?

A WhatsApp link is simply a URL that, when clicked, automatically opens the app or the web version of WhatsApp in a conversation with a specific number. You can also pre-populate a message so that the user does not have to write anything — just click on "Send".

These links use the official WhatsApp API, called wa.me, and work on smartphones, tablets and computers. You don't need to install anything, it's not a third-party application — it's WhatsApp's own infrastructure.

The base format is this:

https://wa.me/351XXXXXXXXX

where 351 is the indicative of Portugal and xxxxxxxx is the mobile number without spaces, dashes or parentheses.

Dica importante: Nunca incluas o sinal "+" no número. O formato correcto é 351912345678, não +351912345678. Alguns dispositivos interpretam o "+" de forma diferente e o link pode não funcionar.

How to create your WhatsApp link (step by step)

Creating the link is literally a matter of seconds. Follow these steps:

  1. Identify your WhatsApp number with the country sign. For Portugal it is 351, for Brazil it is 55.
  2. Composes the base URL: https://wa.me/351912345678
  3. tests the link in your browser — you should open WhatsApp with the conversation ready.
  4. Adds a pre-filled message if you want (explained in the section below).

To add a prewritten message, use the parameter ?text= followed by the message with the spaces replaced by %20:

https://wa.me/351912345678?text=Ol%C3%A1%2C%20gostaria%20de%20saber%20mais%20sobre%20os%20vossos%20servi%C3%A7os

When someone clicks on this link, WhatsApp will open with the message "Hello, I would like to know more about your services" already written in the text field. The user just needs to click on Send.

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How to shorten and track your WhatsApp link

Here's the problem most people ignore: WhatsApp links with pre-filled messages get huge. something like https://wa.me/351912345678?text=OL%C3%A1%2C%20likes%20de%20ma RCAR%20UMA%20Consultation%20Free%20For%20Saber%20More%20About... It's nothing appealing to share in an Instagram bio, business card or advertisement.

This is where the Kortilink comes in. With Kortilink you can shorten any WhatsApp links and turn it into something clean and professional like kortilink.com/whatsapp-loja — and even track how many people clicked, from which country, what device and at what time.

This is essential for business: if you share the WhatsApp link on Instagram, Facebook and on a physical flyer, you can create three different Kortilink links — one for each channel — and see exactly where the contacts come from. Without this tracking, you are blind.

PRO TIP: Creates a shorted link per campaign or channel. So you know that your investment in ads on Instagram brought X contacts and the store's flyer brought Y. They are data that are worth gold.

Where to share the WhatsApp link

A well-shortened WhatsApp link can go anywhere. Here are the most impactful locations:

  • Bio from Instagram and TikTok — uses a Kortilink bio page with the WhatsApp link highlighted
  • Email Subscription — Add a "Talk to WhatsApp with us" button with the link
  • Site and Landing Pages — A floating WhatsApp button in the lower right increases conversions
  • Business cards — prints shorted link or a QR code generated by Kortilink
  • Paid ads — Facebook Ads, Google Ads and Instagram Ads accept external links
  • Flyers and printed materials — A QR Code that opens WhatsApp is one of the highest conversions in the physical
  • Google Business Profile — Adds the WhatsApp link as a contact button

Examples of pre-populated business messages

One of the most powerful features of WhatsApp links is the automatic message. Think of it as an ultra-simple contact form. Here are some examples by sector:

For stores and e-commerce

https://wa.me/351912345678?text=Ol%C3%A1%21%20Gostaria%20de%20saber%20mais%20sobre%20um%20produto%20que%20vi%20na%20vossa%20loja.

For clinics and offices

https://wa.me/351912345678?text=Bom%20dia%21%20Gostaria%20de%20marcar%20uma%20consulta.%20Qual%20a%20disponibilidade%3F

For freelancers and agencies

https://wa.me/351912345678?text=Ol%C3%A1%2C%20estou%20interessado%20num%20or%C3%A7amento%20para%20o%20meu%20projecto.

For restaurants

https://wa.me/351912345678?text=Ol%C3%A1%21%20Gostaria%20de%20fazer%20uma%20reserva%20para%20este%20fim%20de%20semana.

The logic is simple: the less the client has to write, the more likely he is to send the message. an empty box inhibits; A prewritten message invites.

Always combine the pre-filled message with a shortened Kortilink link to get the best of both worlds: an impeccable user experience and accurate tracking data about the source of your contacts.

Deep down, a well-made WhatsApp link is one of the cheapest and most effective conversion tools that a business can have in 2026. It takes less than two minutes to create and can generate contacts for months.