WhatsApp Link with a Pre-Filled Message: Guide + 15 Templates

A WhatsApp link with a pre-filled message opens the chat with the text already written in — the customer just has to tap “send.” That small detail changes everything: it removes the blank-page problem (“what do I even say?”), tells you where each contact came from, and starts the conversation exactly where you want it to start. Here’s how to set it up the right way, plus which messages actually convert.

How the pre-filled message works

The official format uses the text parameter: https://wa.me/5215512345678?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20some%20information. The tricky part is encoding: every space needs to be %20, every comma %2C, every special character its own code — get one wrong and the link breaks or arrives full of stray symbols.

The easy way: write your message in plain text (emojis included) in the free walinks generator and get back a short link that’s already correctly encoded, with a preview of exactly how it will look in your customer’s chat. More on the format in the full guide.

Important: the message is a suggestion, not automatic

The text shows up already typed in the chat box, but the customer decides whether to send it (and can edit it first). This isn’t spam or automated messaging — it just takes the work of writing off their plate. That’s exactly why send rates are so high: the message is already written, all that’s left is one tap.

Anatomy of a good pre-filled message

• Short: one line, two at most. The customer should be able to read it at a glance before sending.
• With source context: “I saw your ad on Facebook,” “I scanned the QR code on the menu” — free channel intelligence for you.
• With clear intent: “I’d like a quote,” “I want to book an appointment,” “send me the catalog” — so your first reply is already on target.
• In the customer’s voice: they’re the ones sending it, so it needs to read naturally in first person.

15 ready-to-copy templates

Sales and quotes

• Hi, I’d like more information about your services 🙌
• Hi, I saw your website and I’d like a quote
• Hi, I’m interested in [product]. Is it still available?
• Hi, I came from Instagram 👋 could you send me the catalog?

Appointments and reservations

• Hi, I’d like to book an appointment this week
• Hi, do you have a table for today? We’re [number] people
• Hi, I’d like to make a reservation and confirm pricing, please

Orders

• Hi, I’d like to place an order 🍔
• Hi, I scanned the QR code on the table and I’d like to order
• Hi, do you deliver to [area]?

Support and after-sales

• Hi, I have a question about my order #
• Hi, I need help with something I bought
• Hi, I’d like an update on my request

Campaigns

• Hi, I saw the [campaign] promo and I’d like to take advantage of it 🎉
• Hi, I heard your ad and I’d like more information

A different message per channel = free tracking

Create a link with a different message for Instagram, for your printed QR code, and for your ads. Every incoming chat tells you its source in the first line, and with link analytics you’ll get an exact click count per channel. Two sources of data, zero extra effort.

Mistakes to avoid

• Writing a huge message with your entire value proposition — that belongs in your reply, not theirs.
• Encoding the URL by hand — one misplaced %20 breaks the link in production.
• Using the same generic message everywhere — you lose the source intelligence entirely.