How to Create Click-to-WhatsApp Ads to Grow Your Business
Are you looking for a way to get more leads and drive them straight into conversations? Click-to-WhatsApp ads could be the answer. They bring your prospects directly to your WhatsApp inbox, skipping the friction of forms or emails.
With the right setup, these ads can help you start meaningful conversations and move leads faster through your sales pipeline. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create effective ads that link to WhatsApp and measure their impact on your sales performance.
What are click-to-WhatsApp ads?
Have you ever seen a Facebook or Instagram ad with a call-to-action button, such as “Send Message” or “Chat on WhatsApp?” When someone clicks the button, they’re taken directly to a WhatsApp chat with your business. From there, it’s easy for them to ask questions, request a demo, or get more information about your product or service.
Click-to-WhatsApp ads can be displayed in:
- Facebook news feed
- Facebook Marketplace
- Instagram feed
- Instagram explore
- Facebook stories
- Instagram stories
What are the benefits of using click-to-WhatsApp ads?
Click-to-WhatsApp ads make it easier to connect with your leads and move them through the sales funnel faster. Here’s how they can help you achieve better results:
Target high-converting audiences effectively
Targeting prospects by industry, job title, or behaviors is like shooting fish in a barrel. With Click-to-WhatsApp ads, you can focus your efforts on the people who are most likely to engage with your business - decision makers in specific industries, buyers in a particular job role, or individuals showing behaviors that indicate purchase intent.
For example, if you sell software solutions to small businesses, you can create a campaign targeting small business owners in specific industries like retail or hospitality. Or, if you’re targeting enterprise clients, you can narrow your audience to procurement managers or IT directors.
With this level of precision, you’re not wasting time or budget on audiences that don’t fit your goals, but directly reaching the people who are ready to take action.
Direct engagement
Prospects can start a conversation with your team instantly. For example, someone scrolling through Instagram can click your ad, instantly get connected with you on WhatsApp where they can ask about your product. This means fewer steps and more direct interactions with leads.
When you meet prospects where they already are and engage them on a platform they trust, it’s easier to create opportunities for your sales team. This also helps them nurture leads and move them further through down the sales funnel.
Speed up the sales process
The good thing about Click-to-WhatsApp ads is that there are no delays like in traditional methods like email or phone calls. Instead of waiting for responses, your team can engage leads immediately in real-time conversations.
So, instead of a prospect filling out a contact form and waiting for a follow-up email, they can click your ad and instantly start chatting with your team.
This means you can answer questions, address objections, and even schedule demos within minutes, creating a better experience for the prospect and allowing your team to focus on qualified leads who are ready to move forward.
Drive higher ROAS and conversion rates
Click-to-WhatsApp ads offer clear, measurable results that help you make smarter decisions about your ad spend. Detailed metrics like clicks, conversations started, and conversions, you can see exactly how your campaigns are performing.
WhatsApp’s conversational approach creates a sense of immediacy and trust. It makes prospects more receptive to your offerings, which leads to higher-quality customer engagements.
Requirements for setting up click-to-WhatsApp ads
To start your click-to-WhatsApp ad campaign, first, you need to create a WhatsApp business account. You’ll need to download the WhatsApp Business app or subscribe to one of the official Business Solution Providers to use WhatsApp Business API. Then link your WhatsApp account to your Facebook page.
Note: You need to be an administrator of your Facebook page.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to Facebook business page
- Click Settings
- From the left-hand side menu, click on WhatsApp
- Choose your country code
- Enter your WhatsApp number and click send code
- Input your OTP to confirm the number
Once this is done, you can start setting up your first click-to-WhatsApp campaign.
How to create click-to-WhatsApp ads
You can create your ads in the Ads Manager tool on Facebook. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your ad:
- Go to your Facebook Business Manager. Under Business Settings > Accounts > WhatsApp Accounts, add your WhatsApp Business number.
- Log in to your Facebook Ads Manager. Click the Create button to start a new campaign.
- Choose the “Messages” campaign objective.
- Define your campaign details. Name your campaign and set your budget and bidding strategy based on your goals.
- Set your target audience. Choose demographics, interests, and behaviors that match your ideal customer profile. Refine your audience to focus on prospects most likely to engage.
- Select your ad placements. Choose between automatic placements (recommended) or manual placements to decide where your ads will appear (e.g., Facebook feed, Instagram stories).
- Create your ad content. Write a compelling headline and description that highlights the benefits of engaging with your business.
- Add a call-to-action button. Use a button with clear text such as “Chat with us on WhatsApp.”
- Set the WhatsApp destination. Under the Ad Setup section, choose WhatsApp as the destination. Here you can add a pre-filled message (e.g., “Hi, I’m interested in learning more about your services!”) to make it easy for users to start a conversation.
- Preview your ad to see what will it look like across different placements. Make sure your message and visuals are consistent and appealing.
- Double-check your settings, then click Publish to make your ad live.
Best practice for click-to-WhatsApp ads
Following some proven best practices can improve your campaign outcome. Here’s a checklist to optimize your ad for the best results:
Use clear and compelling CTAs
Your call-to-action (CTA) should be straightforward and inviting, like “Chat with us on WhatsApp,” or “Ask your questions now.” A clear CTA makes it easier for users to understand what to do next.
Target the right audience
Narrow your audience based on specific demographics, interests, and behaviors that align with your ideal customer profile (ICP). Target decision-makers or individuals who are most likely to engage with your business.
Create mobile-friendly content
Since most users will view your ads on mobile devices, your visuals and text must be optimized for smaller screens. Use attention-grabbing headlines, short copy, and high-quality images or videos.
Add pre-filled messages
Make it easy for users to start a conversation by including a pre-filled message, such as “I’m interested in your services. Can you tell me more?” This reduces friction and sets the stage for the interaction.
Highlight your value proposition
Clearly state what users will gain by clicking on your ad. Whether it’s a free consultation, quick support, or detailed product information, make your offer enticing.
Use automated responses
Use WhatsApp templates or chatbots to provide instant replies to common queries. This keeps the conversation flowing, especially if your team isn’t available 24/7.
Test multiple ad creatives
Run A/B tests with different images, videos, headlines, and CTAs to find what resonates best with your audience.
Track and optimize performance
Use Facebook Ads Manager to monitor key metrics like click-through rates (CTR), cost-per-click (CPC), and conversation rates. Analyze the data to optimize your audience, content, and placements.
Keep the conversation relevant
When users click on your ad and reach out on WhatsApp, they should be greeted with a relevant and helpful response. Personalization improves conversion rates.
Align with your sales funnel
Integrate your click-to-WhatsApp ads into your broader sales strategy. For example, use them to generate leads, qualify prospects, or book demos.
Final thoughts
Click-to-WhatsApp ads are a practical way to connect with your prospects and start conversations that directly impact your sales performance. They allow you to qualify leads faster, build trust, and close deals where your leads feel most comfortable - on WhatsApp.
With a straightforward setup in Facebook Ads Manager and clear performance metrics, you can easily measure their impact and optimize for better results. Focus on best practices like using compelling CTAs, mobile-friendly content, and personalized responses to maximize your ad’s effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
To create Click-to-WhatsApp ads, follow these steps:
- Set up a WhatsApp Business account and link it to your Facebook Business Manager.
- Open Ads Manager and create a new campaign with the Messages objective.
- Define your target audience, set your budget, and create ad content.
- Add a clear call-to-action, set WhatsApp as the destination, and include a pre-filled message.
- Review your ad and publish it.
Miodrag brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in content writing and marketing, with a talent for making even the trickiest topics clear and interesting. His passion lies in guiding businesses to effectively utilize WhatsApp to build stronger customer relationships and drive results. With an eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, he’s here to show how effective WhatsApp communication can boost sales and enhance customer engagement.
