Adding a WhatsApp chat to your WordPress website can be a great way to improve customer service and increase sales. With a WhatsApp chat, visitors can easily contact you directly through a channel many people already use daily. There are plugins available that make it easy to add a WhatsApp chat box, but you can also do it without any plugins.
Why Add WhatsApp Chat to Your Website
Here are some of the key benefits of adding WhatsApp chat to your WordPress site:
- Improved Customer Service – Allowing customers to contact you via WhatsApp provides a fast and convenient way for them to get support.
- Increased Engagement – A WhatsApp chat box gives visitors a clear call-to-action to connect with you.
- Higher Conversion Rates – Studies show that businesses with live chat can improve conversion rates by 20% or more.
- Expanded Reach – WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide, so it gives you access to a huge audience.
- Works on Mobile – Since WhatsApp is primarily a mobile app, the chat works seamlessly for mobile visitors.
How to Add WhatsApp Chat without a Plugin
Adding a WhatsApp chat box without a plugin is easy to do, just follow these steps:
- Get Your WhatsApp Business API Account
- Go to the WhatsApp Business API site and sign up for an account.
- Verify your business phone number.
- Agree to the terms of service and privacy policy.
- Set Up Your WhatsApp Business Profile
- In WhatsApp, tap the 3-dot menu and select WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
- Tap + Add and scan the QR code shown on the WhatsApp Business API site.
- Configure your business profile with name, description, profile picture, etc.
- Get Your WhatsApp Widget Code
- In your WhatsApp Business API account, go to Tools > Widgets.
- Choose a style for your chat widget and click Generate Code.
- Copy the widget code. It will look something like:
<script src="https://wa.widget.web.whatsapp.com/widget.js"></script>
- Add the Widget Code to Your Website
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and edit the page where you want the chat.
- Paste the widget code into the HTML editor (switch to Text mode).
- Update the page to save the changes.
- Test the WhatsApp Chat Box
- Preview your page to ensure the chat box appears and functions.
- Send a test message through the chat to confirm it works.
- Make any adjustments needed to placement or style.
And that’s all there is to it! The key steps are getting your WhatsApp Business API account, generating the widget code, and adding the code to your page. With just those steps, you can have a live WhatsApp chat box on your WordPress site without needing any plugins.
Customizing the WhatsApp Chat Box
WhatsApp provides several options to customize the appearance and behavior of your chat widget. Here are some of the settings you can adjust:
- Color – Choose a color for the widget background, header, and other elements.
- Size – Set the height and width of the widget.
- Position – Display the widget at the left, right, or bottom of the screen.
- Greeting Message – Customize the initial message visitors see.
- Header Title – Change the text shown in the chat header.
- Display Hours – Only show the widget during certain hours/days.
To change these widget settings:
- Go back to the Widgets page in your WhatsApp Business API account.
- Edit your existing widget or create a new one.
- Adjust the options to your preferences.
- Generate a new code snippet and update it on your WordPress site.
Experiment with different options to create a customized WhatsApp chat experience. Just be sure to paste the new code into your WordPress page each time.
Using a WordPress Plugin for WhatsApp Chat
While adding a WhatsApp chat box without a plugin is easy, some users may want the additional features and convenience that come with a plugin. Here are a few top options:
| Plugin | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Click to Chat for WhatsApp | Add multiple chat widgets, customize colors, auto replies, analytics |
| WhatsApp Chat | Mobile detect, customize text, schedule availability |
| WhatsApp Floating Chart | Floating icon chat bubble, customize Call to Action text |
| WhatsApp for WordPress | Encrypted messaging, create chat groups, Works with WooCommerce |
These plugins provide options to add multiple WhatsApp widgets, customize the design and text, create auto replies, integrate with WooCommerce, and view analytics on chats. The features make it easier to manage your WhatsApp account and chat experience.
To use a WhatsApp plugin:
- Search for the plugin and install on your WordPress site.
- Activate the plugin and enter your WhatsApp Business API credentials.
- Use the plugin settings to configure your chat widgets.
- Add the widgets to pages via shortcodes or widget areas.
- Manage chats, auto replies, analytics through the plugin dashboard.
Just keep in mind you need that WhatsApp Business API account for the plugins to work properly. The plugins simply provide extra tools to manage your WhatsApp account, compared to adding the basic code snippet manually.
Tips for Using WhatsApp for Business
Here are some top tips for getting the most value from adding WhatsApp chat to your WordPress site:
- Be Responsive – Make sure to promptly respond to incoming WhatsApp messages so customers get quick answers.
- Set Up Autoreplies – Configure automated greeting and away messages to manage conversations.
- Show Your Availability – Display your hours of operation and current status so visitors know when you can respond.
- Have Policies in Place – Prepare policies for acceptable use, data retention, quality assurance to handle chats appropriately.
- Integrate with CRM – Connect your WhatsApp account to your customer relationship management platforms.
- Make it Mobile-Friendly – Optimize your WhatsApp chat box for responsive mobile designs.
- Monitor Performance – Use analytics to track chat volume, response times, messages, etc. to improve.
- Train Your Team – Educate your customer service staff on using WhatsApp effectively and professionally.
By being prepared to provide excellent WhatsApp support and proactively managing conversations, you can provide a seamless chat experience that customers will appreciate.
Conclusion
Adding a WhatsApp chat box to your WordPress website is a great way to tap into the hugely popular messaging platform and improve customer engagement. With just a few simple steps, you can embed a WhatsApp widget without needing any plugins. Or for more advanced features, WhatsApp chat plugins are available for WordPress users.
Focus on setting up your WhatsApp Business API account first and generating your widget code snippet. Then paste that code into your WordPress page editor to get your chat box running quickly. Customize the appearance and settings for your desired look and functionality.
With over 2 billion WhatsApp users worldwide, integrating its chat feature can connect you to an enormous audience. By providing convenient WhatsApp support on your site, you can boost customer satisfaction and potential sales conversions.
Just be sure to manage conversations promptly, prepare autoreplies, have policies in place, and optimize the mobile experience. With a well-executed WhatsApp chat integration, you can take your WordPress website to the next level and provide top-notch customer service.