WhatsApp is a powerful prospecting channel, but adding every prospect to your contacts is tedious. The wa.me trick solves this problem.
The Magic URL
https://wa.me/[phone_number]?text=[your_message]
This URL opens WhatsApp directly with the conversation ready, without needing to save the contact.
Concrete Examples
// Simple message
https://wa.me/33612345678?text=Hi%20John%2C%20quick%20question%20about...
// Without message (just opens the conversation)
https://wa.me/33612345678
Important: The number must be in international format without + or spaces. Example: 33612345678 for a French number.
URL Encoding
Spaces and special characters must be encoded:
- Space = %20
- Line break = %0A
- Comma = %2C
Automation with Clay
In Clay, create a column with this formula:
="https://wa.me/" & SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE({{Phone}}, "+", ""), " ", "") & "?text=" & ENCODEURL({{Message}})
Best Practices
- Get consent - Only contact people who expect communication
- Personalize - Don't send copy-paste messages
- Timing - Avoid nights and weekends
- Follow up - 1 reminder max, no harassment