A floating WhatsApp button is one of the simplest ways to get more contacts from a website. There are dozens of plugins for it, from a single green bubble to multi-channel contact widgets. Here is what to compare to choose the right one.
1. One channel or several?
Not all visitors use WhatsApp. A button that opens a small menu with WhatsApp, phone, email, Messenger or Telegram lets each visitor pick their favourite channel. For local businesses, the phone option remains essential. See how to add a WhatsApp button to WordPress.
2. Prefilled messages
A prefilled first message (“Hello, I have a question about…”) makes it easier to start a conversation and tells you which page the visitor came from.
3. Opening hours awareness
A button that shows “We reply within an hour” during working hours and switches to email or a message outside them sets the right expectations. Pair it with a visible open now badge.
4. Placement and mobile behaviour
The button must stay within thumb reach on phones without covering the menu, the add to cart button or cookie banners. Check left/right position, offset and whether you can hide it on specific pages.
5. Greeting bubble
A short greeting next to the button (“Need help? Chat with us”) increases clicks. It should be dismissible and not reappear on every page.
6. Privacy
A simple link to WhatsApp does not need tracking scripts. Avoid plugins that load third-party widgets or cookies just to show a button, which may also require consent.
7. Performance
A contact button should weigh a few kilobytes. Some widgets load hundreds of kilobytes of external code; test before and after installing.
Checklist
- Multiple channels in one button
- Prefilled messages
- Hours-aware availability
- Good mobile placement
- Dismissible greeting
- No third-party tracking
- Lightweight
Our option
Reachly groups WhatsApp, phone, email and other channels in one lightweight floating button, with prefilled messages, a greeting bubble and opening hours. Try it on the contact button demo. A free Lite version with WhatsApp, phone and email is also planned on WordPress.org.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need WhatsApp Business?
It is recommended: business profile, catalog, away messages and quick replies.
Does a WhatsApp button need cookie consent?
A simple link does not set cookies. Widgets that load third-party scripts may.
Can I show the button only on mobile?
Many plugins allow it, but desktop visitors also use WhatsApp Web, so test both.