Many customers prefer sending a quick WhatsApp message to filling in a form or making a call. A floating contact button gives them that option on every page, in one tap.
One button, several channels
People have different habits. The best approach is a single floating button that opens a small panel with your channels: WhatsApp, phone call, SMS, email, Messenger, Telegram, Instagram or directions to your shop.
Best practices
- Pre-fill the message: for example “Hello, I have a question about {page}”, so you know where the visitor came from.
- Show your availability: “Online” during business hours, “Away” with a message outside them.
- Hide the phone outside business hours if you do not want calls at night.
- A greeting bubble after a few seconds, once per visit, not on every page.
- Stay discreet: one corner, a size that does not cover content on phones.
- Respect privacy: no tracking, no third-party scripts needed for a simple link.
Setting it up
Reachly supports nine channel types, reordering and custom labels, pre-filled WhatsApp messages and email subjects, availability hours, a greeting bubble and a live preview in the settings. It can reuse the schedule of OpenHours. Click the button on the live demo.
Related guides
Show your opening hours with a live badge and let visitors check your service area. The Local Business Pack includes all three.
Prefill the message
A WhatsApp link can include a prefilled message, for example “Hello, I have a question about…”. It saves visitors from wondering what to write and tells you where the contact came from. Adapt the text per page if possible: on a product page, include the product name; on a quote page, “I would like a quote for…”. The easier the first message, the more conversations you get.
Set expectations
A chat button creates an expectation of quick answers. Display when you reply (“We usually reply within an hour, Monday to Saturday”), show your opening hours nearby, and use the WhatsApp Business app to set an automatic greeting and away message. Outside office hours, a button that switches to email or a contact form avoids disappointing visitors.
Privacy and professionalism
- Use a business number rather than your personal one if possible.
- Mention in your privacy policy that visitors may contact you via third-party messaging apps.
- Do not add people to broadcast lists without their consent.
- Keep a professional profile photo and business description in WhatsApp Business.
Measure the results
Count the conversations started from the website, for example by using a specific prefilled message for the button, and note how many become sales or appointments. Compare with phone calls and form submissions. Many local businesses find that chat brings younger customers and more quote requests, while phone calls remain best for urgent needs, which is why offering several channels in one button works well.
Try a multi-channel button on the Reachly demo.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the WhatsApp Business API?
No. A simple click-to-chat link opens WhatsApp with your number and an optional pre-filled message.
Can I hide the phone option at night?
Yes. With availability hours you can show an “Away” status and hide chosen channels outside business hours.
Does it track visitors?
Reachly uses no tracking, no cookies and no external service.