As a user of the WhatsApp Business app, you now have access to the innovative short-link feature. The WhatsApp Link Shortener lets you convert lengthy URLs into concise, easy-to-share links. These short URLs enable your customers to initiate a chat with you effortlessly. When a customer clicks your shared link, it directly opens a WhatsApp chat, provided the app is installed.
Creating WhatsApp links manually can be tedious—that’s where RetargetKit steps in. We offer a service that seamlessly utilizes available domains to generate shortened WhatsApp links.
In this article, we’ll explore various methods for easily obtaining a WhatsApp link shortener. Stick around until the end for additional tips to enhance your experience. Let’s dive in!
With the introduction of the WhatsApp public beta program, a new feature called the "WhatsApp link shortener" was launched. This premium tool allows users to create a customized link linked to their phone number. Customers can quickly start a chat with you on WhatsApp using this short link.
Designed specifically for WhatsApp Business accounts, this feature is available to users with beta version 2.19.21.5 and above. While older versions may have this feature, updating your app initiating immediate convers ensures the best functionality. The "WhatsApp link shortener" enhances communication between WhatsApp Business App users and their customers.
How Does WhatsApp Link Shortener Work?
WhatsApp's short link feature simplifies the process of sharing links. Businesses can provide customers with a wa.me URL, enabling immediate conversation initiation. Initially released in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.18.138, this service has been updated to include a default message feature, enhancing usability.
For WhatsApp Business users, short links facilitate convenient customer engagement. These links are easy to share and maintain the privacy of your communications.
Several powerful WhatsApp Link Shortener tools are now available. Basic ones convert long links into short ones, while advanced tools like RetargetKit track link traffic. This tracking feature helps you understand the impact of your links and allows customers to message you without adding your number to their contacts.
What Is WhatsApp Business App?
The WhatsApp Business app, designed for small business owners, offers various tools to enhance customer communication. Here’s a quick overview of its features:
Free download from the Play Store or App Store.
Tailored for small business owners, distinct from WhatsApp's Business API.
Includes tools like quick responses, a business profile, automated messages, a product catalog, and short links with QR codes.
Why Does Your Business Need A WhatsApp Link Shortener?
WhatsApp, with 1.5 billion users across 180 countries, is the world’s leading messaging app. Regardless of your business size, WhatsApp short links offer numerous benefits. The primary advantage is enhancing customer comfort when messaging.
Many businesses use WhatsApp for customer communication, but sharing direct WhatsApp links can sometimes cause discomfort or security concerns. A WhatsApp Link Shortener hides your original links, making them more appealing and secure. This encourages sharing and helps grow your business.
Additionally, tracking your link performance is crucial. A WhatsApp Link Shortener provides this capability, allowing you to monitor customer interactions and refine your strategies.
How To Use WhatsApp Short Link?
Creating a profile in the WhatsApp Business app automatically generates a short URL. To use this URL, follow these steps:
On your Android device, tap the vertical dots in the top right corner and select 'Settings' under WhatsApp Business.
Choose 'Business Settings' from the menu.
Select 'Short Link.'
For iPhone users, navigate to ‘WhatsApp Business’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Business Tools’ and select ‘Short Link’. You can copy, share, and customize the default messages from there.
Best WhatsApp Link Shorteners
For those without a WhatsApp Business account, several services can help you shorten WhatsApp links. These services provide full analytics and records of your shortened URLs, using new domains and replacing long permalinks with concise strings. Here are five top WhatsApp link shorteners:
RetargetKit offers comprehensive link shortening and tracking features. Customize links with your brand name to enhance visibility and trust. A 7-day free trial is available.
Features:
Link Shortener: Shorten any type of link for easy sharing. You can customize short links with branded domains. You can also track clicks and conversions.
Retargeting Pixels: Integrate retargeting pixels to track user behavior. Retarget users across multiple platforms like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn.
Lead Generation: Capture leads with customizable forms. Integrate with popular CRM and email marketing tools.
Curated Page: Create and share curated content pages. Drive traffic to multiple links from a single page.
Call To Action (CTA): Add CTAs to any link you share. Increase engagement and conversions with targeted CTAs.
Bio-Link: Create a single link to share multiple URLs (ideal for social media bios). Track clicks and measure engagement on bio-links.
Analytics: Detailed analytics to monitor performance. Insights into clicks, conversions, and user demographics.
Custom Domains: Use your domain for link shortening. Enhance brand visibility and trust.
QR Codes: Generate QR codes for your short links. Easy for offline marketing and direct user engagement.
Integrate with various third-party tools and platforms. Streamline workflow with Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
Pros
Combines multiple marketing tools in one platform.
Easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
Enhance brand recognition with customizable domains and links.
Provides deep insights into link performance and user behavior.
Suitable for various marketing activities, from link shortening to lead generation and retargeting.
Advanced retargeting options to re-engage visitors.
Responsive support team to assist with any issues or questions.
Cons
Might be expensive for small businesses or individual users.
Some advanced features may require time to learn and utilize effectively.
Full functionality often relies on integration with other tools, which might incur additional costs.
Primarily designed for online marketing; may not fully cater to offline campaign needs.
Pricing
RetargetKit offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different business needs. The Starter Plan, priced at $9 per month, includes essential link shortening and limited analytics. The Personal Plan comes at $19/month with 1 Curated Page, 1 Bio Link Page, and 1,000 Leads/Month. The Professional Plan is available at $29 per month to get 2 Curated Pages, 2 Bio Link Pages, and 2,000 Leads/Month. The Business Plan is priced at $49 per month to get 5 Curated Pages, 5 Bio Link Pages, and 5,000 Leads/Month.
RetargetKit Pricing Plan
02. WA.link
Create custom short links with ease. The premium version allows bespoke links starting with your chosen characters.
Features
Custom Short Links: Create personalized short links for WhatsApp.
Ease of Use: Simple and user-friendly interface for generating links.
Templates: Various templates are available for customization.
Default Message: Allows setting a default message for the link recipient.
Analytics: Track link clicks and performance (premium feature).
QR Codes: Generate QR codes linked to WhatsApp numbers (premium feature).
Integration: Integrates with various marketing tools and platforms.
Pros
Easy to create and customize short links.
Minimal steps to generate a WhatsApp link.
Flexibility in personalizing the link's appearance and default message.
Facilitates quicker and more direct customer interaction.
Provides analytics to monitor link performance (premium).
Cons:
Advanced features like analytics and QR codes are only available in the premium version.
Some customization options might be restricted in the free version.
Requires customers to have WhatsApp installed on their devices.
Pricing
There are 2 pricing plans available. One is free and the other one is $6/year per link. This means if you generate 1000 links per month you have to pay $500 every month.
WA.link Pricing Plan
03. Growby
Generate easy links by entering your phone number and country code. The system automatically links these details.
Features
Automated Messaging: Schedule messages to be sent at optimal times. You can also set up automated responses for common queries.
Contact Management: Organize contacts into groups for targeted campaigns. You can import contacts directly from your phone or CRM systems.
Campaign Analytics: Track open rates, response rates, and engagement metrics. Detailed reports on the performance of each campaign.
Pros
WhatsApp messages tend to have higher open and response rates compared to email and SMS.
Ability to send personalized messages directly to customers, enhancing customer relationships.
Affordable pricing plans compared to traditional marketing channels.
User-friendly interface with straightforward navigation and setup.
Instant delivery and read receipts enable real-time customer interaction and quick feedback.
Leverage WhatsApp’s extensive global user base to reach a larger audience.
Cons
Restrictions on the number of messages that can be sent per day or per hour.
Reliant on WhatsApp's platform policies and any changes they may implement.
The risk of messages being marked as spam if not used responsibly.
The initial learning curve for businesses unfamiliar with WhatsApp marketing.
Constraints on customization compared to other marketing platforms with more branding options.
Pricing
Growby offers a range of yearly pricing plans to suit different business needs. The Standard plan is priced at $129 per year, providing essential features for small businesses. The Professional plan costs $189 per year, offering advanced features for growing businesses. The Enterprise plan is available for $279 per year, designed for larger businesses with more extensive needs. For resellers, the White Label Hosted plan is $399 per year, which includes a white-label presentation. Additionally, there is a Reseller White Label Self-Hosted plan with source code available for a lifetime, for which pricing details can be obtained by contacting Growby directly.
Growby Pricing Plan
04. Join.chat
This service generates WhatsApp communication links, preserving anonymity and enhancing customer engagement.
Features
Seamless Integration: Join.chat integrates effortlessly with popular platforms like WordPress, allowing users to add chat functionality without extensive technical knowledge.
Customizable Widgets: Users can customize chat widgets to match their brand’s look and feel, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Multi-Channel Support: Supports multiple messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram, enabling businesses to engage with customers on their preferred channel.
Automated Responses: Includes automation features like chatbots and predefined responses to handle common queries, improving response time and customer satisfaction.
Analytics and Reporting: Provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to monitor chat performance, user engagement, and overall effectiveness.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with a user-friendly interface that makes setup and management straightforward for users of all skill levels.
Multilingual Support: Supports multiple languages, making it ideal for businesses operating in diverse linguistic markets.
24/7 Availability: Ensures that businesses can provide around-the-clock support, enhancing customer service and satisfaction.
Pros
Join.chat facilitates real-time communication with customers, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction levels.
By providing instant support and resolving queries quickly, it can help boost conversion rates and sales.
Reduces the need for extensive customer support teams by automating responses to common inquiries, lowering operational costs.
Its support for multiple messaging platforms offers businesses flexibility in how they interact with customers.
Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, due to its scalable features and customization options.
The analytics tools provide valuable insights into customer behavior and chat performance, aiding in informed decision-making.
The ability to offer support 24/7 in multiple languages enhances the overall customer experience and loyalty.
Cons
Some users might find the initial setup and integration difficult without technical skills.
It needs a stable internet connection to work well, which can be an issue in areas with poor connectivity.
Advanced features may only be available in paid plans, limiting smaller businesses with tight budgets.
Customization options might be less flexible compared to custom-built chat solutions.
Setting up and managing automated responses and chatbots can be time-consuming and complex.
Using chat platforms involves handling customer data, which requires strong privacy and security measures.
Over-relying on automated responses can lead to less personalized interactions, potentially hurting customer satisfaction.
Pricing
The Personal Plan is ideal for entrepreneurs starting out in sales. This plan includes up to 3 contact channels, 3 agents, a Chat Funnel, 1 license, and ticketing assistance within 48 hours for €8 per month, billed annually at €96. The second plan is the Freelance Plan. It is perfect for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand their market reach. It offers up to 5 contact channels, 5 agents, visibility by countries, up to 5 licenses, and ticketing assistance within 24 hours for €15 per month, billed annually at €180. The final plan is the Agency Plan. It is signed for ambitious companies aiming for significant growth, this plan offers unlimited contact channels and agents, the new Chat Funnel (+) with conversational forms, lead capture, and CRM integration, Dokan plugin compatibility, up to 100 licenses, and premium chat support. It costs €30 per month, billed annually at €360.
Join.chat Pricing Plan
05. Vepaar
Formerly WhatsHash, Vepaar lets you generate short links quickly. Enter your country and phone number, and customize the default message. While it offers a range of features suitable for various business sizes, potential users should consider the learning curve, cost, and their specific business needs before adoption.
Features
Multi-Channel CRM: Integrates with WhatsApp, Email, and other social media platforms. Centralized customer management from multiple communication channels.
E-commerce Capabilities: It can set up a digital storefront. Inventory management and order tracking.
Broadcast Messaging: Send mass messages to customers via WhatsApp. Personalize messages to enhance customer engagement.
Business Analytics: Detailed analytics and reporting on customer interactions and sales. Track performance metrics and gain insights for better decision-making.
Automation Tools: Automated responses and follow-ups. Workflow automation for repetitive tasks.
Customizable Forms and Surveys: Create custom forms for lead capture and customer feedback. Integrate forms seamlessly into your CRM.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that is easy to navigate. Mobile app for managing business on-the-go.
Team Collaboration: Assign tasks and manage team communications within the platform. Shared access to customer data for improved collaboration.
Pros
Multi-channel integration allows for seamless communication with customers.
Personalized messaging boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
E-commerce tools streamline the sales process from order placement to fulfillment.
Inventory management helps prevent stockouts and overstocking.
Automation features reduce the need for manual intervention in routine tasks.
Detailed reports provide valuable insights into business performance.
Suitable for small businesses as well as larger enterprises.
Collaboration tools facilitate better teamwork and communication.
Shared access to data ensures everyone is on the same page.
Cons
New users may need time to fully understand and utilize all features.
Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming.
Heavy reliance on WhatsApp for communication may be limiting if WhatsApp faces downtime or policy changes.
Users without WhatsApp may find it less useful.
Some features may be locked behind higher-tier pricing plans.
Small businesses or startups might find it costly compared to simpler alternatives.
Limited options for highly specific business requirements.
Integration with other tools and platforms might require technical expertise.
Abundance of features may overwhelm users who only need basic functionalities.
Pricing
Vepaar offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs. The Free (Trial) plan is ideal for business starters, providing basic features at no cost. For small businesses, the Pro plan is available at $11 per user per month, offering more advanced features. Established businesses can opt for the Premium plan at $16 per user per month, which includes all the top-tier functionalities. Please note that all prices are exclusive of taxes.
Vepaar Pricing Plan
How To Get Your WhatsApp Link Shortener With RetargetKit?
If you are wondering why choose RetargetKit, there is a solid reason. You can not only use for WhatsApp link shortening but also other platforms. With highly configured features, this URL shortener still leads the market dynamically.
Here are the steps to shorten links with RetargetKit.
Click on ‘New Campaign’ to set up your campaign. Now go for ‘shortener’, name your campaign, and enable custom domain and tracking options.
Step 03: Create a Custom Domain
When you click the Next button, you will be taken to set up the custom domain. Add your custom domain in RetargetKit by following the steps.
Step 04: Make a Quick Link
Now select the New Retarget Link under your created campaign. Select the “WhatsApp” icon and enter your phone number. Write a message that you want to send to the receiver. Now create your shortlink or leave it empty and Save it.
Step 05: Share The Short URL
Distribute the link via blog posts, email marketing, or social media.
Step 06: Analytics
Use RetargetKit’s analytics to monitor link performance, clicks, conversion rates, and more.
Final Words
If you’re using the WhatsApp Business app and want to simplify customer interactions, check out RetargetKit. We provide automatically generated short links to streamline the process, enhancing your conversion rates and user experience. For more information, visit RetargetKit.
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