How to bring customers to WhatsApp with Facebook ads

In Malaysia and Singapore, WhatsApp is something almost everyone uses every day. Many customers who see an ad don't want to fill in a form; they just want to ask. Click-to-WhatsApp ads take interested people straight into a chat with you.

Why click-to-WhatsApp ads?

• Low effort for customers: one tap starts a chat, no form to fill.
• Instant conversation: answer questions straight away, while interest is high.
• Easy to track: every chat comes from an ad, so you know how many enquiries the ads bring.

What you need first

1. A WhatsApp Business account (recommended: it supports auto-replies and a catalogue).
2. Your WhatsApp number connected to your Facebook Page.
3. Ad creatives that clearly say what you offer and why to contact you now.

Basic setup steps

1. Create a new campaign in Ads Manager with an Engagement or messaging objective.
2. Choose WhatsApp as the conversion location.
3. Set the location, age and audience, for example only the states you serve.
4. Write a pre-filled message such as “Hi, I'd like to know the package prices”, so customers can send it with one tap.
5. Set the budget and submit for review.

Write a good welcome message and first reply

• Set an automatic greeting that thanks the customer and says when you'll reply.
• Make your first reply a question about their needs, e.g. “Which package are you interested in?”
• Prepare answers to common questions (price, process, documents) so replies are fast and consistent.

4 ways to turn more chats into sales

1. Reply quickly: the faster you reply, the better your chances. Keep someone online while ads run.
2. Qualify enquiries: one or two questions show whether someone really needs your service.
3. Track the source: use different pre-filled messages for different ads to see which bring the best customers.
4. Follow up: politely follow up once after a day or two with people who didn't decide straight away.

Want better enquiries? Read 7 ways to improve lead quality. Need help setting up WhatsApp ads? See Facebook ads management or TikTok ads (TikTok supports WhatsApp traffic too).