The WhatsApp chat plugin for WordPress allows you to add a WhatsApp chat widget to your WordPress website. This enables your website visitors to initiate a chat conversation with you via WhatsApp directly from your website.
Why use a WhatsApp chat plugin?
Adding a WhatsApp chat plugin to your WordPress site can provide the following benefits:
- Allows website visitors to easily contact you via WhatsApp without having to find your phone number elsewhere
- Provides an instant and direct communication channel with your customers/clients
- WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform so visitors are likely already familiar with using it
- Chat conversations are secure and encrypted end-to-end
- Chat history is saved so you can refer back to previous conversations later
- Help improve customer service by providing quick responses to inquiries
- Drive more sales or leads by enabling direct communications
How WhatsApp chat plugins work
WhatsApp chat plugins work by adding a chat widget to your site. This is a button or box which when clicked will open up a WhatsApp chat window. The plugin connects to your WhatsApp account in the background.
Visitors can then initiate a chat by clicking the chat button and sending you an initial message via WhatsApp. You can respond directly from the WhatsApp app on your phone as normal.
Many chat plugins will display whether you are online/offline or away to show users when you are available to chat. Some also have features like pre-written quick response messages and chat schedules.
Popular WhatsApp chat plugins
Some popular WhatsApp chat plugins for WordPress include:
- Click to Chat – One of the most downloaded chat plugins with over 1 million active installs. Provides customizable chat box and options like pop-ups and call buttons.
- WhatsApp Chat – Basic free plugin with the essential chat features. Easy to set up.
- WG Whatsapp Chat – More advanced plugin with auto-replies, saving chat history, and analytics.
- Chaty – Includes neat floating chat button and allows you to chat on multiple platforms like Facebook Messenger.
- TypeChat – Offers unique customizable typing indicator dots to show when you are typing.
How to add WhatsApp chat on WordPress
Adding a WhatsApp chat widget to WordPress only takes a few simple steps:
- Install and activate a WhatsApp chat plugin on your WordPress site.
- In the plugin settings, enter your WhatsApp number so it can connect to your account.
- Select a position for the chat box – bottom right, bottom left, top right etc.
- Customize the chat button style, color and text if desired.
- Save changes and the live chat widget will now be displayed on your site.
Make sure to install the WhatsApp mobile app on your phone and verify your number. This allows the plugin to sync to your account. When visitors initiate chats, you will get a notification on your phone and can respond as usual.
WhatsApp Business API
Some WhatsApp chat plugins for WordPress make use of the WhatsApp Business API. This allows them to integrate more deeply with WhatsApp and access more advanced features.
Key advantages of the Business API include:
- Ability to program automated quick replies and greetings
- Label conversations (e.g. “support”, “sales”) for easier organization
- Stats on frequently asked questions and reply times
- Chat with users who haven’t saved your number
Plugins like Click to Chat offer a version that uses the Business API to provide a more robust and customizable experience.
Top WhatsApp chat plugin options
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and full-featured WhatsApp chat plugins for WordPress…
1. Click to Chat
Click to Chat is one of the most highly rated WhatsApp chat plugins. Key features include:
- Add chat box, buttons or popup widget
- Set chat box to show when user scrolls page
- Customize colors and size
- Group chat support
- Add call and text buttons
- Fetch existing WhatsApp conversations
- Works on mobile and desktop
- GDPR compliant
The free version has basic features while the Pro ($29) and Business API ($39) versions unlock more advanced capabilities. Overall a great all-round plugin.
2. Chaty
Chaty is a newer WhatsApp chat plugin with some unique features:
- Floating chat button stays fixed on screen
- Chat on Facebook Messenger also
- Set business hours and autoresponder
- Customizable colors and button image
- Desktop and mobile compatible
- Drag and drop builder for chat box
- Add video and audio call buttons
Chaty starts at $14 for the Pro version which is quite affordable. It’s one of the few plugins to also allow Messenger chats.
3. WP WhatsApp Chat
WP WhatsApp Chat comes with these notable features:
- Add chat on posts, pages, widgets
- Set away/available messages
- Customize chat box size and style
- Trigger chat box on button click
- Group chat support
- Easy installation
- GDPR compliant
This is a good free option to start with. The Pro version ($19) unlocks team chat support, desktop notifications and more.
4. WhatsApp Chat Plugin
As one of the simplest plugins, WhatsApp Chat Plugin has these features:
- Light and fast plugin
- Add chat widget to site
- Customize chat text and color
- Set widget position
- Group chat support
- Google Analytics integration
The free version is very easy to install and configure. The Pro version ($14) provides a few more styling and customization options.
5. TypeChat WhatsApp Chat
TypeChat is known for its unique typing indicator dots. Features include:
- Real-time typing indicator dots
- Fully customizable chat box
- Set schedule and away messages
- Add chat box or button
- Desktop notifications
- Multi-language support
- Chat history saved
This is available as a free plugin. The Pro version ($19) adds priority support and removes branding.
Key factors when choosing a plugin
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a WhatsApp chat plugin for your WordPress site:
- Features – Compare the features between plugins to find one that fits your needs.
- Customization – Look for sufficient styling and display options to match your brand.
- Price – Free and paid versions available to suit different budgets.
- Support – Check the developer is responsive to queries and updates the plugin.
- Ratings – Higher ratings and active installs indicate a more reliable plugin.
- Security – Plugin should follow secure practices and not collect user data.
- Desktop & Mobile – Ensure the chat works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile.
Consider these factors against your specific needs to choose the best WhatsApp chat plugin for your WordPress site.
Setting up the WhatsApp Business API
To access more advanced features in some WhatsApp chat plugins, you will need to set up the WhatsApp Business API. Here is an overview of how to get set up:
- Apply for a WhatsApp Business account at www.facebook.com/business/help/102986843711320
- Accept the terms and verification steps to create your business account
- Use the account phone number as your business number
- Download the WhatsApp Business app and log in with your account
- Go to Business Settings and tap the WhatsApp Business API option
- Activate the API and accept terms of use
- Use the provided credentials in your WhatsApp chat plugin settings
This will link your Business API account with the plugin and enable advanced features like quick replies, labels and analytics. Some setup steps may vary based on the plugin used.
Optimizing your WhatsApp chat plugin
Here are some tips to optimize your WhatsApp chat plugin for the best results:
- Place the chat button or box in an easily visible location like bottom right or bottom left.
- Use colors that stand out and contrast against your site design.
- Set an appropriate chat greeting message like “Hi, how can we help you?”
- Program quick reply buttons for common questions to streamline chats.
- Set up away messages and chat schedules so visitors know when you’re available.
- Monitor your chat statistics to see common questions and respond accordingly.
- Train a team to handle chats if volume of conversations increases.
- Ensure your cellphone has a WhatsApp plan to avoid incurring data charges.
- Reply promptly to chats and provide excellent customer service.
Optimizing your chat plugin in this way will lead to higher satisfaction and more conversions for your business.
Troubleshooting common WhatsApp chat issues
Some common issues when setting up a WhatsApp chat plugin include:
- Chat not displaying – Ensure the plugin is installed and activated. Clear caches and check if any errors display.
- Button not working – WhatsApp web may have been logged out. Re-verify plugin connection on your phone.
- Not receiving messages – Notification access may be blocked for WhatsApp web. Enable notifications in browser/phone settings.
- Can’t login – Verify your phone has an active internet connection and try reloading the page.
- API errors – Double check Business API settings like token and credentials entered in the plugin.
- Slow response – Cache clearing and plugin reconfiguration may help improve performance.
For any persistent issues, directly contact the plugin developer’s support for troubleshooting assistance.
Conclusion
Adding a WhatsApp chat plugin is a great way to improve customer service and increase conversions on a WordPress site. Plugins like Click to Chat and Chaty make the setup process easy and provide customization options to match your branding.
Consider factors like features, mobile compatibility and developer support when choosing a plugin. With some optimization such as quick replies and prominent chat placement, you can provide a seamless chat experience for site visitors.
Troubleshoot any setup issues and use WhatsApp Business API if you need advanced features. Overall, a WhatsApp chat plugin integrates a hugely popular messaging platform into your site to drive more engaging conversations and sales.