Click to Chat Strategies (Discipleship)

In the digital age, engaging with your audience through interactive and real-time communication is crucial for effective ministry. NextSteps, a powerful digital tool supported by the Jesus Film Project, offers various features to enhance your digital discipleship efforts. This guide will walk you through implementing click-to-chat strategies, specifically focusing on integrating a WhatsApp group chat into your NextSteps journey.

Click-to-chat strategies involve using interactive chat features to engage people in real-time conversations. These strategies can be highly effective and fruitful when implemented in online digital campaigns. Some benefits include:

• Providing immediate information about services and events
• Inviting conversations about faith
• Presenting resources for spiritual growth
• Offering instant prayer support

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a WhatsApp Or Messenger Chat Buttons

Follow these steps to add a WhatsApp group chat button to your NextSteps journey:

Step 1: Access the Journey Footer

1. Open your NextSteps journey.
2. Locate and click on the card containing the footer section you want to modify.

Step 2: Open Journey Appearance Controls

1. Click on the footer section to bring up the Journey Appearance controls.

Step 3: Modify the Chat Widget

1. In the Journey Appearance controls, find and click on "chat widget".
2. Check the "custom URL" option.
3. Replace the existing icon with a WhatsApp (or similar) icon.

Step 4: Add Your Messaging Platform URL

Pick the messaging platform most appropriate for the online community you are trying to reach...

WhatsApp (wa.me links) 

WhatsApp uses a simple URL format based on your phone number. The standard format for a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat link is: 

https://wa.me/<number>

Where <number> is your full phone number in international format, without any leading zeros, plus signs (+), or hyphens.

• Correct: https://wa.me/15551234567 (For a US number +1-555-123-4567)
• Correct: https://wa.me/447123456789 (For a UK number +44 7123 456789)
• Incorrect: https://wa.me/+1-555-123-4567
• Incorrect: https://wa.me/0015551234567

To provide context or gently guide the user's initial message, you can add a pre-filled message that will automatically appear in their text input field when they open the chat. This is useful for specific campaigns or contexts, like seeking prayer requests.

The format for this is: https://wa.me/<number>?text=<urlencodedtext>

Where:

• <number> is your full phone number in international format (as above).
• <urlencodedtext> is the message you want to pre-fill, but it must be URL-encoded. This means spaces are replaced with %20, commas with %2C, periods with %2E, etc. You can use online URL encoder tools or programming functions to do this.

URL Encode Your Message (Optional)

If you want to add a pre-filled message like "Hi, I need prayer. Can you please pray for...", you need to encode it.

• "Hi, I need prayer. Can you please pray for..." becomes: Hi%2C%20I%20need%20prayer%2E%20Can%20you%20please%20pray%20for%2E%2E%2E

(Note: The three periods ... are encoded as %2E%2E%2E)

Construct Your Final WhatsApp Link

• Basic Link: https://wa.me/15551234567
• Link with Pre-filled Prayer Request Message: https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hi%2C%20I%20need%20prayer%2E%20Can%20you%20please%20pray%20for%2E%2E%2E 

(Remember to replace 15551234567 with your actual phone number)

Click here for more information about wa.me links.

Messenger (m.me links) 

Facebook Messenger offers a wonderful way to connect directly online. By using special "Click-to-Chat" links (called m.me links), you can make it simple for people to start a conversation with your ministry team for prayer, information, connection, or support.

Understand the Basic Messenger Link Format

The standard format for a Messenger Click-to-Chat link is straightforward: https://m.me/<PAGE_USERNAME_OR_ID>

Where <PAGE_USERNAME_OR_ID> is either:

• Your Church/Ministry's Facebook Page Username: This is the unique name starting with @ (like @GraceCommunityChurch). Use it in the link without the @.
• Your Facebook Page ID: A unique number assigned to your Page by Facebook.

Find Your Page Username or Page ID

• Username: Visit your church's Facebook Page. The username is usually displayed prominently under the Page name and in the page's URL (e.g., facebook.com/YourPageUsername).
• Page ID: Go to your Facebook Page -> Settings -> Page Transparency -> See All. Your Page ID should be listed there. (Ensuring your Page accurately reflects your ministry is key!)

Construct Your Basic Messenger Link

Once you have your Username or ID, create the link:

• Using Username: https://m.me/GraceCommunityChurch (Replace with your actual username)
• Using Page ID: https://m.me/1009876543210 (Replace with your actual Page ID)

Using the username often looks cleaner and is easier to recognize.

Add a ref Parameter for Ministry Context (optional)

This is where m.me links become powerful for ministry! While WhatsApp links can pre-fill a message, Messenger uses a ref (reference) parameter. This ref tag doesn't change what the person types initially, but it sends hidden context to your Page inbox or chatbot based on where the person clicked the link.

This helps you understand their needs instantly! Imagine knowing if someone is clicking because they:

• Need prayer (ref=prayer_request)
• Are a new visitor (ref=new_visitor_connect)
• Want info about Easter services (ref=easter_event_info)
• Are interested in joining a small group (ref=small_group_interest)
• Want to follow up on Sunday's sermon (ref=sermon_followup_apr13)
• Are asking about volunteering (ref=serve_kids_ministry)

This allows your team or automated responses to provide a more relevant and pastoral welcome.

The format for adding this context is: https://m.me/<PAGE_USERNAME_OR_ID>?ref=<URLENCODED_REFERENCE_STRING>

Where <URLENCODED_REFERENCE_STRING> is your chosen context label (URL-encoded if needed).

URL Encode Your Reference String (If It Contains Spaces/Symbols)

Simple ref tags like prayer_request don't need changes. But if your tag has spaces or special characters (like "Easter Event Info"), you must URL-encode it. Spaces become %20, etc. Online tools can help!

• "Easter Event Info" becomes: Easter%20Event%20Info
• "Connect Card" becomes: Connect%20Card

Construct Your Final Messenger Links

Now you can build specific links for different purposes:

• Basic Link (Username): https://m.me/GraceCommunityChurch
• New Visitor Link: https://m.me/GraceCommunityChurch?ref=new_visitor_connect
• Prayer Request Link: https://m.me/GraceCommunityChurch?ref=prayer_request
• Easter Info Link (Encoded): https://m.me/GraceCommunityChurch?ref=Easter%20Event%20Info

(Remember to use your actual Page Username or ID)

Click here for more information about m.me links.

Telegram (t.me links)

While WhatsApp and Messenger have well-defined formats, other platforms offer similar capabilities, though the specifics can vary. Telegram offers robust linking options for profiles, groups, channels, and bots.

• Basic Format (Username): https://t.me/<username>
  • Replace <username> with the specific Telegram username of the user, public group, channel, or bot you want users to contact. Usernames are found in profile settings.
  • Example: https://t.me/YourMinistryChannel
• Basic Format (Phone Number): https://t.me/+<full_phone_number>
  • Replace <full_phone_number> with the full number in international format (e.g., +15551234567). Primarily used for linking to personal accounts if the username isn't known or preferred.
  • Example: https://t.me/+15551234567
• Adding Pre-filled Text: You can add a ?text= parameter to suggest an initial message (the user can still edit it). The text must be URL-encoded.
  • Format: https://t.me/<username_or_+phonenumber>?text=<urlencodedtext>
  • Example: https://t.me/YourMinistryBot?text=Please%20tell%20me%20about%20small%20groups
• Linking to Bots (with context): You can pass a parameter to a bot when a user clicks the link and hits 'Start'. This is useful for tracking or specific actions (similar to Messenger's ref).
  • Format: https://t.me/<bot_username>?start=<payload>
  • Replace <payload> with your desired tracking code or command context. The bot developer needs to program the bot to handle this payload.
  • Example: https://t.me/YourMinistryBot?start=prayer_request_button.\

Click here for more information about t.me links.

VK (VKontakte) (vk.me or vk.com/im links)

VK allows linking to user profiles and community messages.

• Short Format (Redirect): https://vk.me/<id_or_shortname>
  • Replace <id_or_shortname> with the user's profile ID (e.g., id123456), custom shortname (e.g., andrew), or community shortname (e.g., yourcommunity). This link usually redirects to the appropriate chat or profile page.
  • Example: https://vk.me/yourchurchcommunity
• Direct Message Format: https://vk.com/im?sel=<target_id>
  • This format attempts to open the direct message window.
  • Replace <target_id> with:
    • The user's numerical ID: sel=123456
    • The community's numerical ID, preceded by a hyphen: sel=-654321 (Find the community ID in its settings or URL).
  • Example (User): https://vk.com/im?sel=123456
  • Example (Community): https://vk.com/im?sel=-654321
• Adding Pre-filled Text (Potential): You might be able to add &msg=<urlencodedtext> to the vk.com/im?sel= URL, but test this thoroughly as its reliability can vary.
  • Example: https://vk.com/im?sel=-654321&msg=Hello%2C%20I%20have%20a%20question.
• Implementation: Useful for websites, posts within VK, or email signatures targeting VK users.

Signal (signal.me) links

Signal prioritizes privacy and doesn't offer a direct click-to-chat URL with pre-filled messages in the same way as WhatsApp or Telegram.

• Profile Link Format: https://signal.me/#p/<full_phone_number>
  • Replace <full_phone_number> with the full number including the country code (e.g., +15551234567).
  • Clicking this link opens a Signal page that prompts the user to open Signal on their device. It essentially shares your profile, allowing the user to easily add you as a contact and then start a chat. It doesn't directly open a chat window or pre-fill text.
  • Example: https://signal.me/#p/+15551234567
• Implementation: Best used when you want people to easily add your Signal contact from a website or email signature. Set expectations that it's for adding the contact first.

LINE (line.me)links

LINE is a major communication platform in countries like Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Using LINE links can be a great way for your ministry to connect with people in these regions. This typically involves setting up a LINE Official Account.

Step 1: Set Up a LINE Official Account

For ministry or organizational use, you'll generally need a LINE Official Account. You can create and manage this through the LINE Official Account Manager website or app. This gives you tools for broadcasting messages and managing chats.

Step 2: Find Your LINE Official Account ID

Your Official Account will have a unique ID, often starting with an @ symbol (e.g., @yourchurchlineid). This ID is crucial for creating your links. Remember that when used in a URL, characters like @ need to be URL-encoded (@ becomes %40).

Step 3: Create a Link to Add Your Account

This link prompts users to add your Official Account as a friend on LINE.

• Format: https://line.me/R/ti/p/<Percent-encoded LINE ID>
• Purpose: Encourages follows, allowing you to send broadcast messages later (check LINE's policies).
• Example: If your ID is @gracechurchasia, the encoded ID is %40gracechurchasia. The link would be: https://line.me/R/ti/p/%40gracechurchasia

Step 4: Create a Direct Link to Open a Chat

This link takes the user directly into a 1-on-1 chat screen with your Official Account.

• Format: https://line.me/R/oaMessage/<Percent-encoded LINE ID>
• Purpose: Makes it easy for users to start a direct conversation for inquiries, prayer requests, etc.
• Example (using %40gracechurchasia): https://line.me/R/oaMessage/%40gracechurchasia

Step 5: (Optional) Add Pre-filled Text to the Chat Link

You can suggest an initial message that appears in the user's input field when they open the chat.

• Format: Append /?<urlencoded_text> to the direct chat link (Step 4).
• Purpose: Guide the user's first message, providing context (e.g., "I need prayer," "Info about Sunday service?"). The text must be URL-encoded.
• Example: To pre-fill "I'd like to join a small group", which encodes to I%27d%20like%20to%20join%20a%20small%20group, the full link is: https://line.me/R/oaMessage/%40gracechurchasia/?I%27d%20like%20to%20join%20a%20small%20group

Step 6: Construct Your Final LINE Links

• Link to Add Account: https://line.me/R/ti/p/%40gracechurchasia
• Direct Chat Link: https://line.me/R/oaMessage/%40gracechurchasia
• Chat Link with Pre-filled Text: https://line.me/R/oaMessage/%40gracechurchasia/?I%27d%20like%20prayer%21 (using "I'd like prayer!" encoded)

(Replace %40gracechurchasia with your actual URL-encoded LINE Official Account ID)

Viber 

Viber is widely used in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Connecting via Viber often involves setting up a Viber Public Account (often referred to as a Bot).

Set Up a Viber Public Account / Bot

For organizational use, you'll typically need to create a Viber Bot via the Viber Admin Panel or a partner platform. This allows you to receive and manage messages centrally.

Find Your Bot's URI

When you create a Viber Bot, it will be assigned a unique identifier known as a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier). This is needed for your click-to-chat links. Find this in your Viber Admin Panel or bot settings.

Create a Basic Link to Open Chat

This link opens a 1-on-1 chat screen between the user and your Viber Bot.

• Format: viber://pa?chatURI=<Your_Bot_URI>
• Purpose: Allows users to directly initiate a conversation with your ministry's Viber presence.
• Example: If your bot's URI is gracechurchkuna_bot, the link is: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot

Add a Context Parameter (Optional)

Similar to Messenger's ref, you can pass a hidden context string to your bot when the link is clicked. Your bot needs to be programmed to recognize and use this context.

• Format: Append &context=<YourContextString> to the basic link.
• Purpose: Track where the user clicked from (e.g., website button, specific campaign) or trigger a specific welcome flow in your bot.
• Example: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot&context=website_prayer_request

Add Pre-filled Text (Optional)

You can suggest text that will appear in the user's input field.

• Format: Append &text=<UrlEncodedText> to the link. The text must be URL-encoded.
• Purpose: Prompt the user, e.g., "Please pray for..." or "Tell me about the upcoming event."
• Example: To pre-fill "I need help", which encodes to I%20need%20help, the link is: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot&text=I%20need%20help

Construct Your Final Viber Links

• Basic Chat Link: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot
• Chat Link with Context: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot&context=newsletter_link
• Chat Link with Pre-filled Text: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot&text=Send%20me%20service%20times
• Chat Link with Both: viber://pa?chatURI=gracechurchkuna_bot&context=connect_card&text=I%27m%20new%20here

(Replace gracechurchkuna_bot with your actual Bot URI)

WeChat

Directly linking to a WeChat chat from outside the WeChat app using a simple URL is generally not supported or reliable for personal chats. WeChat's ecosystem is more closed.

• Official Accounts (Primary Method): For businesses, ministries, or organizations, the standard way to enable "click-to-chat" is via QR Codes.
  • Generate your Official Account's unique QR code within the WeChat Official Account Platform.
  • Place this QR code on your website, physical materials, presentations, social media images, etc.
  • Users scan this QR code using the scanner inside the WeChat app to follow your account and initiate a chat.
• weixin:// Protocol: While URL schemes like weixin://dl/chat?{ID} exist, they often have limitations:
  • May only work reliably when clicked from within WeChat's built-in browser.
  • Might require the user to already be contacts.
  • Are not officially promoted for widespread external use for initiating chats.
• Conclusion for WeChat: Focus on promoting your Official Account QR code for reliable chat initiation from external sources.

Step 5: Save and Test

1. Save your changes.
2. Preview your journey to ensure the Chat button appears correctly.
3. Test the button to verify it redirects users to your messaging platform.

Best Practices for Click-to-Chat Strategies

To maximize the effectiveness of your click-to-chat implementation, consider the following best practices:

1. Clear Call-to-Action: Ensure the chat button is clearly visible and its purpose is obvious to users.
2. Responsive Support: Have team members ready to engage with users who join the WhatsApp group, providing timely responses and guidance.
3. Content Preparation: Prepare relevant content, resources, and discussion topics in advance to keep the group engaged.
4. Group Guidelines: Establish and communicate clear guidelines for group interaction to maintain a positive and constructive environment.
5. Regular Engagement: Schedule regular check-ins or devotional sessions to keep the group active and participants engaged.
6. Privacy Considerations: Inform users about privacy practices and obtain necessary permissions for communication.
7. Integration with Journey Content: Ensure that the WhatsApp group discussions align with and complement the content of your NextSteps journey.

Leveraging WhatsApp Groups for Digital Discipleship

WhatsApp groups allow you to chat with multiple people (up to 1024 participants as of recent updates) simultaneously. They are great for coordinating with family, friends, colleagues, ministry teams, hobby clubs, neighborhood watch, event planning, and much more. WhatsApp can be a powerful tool for digital discipleship when used effectively. Here are some ways to leverage WhatsApp for your ministry:

• Daily Devotionals: Share daily scripture readings or devotional thoughts.
• Prayer Requests: Create a space for group members to share and respond to prayer requests.
• Q&A Sessions: Host regular Q&A sessions on faith-related topics.
• Resource Sharing: Use the group to distribute additional resources, links, or media that support your discipleship journey.
• Community Building: Encourage group members to interact, share testimonies, and support one another.

Quick Guide to Using WhatsApp Groups

1. Create a Group:
   • Go to Chats > New Chat icon > 'New Group'.
   • Select initial members, set a Group Subject (Name) and optionally an icon/description. Tap 'Create'.
2. Manage Members & Settings (via 'Group Info' - Tap Group Name):
   • Add Members: Directly add contacts or tap 'Invite to Group via Link' (share link carefully!).
   • Admins: Promote/demote admins under 'Group Settings' > 'Edit Group Admins'. Admins can remove members.
   • Permissions: Under 'Group Settings', control who can 'Send Messages' (All Participants vs. Only Admins for announcements) and who can 'Edit Group Info'.
   • Group Info: Update name, icon, and add a 'Description' (useful for purpose/rules).
   • Disappearing Messages: Set messages to vanish after 24h, 7d, or 90d.
3. Communicate Effectively:
   • Send text, photos, videos, documents.
   • Reply: Swipe right or long-press on a message to reply directly, adding context.
   • Mention: Type @ followed by a name to notify a specific person.
   • Polls: Use the attachment ('+' or paperclip) menu to create polls for group decisions.
4. Best Practices:
   • Clearly define the group's purpose in the name or description.
   • Set guidelines if needed, especially for larger groups.
   • Mute notifications (in Group Info) if the chat is too active for you.
   • Use Replies and Mentions to keep conversations clear.
5. Leaving:
   • Go to Group Info > 'Exit Group'. To fully delete a group, an admin must remove all members, then exit.

For More Detailed Information, visit the official WhatsApp Help Center page on creating and inviting people into groups.

Conclusion

By implementing click-to-chat strategies and integrating WhatsApp group chats into your NextSteps journey, you can create a more interactive and engaging discipleship experience. This approach allows for real-time communication, community building, and ongoing support for those on their faith journey.For more information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Remember to regularly review and update your chat strategies to ensure they remain effective and relevant to your audience's needs.