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WhatsApp first contact / cold outreach templates

The first message decides whether you get read or reported. Generic 'Hi, we sell X, interested?' blasts read as spam because they ask the stranger to do all the work of figuring out relevance. A good opener does that work for them in one line.

Reference something specific about them

Hi [name], I saw [specific detail — their store/product/recent post] and thought [your product] could be a good fit for [their business type]. Mind if I share a couple of options that match what you sell?

Why it works: Naming a specific, real detail proves this isn't a mass blast, which is the single biggest driver of whether a cold WhatsApp message gets a reply instead of a block.

Lead with a low-effort ask

Hi [name], quick one — are you currently sourcing [product category] for your store, or already have a supplier you're happy with? If it's the former, I'd love to send a quick catalog.

Why it works: A yes/no question about their situation is far easier to answer than an offer to evaluate, and the 'if it's the former' clause politely lets a non-buyer opt out without feeling harassed.

Give value before asking for anything

Hi [name], no pitch here — thought this might be useful: [a genuinely helpful piece of info, e.g. a trend, a price benchmark, a sourcing tip relevant to their niche]. Happy to chat more about [product] if it's ever useful, no pressure.

Why it works: Opening with something useful and no ask at all lowers the stranger's guard completely — it's the slowest opener but earns the highest-quality replies from buyers who'd otherwise ignore a sales pitch.

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Inside WhatsApp Web, Sellenca drafts replies like these automatically — in your customer's language, grounded in your pricing and policies, and in each rep's own voice.

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