WhatsApp outreach to your own contacts

Your first customers are often people who already have your number: past clients, regulars, friends, people you met at an event. Larvabot helps you message them on WhatsApp personally. Import your list, and it writes a short message for each person based on what you know about them, then opens WhatsApp with that message ready. You press send, one chat at a time, at a pace that keeps your number safe.

It's built into the Contacts tab of every project, alongside SMS, Telegram and email.

#What it does, and what it doesn't

Larvabot does:

• Import your contacts from a CSV file, a pasted list or a .vcf export from your phone
• Turn local numbers like 0712 345 678 into international ones WhatsApp understands
• Write a personal first message for each person from your goal and your note about them
• Open WhatsApp with the message filled in, on your phone (WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business) or on your computer (WhatsApp Web or Desktop)
• Pace your sends so your number isn't flagged for bulk messaging
• Keep track of who you've messaged, and how many you've sent today

Larvabot doesn't:

• Find WhatsApp numbers or leads. The list is yours: people you know or who gave you their number. To find new people asking for what you sell, use Conversations.
• Send messages by itself. Every message goes out from your own WhatsApp when you press send. There's no bulk broadcast and no WhatsApp Business API account to set up.
• Read your chats. Larvabot only opens a chat with the message ready. Replies stay in WhatsApp.

#Who it's for

• Freelancers telling past clients about a new service, or asking for a referral
• Local and service businesses letting regulars know about a new menu, a new location or open dates
• Founders telling friends and former colleagues about a launch and asking for honest feedback
• Anyone with a list of people who'd want to hear from them, and no time to write each message by hand

#Set it up

1. Open a project's Contacts tab. Each project has its own list, so the same person can hear about two different things.
2. Import your list. Paste lines like Name,Phone,Note, or upload a CSV or .vcf file. Set your country code (for example 254) so local numbers work. Download the sample CSV to see the format. CSV format
3. Add a note for each person. One or two sentences: how you know them, what they do, why they'd care. The note is what makes each message personal.
4. Describe what you want to say. For example: I just opened a second shop in Westlands and I'd love you to visit. Click Write messages.
5. Read and edit. Click any message to change it. Fix the ones that don't sound like you.
6. Send, one by one. The send queue shows the next person. Click Open in WhatsApp, check the message and press send in WhatsApp. Larvabot moves on to the next person.

#What the messages look like

Each message opens with something specific from your note, says in a sentence or two what's new and why it matters to them, and ends with an easy question. There are no links, prices or sign-offs, so it reads like you starting a conversation, not like a campaign. For example, with the note Former colleague, now freelances as a web designer:

Hi Brian, hope the freelance work is going well! I've just launched a tool that finds people posting that they need a website built, and drafts the reply for you. Would it be useful if I sent you a link to try it?

#Keep your number safe

WhatsApp restricts numbers that start many new chats quickly, especially with people who don't have the number saved. By default Larvabot waits at least 60 seconds between WhatsApp messages and sends at most 20 in 24 hours, counted across all your projects, because they all go out from the same phone. The WhatsApp button counts down until the next message is safe. WhatsApp pacing

A few habits help too:

• Message people who'd recognise your name. Cold messages to strangers get reported, and reports are what get numbers banned.
• Use a number with a normal chat history. A brand-new number that only sends first messages looks like spam.
• Make every message personal. Edit any draft that could have gone to anyone.
• Don't follow up more than once if someone doesn't answer.

If everyone on your list already has your number saved, you can turn pacing off under Settings → Usage & limits → WhatsApp pacing.

#Not on WhatsApp?

The same queue sends by SMS, Telegram or email, whichever details you have for each person. Only WhatsApp is paced. Contacts and the send queue

#Common questions

#Can Larvabot send WhatsApp messages automatically?

No. Larvabot writes each message and opens WhatsApp with it filled in, and you press send. Sending from your own app, one chat at a time, is what keeps your number in good standing and the messages personal.

#Do I need the WhatsApp Business API?

No. Larvabot uses ordinary WhatsApp chat links, so it works with the WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app you already use, on your phone or computer. There's nothing to apply for and no per-message fee.

#Can Larvabot find WhatsApp leads or groups for me?

No. WhatsApp outreach is for people you already know. To find new customers, Conversations finds people asking for what you sell on Reddit, Threads, X, Facebook groups and more, and Telegram groups watches groups you've joined.

#How many people can I message a day?

Up to 20 on WhatsApp with pacing on, which is the safe range for most numbers. SMS, Telegram and email have no limit in Larvabot. Larvabot doesn't charge per message on any channel.

#Can I import contacts from my phone?

Yes. Export your contacts as a .vcf file (most phones can share contacts this way) and upload it on the Contacts tab, or upload a CSV from a spreadsheet. Numbers already on the list are skipped.