How to Sell on WhatsApp: 3 Vendor Moves That Actually Work
It’s one thing to have WhatsApp on your phone. It’s another to turn it into a daily sales machine.
Vendors across South Africa are quietly stacking orders using a tool most people ignore: broadcast lists. No group spam. No awkward replies. Just direct, personal selling — at scale.
In this Trade Secrets Thursday post, we break down exactly how to sell on WhatsApp like a pro — even if you’ve never used the Business app before.
Table of Contents
How to Sell on WhatsApp
📲 Why WhatsApp Works Better Than a Group
Why WhatsApp Work
It’s the closest thing to email marketing vendors have right now — and it’s built into an app you already use every day. That’s the secret behind how to sell on WhatsApp effectively in 2025.
If you’re still trying to sell in WhatsApp groups, you’re working harder than you need to.
Groups are noisy. People mute them. Replies get lost. But with broadcast lists, your message lands directly in each person’s inbox — like a personal message, but sent to hundreds at once.
🛠 How to Set Up a Broadcast List in 3 Minutes
How to Set Up a Broadcast List
Think broadcast lists sound complicated? They're not. In fact, it takes less time to set one up than to boil a kettle.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp Business. Tap the three dots or menu icon.
- Select “New Broadcast.” This creates a one-way message list.
- Add your buyers. Only contacts who saved your number will get messages — so always ask them to save you as “Vendor” or by name.
Once done, your broadcast list acts like a private VIP lane — every message gets delivered individually, not in a messy group. It’s the foundation of how to sell on WhatsApp with confidence and scale.
💬 What to Say: Message Templates That Get Replies
What to Say
A broadcast list is only as good as the messages you send. Vendors who treat it like a conversation — not a sales pitch — are the ones seeing orders fly in.
Here are three proven message formats:
🛍 Product Drop Alert
“Hi [Name], just got fresh stock of our handmade candles. Limited batches this week. Let me know if you’d like a scent list 🌿”
🎁 Flash Deal Format
“Today only: Buy 2 body butters, get 1 free! Offer ends 6PM. Reply with your fav scent to reserve yours 🧴”
🔄 Order Reminder
“Hey [Name], quick heads-up — your last order went out today 🚚 Let me know when you receive it, or if you want to restock for the month.”
🚀 Why Broadcast Lists Work (Even for Small Vendors)
Why Broadcast Lists Work
You don’t need 500 buyers to make WhatsApp work — even with 5 or 10 loyal customers, a broadcast list can save you time and help you stay consistent.
Unlike groups, broadcasts deliver your message privately. That means buyers aren’t put off by spammy comments or off-topic replies. Just you, your product, and their inbox.
What changes when you use broadcasts?
- You don’t forget to follow up — it’s one message to everyone.
- Buyers feel like you’re messaging them directly.
- It’s easier to remind people about restocks, specials, or new drops.
That’s the simple heart of how to sell on WhatsApp: cleaner messaging, better trust, and no extra tools needed.
📌 Next Steps: Upgrade Your WhatsApp Selling Game
Now that you know how broadcast lists work, the only thing left is to actually use them. You don’t need fancy tools or paid ads — just a bit of setup and a clear message.
Whether you have 5 buyers or 50, how to sell on WhatsApp starts with consistency and care. Every message is a chance to build trust — and make a sale.
📲 Want help setting up your list or writing your first message?
Chat to CMH on WhatsApp or explore more vendor tips below.
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