Texting someone for the first time on WhatsApp can seem daunting, especially if you don’t already have their contact information saved in your phone. However, with WhatsApp’s capabilities, you can easily message new people without having to formally add them as a contact first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to texting someone new on WhatsApp and starting a conversation the right way.
Step 1: Get the Person’s Phone Number
First things first, you’ll need to get the phone number of the person you want to message. If you don’t already have it, try asking mutual friends or searching online directories. Make sure you have the exact phone number with the country code (e.g. +1 for US numbers). WhatsApp requires a full phone number to look up and message contacts.
Where to Find Someone’s Phone Number
- Ask mutual friends or colleagues if they have the person’s contact info
- Search professional directories like LinkedIn
- Look up public records for phone numbers
- Check the person’s website or social media bios
- Search your email contacts if you’ve emailed them before
Getting the phone number is the most important first step, so try your best to find it before proceeding!
Step 2: Open a New Chat in WhatsApp
Once you have the phone number, open the WhatsApp app on your phone. From the home tab with your conversations, tap the new chat icon in the top right corner (it looks like a pencil and paper icon).
This will open a new chat screen. At the very top, tap where it says “New Contact”. This allows you to enter any phone number, not just existing contacts, to start a chat.
Enter the Phone Number
In the “To:” field, enter the full phone number with the country code. For example, a US number would be entered as +1xxxxxxxxxx. Press return on your keyboard once you’ve typed the number.
Start Your Message
You will see the phone number added in the chat window. Now you can start typing out your first message. Introduce yourself, explain where you got their number, and start a conversation.
Press send on the keyboard when your message is ready to go. The message will be delivered even without having the contact saved!
Step 3: Say Hello and Introduce Yourself
When texting someone for the first time, your opening message is crucial. Here are some tips for writing a great first text:
- Introduce yourself right away
- Explain how you got their number
- Make a personal connection if you have one
- Keep it casual and friendly
- Ask an open-ended question to continue the chat
Avoid formal language and keep your tone conversational. Bring up shared connections or interests you may have. The goal is to start an engaging back-and-forth dialogue.
Example First Messages
- “Hey Sarah, this is John from the dog park on Sunday! Got your number from Karen – just wanted to say hi and thanks for the pet recommendations.”
- “Hi Matt, it’s Jessica Taylor. We met at last week’s networking event. I really enjoyed our conversation and wanted to continue over text. What are you up to this week?”
- “Hi Dr. Roberts, Brenda gave me your number – I’m one of her students from English class. I had a question about the reading from yesterday if you have a moment.”
Step 4: Save the Number (Optional)
After you’ve successfully sent your first message, you may want to add this new contact’s number to your WhatsApp address book. This will make it easier to find them for future chats.
To save a new WhatsApp contact:
- Tap the contact’s name at the top of the chat window
- Tap Add to Contacts
- Select Create New Contact or Add to Existing Contact
- Type their name and any other info you want to save
And that’s it! They are now saved in your contacts. While saving a new number is optional, it can make organizing and finding chats easier in the future.
Step 5: Wait for a Response
After sending your first message to a new WhatsApp contact, all you have to do is wait and see if they respond. If they reply, use it as a chance to keep the conversation flowing.
Here are some tips for keeping your chat going:
- Answer any questions they ask you
- Find common interests to discuss
- Share related stories or experiences
- Use engaging questions to prompt more replies
- Watch for cues to take the chat deeper or wrap it up
Ideally, your back-and-forth texts will help build rapport. But don’t worry if the responses are slow at first. Be patient and focus on quality over quantity in your chat.
What to Do If No Response
If you don’t get a response within a few days, consider sending a follow-up message:
- Reintroduce yourself
- Make it clear you’re texting for the first time
- Ask an open-ended question
However, don’t bombard them with too many unanswered texts. If they never reply, graciously accept it and move on.
Helpful Tips for Messaging Someone New
Texting a new WhatsApp contact for the first time takes tact and care. Apply these helpful tips:
Be Clear in Your Introductions
Leave no doubt about who you are and where you got their number. This builds immediate trust and familiarity.
Personalize the Message
If possible, make a specific connection based on where you met or who you know in common. This makes it feel less random.
Explain Your Purpose
Give a clear context for reaching out, whether asking a question, continuing an earlier chat, or just saying hello.
Keep It Conversational
Avoid formal language. Use a casual, friendly tone to make it easy and natural to respond.
Give Them Room to Reply
Ask open-ended questions and share information to drive the conversation forward, not shut it down.
Watch for Reciprocal Interest
If replies seem engaged and eager, keep chatting. If not, politely wrap it up.
Proofread Before Sending
Double check your message makes sense and has no typos before hitting send.
Common Questions about Texting Someone New on WhatsApp
Can I text someone on WhatsApp without saving the number first?
Yes, WhatsApp allows you to message any phone number even if the contact isn’t saved in your address book. Simply use the “New Contact” option.
Is it weird to text someone you just met?
It’s very normal these days to text someone soon after meeting them, especially if you hit it off. Just make your first message thoughtful.
What if they don’t respond to my first WhatsApp text?
If they don’t respond within a few days, you can send a polite follow-up. But if they never reply, it’s best to move on.
Can I text someone on WhatsApp if I don’t have their number?
Unfortunately no, you won’t be able to message someone on WhatsApp without having their full phone number first.
Is it better to call instead of text at first?
For many people, texting feels more comfortable when reaching out to someone new. But you can call if you prefer speaking directly.
Conclusion
Texting someone for the first time doesn’t have to be scary. With WhatsApp’s features, you can easily message new contacts once you have their phone number. Be sure to introduce yourself, make a personal connection, explain your reason for texting, and keep the tone friendly. If you hit it off, you can continue the chat and eventually add them as a contact. Follow these steps, and you’ll master the art of texting new people seamlessly.