WhatsApp is one of the most widely used instant messaging tools in the world. However, many foreign trade professionals get stuck at the very first step: how to find a customer's WhatsApp number?

Don't worry—I've compiled all the methods I've tried, tested, and even failed with over the years. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find potential clients' WhatsApp numbers from scratch.

Method 1: Google Search Using Keywords + WhatsApp + Country Code

The simplest and most effective way.

Open Google and type in the following format: Product keyword + WhatsApp + Country code

For example, if you're looking for solar-related customers in the UK, you can search: solar inverter whatsapp +44

You'll find various pages—company websites, Facebook pages, and sometimes even direct “Chat on WhatsApp” links.

This method works surprisingly well. Many small to medium-sized clients leave their phone numbers publicly. Save the number to your phone, and WhatsApp will automatically recognize it.

Method 2: Google Search Operators + Social Media Platforms

Find highly targeted leads with contact details.

Many businesses openly share their phone numbers on social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.

Try this search format:

site:facebook.com led light whatsapp +971

This will show Facebook pages of LED businesses in the UAE, some of which list their WhatsApp numbers directly.

You can also replace the site with:

site:linkedin.com

site:instagram.com

site:youtube.com

There are countless combinations. The more specific your keywords, the more precise your results.

Method 3: Use Trade Data—Some Include WhatsApp Numbers

Certain platforms even offer direct contact info (usually for an extra fee). You can check with the provider's customer support for details.

Some trade data platforms provide client phone numbers, which can be used to find WhatsApp accounts.

>>Find Contact Infos through Tendata Trade Data<<

Method 4: Google Maps—The Underrated Client Treasure Map

This method is often overlooked but can be extremely effective.

Open Google Maps and search:

City name + Product keyword

Example:

jakarta solar panel

Most business listings include phone numbers, websites, and addresses. Some even have a WhatsApp chat icon.

Even if the icon isn't there, just copy the number and check on WhatsApp Web to see if it's active.

Method 5: 10+ Free National Yellow Pages / Business Directories

Proven and reliable. These sites are goldmines for contact details, many of which work on WhatsApp.

Here's a list I've personally curated—all free, no login required, and publicly accessible.

🟡 Middle East / UAE Market

yellowpages.ae: Detailed categories; many listings show WhatsApp icons

atninfo.com: UAE business search engine

yellowpages-uae.com: Search by phone, address, and website

🔵 European Market

paginegialle.it: Extensive business contact info (search in Italian)

en.firmy.cz: Includes phone, email, and website

zlatestranky.cz: Industry-specific searches

freeindex.co.uk: UK small business database

yelu.uk: Search companies by product

cataloxy.ru: Russian local business directory

🟢 Latin American Market

paginasamarillas.com: Search in Spanish

dirind.com: Industry-specific directories

🟠 Africa & Other Middle Eastern Countries

yellowpages.com.eg: English/Arabic toggle; phone listings

omanyp.com: Local Omani companies; most with phone numbers

🔴 Asia / Indonesia

indonetwork.co.id: Indonesian B2B platform with WhatsApp support

Method 6: Company Websites—Sometimes Numbers Are Right There

This method is often overlooked.

Many small businesses have basic websites and list their contact info right on the homepage, footer, or “Contact Us” page.

Examples:

Call us at: +603-xxxxxxx

Chat on WhatsApp: +60-xxxxxxx

Don't just read the site—copy and check the number on WhatsApp. You'll know instantly if it's active.

You can also Google the company name again; sometimes you'll find their phone numbers listed on directories or B2B platforms.

Method 7: Trade Show Exhibitor Lists and Business Cards

Don't ignore offline channels.

Many trade fairs provide downloadable PDF exhibitor lists with real contact numbers of decision-makers.

For example, Canton Fair and major industry expos (e.g., Cosmoprof, Big 5 Dubai) often publish exhibitor directories. Most phone numbers are also WhatsApp numbers.

You can also ask peers for last year's exhibitor lists. Don't worry if they're outdated—contact info doesn't change quickly.

3 Ways to Verify if a Phone Number Is on WhatsApp

Once you've collected a phone number, how do you know it works on WhatsApp?

1. WhatsApp Web Verification

Use the URL format:

https://wa.me/

e.g., https://wa.me/971501234567

If it opens a chat window, the number is on WhatsApp.

2. Save to Phone Contacts

Add the number to your phone, open WhatsApp, and check your contact list. If the number has a profile picture, it's active.

3. Add via WhatsApp Desktop / App

Use the “New Chat” option to enter the number. If a chat window opens, the number is valid.

Remember: Clients won't always come to you first—but WhatsApp allows you to reach out to them proactively.

So take action today: pick a country, choose a keyword, go to a yellow pages site, and start searching.

Your next client might be just one WhatsApp message away—already waiting in your contact list.