# Telegram Channel Strategy — Website Factory

## Why Telegram first

- Free forever  
- You already have bot `@prospecthunter_bot`  
- Easy to pin catalog + pricing  
- Can later connect bot buttons (View Template / Buy)

## Create the channel (2 minutes — you do this in Telegram app)

Bots **cannot** create channels. Do this once:

1. Telegram → New Channel  
2. Name: **Website Factory**  
3. Description:
   ```
   Professional website templates for small businesses.
   $500 · $1,500 · $2,500 | 100 live demos
   Store: https://website-factory.srv1500693.hstgr.cloud/
   ```
4. Public username (if available): `@WebsiteFactoryTemplates` or `@WFTemplates`
5. Add bot **@prospecthunter_bot** as **Administrator** with **Post Messages** permission  
6. Copy channel ID:
   - Forward any channel post to `@userinfobot` or `@getidsbot`  
   - Or post once, then run the helper script below  

## Pin message (first post)

See `posts/00-pin.md` — post it first, then Pin.

## Cadence

| Day | Post type |
|-----|-----------|
| Mon | Catalog / tier reminder |
| Tue | Template spotlight + live demo |
| Wed | Social proof / FAQ |
| Thu | Industry spotlight (restaurant, dental, trades…) |
| Fri | Soft CTA + checkout link |
| Sat | Behind-the-scenes (design variety) |
| Sun | Optional community Q&A |

**Volume:** 1 quality post/day > 10 spammy posts.

## Growth (free)

1. Share channel link in your bio / email signature  
2. Add channel link to sales site footer  
3. Cross-post best posts to personal Telegram/WhatsApp status  
4. Invite past clients (Maple Leaf Bakery, Ace Kabab, etc.) for “referral peek”

## Bot auto-post

```bash
export WF_TG_CHANNEL_ID="-100XXXXXXXXXX"   # your channel id
python3 /root/hermes-workspace/website-factory/docs/free-gtm/telegram/post_to_channel.py --file posts/01-launch.md
```

## Conversion path

Channel post → live demo → pricing → cart → checkout  
Always one clear CTA link with UTM:

`?utm_source=telegram&utm_campaign=channel`