Cross-Promotion Message Templates for Telegram Admins

The best cross-promotion messages are short, specific and easy to say yes to: who you are, why your audiences fit, exactly what you propose, and your channel's real numbers. Below you will find templates for every step, from the first message to the promo post itself and the follow-up afterwards, plus guidance on adapting them so they do not read like a copy-paste.

Cross-promotion means two or more channels recommending each other to their audiences. If you are new to it, read our cross-promotion guide first for the strategy. This article is the practical toolkit.

How to use these templates

Templates save time, but admins receive many lazy, generic requests and ignore most of them. Treat each template as a skeleton.

• Replace every placeholder in square brackets with real details.
• Add one personal line that proves you actually read their channel, such as a specific post you liked.
• Keep it short. If your message needs scrolling on a phone, cut it.
• Use the language and tone of your niche. A formal tone suits business channels; a relaxed one suits hobby and meme channels.
• Send at a sensible time. A message that arrives in the middle of the night in the admin's time zone sinks under everything else by morning. Daytime on a weekday usually gets a better response.
• One proposal per message. Asking for a swap, a folder and a giveaway at once makes the reply harder. Start with one and suggest more later.
• Never exaggerate your numbers. Admins check, and one inflated figure is enough to end the conversation. Your subscriber count and views are visible, and on directory pages like TGDirectory's they are measured independently.

Before you send anything

Outreach goes better when your own house is in order.

Checklist

1. Your channel looks active. Recent posts, a clear description and a pinned welcome post. Partners check these first.
2. You know your numbers. Current subscribers, typical views per post at 24 hours, and how often you post. Use Telegram's statistics if your channel has them.
3. You have a shortlist of good-fit partners. Channels whose readers would genuinely like yours. Similar size helps but fit matters more.
4. You know what you are offering. A post swap, a folder, a guest post, a joint giveaway.
5. You have a tracked invite link ready. One per partner, so you can measure results. See the invite links guide.

Finding the right person

Look for a contact username in the channel's description. Some channels list a bot or an "ads" contact. If there is none, check the linked discussion group, or the pinned post. Do not spam every admin of a large channel; pick one.

A safety note

Cross-promotion is a common cover for scams. Some "partners" ask for your login code, ask you to add them as an admin with full rights, or ask for payment to a stranger for a "guaranteed" result. Never share login codes or passwords, and never give admin rights to someone you do not know. See never share your Telegram login code.

Writing the "why we fit" line

Every outreach template has one line that decides whether the admin says yes: the reason your audiences fit. Most people write something vague. Spend a minute making it specific.

Weak: "I think our channels are similar." It says nothing the admin can check.

Better: "We both post practical tips for people learning to cook on a budget." It names a shared reader.

Strongest: "Several of my readers asked for more vegetarian recipes, which is exactly what you post." It shows real demand from your readers for their content.

Three questions help you find the line:

1. What problem do both your readers have?
2. What would your readers gain from their channel that they do not get from yours?
3. Has anything your readers said or asked pointed to their channel's topic?

If you cannot answer any of them, the partner may not be a good fit, however convenient their size.

Templates: first contact

Template 1: simple post swap with a similar-sized channel

Use this for the most common case: two channels of similar size in related niches.

Hi [name], I run [your channel], a channel about [topic] with around [number] subscribers and about [number] views per post. I have been following [their channel] and really liked your post on [specific topic]. I think our readers overlap well because [reason]. Would you be interested in a simple post swap? I would write a short recommendation of your channel and you would do the same for mine, both published on [suggested day]. Happy to adjust to your schedule. Thanks!

Why it works: it gives numbers up front, shows you read their channel, explains the fit and makes a concrete proposal.

Template 2: reaching out to a bigger channel

A larger channel gains less from a straight swap, so offer something extra.

Hi [name], I run [your channel] about [topic]. We are smaller than you, with around [number] subscribers, but our readers are very engaged: about [number] views per post and active comments. I would love to recommend [their channel] to them. In return, would you consider a short mention of us, or a spot in a channel folder? I am also happy to write a useful guest post for your readers on [topic idea]. No pressure if it is not a good fit.

Why it works: it is honest about size, offers value beyond a swap and makes declining easy, which makes accepting more likely.

Template 3: reaching out to a smaller channel

When you are the larger one, be generous and clear.

Hi [name], I came across [their channel] and enjoyed your posts about [topic]. I run [your channel], with around [number] subscribers. I sometimes recommend smaller channels my readers would like, and yours fits well. Would you like to do a swap? I would recommend your channel on [day]; in return a post about us whenever suits you. Let me know if you have questions.

Template 4: proposing a shared folder

Shared folders bundle several channels in one link. See folder links for growth.

Hi [name], I am putting together a shared folder of [number] channels about [topic], all active and of similar size. The idea is that each channel shares the folder link once on [date], so readers can join all of them in one tap. Current members: [list of channels]. Would [their channel] like to be included? There is no cost. I will send the link and a suggested post text once everyone confirms.

Tip: keep folders tightly themed. A folder of unrelated channels brings subscribers who leave quickly.

Template 5: proposing a joint giveaway

See how to run a Telegram giveaway for the rules and set-up.

Hi [name], I would like to suggest a joint giveaway between [your channel] and [their channel]. Prize: [prize], which suits both our audiences. Each channel would post the giveaway once on [date], and entrants would subscribe to both. I can cover [part of the prize or organisation], and we could split [other parts]. Would you be interested?

Tip: choose a prize only your target audience would want. Generic prizes attract people who leave after the draw.

Template 6: proposing a guest post

Hi [name], I write [your channel] about [topic]. I have an idea for a post your readers might find useful: [one-line description of the post]. It would be original and written for your channel, with a short mention of mine at the end. If you like it, I can send the draft by [date] for you to review and edit.

Why it works: it leads with value for their readers, not your need for subscribers.

Template 7: a cross-niche partner

Adjacent niches often bring the best new readers once your own niche is saturated.

Hi [name], I run [your channel] about [your topic]. Your channel is about [their topic], which is different but I think our readers have a lot in common: [reason, such as both audiences care about saving money]. Would you be open to a swap where each of us recommends the other with a short, honest note on why our readers might like it?

Templates: follow-ups

Template 8: first follow-up after no reply

Wait a few days before following up. One follow-up is fine; three is spam.

Hi [name], just checking whether you saw my message about a post swap between [your channel] and [their channel]. No problem if it is not for you, just let me know so I do not bother you again.

Why it works: short, polite, and it gives them an easy way to say no.

Template 9: after they decline

Thanks for letting me know, [name]. If things change in future, I would be happy to try something together. Good luck with the channel!

A gracious decline keeps the door open. Admins remember who was pleasant. Make a note of when they declined, and wait several months before asking again, ideally with a different offer, such as a guest post instead of a swap, or after your channel has grown.

Template 10: after they ask for payment

Some channels only do paid promotions. That is a business choice, not a scam in itself.

Thanks, [name]. I understand. Could you share your current price and typical views per post? I would like to check it fits our budget before deciding.

Then evaluate it like any ad purchase. See how to buy ads in Telegram channels.

Templates: agreeing the details

Agree the details in writing before anyone posts. It prevents most disputes.

Template 11: confirming the terms

Great, let us do it! To confirm the details:

• I post about [their channel] on [date] at around [time], using text you approve.
• You post about [your channel] on [date] at around [time].
• Each post stays up for at least [period] and is not deleted early.
• We send each other our post text for a quick check beforehand.

Does that work for you?

Why it works: dates, times, how long posts stay up and who approves the text are the four things most swap disputes are about. Settling them in one message, in writing, removes almost all of them.

Template 12: sending your draft for approval

Here is the text I plan to post about your channel on [date]. Feel free to suggest changes, especially if anything about your channel is not accurate.

[draft]

Template 13: asking for their text about you

Could you send me the text you plan to post about [your channel]? I am happy for you to write it in your own style; I would just like to check our details are right. Our description is: [one-line description]. Our link: [tracked invite link].

Why the tracked link matters: if each partner posts a different invite link, Telegram shows how many people joined through each one, so you can see which partnerships actually work.

Templates: the promo post itself

The post your readers see is where cross-promotion succeeds or fails. A generic "Subscribe to this great channel!" gets ignored. A specific, honest recommendation gets results.

Promo template A: the personal recommendation

I want to recommend a channel I read myself: [channel name]. [Admin name or the channel] posts [what they post], and I especially liked [specific post or series]. If you are into [topic], it is worth a look: [link]

Why it works: it sounds like a real recommendation, because it is one.

Promo template B: the problem-solver

Struggling with [problem your readers have]? [Channel name] posts [type of content] that helps with exactly that. Recent example: [short description of a useful post]. Join here: [link]

Promo template C: the short and simple

If you like our posts about [your topic], you will probably like [channel name], about [their topic]. Short, useful posts, no spam. [link]

Promo template D: the folder announcement

We have teamed up with [number] other channels about [topic] to make a folder you can add in one tap. Every channel in it is active and on-topic. Add the folder here: [folder link]. You can remove any channel you do not want afterwards.

Promo template E: the guest post intro

Today we have a guest post from [author], who runs [channel name]. They know [topic] far better than I do, so I asked them to share [subject]. Here it is:

[guest post]

If you found it useful, [channel name] has more like it: [link]

Promo template F: the giveaway post

Giveaway with [partner channel]! We are giving away [prize]. To enter: subscribe to [your channel] and [partner channel], then [entry action]. Winner announced on [date]. Good luck!

Check that your giveaway follows Telegram's rules and the law where you are. Some countries regulate prize draws. Telegram also offers its own giveaway features for some prizes; check what is currently available in your channel's settings.

What to avoid in promo posts

• Fake urgency such as "Only today!" when it is not true.
• Exaggerated claims like "the best channel on Telegram".
• Hiding that it is a swap or an ad where your audience would expect to know. If money changed hands, label it. See sponsored post disclosure.
• Misleading hooks such as "Find out the answer in this channel" when the answer is not there.
• Too many promos at once. Readers get tired of promotion.

Templates: after the promotion

Template 14: confirming the post went live

Hi [name], our post about [their channel] is live now: [post link]. Looking forward to yours on [date]. Thanks again!

Sharing the post link lets them check it and builds trust.

Template 15: a gentle reminder if they have not posted

Hi [name], just a reminder that our swap had your post about [your channel] planned for [date]. Has something come up? Happy to move it to another day if that is easier.

Assume a mistake before assuming bad faith. Most missed posts are forgotten, not stolen.

Template 16: sharing results

Hi [name], thanks for the swap! From our side, the link we used for you brought about [number] new subscribers. How did it go for you? If it worked well, I would be happy to repeat it in a couple of months.

Sharing results honestly helps both sides decide whether to repeat. It also shows professionalism, which makes you a partner others want.

Template 17: proposing a repeat

Hi [name], our last swap went well on our side. Would you like to do another, perhaps in a different format this time, such as a guest post or a folder with a few other channels?

Repeating the same swap too often brings fewer new people each time, because the same audience has already seen it. Vary the format.

Templates: handling problems

Template 18: the partner deleted their post early

Hi [name], I noticed the post about [your channel] was removed earlier than we agreed. Did something go wrong? Our post about you is still up as planned. Could we find a fair solution, such as re-posting it on another day?

Keep evidence: screenshots of the agreement and your post. If it keeps happening with the same partner, stop working with them.

Template 19: the promotion brought obviously fake subscribers

Hi [name], after the swap we noticed many of the new subscribers look inactive or like bot accounts, and most left within days. I am not accusing you of anything, but I wanted to mention it. Do you know where your recent growth has come from?

Fake subscribers hurt your engagement rate. See how to check a channel for fake subscribers.

Template 20: politely ending a partnership

Hi [name], thanks for the swaps we have done. I have decided to focus on different promotions for a while, so I will not be doing more for now. Wishing you all the best with [their channel].

Templates for groups and other platforms

Template 21: asking a group admin for permission to share

Many groups forbid self-promotion, and posting a link uninvited gets you removed. Ask first.

Hi [name], I am a member of [group name] and enjoy the discussions about [topic]. I run [your channel], which posts [type of content]. Would you allow me to share it once in the group, or is there a day or a topic where promotion is allowed? I completely understand if not.

If they agree, post once, in the format they asked for, and do not repeat it without asking again.

Template 22: reaching a creator on another platform

Video creators, bloggers and newsletter writers can send readers your way, and you can do the same for them.

Hi [name], I enjoy your [videos or articles] about [topic], especially [specific example]. I run a Telegram channel about [topic] with around [number] subscribers. Would you be interested in mentioning each other? I could recommend your [channel or blog] to my readers, and you could mention my Telegram channel in [a video description or a newsletter issue]. Happy to suggest wording.

Template 23: welcoming newcomers after a swap

The people arriving from a partner's post will judge your channel by its latest posts. A short welcome helps them stay.

Welcome to everyone joining from [partner channel]! Here we post [what you post], usually [how often]. A good place to start is [link to a pinned guide or best post]. Questions are welcome in the comments.

Post it shortly after the partner's post goes live, and make sure the posts just above it are strong, not ads.

Adapting templates for different niches

The same structure works across topics, but the details change.

Business and professional channels

Use a formal tone. Lead with credentials and audience quality: "Our readers are mostly small business owners." Offer guest posts and expert content rather than giveaways.

Hobby channels

Be friendly and enthusiastic. Show you share the hobby. Mention a specific post or project of theirs. Giveaways with hobby-specific prizes work well.

News channels

Emphasise reliability and speed. Swaps between local news channels for neighbouring areas work well.

Educational channels

Offer guest lessons, Q&A sessions or joint study materials. Teachers and learners value content over promotion.

Entertainment and meme channels

Keep messages short and casual. Folders and quick swaps work well. Be extra careful that partners create original content rather than copying others.

Keeping track of your outreach

Once you contact more than a handful of channels, it is easy to forget who you messaged, who replied and who still owes a post. A simple list in a notes app or spreadsheet prevents awkward double messages and missed follow-ups.

Record, for each channel:

• The channel name and the contact you messaged.
• The date of your first message and of any follow-up.
• Their answer: yes, no, paid only, or no reply.
• The agreed format and dates.
• The invite link you gave them.
• The result: joins through the link, and whether those readers stayed.
• A note on whether you would work with them again.

Review the list once a month. It shows which kinds of partners say yes, which formats work best, and who is worth approaching for a repeat. It also stops you from messaging an admin who already declined, which is the quickest way to be remembered for the wrong reason.

Measuring whether it worked

Templates get partners. Measurement tells you whether the partnership was worth it.

1. Use a separate invite link for each partner. Telegram shows how many people joined through each link.
2. Note your joins and leaves before and after the promotion.
3. Check whether new subscribers stay. A spike followed by a wave of leaves means the audience did not fit.
4. Compare partners. After several swaps, you will see which partners and formats bring readers who stay.
5. Repeat what works and drop what does not.

If your channel is listed on TGDirectory, its growth chart, built from one real subscriber count per day since we started watching it, gives a simple visual record of how each promotion affected your size over time.

Worked example: a complete cross-promo

This is an illustrative scenario.

An admin runs a channel about budget travel. They shortlist five channels: two travel channels of similar size, one budget cooking channel, one personal finance channel and one language-learning channel.

They send Template 1 to the two travel channels and Template 7 to the other three, each with a personal line about a specific post. Three reply within a week; one declines politely; one does not reply, so the admin sends Template 8 once and then stops.

With the three partners, the admin confirms terms with Template 11, swaps drafts, and posts using Promo template A or B. Each partner gets its own invite link. After the posts, the admin sends Template 14, then Template 16 a week later with results.

The personal finance channel brings the most subscribers who stay; the travel channels bring fewer, because many of their readers already followed. The admin plans a repeat with the finance channel in a new format and looks for more adjacent niches.

Common mistakes

• Sending the same generic message to everyone. Admins spot it immediately.
• Leaving placeholders unfilled. Nothing says "mass message" like "Hi [name]".
• Overstating your numbers. It damages trust when partners check.
• Choosing partners only by size. Fit with your audience matters more.
• Following up again and again. One follow-up is enough.
• No written agreement. Vague swaps lead to disputes about timing and duration.
• Generic promo posts. "Subscribe to this great channel" does little.
• No tracking. Without separate invite links you cannot tell which partners worked.
• Too many promotions in a row. Your own readers will leave.
• Ignoring scam signs. Never share codes or give admin rights to strangers.

FAQ

How long should a cross-promo message be?

Short enough to read on a phone without scrolling: usually four to six sentences. Include your numbers, the fit, the proposal and a polite close.

Should I pay for cross-promotion?

Straight swaps are usually free. Some channels only offer paid promotion, which is then simply an ad purchase. Judge it by views and audience fit, not subscriber count alone.

How often can I do cross-promos without annoying readers?

There is no fixed rule. Watch your leaves after each promo. If leaves rise after promotions, space them out and make each one more relevant to your audience.

What if a partner does not post their side?

Send a polite reminder first. Most missed posts are mistakes. If they still do not post, ask for a fair solution and do not work with them again if it happens twice.

Do I need to label cross-promo posts as ads?

If money or something of value changed hands, label it clearly; rules vary by country, and honesty with readers matters anyway. For unpaid swaps, a natural, honest recommendation is usually fine.

Can I cross-promote with channels in other languages?

Yes, if their readers can understand your content. Bilingual audiences often follow channels in both languages. Make sure your promo post is written in their readers' language.

Summary

Good cross-promotion messages are short, honest and specific: who you are, your real numbers, why your audiences fit and exactly what you propose. Use the templates here as skeletons for first contact, follow-ups, agreeing terms, the promo post itself, confirmations, results and problem cases. Fill every placeholder, add a personal line, agree details in writing and give each partner a tracked invite link. Measure who stays, repeat what works in new formats, and protect yourself from scams by never sharing codes or admin rights with strangers.