165 Email Opening Lines To Increase Engagement & Get Results

Email opening lines are like the first sentence someone says to you. They grab your attention and make you want to hear more, or they might make you lose interest.

An effective email opening line accomplishes several critical tasks. It sets the tone, establishes the purpose of your message, and most importantly, sparks the reader’s interest. 

Without an engaging introduction, your email risks getting lost in the abyss, never to be seen. But with a well-crafted opening line, you can transform your email from ignored noise to a message that gets read, understood, and acted upon.

Let’s get into why they matter and explore strategies to craft compelling openings that compel recipients to read on and take action.

Importance of email opening lines

Our inboxes are constantly bombarded with emails. With so much competition for attention, crafting a captivating opening line is crucial for getting your message across.

• First Impressions: Sets the tone and captures the reader’s interest immediately.
• Engagement: Encourages recipients to read further rather than delete or ignore the email.
• Relevance: Shows that the email is personalized and relevant to the recipient’s needs or interests.
• Trust Building: Establishes credibility and builds trust from the start.
• Clear Purpose: Quickly communicates the purpose of the email, making it easier for recipients to understand the value.
• Call to Action: Helps guide the reader towards taking the desired action.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, reflecting well on the sender.

Email opening lines examples

Here are some examples of email opening lines that will help start your email.

I shall be dividing the examples based on tonality and content strategy.

Based on Tonality

🔥 Formal email opening lines

A formal opening line sets a professional tone for your email and is appropriate for situations where you don’t know the recipient well, are contacting someone in a higher position, or when industry culture dictates formality. 

Here are 15 formal email starters you can use:

1. Following up on our recent conversation regarding [topic], I wanted to provide some additional information… (Use if there was prior contact)
2. I am writing to inquire about [your company’s service/product] and how it might benefit [their company].
3. This email pertains to [briefly state the purpose].
4. I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to discuss [topic relevant to their industry].
5. With reference to [relevant industry event/report/news], I believe there may be an opportunity for collaboration between our companies.
6. It has come to my attention that [their company] is a leader in [their industry]. I am writing to explore potential partnerships.
7. We are a company specializing in [your area of expertise]. I am contacting you today to introduce our services and how they can add value to your organization.
8. In today’s competitive landscape, [brief industry challenge]. Our company offers solutions that can help address this challenge.
9. I am writing on behalf of [your company] to share some information about [your product/service].
10. This email serves as a follow-up to the resources I previously shared regarding [topic]. (Use if you previously sent materials)
11. I am writing to you today to introduce a new development in the field of [your industry].
12. We are excited to announce the launch of [your product/service] and believe it could be a valuable asset to companies like yours.
13. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss your current [area of their business] strategies and how we can potentially contribute.
14. With a commitment to excellence in [your company’s focus], we are confident we can provide solutions that meet the high standards of your organization.
15. This email serves to express our interest in learning more about your company’s goals and how we might be able to assist you in achieving them.

🔥 Polite email opening lines

Polite email opening lines help to establish a positive and respectful tone from the outset. This is important because it shows the recipient that you value their time and position, and it sets the stage for a productive conversation. A polite opening line can make the recipient more receptive to your message, increasing the chances they’ll read the rest of your email and consider your request or information. 

Here are a few polite email starter examples: 

1. I am writing to inquire about…
2. Following up on our conversation at [event/conference], I wanted to…
3. With a shared interest in [industry topic], I am writing to you today about…
4. Thank you for taking the time to consider this email. I am writing to discuss…
5. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you regarding…
6. In light of the recent [industry news/development], I am writing to you today about…
7. I have been following [company’s] success in [achievement area], and I am writing to discuss…
8. I believe there may be an opportunity for mutually beneficial collaboration between [your company] and [recipient’s company].
9. I came across a resource that I believe may be of interest to you – [brief description of resource].
10. [Name of recommender] suggested I reach out to you regarding [topic].
11. A question that often arises in [industry] is [question]. Perhaps I can offer some insight…
12. I am writing to express my interest in learning more about [specific area] at [recipient’s company].
13. A recent study by [source] indicates that [industry statistics ss]. This has led me to reach out and discuss…
14. [Industry challenge] is a common hurdle faced by many companies. I am writing to discuss potential solutions…
15. I am passionate about helping companies in the [industry] sector achieve [desired outcome]. Perhaps I can be of assistance…

🔥 Sales email opening lines

Sales email opening lines aim to do two things: spark interest in your product or service and convey value to the recipient. They’re like attention-grabbing headlines that entice the reader to learn more about how you can solve their problems or improve their situation.

Here are some sales email starters examples:

1. Is increasing [desired outcome] a priority for your company right now? 
2. Many companies in the [industry] struggle with [pain point]. Can we help? 
3. Did you know that [industry statistics ss] can be significantly improved? 
4. Unlocking new revenue streams? We can help. 
5. In a recent case study, we helped a company like yours achieve [desired outcome] by [brief solution]. 
6. Are you looking for ways to streamline your [business process]? 
7. We noticed you recently downloaded our resource on [relevant topic]. Perhaps we can discuss your specific needs? 
8. A recent industry report highlights [challenge]. Our solution can help you overcome it. 
9. Free consultation? Learn how to boost your [metric] in just 15 minutes. 
10. With over [number] years of experience, we help companies like yours achieve [desired outcome].
11. Looking for innovative solutions in the [industry] space? Look no further. 
12. Is maximizing [benefit] a key goal for your team this year? 
13. We understand the challenges faced by companies in the [industry]. Let’s discuss how we can help. 
14. Tired of [pain point]? We offer a proven solution that delivers results. 
15. Investing in the right tools can yield significant ROI. Let’s explore your options. 

🔥 Friendly email opening lines

Friendly email opening lines focus on building rapport and creating a welcoming tone. They aim to break the ice, show warmth, and set the stage for a casual and positive interaction. This can be especially useful when reaching out to someone you don’t know well or want to establish a more approachable connection.

Here are a few examples of friendly email starters: 

1. Hope this email finds you well! I’m reaching out about [topic]. 
2. Quick question – have you ever considered [challenge] as a factor in [goal]? 
3. Just came across [relevant resource] and thought you might find it interesting! 
4. Following up on [previous interaction] – it was great connecting with you! 
5. I saw your recent tweet about [topic], and it resonated with me… 
6. Struggling with [pain point]? I hear you! Let’s chat about solutions. 
7. Always love hearing success stories! Congrats on [achievement]. 
8. Hope you’re having a great week! Just a quick note about [topic]. 
9. A friend mentioned you might be interested in [your solution/information]. 
10. Any tips for [challenge]? Trying to tackle it myself. 
11. Been following your work on [project] – looks impressive! 
12. Quick question – are you free for a quick chat about [topic] sometime next week? 
13. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going! 
14. Hope you’re enjoying [season/holiday]! Just a heads up about [information]. 
15. Open to any suggestions for [topic]! Feel free to share your thoughts.

🔥 Follow-up email opening lines

Follow-up email opening lines aim to jog the recipient’s memory about your previous message and re-engage them with the conversation. They should be polite reminders that keep the communication flowing without being overly pushy.

Here are some examples of follow-up email starters: 

1. Following up on my previous email regarding [topic]. 
2. Just checking in – did you have a chance to see my email about [topic]? 
3. Hoping to touch base on [topic] we discussed earlier. (Continuation & Reminder)
4. A friendly reminder about [information/offer] from my previous email. 
5. I wanted to circle back on [topic] – any thoughts? 
6. Trust this email finds you well. Just a quick follow-up on [topic]. 
7. Following up on our conversation at [event/conference] about [topic]. 
8. Since you downloaded our resource on [topic], I wanted to see if you have any questions. 
9. A quick update on [topic] – we have some new information to share! 
10. Just wanted to follow up and see if you’re interested in learning more about [solution]. 
11. I apologize if you missed my previous email, but I wanted to follow up on [topic]. 
12. Is there a better time to connect regarding [topic]? 
13. Hope you had a chance to review the information on [topic]. 
14. One last nudge about [topic] before I move on.
15. In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap of our previous conversation about [topic]. 

🔥 Funny email opening lines

Funny email opening lines aim to grab attention with humor and lighten the mood. They can be a good strategy to stand out in a crowded inbox and make the recipient more receptive to your message. However, it’s important to use humor carefully, ensuring it aligns with the recipient’s personality and industry culture.

Some of funny email starter examples include: 

1. Is your inbox overflowing with emails like mine? But hear me out… 
2. Did you accidentally skip over my last email because it was so brilliant? No worries, I’ll resend the key points.
3. Feeling like nobody reads your emails? Don’t worry, mine rarely get skipped either. On to the real reason I’m emailing… 
4. Is this email a burden? Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you hit delete. 
5. On a scale of 1 to “intrigued,” how likely are you to open an email with a bad joke? 
6. If you groan after reading this opening line, it means you at least opened the email, right? 
7. Warning: This email may contain terrible puns. Please proceed with caution. 
8. Coffee first? Then maybe this email will make sense. 
9. If you could only respond to one email today, let’s hope it’s this hilarious one. 
10. Just a friendly reminder that I’m still waiting for a response, unlike that lost sock you’ve been searching for. 
11. Is this email too emoji-heavy? Probably. But it’s still worth reading! 
12. Imagine this email with a funny GIF attached… Now you get the picture. 
13. If you reply within the next 60 seconds, you’ll win a prize! (Just kidding, but maybe we can make a deal…) 
14. I promise this email is shorter than a Netflix queue scroll.
15. Channel your inner child and pretend this email is a pirate treasure map leading to… 

🔥 Informal email opening lines

Informal email opening lines aim to create a casual and friendly tone. They focus on building a connection with the recipient and presenting your message in a conversational way. This can be useful when you know the recipient well, are reaching out to someone in a similar position, or want to create a more approachable feel.

Some informal email starter examples include: 

1. Hey there! Quick question about [topic]. 
2. Hope you’re doing well! Just wanted to follow up on [topic]. 
3. Saw your [social media post] about [topic] – interesting! 
4. Any chance you have a sec to chat about [topic]? 
5. Just circling back on [information] from my previous email.
6. Struggling with a bit of [challenge] – any advice? 
7. Congrats on [achievement]! That’s awesome. 
8. Hope your week is off to a great start! Just a note about [topic]. 
9. A friend mentioned you might be interested in [your solution/information]. 
10. Any tips for [challenge]? Trying to tackle it myself. 
11. Been following your work on [project] – looks impressive! 
12. Quick question – are you free to chat about [topic] sometime next week? 
13. Just wanted to check in and see how things are going! 
14. Hope you’re enjoying [season/holiday]! Just a heads up about [information]. 
15. Open to any suggestions for [topic]! Feel free to share your thoughts. 

Based on Content & Strategy

🔥 Personalization email opening lines

Personalization email opening lines, even without a name, aim to create a connection with the recipient. They achieve this by referencing the recipient’s company, industry, achievements, or recent activities. This shows you’ve done your research and tailored your message to be relevant and interesting to them specifically.

Some of the personalized email starters include: 

1. Congratulations on [company’s recent achievement]! It’s impressive to see your success in [achievement area]. 
2. I came across your company’s [interesting project/content] on [platform] and found it very insightful, especially the part about [specific detail]. 
3. With a company like yours at the forefront of [industry], I’m sure you’re constantly looking for ways to [desired outcome]. 
4. Given your company’s focus on [company value], I believe [your solution/information] could be a valuable resource. 
5. A recent study by [source] indicated that [industry statistics ss relevant to recipient’s role]. Perhaps this resonates with your current goals? 
6. I understand that many companies in your industry struggle with [common pain point]. Have you explored solutions like [yours]? 
7. Following up on the [industry event/conference] – it was great learning about [specific topic from the event]. This sparked a thought about [your connection to the topic]. 
8. I noticed your company recently downloaded our resource on [relevant topic]. Do you have any specific questions related to [aspect of the resource]? 
9. A mutual connection, [name], mentioned your company’s expertise in [area of expertise]. Perhaps we can explore potential collaboration in [area of potential collaboration]. 
10. Your recent [social media post/article] on [topic] sparked a great deal of interest, particularly your point on [specific point]. This aligns with our focus on [your company’s focus]. 
11. Given the current market trends in [industry], have you considered the impact of [potential challenge] on [recipient’s role]? 
12. In today’s competitive landscape, companies like yours are always striving to [desired outcome]. We specialize in helping businesses achieve exactly that. 
13. With your company’s dedication to [company value], I’m confident that [your solution/information] would be a perfect fit. 
14. Knowing the challenges faced by companies in [industry], I believe our [solution/information] can offer valuable insights to overcome [specific challenge]. 
15. Many companies are successfully leveraging [industry trend] to achieve [desired outcome]. Is this something your company is exploring? 

🔥 Intrigue & curiosity email opening lines

Intrigue & curiosity email opening lines aim to spark the recipient’s interest and encourage them to read further. They use elements like surprising facts, thought-provoking questions, challenges to assumptions, or hints at hidden solutions. These lines create a sense of mystery and make the recipient want to learn more about how you can help them.

Some of the intriguing email starters are: 

1. Did you know that [industry statistics ] can be significantly improved? 
2. Have you ever considered [challenge] as a factor in [goal]? 
3. A recent study revealed a surprising truth about [industry topic]. Curious to learn more? 
4. Imagine achieving [desired outcome] in just [timeframe]. Sounds impossible? 
5. Struggling with [pain point]? There’s a hidden factor you might be overlooking. 
6. What if you could unlock new revenue streams without [sacrifice]? 
7. Feeling stuck? One simple tweak can dramatically improve your [metric]. 
8. Is the industry standard for [metric] holding you back? 
9. Forget everything you thought you knew about [industry topic]. Here’s why… 
10. In a recent case study, companies like yours achieved results they never thought possible. How? 
11. Are you making a critical mistake with your [business process]? 
12. The key to unlocking your company’s full potential might be something you’re completely missing. 
13. Curious how the top companies in your industry are achieving [desired outcome]? 
14. Feeling overwhelmed by [challenge]? There’s a simpler solution than you think. 
15. Is there a better way to approach [industry task]? We think so. 

🔥 Problem agitation email opening lines

Problem Agitation email opening lines aim to make the recipient aware of a problem they might be facing, but may not have fully considered. By highlighting common industry challenges, pain points, or potential roadblocks, these lines create a sense of urgency or concern. This positions you as someone who understands their struggles and can offer solutions, increasing the chances they’ll be receptive to your message.

Some of the problem agitation email starter examples are: 

1. Is [pain point] a major hurdle for your company’s [desired outcome]? 
2. Feeling the pressure to [achieve goal] but struggling with [obstacle]? 
3. In today’s competitive landscape, is [industry challenge] impacting your growth? 
4. Are you satisfied with the current rate of [metric] in your [department]? 
5. Are hidden inefficiencies in your [business process] costing you time and money? 
6. Many companies struggle with [common pain point]. Are you facing the same challenge? 
7. Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing regulations in [industry]? 
8. Is the rising cost of [resource] impacting your [business area]? 
9. Are you leveraging the latest technologies to overcome [industry challenge]? 
10. Feeling frustrated with the limitations of your current [tool/system]? 
11. Is the talent shortage making it difficult to find qualified candidates for [position]? 
12. Are you concerned about the security risks associated with [technology/practice]? 
13. Is [customer behavior trend] impacting your ability to [achieve goal]? 
14. Are you confident your current strategies are future-proof in the face of [industry disruption]? 
15. Feeling stuck in a rut? Your competitors might be surpassing you in [area of competition].

🔥 Direct & straightforward email opening lines

Direct and straightforward email opening lines aim for clarity and efficiency. They get straight to the point, letting the recipient know the purpose of your email in a concise and professional manner. This approach is useful when you have a clear message to deliver, especially in professional contexts or follow-up situations.

Some of the direct and straightforward email starter examples are: 

1. I am writing to inquire about [topic of your email]. 
2. We are reaching out to discuss [your solution/information] and how it can benefit your company. 
3. Following up on our conversation at [event/conference], I wanted to [further discuss/share information about]. 
4. I believe there may be an opportunity for collaboration between [your company] and [recipient’s company] in [area of collaboration]. 
5. A recent study by [source] indicates [industry statistics ]. This has led me to reach out and discuss [your solution/information]. 
6. We specialize in helping companies achieve [desired outcome]. Are you interested in learning more? 
7. Is increasing [desired outcome] a priority for your company right now? 
8. We noticed you recently downloaded our resource on [relevant topic]. Perhaps we can discuss your specific needs? 
9. Free consultation? Learn how to boost your [metric] in just 15 minutes. 
10. Looking for innovative solutions in the [industry] space? Look no further. 
11. Is maximizing [benefit] a key goal for your team this year? 
12. Our team has extensive experience in [your area of expertise]. Can we assist you with [recipient’s potential need]? 
13. Open to exploring new partnerships? We’d love to connect and discuss potential opportunities. 
14. We understand the challenges faced by companies in the [industry]. Let’s discuss how we can help. 
15. In case you’re looking for solutions to [pain point], we offer a proven approach that delivers results. 

What are good email starters?

Good email starters typically focus on grabbing attention, showing relevance, and encouraging further reading. Here are some points to keep in mind while crafting effective email opening lines:

1. Personalization: Address the recipient by name or reference something specific about them or their interests.
2. Relevance: Make sure the opening line connects directly to the subject of the email or the recipient’s interests.
3. Curiosity: Pose a question or make a statement that intrigues the reader and encourages them to continue reading.
4. Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the benefit or value the recipient will gain by reading the email.
5. Brief and Clear: Keep the opening line concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or jargon.
6. Positive Tone: Use a friendly and professional tone that aligns with your brand and the relationship with the recipient.
7. Call to Action (CTA): Optionally, include a subtle call to action that guides the recipient on what to do next.

What are bad email starters?

Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you steer clear of bad email starters:

1. Generic Greetings: Starting with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” lacks personalization and can be off-putting.
2. Overly Formal Language: Using overly formal or stiff language can make the email seem impersonal and distant.
3. Irrelevant Information: Opening with information that is not directly relevant to the recipient or the purpose of the email can lead to disinterest.
4. Ambiguity or Confusion: Starting with unclear or ambiguous statements can confuse the recipient and fail to convey the purpose of the email.
5. Salesy Language: Beginning with overly sales-oriented language or pushy offers can turn off the recipient and decrease engagement.
6. Spelling and Grammar Errors: Starting an email with spelling or grammar mistakes can create a negative impression of your professionalism.
7. Lack of Clarity: Failing to clearly communicate the purpose or benefit of the email from the outset can result in the recipient losing interest quickly.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your email opening lines are clear, engaging, and effectively capture the recipient’s attention.

Takeaways on email opening lines

Crafting a good opening line involves a balancing act. You want to be clear and concise, but also intriguing enough to spark curiosity. 

Personalization is a magic ingredient, showing you’ve done your homework and understand the recipient’s interests.

Ultimately, the goal is to convince the reader that your email is worth their time. Whether you use a question, a surprising fact, or a relatable pain point, make sure it connects to the value you’re offering. By following these tips, you can transform your emails from unread noise to messages that get noticed and acted upon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a good email opening line?

A good email opening line grabs attention, shows relevance to the recipient, and entices them to read further. Here are some key ingredients:

• Personalization: Address the recipient by name or reference something specific about them.
• Relevance: Connect directly to the subject of the email or the recipient’s interests.
• Curiosity: Spark intrigue with a question or surprising fact.
• Value Proposition: Briefly mention the benefit the recipient gains by reading.
• Conciseness: Keep it short and sweet, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Positive Tone: Use a friendly and professional tone that aligns with the recipient.

2. How do I start a professional email?

Here’s a strong formula for professional email openings:

• Salutation: Use a professional greeting like “Dear [Name],” or “Hello [Name],” if appropriate.
• Opening Line: Follow the tips above to craft an attention-grabbing and relevant opener.
• Optional: Briefly introduce yourself if the recipient might not know you.

3. What should the first line of an email be?

The first line should be your strongest hook. It sets the tone for the email and convinces the recipient to invest their time in reading further.

4. How do I politely open an email?

Here are some polite ways to start an email:

• Express appreciation: “Thank you for taking the time to consider this email.”
• Acknowledge a connection: “Following up on our conversation at [event],” or “A mutual connection mentioned your expertise in [area].”
• State your purpose: “I am writing to inquire about [topic].”

5. How to greet in email professionally?

Professional greetings can vary slightly depending on your familiarity with the recipient. Here are some safe options:

• Formal: “Dear [Last Name],” or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”
• Less Formal (if appropriate): “Hello [Name],”

Remember, a touch of personalization goes a long way in establishing a positive tone.