I hope this email finds you well. 

I hope you’re doing well.

Good morning!

The above sentences are probably the most common email opening lines. You might receive 10 to 20 messages every day starting with these sentences. 

While such openings are polite and do the job, they aren’t the best ways to start a conversation anymore. Why so?  

Gone are the days when people received one or two messages in their inboxes. In today’s emailing world, an opening line must intrigue the reader to read till the end of the mail. 

A perfect email opening line should be an ice-breaker and, at the same time, make the reader curious. Read ahead to find 99 ways to begin an email. To find tips on how to write one, scroll down. 

What Makes a Good Email Opening Sentence?

A good email opening sentence is crucial for capturing the recipient's attention and setting the tone for the rest of the message. In the digital marketing arena, where inboxes are flooded with emails, standing out from the crowd is more challenging than ever. Personalized emails have a 29% higher open rate and a 41% higher click-through rate than non-personalized ones. And emails that pique curiosity have been shown to have a 22% higher open rate.

Now, the million-dollar question among email marketers is how to start an email or how to begin an email. So, what makes the first sentence of the email good?  Here are the key elements to consider:

1. Personalization

Personalization involves tailoring the opening sentence to the recipient's specific needs, interests, or past interactions with your company. For instance, if you know the recipient recently attended a webinar hosted by your company, you could mention this to establish a connection.

Include specific details about the recipient's company or industry. It can demonstrate that you understand their unique situation. For example, referencing a recent industry trend or a notable challenge the recipient's company faces can make your email stand out.‍

2. Value Proposition

The email opening sentence should immediately highlight a benefit or value that the recipient will gain from reading the email. This could be a solution to a problem, an opportunity for improvement, or valuable information.

To capture attention quickly, the sentence should be concise and clearly convey the value. Avoid long-winded or vague statements that might lose the reader's interest.

3. Curiosity and Engagement

Starting with a question can engage the recipient by prompting them to think about their current situation and how it might be improved. A compelling statement can intrigue the reader and encourage them to read on for more information.

Addressing a common pain point or challenge that the recipient might be experiencing helps establish relevance and shows that you understand their needs.

4. Professional Tone

Strike the right balance. Your tone should be professional but also warm and approachable. Think of how you would speak in a friendly yet professional face-to-face meeting. The tone should align with your brand voice and the expectations of your target audience.

Best Practices for Crafting Email Opening Sentences

‍By leveraging these best practices, you can further improve the effectiveness of your email campaigns and foster stronger connections with your leads.

Use Behavioral Data and Segmentation

Leverage data from past interactions, such as recent downloads, webinar attendance, or website activity, to craft a highly personalized opening.

Segment your audience based on industry, job role, or other relevant criteria to ensure your opening sentence is relevant to each recipient group.

Keep It Relevant

Ensure the opening sentence is directly relevant to the recipient's role, responsibilities, or pain points. For example, if the recipient is a CFO, you might say, "As a CFO, you understand the importance of efficient transaction management..."

Avoid generic statements. Generic openings like "I hope this email finds you well" lack personalization and can feel impersonal. Focus on specific details that matter to the recipient.

Test and Optimize

Use email A/B testing. Experiment with different opening sentences to see which ones generate the highest open rates and engagement. Test variations that emphasize different benefits use different tones or ask different types of questions.

Use engagement metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and reply rates to determine which opening sentences are most effective. Continuously refine your approach based on these insights.

Align with Subject Line

Ensure the opening sentence delivers on any promises made in the subject line. For example, if the subject line mentions a new feature, the opening sentence should immediately address this feature.

The opening sentence should complement the subject line, creating a cohesive and compelling introduction that encourages the recipient to read further.

How Does an Engaging Email Opening Sentence Help?

An engaging email opening sentence is critical for the success of your email marketing campaigns. It sets the tone for the entire message and can significantly influence whether the recipient continues reading or moves on to the next email in their crowded inbox. Here's how an engaging opening sentence helps:

1. Captures Attention 

Inboxes are often flooded with emails, and a compelling opening sentence helps your email stand out. It immediately grabs the recipient's attention, making them more likely to read further.

The opening sentence is the first substantive part of your email that the recipient reads, and a well-crafted one can create a positive first impression. This is essential for establishing credibility and interest right from the start.

2. Increases Engagement

An engaging opening sentence piques curiosity and motivates the recipient to continue reading the rest of the email. This is crucial for delivering your message and achieving your campaign goals.

Just like the opening line of a good book, a great email opening sentence hooks the reader and makes them want to know more. It sets the stage for the rest of your content, guiding the recipient through your message.

3. Builds Rapport

Personalizing the opening sentence helps establish a connection with the recipient. You create a sense of familiarity and relevance by addressing their specific needs, interests, or past interactions with your company.

When you acknowledge the recipient's challenges or goals, it shows that you understand and care about their situation. This can build trust and make the recipient more receptive to your message.

4. Improves Open Rates

A well-crafted opening sentence that complements a strong subject line can significantly improve your email open rates. When recipients see that the content of the email matches the promise of the subject line, they are more likely to engage with it.

Additionally, engaging the reader early increases the likelihood that they will follow through with the call-to-action (CTA) in your email. If the opening sentence captures their interest, they are more likely to click on links and explore further.

5. Reflects Your Brand's Voice

An engaging opening sentence sets the tone for the entire email and can reflect your brand's voice and personality. This consistency helps reinforce your brand identity and professionalism.

Moreover, a clear and compelling opening sentence immediately communicates the value of your email, demonstrating that you respect the recipient's time and attention. This professionalism can enhance your brand's reputation.

6. Promotes Brand Recall

A memorable and engaging opening sentence can reinforce your brand's messaging and voice. This consistency helps recipients recall your brand more easily in the future.

When recipients associate your emails with helpful, relevant content from the beginning, they are more likely to remember and positively perceive your brand.

7. Reduces Bounce Rates

A compelling opening sentence can reduce email bounce rates by immediately capturing the recipient's interest. Engaged recipients are less likely to delete or ignore your email, improving overall deliverability.

Creating a positive experience from the very first sentence can reduce the likelihood of recipients marking your emails as spam, thus maintaining your sender's reputation.

99 Sample Email Opening Lines

Opening lines are the first sentence in an email, which means it's the very first step in pushing the recipients towards the CTA. I understand writing opening lines can be tricky. So, I have listed 99 different opening sentences for various purposes ready to steal right away.

1. Email Opening Lines for B2B Conversations 

Creating effective email opening lines for B2B conversations involves understanding your recipient's needs, industry, and pain points, and conveying value right from the start. The email recipients include business owners, CEOs, COOs, founders, managers, potential customers, etc. Here are some tailored opening lines for various B2B scenarios:

General Cold Email Outreach

• Hi [Recipient's Name], are you looking to streamline your [specific process]?"
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I noticed your company recently [specific action or event]. Here’s how we can help you [related benefit].

Follow-Up After an Event

• Hi [Recipient's Name], it was great meeting you at [Event Name]. I wanted to follow up on our conversation about [specific topic]."
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I enjoyed your presentation at [Event Name]. Here’s a resource that might complement your insights on [topic].

‍Leveraging Behavioral Data

• Hi [Recipient's Name], I noticed you downloaded our [specific resource]. Here’s another resource that might be helpful.
• Hi [Recipient's Name], based on your interest in [specific topic], I thought you might find this [related resource] useful.

Addressing Pain Points

• Hi [Recipient's Name], are you facing challenges with [specific pain point]? Here’s how we can help."
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I’ve noticed many companies in [recipient’s industry] struggle with [pain point]. Here’s a solution that’s working for them.

Offering a Unique Value Proposition

• Hi [Recipient's Name], what if you could [specific benefit]? Here’s how our solution makes it possible."
• Hi [Recipient's Name], did you know that [statistic or fact]? Here’s how you can achieve similar results.

Highlighting Industry Trends

• Hi [Recipient's Name], with [recent industry change], how prepared is your company to adapt?
• Hi [Recipient's Name], as [specific role], you know how important [industry trend] is. Here’s how we can help you stay ahead.

Building on Past Interactions

• Hi [Recipient's Name], following up on our last conversation about [specific topic], I wanted to share this with you."
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I wanted to check in and see how you’re progressing with [specific initiative]. Here’s something that might help.

Some of the additional best email opening lines for B2B email correspondence are:

• Did you know {statistics/news}?
• Is XYZ a priority for your company?
• How do you feel about {a recent development}?
• What do you think about {a recent development}?
• Imagine an 8x increase in revenue. 
• Congratulations on {so-and-so achievement}!
• I noticed your company recently {refer to a trigger event}.
• I saw your competitor, {business name}, in the news for {so-and-so achievement}. 
• What is your process for {cold emailing/SEO etc.}? From my experience, {name a product} that can help…

2. Opening Email Lines for In-Office Chats

Creating effective opening email lines for in-office chats involves being personable, concise, and relevant to the context of the workplace. Receivers include managers, employees, bosses, co-workers, interns, etc. Mails for in-office chats must be formal, polite, helpful, and friendly in tone. Here are some tailored opening lines for various scenarios:

General In-Office Communication

• Hi [Recipient's Name], I hope you had a great weekend! I wanted to discuss [specific topic] with you.
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I noticed you’re working on [specific project]. Can we chat about [related aspect]?

Example: Hi John, I noticed you’re working on the Q3 marketing campaign. Can we chat about the new social media strategy?

Follow-Up on Meetings

• Hi [Recipient's Name], great meeting earlier today. I have a few follow-up questions about [specific topic].
• "Hi [Recipient's Name], thanks for your insights in the meeting. I wanted to continue our discussion on [specific topic].

Example: Hi Lisa, thanks for your insights in the meeting. I wanted to continue our discussion on improving customer support.

Project Collaboration

• Hi [Recipient's Name], I’m working on [specific project] and could use your expertise on [related aspect].
• Hi [Recipient's Name], can we schedule some time to collaborate on [specific project]? I have some ideas on [related aspect].

Providing Updates

• Hi [Recipient's Name], just a quick update on [specific project or task]. Let me know if you have any questions.
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I wanted to keep you in the loop about [specific development or change].

Requesting Feedback or Input

• Hi [Recipient's Name], I’d love your feedback on [specific task or project]. Can we discuss it briefly?
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I’m looking for some input on [specific topic]. Do you have a moment to chat?

Addressing Issues or Concerns

• Hi [Recipient's Name], I wanted to discuss an issue I’ve noticed with [specific process or project]. Can we chat?
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I have a concern about [specific matter]. Could we find some time to talk about it?

Checking In or Offering Help

• Hi [Recipient's Name], how is [specific project or task] going? Do you need any assistance?
• Hi [Recipient's Name], I wanted to check in on [specific task or project]. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

Example: Hi Megan, I wanted to check in on the budget review. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

Celebrating Achievements or Milestones

• Hi [Recipient's Name], congratulations on [specific achievement]! I’d love to hear more about how you accomplished it.
• Hi [Recipient's Name], great job on [specific project or task]. Can we chat about your approach?

Example: Hi Rachel, great job on the product launch. Can we chat about your approach?

Some other examples of opening email lines for in office chats can be:

• Congratulations on {so-and-so achievement}!
• I hope the week is going well so far. 
• We were very impressed with your…
• I am eager to know your thoughts about {event/topic/problem}.
• Your prompt response is much appreciated.
• Your ideas/suggestions on {event/topic/problem} are much appreciated.
• In regard to our earlier exchange…
• I was hoping you could help me with {the so-and-so problem}.
• I am contacting you regarding {event/topic/problem}.
• How is the progress on {project name} going?

3. Email First Lines for Emails to Subordinates 

Mails written to subordinates or employees must be respectful and professional. Find 10 examples for email first lines for a friendly exchange.

• Congrats on a great job with {so-and-so achievement}!
• We were very impressed with your {so-and-so contribution}.
• {Name} told me you're the best person for {project name}. 
• Your prompt response is much appreciated.
• Your ideas/suggestions on {event/topic/problem} are much appreciated.
• In regard to our earlier exchange…
• I was hoping you could help me with {so-and-so problem}.
• I am contacting you regarding {event/topic/problem}.
• I'm looking for an update on {project name}.
• I've received some unfortunate news.

4. Email Starter Sentences for Networking Emails

The email recipients for networking or cold outreach emails include business owners, CEOs, COOs, founders, managers, influencers, solopreneurs, etc.

You can also use a few of them for email marketing.  Here are some examples of the best email starter sentences for networking emails.

• Congratulations on {so-and-so achievement}!
• I am {your name}.
• I noticed your profile recently at {magazine/social media/podcast}.
• We’re interested in {topic} as well.
• Let me buy you a cup of coffee.  
• I have been your fan since {refer to a work}.
• What is your process for {cold emailing/SEO etc.}? 
• Can you help with {event/topic/problem}?
• I am {name}, and I am {mutual connection}’s friend
• I heard great things about you from {name}. 
• I found the attached (article/video) about (topic). I thought you'd like it too

5. Opening Line for Welcome Emails

The receivers of welcoming mails are new hires, subscribers, customers, clients, etc. Despite using a professional tone, you should also sound enthusiastic and motivating. Some examples of opening line for welcome emails can be:

• Welcome to the {business name} family!
• You are now a part of the {name of the business} community!
• Hello friend, thanks for checking {business/app name}.
• Congratulations! You are now a member of the {business name} community.
• I am glad to have you on board! 
• Welcome to {business name}! It’s your time to… 
• Thank you for confirming your {business name} account.
• Welcome to {business name}! Let the creative fun begin!
• Welcome to a new world of… 
• Thanks for choosing us!

6. Email Opening Statements for Customer Support Messages

Here are some examples of email opening statements to enhance your customer support messages:

• Thanks for reaching out.
• I am sorry for the trouble you’ve been having with {problem}.
• I’m very sorry you had this experience. 
• I am sorry to hear you had such a poor experience.
• I wanted to check in with you about the problem you had the other day. 
• I have the answer to your question.
• Thank you so much for referring {name} to us.
• Thanks for purchasing…
• Thanks a lot for taking the time to rate us.
• Thanks for the feedback! It means a lot to us. 

7. Sales Email Opening Lines

Use the below sales email opening line while writing messages to your email list. 

• Take the next step.
• I noticed you…
• {Name} here from {company’s name}
• For a limited time, we’re offering 30% on…
• I see that you recently got promoted…
• Congratulations on taking on the new challenge...
• Great job on {so-and-so achievement}!
• Did you know {so-and-so product} can do {this}?
• Is XYZ a priority for your company?
• We recently worked with {company} and helped them achieve {goals}.
• How do you feel about {a recent development}?

8. Starting Phrases for Follow-Up Emails

Follow-up messages or quick responses must be respectful and professional. It should be able to convey your email message without bothering the recipient. Find 10 examples of starting a friendly email to get positive responses.

• A quick reminder…
• It’s {name} again, checking on…
• Did you get a chance to go through it…
• This {work} made me think of…
• As discussed on the {event/meeting}
• I’m hoping to get your feedback on {product/service}
• Just a quick follow-up…
• I see you purchased {name of the product}. You might also like…
• Hope all is well! Although I haven’t heard from you, I think our collaboration can bring great results.
• Hope you’re doing great! I’d like to add a few points in relation to what we discussed at our meeting on Monday.  

9. Opening Lines to go ROFL

Funny emails can catch one’s attention faster than regular, formal ones. If implemented properly, humorous opening lines can badge replies from unbelievable addresses. 

You can use the below lines for both personal emails and email marketing campaigns. 

• Welcome to the Game of {name of the service}
• Hello from the upside down
• Happy Not-Monday
• Just what you wished for-another email
• Hope you’re surviving this week
• You won’t get this on Amazon
• It’s me again. 
• I swear I will keep it short
• Only 2 days until Friday! 

‍

Things to Remember When Writing Business Emails Opening Sentences

There are two primary things to start a business email

1. Salutation
2. Opening Sentence 

A salutation or email greeting phrase is the part where you say “Dear, Jon” or “Hey, Jon”. Now, if Jon is your Boss, can you call him “dear”? 

I understand it can be confusing to pick the right salutation. So, here’s a quick table to make things easier for you. 

Tone of the Email           Salutation

Official                           Dear, Mr. Bean        [Dear, Last Name] 

Polite                             Dear, Pam               [Dear, First Name]

Business Casual           Hello, Moira            [Hello, First Name]

Casual                           Hey, Peter                [Hey, First Name]

Informal                         Hi, Shrek                   [Hi, First Name]

‍

‍Tip: If you aren't aware of the recipient’s gender, go with “Dear, Jon Snow”. 
Never use “Sir/Madam”, “Hey”, or “To Whom it may concern”. These are too formal and overused that almost sound rude. 

Tips to Write the Best Opening Sentences

‍

After picking the salutation, it’s time to come up with an intriguing first sentence to create an effective email conversation. Here are four things to keep in mind while writing email opening sentences. 

Reveal What You Can Offer

TBH, nobody has spare time to read emails. Reveal your motif on the very first line. It’s always better to offer something in the starting sentence. For instance:

  Can I buy you a cup of coffee? 

While you’re literally offering something here, it doesn't always have to be the case. Sometimes, you can also offer compliments. 

       I really admired your article on so-and-so topic.

In the case of sales mails, you can offer your product/service by saying how it can help.

       Our latest product/service can increase your sales by 5x. 

Make them Curious

Beginning sentences also work if they can make the recipient curious. All you have to do for this is ask the right question, preferably something related to their work/industry.

         Did you know {statistics/news}?

       Or

       Is XYZ a priority for your company?

However, it doesn’t always have to be a question. It can also be a statement/fact that makes the reader intrigued. 

       We recently worked with {company} and helped them achieve {goals}.

Appreciate 

While intriguing the reader should be your goal, a token of appreciation always works the best. Take this personal approach when you feel blank and out of ideas. For example: 

Congratulations on {so-and-so achievement}!

Or

I see that you recently got promoted…

Break the Ice

A perfect email opener aims to break the ice, especially for cold emails. Try to say something related to the recipient’s business/work or previous purchase or ask icebreaker questions. Such as;

I noticed your company recently…

Or

I noticed your profile recently at…

Conclusion

Email opening lines are the most important part of the content after the email subject lines. It tells the reader about the sender, their intention, and what they can offer. 

A perfect email starting sentence will break the ice and make the reader intrigued enough to read the rest of the email body. So, think it through before writing one. 

If you’re blank, remember that it’s not you. It happens to many, including experienced working professionals and mature business people. Also, you always pick one from an email template. 

FAQs

How do you start a professional email greeting?

A professional email must start with a formal salutation. If the recipient is an experienced, senior professional than you, then begin with “Dear, Mr/Mrs/Miss [Last Name]”. In case of genderless salutation, go with “Dear, [First name Last name]. 

If the reader of the mail is junior in terms of work experience, go with “Hello, [First name]”. While writing informal emails, one can start with “Hey” or “Hi”. 

What are the best opening lines for formal emails?

For formal mails, the starting sentences can be:

• I hope the week is going well so far. 
• We were very impressed with your…
• I am eager to know what you think about {event/topic/problem}.
• Your prompt response is much appreciated.

What are effective email opening lines for professional communication?

Effective email opening lines for professional communication often start with a formal greeting that includes the recipient's name. For example, "Good morning [Recipient's Name]," or "Dear [Recipient's Name]," can set the right tone.

Can you provide examples of strong opening statements for business emails?

Strong opening statements for business emails include lines that show familiarity with the recipient or their work, such as "I enjoyed our last conversation about XYZ," or "I was impressed by your recent presentation on ABC".

What are some email first lines that grab attention in a professional context?

To grab attention in a professional context, email first lines could pose a relevant question or make a statement about the recipient's industry. For instance, "Have you considered the impact of recent industry changes on your business?" or "Your company is making impressive strides in sustainability".

Do you have tips for crafting engaging email opening sentences?

Tips for crafting engaging email opening sentences include keeping the tone appropriate for the recipient, personalizing where possible, and getting straight to the point. It's also beneficial to convey warmth or positivity, even in a professional setting.

How can I start an email on a positive note with effective opening lines?

Starting an email on a positive note can be achieved with lines like "Hope this email finds you well," or "It's always a pleasure to connect with you." These lines convey goodwill right from the start.

Are there specific email starter sentences suitable for formal communication?

Formal communication often calls for more traditional email starter sentences such as "I am writing to...", "In response to your recent communication...", or simply "Dear [Recipient's Name]".

Can you share email opening examples that convey warmth and professionalism?

Email opening examples that convey warmth and professionalism could include "I hope this email finds you well," or "Thinking of you and your team during this busy season." These lines show care while maintaining a professional tone.

What are some best practices for creating impactful email opening lines in a business setting?

Best practices for creating impactful email opening lines in a business setting include personalizing the greeting, being concise and clear about the email's purpose, and using a tone that matches the relationship with the recipient.

Are there email opening statements that work well for both formal and casual communication?

Email opening statements that work well for both formal and casual communication could be "I hope this message finds you well," or "Just touching base on..." These lines are neutral enough to fit different contexts.

How do I begin an email with confidence using strong opening lines?

To begin an email with confidence, use strong opening lines that state your purpose clearly and positively. For example, "I'm excited to share..." or "I have some great news..." These lines convey confidence and positivity right from the start.

How can humor be effectively used in email opening lines for a lighthearted conversation?

Use humor judiciously and ensure it aligns with the recipient's sense of humor and the context of the conversation. Keep it light and friendly to avoid misunderstanding.

What strategies can be employed to grab attention with the first sentence of an email?

Start with a question or a bold statement that immediately piques the recipient's curiosity or addresses a pain point they can relate to. Keep it concise and relevant.

What are some appropriate opening greetings for emails?

Tailor your greeting to the level of formality and familiarity you have with the recipient. Use "Hi" for a more casual tone and "Dear" for formal or professional emails.

How should email starters be tailored for different contexts?

Consider the context and relationship with the recipient. For formal emails, start with a polite greeting followed by a clear and concise statement of purpose. For informal emails, a more relaxed and conversational tone is appropriate.

In what ways can emails be effectively personalized in their opening sentences?

Personalize your opening to the recipient whenever possible. Reference a previous conversation, shared interest, or recent event to establish a connection and make your email more engaging.

How can a professional email introduction be crafted to make a strong impression?

Begin with a formal greeting, followed by a brief introduction that establishes your credibility or relationship with the recipient. Clearly state the purpose of your email in a professional and concise manner.