100+ Best Email Opening Lines to Set the Right Tone

Are your email opening lines getting lost in the abyss of your recipient’s inbox? Do you struggle to find the right words to start your message? Fear not, for we have the solution to your email-opening woes!

Crafting effective email opening lines is a crucial part of communication in today’s digital age, and can make or break the success of your message.

In this article, we’ll provide tips, tricks, and examples to help you nail those email openers and capture the attention of your reader from the get-go.

Get ready to revamp your email game and become a master of the opening line!

What is an Email Opening Line?

If you think that the email opening line is just another insignificant part of your email, think again! The email opening line is the very first thing that your recipient reads, and it sets the tone for the entire email. 

The email opening line is also often visible without even opening the email.

Email opening line preview
Email opening line preview

That is the deciding factor in whether or not they will continue reading. An email opening line, also known as an email opening sentence, is the first sentence in your email that introduces the main subject and purpose of your message.

It is an important part of your email since it allows you to develop connections with your recipient and attract their attention.

Difference Between Email Opening Line and Subject Line

An email subject line is like the headline of a newspaper. It is a brief summary of the content of the email that entices the reader to open it.

On the other hand, an email opening line is the first sentence of the email that immediately follows the greeting. It serves as the introduction and sets the tone for the rest of the email.

While the subject line captures the attention of the reader and convinces them to open the email, the opening line builds rapport and establishes a connection with the reader. A good subject line gets the email noticed, but a strong opening line keeps the reader engaged.

General Tips for Writing Effective Email Opening Lines

When it comes to writing an effective email, the email opening is a critical component. To make the most out of your email starting lines, you want to make sure they are engaging, clear, and professional.

Here are some tips you might want to consider:

Keep It Short and Sweet

When it comes to crafting email opening lines, one important tip to remember is to keep it short and sweet. Your email opening should be concise and to the point, as your recipient is likely receiving numerous emails daily.

You can immediately attract their attention and make a good first impression by keeping your email opening short. Plus, a brief opening can give your recipient a clear idea of the email’s purpose and encourage them to read on.

So, aim to keep your email opening lines to just a few words or sentences that communicate your message effectively while still being polite and respectful. Remember, a short and sweet email opening can make all the difference in getting your email read and responded to.

Email opening line example
Email opening line example

Personalize Your Greeting

Creating the best email opening lines and email openers requires you to personalize your message. Making use of your recipient’s name or referencing a previous conversation might help you develop a more personal connection and make your email stand out.

When writing a professional email opening line, address your recipient officially, using their appropriate title and name. If you already have a connection with the receiver or know them well, you can use a more casual greeting. Just remember to maintain a professional tone and to set the appropriate tone.

Personalizing your welcome can help you make a better first impression and boost the probability of a favorable reaction. If you’re struggling to come up with a great email opening line, you can always use AI writing tools to help you craft one that’s effective and engaging.

Email conversation example
Email conversation example

Be Mindful of Your Tone

While writing email openers, keep attitude in mind, especially when writing a professional email opening. The tone of your email opening may establish the tone for the rest of the message and influence how your reader perceives it. Be certain that your tone is appropriate for the situation and your audience.

When in doubt, err on the side of formality and politeness, particularly when contacting someone you don’t know well or who occupies a higher position. Remember that email may be easily misinterpreted, so select your words carefully and avoid language that could be viewed as unpleasant or offensive.

By being mindful of tone in your email opening, you can create a positive impression and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Get to the Point

When it comes to email opening lines, it’s important to get to the point quickly. Because your recipient is likely to get a large number of emails each day, it’s critical that your message stands out and clearly expresses what you want to say.

Instead of beating about the bush or using fancy jargon, come right to the point. Begin with a brief sentence that outlines the goal of your email. This will assist your recipient in understanding the purpose of your email and determining whether or not they need to take action.

By going straight to the point, you can enhance the likelihood that your recipient will read and reply to your email.

Use a Hook to Capture Attention

Using a hook in your email opening can help you attract your recipient’s interest and urge them to read on. A hook is simply a statement or question that piques your reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading.

Evaluate what your recipient could find intriguing or interesting, and attempt to personalize your hook to their interests or needs. This might be a thought-provoking inquiry, a surprise fact, or a daring statement.

By including a hook in your email opener, you can ensure that your message stands out from the crowd and enhance the probability that your receiver will continue reading and engaging with your email.

Email opening line with a hook
Email opening line with a hook

Best Email Opening Lines for Different Occasions

It is critical to consider the occasion and context when creating great email opening lines. There are several tactics and best practices that may help you strike the correct tone and achieve your communication goals, whether you’re sending a cold email, following up on a previous conversation, or writing to your boss or colleague.

Friendly Email Opening Lines

When composing a friendly email, it’s critical to utilize an introductory line that establishes a warm and welcoming tone. This can assist to develop a friendly and approachable attitude for the remainder of the email and build rapport with the recipient.

Some good options for friendly email opening lines include casual greetings like “Hey there!” or “Hi friend!” Alternatively, you could start with a personalized compliment or ask how the recipient is doing.

Most effective email opening word
Most effective email opening word

You may, for example, state, “I hope you’re doing well” or “Your recent work was extremely outstanding!” Whichever technique you use, remember to keep the tone light and cheerful, and attempt to build a personal connection with the recipient in your email opening lines.

Examples:

Professional Email Opening Lines

It’s critical to establish a strong first impression when writing a business email. Your email opening should reflect your professionalism and set the tone for the rest of the email.

Consider utilizing proper business email opening lines and email greeting lines for the occasion. You may wish to use more formal phrasing, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern,” depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, your email greetings can help build your trustworthiness and demonstrate that you appreciate the recipient’s time. “I hope this email finds you well,” or “Thank you for taking the time to read this email,” are examples of professional email subject lines.

Examples:

Funny Email Opening Lines

If you want to inject some humor into your email, you can use funny email opening lines to lighten the mood and make a memorable impression. These introductory words can serve as an excellent icebreaker and help with the creation of rapport with the recipient.

Nonetheless, it is critical to keep your audience in mind and ensure that your humor is suitable and does not insult anyone. Puns, witty jokes, or even a hilarious GIF or meme can be used. Just remember to make it professional and appropriate to the email’s context.

A sense of humor can help you develop great relationships and connect with people.

Funny opening line example
Funny opening line example

Examples:

Polite Email Opening Lines

When writing a polite email, it’s important to start with an appropriate opening line that sets a respectful tone for your message. Polite email opening lines can assist you in developing a pleasant and professional relationship with your recipient.

To do this, you must utilize appropriate email openers and keep a professional email opening throughout your message. Remember that the tone of your email should be polite, professional, and kind, and that you should avoid using words that may be seen as disrespectful or unfriendly.

You may guarantee that your email is well-received and that your message is taken seriously by starting with a nice greeting and using respectful language throughout.

Examples:

Formal Email Opening Lines

When writing a formal email, it’s critical to select an opening line that creates the right tone. You should be professional and respectful, as well as clear and succinct. Employing a formal email subject line will help you create credibility and guarantee that your message is taken seriously.

It’s vital to remember that the tone and style of a professional email might change based on the recipient and the email’s purpose. However, in general, a formal email opening line should be polite, respectful, and to the point.

Formal opening line example
Formal opening line example

Examples:

Informal Email Opening Lines

When it comes to informal email opening lines, you have a little more freedom to express yourself. These opening lines can be more casual and friendly, without sacrificing professionalism.

Consider your relationship with the recipient as well as the context of the email. You may begin with a warm welcome, a mention of a common interest, or a joke. Remember that even if you wish to be more casual, you should still attempt to be courteous and avoid using extremely informal or slang language. 

With a little creativity, you can come up with an opening line that sets the tone for a productive and enjoyable email exchange.

Informal opening line example
Informal opening line example

Examples:

Best Email Opening Lines for Specific Scenarios

Here are some email opening lines that are categorized for certain scenarios:

Best Email Opening Lines for Cold Email

When it comes to cold emailing, it’s important to grab the recipient’s attention right from the start. This implies that your email’s opening line should be appealing and interesting. You want to make sure you’re providing something of value or piquing their curiosity with a one-of-a-kind pitch.

Avoid being too salesy or pushy, as this can turn off the recipient. Instead, maintain a conversational and pleasant tone while being professional. Remember to keep it short and sweet, as people are more likely to engage with an email that gets straight to the point.

Ultimately, the greatest cold email opening lines are ones that are unique, precise, and provide value to the reader.

Examples:

Best Email Opening Lines for Follow-up

When following up on an email, it’s important to be tactful and considerate of the recipient’s time. A good opening line can make all the difference in getting their attention and encouraging them to respond.

Begin with a courteous reminder of the last email you wrote, or a reference to a recent conversation. You might also inquire whether they got the opportunity to evaluate your previous message or proposal. Another method is to express your appreciation for their time and thoughtfulness, and then ask if they have any updates or feedback.

Keep your tone upbeat and welcoming, and avoid being forceful or irritated.

Persistent follow-up email example
Persistent follow-up email example

Examples:

Best Email Opening Lines for Boss

When writing an email to your boss, it’s important to use a professional and respectful tone. Starting off on the right foot can make all the difference. Here are some of the best email opening lines for your boss that are both respectful and engaging.

Keep in mind that you want to be specific, clear, and concise in your message. Use their name and always start with a greeting like “Hello” or “Good morning/afternoon.” Some examples of good email opening lines for your boss include “I hope you’re having a great day so far,” “I wanted to follow up on our previous conversation about…”, or “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier today.”

By keeping your message polite, respectful, and concise, you can make a good impression on your boss and foster a positive working relationship.

Examples:

Best Email Opening Lines to Break the Ice

When writing an email to someone for the first time or to break the ice, it’s critical to get things off to a good start. A solid opening line may help set the tone and make the other person feel more at ease.

You can employ a warm and engaging tone to break the ice. You might also bring up a similar interest or offer an amusing anecdote to make the other person comfortable. You may also start a conversation by asking a question.

By using these techniques, you can make a connection with the other person and encourage them to respond to your email.

Examples:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I address someone in a professional email if I don't know their name or gender?

If you are unclear about someone’s name or gender in a business email, you have a few alternatives for addressing them. You may start by simply addressing them by their work title, such as “Dear Marketing Manager” or “Dear IT Director.”

If that doesn’t feel personal enough, try a more generic greeting like “Dear Mr or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

You might also try to do some research to find out the person’s name or gender, either by visiting their company website or conducting a short Google search. However, regardless of how you address the recipient, the most essential thing is to keep a professional and courteous tone in your email.

How do I avoid coming across as too aggressive in my emails?

To avoid coming out as overly pushy in your emails, use professional yet courteous language. Avoid using all capital letters, strong writing, or many exclamation points since they might appear shouty and forceful. Instead, utilize simple, direct words to express your message.

It’s also a good idea to say “please” and “thank you” when making requests, and to avoid aggressive or accusing language. Always proofread your emails before sending them to verify that the tone is suitable and the message is clear.

How do I politely remind someone to respond to my email?

If you’ve sent an essential email and haven’t received a response, it’s fine to send a polite reminder. In your follow-up email, start by acknowledging that you understand they may be busy and that you don’t want to be a bother.

Then, politely ask if they had a chance to review your previous email and if there are any updates or questions they may have. You can also include a line or two underlining the significance of the contents of your previous email. It is critical to be courteous and patient, since the recipient may be overwhelmed and require extra time to react.

You can also use cold email tools that offer automated follow-up email sequences to send reminders to previous emails. These tools can help you save time and increase the chances of receiving a response from the recipient.

Key Takeaways for the Best Email Opening Lines

In summary, email opening lines are crucial to the success of your email communication. They set the tone for the rest of the message and can impact the recipient’s decision to engage with you further.

We have covered various types of email opening lines including friendly, professional, funny, polite, formal, and informal. We have also provided examples for each category, which can serve as templates or inspiration for crafting your own opening lines.

It’s important to remember that while the examples are helpful, personalization and authenticity are key in email communication. So, we encourage you to put these techniques into practice, experiment with different styles, and find what works best for you and your audience.

With a little bit of effort, you can create impactful email opening lines that increase engagement and drive results.

To achieve the best results with email outreach, we recommend using a professional email automation software

13 best cold email platforms rated and compared

Erkki Muuga

Erkki Muuga

Erkki has over 10 years of experience as a software product manager and a proven track record in building and growing SaaS products. He has a keen eye for key differentiating factors and spotting truly valuable software features that enable business use cases.

Table of Contents

Scroll to Top