Create attention-grabbing first lines for cold emails that get prospects to keep reading
I need attention-grabbing opening lines for a cold email that will make the recipient want to keep reading instead of hitting delete. The recipient is [RECIPIENT_NAME] who works as [RECIPIENT_ROLE] at [RECIPIENT_COMPANY]. Here is something specific I know about them that I can reference: [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT] (such as a recent accomplishment, content they published, company news, mutual connection, or something I genuinely noticed about their work) The ultimate goal of my email is [EMAIL_GOAL:select:book a meeting,start a conversation,get a referral,pitch a partnership,offer my services,share something valuable,request informational interview]. Generate [NUMBER_OF_VARIATIONS:number:3-8] different opening line variations using different psychological approaches. Include at least one of each style: a personalized compliment opener, a trigger event or news reference opener, and a direct value proposition opener. For each opener, write only 1-2 sentences maximum. Label the approach used for each one. Make sure none of them start with generic phrases like "Hope this finds you well" or "I know you're busy" - those get emails deleted instantly. Each opener should feel specific to this person, not like it could be sent to anyone.
Range: 3 - 8
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Get Early AccessCold emails live or die in the first two lines. If your opener sounds like every other sales pitch in the inbox, it gets deleted. The difference between a 5% and 25% open-to-response rate usually comes down to those first 15 words.
You provide context about [RECIPIENT_NAME] and their [RECIPIENT_ROLE] at [RECIPIENT_COMPANY], plus something specific you noticed about them in [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT]. The AI generates opening variations, each using a different psychological trigger: personalized compliments, trigger events, direct value propositions, and more.
Every opener connects to something real about the recipient. No generic "Hope this finds you well" or "I know you are busy" fillers. Each one is specific enough that the reader knows you did your homework.
Pair strong openers with the Email Subject Line Generator for a complete cold outreach package. Need to follow up after no response? The Follow-Up Email Writer picks up where you left off. Try it in the Dock Editor to generate and compare variations side by side.
Copy this template into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the Dock Editor to start generating openers.
Fill in [RECIPIENT_NAME], [RECIPIENT_ROLE], and [RECIPIENT_COMPANY]. The key field is [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT]: paste a detail you genuinely noticed. A recent LinkedIn post, a company announcement, or a project they led. Generic context produces generic openers.
Choose your [EMAIL_GOAL] so the openers align with your ask. Set [NUMBER_OF_VARIATIONS] to at least 5 to give yourself options. More variations means more chances to find one that resonates.
Review the labeled variations and pick 2-3 that fit your voice. Edit them to sound natural. The best cold email opener sounds like it came from a person, not a generator.
Reaching out to prospects who do not know you yet. Set [EMAIL_GOAL] to 'book a meeting' and provide detailed [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT] from their LinkedIn activity or company news. Personalized openers outperform templates by 3-5x on response rates.
Getting responses from passive candidates. Set [EMAIL_GOAL] to 'start a conversation' and reference specific projects or achievements in [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT]. Candidates respond to messages that show you read their background.
Building partnerships and investor relationships from scratch. Choose 'pitch a partnership' or 'book a meeting' and reference their portfolio or company direction in [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT]. Investors see hundreds of pitches. Your opener earns the next sentence.
Landing clients through direct outreach. Set [EMAIL_GOAL] to 'offer my services' and connect your skills to a specific problem visible in [SPECIFIC_CONTEXT]. Showing you understand their challenge beats listing your credentials.
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