First impressions in email matter—a lot. The opening lines are your chance to make a strong impression, quickly. An engaging subject line and intro for your emails build trust, capture interest, and set the tone for a conversation.
We’re exploring introduction tips and tactics based on psychology to help your campaigns make a real impact.
1) Create Curiosity in Your Subject
The subject line is your first chance to introduce the email and make it stand out. According to SuperOffice, 33% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line. That’s a big chunk of your contact list on the line.
Make it clear and specific, highlighting the value of reading your email. Aim for curiosity or relevance without being overly clever.
Some ideas:
- Ask a question that’s relevant to them (“Wondering About [Common Goal]?” or “Need Help with [Industry Challenge]?”)
- Offer a direct benefit (“Banish Ants with This Simple Tip”)
- Personalize it (“Quick Insight for [Their City]”)
A compelling subject line can make all the difference in whether your email gets opened or skipped.
2) Show That You Pay Attention
Taking time to personalize content for each recipient makes your whole message stand out more. It’s a powerful way to communicate, “This isn’t just another copy-paste email.”
Personalization makes people feel valued and shows that you see them as individuals—not just a name on a list. That’s clear once you know that emails with personalized content can lift open rates by as much as 20%.
Referencing something specific to them, like a recent project or a relevant event, makes your message feel tailored, thoughtful, and worth their time. Examples of thoughtful openings:
- “I saw your recent article on [Topic] and really appreciated your insights. It’s clear you’ve put in the research!”
- “I noticed your team serves [New Area]. That’s an exciting step—congrats!”
Mentioning something specific not only makes the email feel more personal but also shows you’re genuinely interested in connecting.
3) Find Common Ground
When you introduce a shared connection or mutual interest, it turns a cold email into a warm introduction. People are more likely to respond when they feel there’s something familiar about the person reaching out.
Finding common ground could mean mentioning a shared contact, a professional group, or even a community event.
Some ideas that do the trick authentically:
- A mutual connection: “I recently helped this customer in [Local Neighborhood]—impressive results!”
- A shared experience: “I noticed we both attended [Community Event] last year.”
4) Share Trends or Insights
Starting with an insight or industry trend adds immediate value that the reader wants to learn more about. It also shows that you understand their industry and may have something more to offer.
You’re actively demonstrating that your email isn’t just about your own goals but also about what’s relevant to them.
Some ways you can lead with insights:
- Mention a local trend affecting their industry: “Did you know that [Percent] of consumers prefer online booking?”
- Share an industry observation: “How I’ve noticed companies in [Their Industry] adapting to [Change or Struggle].”
An example of an email starting off with a relevant, compelling insight to grab the reader’s attention
5) Your Value, One Line
Get to the heart of why the reader should care. Think of this as your “hook”—something that tells them what’s in it for them.
Focus on how you bring value to the table, keeping it short, clear, and relevant. It’s not about a full pitch, but rather a brief, impactful statement that lets them see the benefit right away.
A few examples:
- “I specialize in safe, family-friendly solutions that keep homes pest-free year-round.’
- “Our team has reduced energy costs by X% for [Local Number] families in [Neighborhood/City].”
The goal here is for them to understand, in just a few words, why connecting with you could be beneficial. This lets them see the value right away without having to dig.
6) Ask a Clear Question
Embellish your copy with a straightforward, friendly request that respects their time. Rather than pushing for a hard sell, aim for something that feels natural and easy to act on.
Questions in subject lines or introductory copy earn a 21% overall increase in email opens.
Whether your email asks to leave feedback or suggests a new resource, be specific and introduce the request with a friendly tone. Here’s how to keep it warm and clear:
- “Would you be open to taking a 5-minute survey?”
- “Have You Heard of [Tip or Resource]? Perfect for you!”
Make the question specific, light, and time-relevant so you’re showing respect for their schedule and making it easy for them to respond.
The Art of Following Up
Even with a great initial email, sometimes the response doesn’t come right away. Inboxes get busy, afternoons get packed—you know how it is.
Following up on your communication is an essential way to keep the conversation open without being pushy.
Depending on the goal of your email and whether a response is your goal, a well-timed, friendly follow-up can show you have more to offer and add a personal touch to your outreach.
- Wait a Few Days: Give it about 3-5 business days before sending a follow-up. You can even make your follow-ups automatic and customize the flow based on your audience.
- Keep It Casual and Friendly: Show that you’re simply checking in, not pushing. For example: “Just wanted to reach out and see if you had any questions or thoughts about [topic].”
- Offer More Value: If possible, add new content, a relevant offer, or insight. It can be as simple as “I thought you might find this resource helpful for keeping your energy costs down this winter.”
Following up intentionally shows you’re attentive, but be strategic to avoid getting overbearing. For local businesses, your thoughtful approach can set you apart and increase the chances of a positive response.
Final Thoughts
With these strategies—and a thoughtful follow-up as needed—you’re equipped to introduce yourself to new wins with every email. Writing a genuine, engaging piece of content can be the key to starting relationships that drive value for your business and resonate with your audience.
At Wolfpack Advising, we’re here to help you make the most of every outreach effort—schedule your online consultation to learn how we can make your emails shine.
