How to Write the First Line of a Cold Email
- 1Something they launched
- 2A page you read
- 3A role they hired
- 4A review or post
- 5A gap you can see
The test
Swap in another company name. If the line still works, it is too generic.
Five sources of a true first line
- A launch or announcement.
- A specific page, such as pricing or onboarding.
- A job post that shows what they are building.
- A public review or comment.
- A visible gap, such as a missing page.
How to say it
One sentence, no flattery, no guessing. "Your pricing page lists three plans but not what the middle one includes."
What to avoid
"I hope you are well", praise with no detail and claims about their business that you have not checked.
Examples
Weak: I came across your company and was impressed.
Better: Your pricing page lists three plans but not what the middle one includes.
Weak: I help companies like yours grow.
Better: You posted a role for a first support hire last week.
Common mistakes
- Opening with yourself instead of them.
- Guessing at their problems.
- Using the same first line on a whole list.
- Putting the ask before the reason.
Where Touchbase fits
Touchbase finds companies that fit what you sell, says why each one fits, writes a plain first email for each that you approve before anything is sent, and handles replies and follow-ups. You choose who to write to and what goes out.
Find your first customers with Touchbase
Touchbase finds companies that fit what you sell, writes each first email for you to approve, and handles the follow-ups. It is free to start, with no card.
Start freeQuestions
- How long should the first line be?
- One sentence.
- Can AI write the first line?
- As a draft. Check every fact before you send.
- What if I cannot find anything true?
- Do not write to that company yet.
