Key facts
- Put something true and specific about the reader in the first line: a change at their company, a detail about their role or a problem people in their seat often have.
- In Buzzlist, a Sales Brief gathers company research in one place before you write.
- Name the detail in under 15 words.
- If the preview would not make you open it, rewrite it.
What should I avoid in the first line?
Your name, your company, fake flattery and "quick question." The reader already sees who sent it. Use the space for them.
What does a good first line look like?
"Saw you opened a second location in Tampa." "Most HVAC owners I talk to lose summer weekends to scheduling." Short, true and about the reader.
Where do I find something specific to say?
Their company website, recent news and their job title. In Buzzlist, a Sales Brief gathers company research in one place before you write.
| First line | What happens |
|---|---|
| "My name is Sam and I work at..." | About you. Skipped. |
| "Hope you are well!" | Filler. Skipped. |
| "Saw you just hired three new techs." | About them and true. Read. |
How to write a first line
- Look them up
Read their site and title for one real detail.
- Write one sentence
Name the detail in under 15 words.
- Connect it
The second line ties that detail to the problem you solve.
- Read it in the preview
If the preview would not make you open it, rewrite it.
When does Buzzlist fit, and when does it not?
It fits when
- You write emails one by one or in small batches.
- You want Buzz to draft first lines from company research and edit them yourself.
It does not fit when
- You want one first line for everyone on a big list.
- You cannot find anything true to say about the person yet.
Questions people ask next
Can I use their first name in the first line?
Yes, as a greeting. The line after it still has to be about them.
Is a compliment a good opener?
Only if it is specific and true. Generic praise reads like a template.
Can Buzz write the first line?
Yes. On a paid plan, Buzz drafts four emails per person from company research, and you edit them in Buzz Drafts before sending.