Tips 1 min read

Your first message: 5 openers that feel natural

A good first message is short, specific and kind. Five ideas that start real conversations.

Two people exchanging a first message

You do not need a clever line. You need a reason for the other person to answer.

  1. Pick one detail. Mention something from their profile, such as a trail, a dish or a favourite film.
  2. Ask an easy question. “What was your best trip this year?” is easier to answer than “How are you?”.
  3. Share something small. A line about yourself gives them something to reply to.
  4. Keep it short. Two or three sentences are plenty.
  5. Be yourself. A friendly hello beats a copied opener every time.

If you do not get an answer, let it go and say hello to someone else. Nobody owes a reply, and there are plenty of people who will be glad to hear from you.