Bumble is one of the most popular dating apps worldwide. It’s used by well over 30 million people, many of whom are either looking for dates, mates – or even love.
30 million people, of course, are a LOT of people. With that many people using Bumble, how hard can it be to land a date?
As it turns out, it can be really hard if you don’t get past the first hurdle. Namely, the icebreaker/first message.
See, starting a conversation on a dating app can be tough. What on earth do you say to a guy you’ve never met before, and to who you’re already attracted?
What opening lines should you use to generate instant interest and move the conversation forward? After all, if you get this wrong, your match might not even respond to you! And that would really suck.
The good news for you is that I myself have been using (and succeeding on) Bumble for a number of years. I’ve received a tonne of opening messages from women and I know what works and what doesn’t work.
So come join me as I take a look at the…
Bumble conversation starters to Start a Conversation
1. Be Positive Straight Off The Bat
Picture it: You’re having a terrible day. Everyone sucks. Your boss hates you and you hate your boss. Your best friend has canceled your night out. You got soaked on the way home from work in the rain. Everyone is arguing over politics.
EVERYTHING SUCKS.
And then, there’s a ray of light all of a sudden – your match on Bumble has just sent you a super positive opening message, which reminds you that there are good, happy-go-lucky people in this world after all. Hallelujah!
If you can’t think of anything else to say in your opening lines, at least be positive. No one likes Debbie Downer!
For example, you could say something like “Hey! We made it! We matched on Bumble! GO US.”
It’s just cute, it’s fun and it sends really good vibes.
You could even say something like, “Are you loving this sunny weather as much as I am?!”
2. Talk About Travelling
Who doesn’t want to travel more?
It might be a cliche but opening with a question like “where are you traveling next?” is always a great way to start a conversation.
3. Take An Interest In Them
For example, if they’ve got an interesting job, start by asking them if they enjoy it and what made them decide to do that job.
Showing interest in them early on is a great way to elicit a response on Bumble.
4. Where Have You Been All My Life?!
I must admit that the first time a woman used this line on me, I loved it. I couldn’t wait to reply with “just sitting here, waiting for you! Lol.”
It’s a simple line but it’s one that probably gets results 9 times out of 10. And it goes like this:
“Where have you been all my life?!”
Yup – that’s literally all you have to say.
Why does it work so well?
Because it’s so flirtatious straight off the bat. It beats the usual, boring “hello” and it shows that you’re a bundle of fun. It’s also direct enough to say “I’m attracted to you” without being too direct (after all, a line like “you’re hot” is corny and rarely ever produces results).
5. “What’s the worst opening line you’ve ever received?”
This one could backfire if they say ‘this one!’ But even then, it’s a surefire sign that they’re flirting with you.
Other than that, it’s just a really fun way to start a conversation.
6. Start With a Joke
Everyone likes people who can make them laugh, and kicking things off with a joke can be a great way to get your match to respond.
My advice would be that you don’t go with your own joke (unless it’s really, really great), but instead use an already existing joke that’s guaranteed to make someone laugh.
Personally, I like to go with a knock-knock joke. It elicits curiosity because most people can’t help but find out who’s at the door.
Complete your joke ASAP. Don’t keep it going too long!
7. Be Mysterious
A girl once used this opening line on me:
“Your parents won’t like me. Does that bother you?”
I’ve gotta admit – I was damn intrigued!
Mystery ALWAYS works. As long as you do it right, you’re onto a winner.
8. Personalize Things
One of the reasons I sometimes don’t respond to opening messages is because I just know the woman has used the same opening line elsewhere. Generic messages are easy to spot, and they often look something like this:
“Hey, how are you?”
“If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?”
Boring. And generic.
It’s a good idea to take something from their profile (either one of their pics or their bio) and mention it. This shows that you’ve taken the time to properly check them out, and it makes your opening message more unique.
9. Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare is ALWAYS sexy. So if you’re looking for a hookup, it’s a great way to start a conversation on Bumble.
10. Ask Them Why They Swiped For You
I’ll be honest, not every guy will reply to this one. But it’s a daring, confident opening line that could lead to some serious flirting.
And when a girl used it on me, I definitely replied.
11. Send a Dealbreaker
The thing with dealbreakers is that they can be really serious or just fun.
A serious deal-breaker looks like this:
“I have two snakes. Don’t like snakes? Don’t match me. Simple.”
The problem with a serious deal breaker is that it’s way too negative and confrontational for Bumble. Instead, it’s a much better idea to make a fun dealbreaker. Like this:
“I hate pineapples on pizza. Please let me know your thoughts on this so that we can either get married or say our goodbyes now.”
12. “Describe Yourself In 3 Emojis”
This is a really fun opening line that’s almost guaranteed to work.
The biggest problem you might have is figuring out where to take the conversation next.
But honestly, you could just talk in emojis right up until the date, no?
13. “I think my Bumble is broken, can you help me?”
This is an actual opening line a girl once sent me – and I have to admit, I admired her efforts!
It’s a cute, somewhat funny conversation starter that got me to reply.
Essentially, she was pretending that her Bumble was broken just so that I would reply. And when I did (and I acted like Prince Charming who had come along to save the day), we started flirting like crazy.
14. Ask If They Have a Spirit Animal
Everyone has a spirit animal, and asking for your match's spirit animal is typically a good way to get a conversation going. It’s a question that sparks a lot of interest because it gives you instant insights into someone’s personality.
15. Talk About Dogs
Speaking of animals – if they’ve got a dog in one of their pics, they’re literally saying to you that they want to talk about them.
Even if you just ask for their dog’s name, it’s a great way to break the ice. And if you’ve got a dog, too, it’s even better!
16. “I used my last match on you before my battery died. You’ve at least gotta talk to me now.”
This opening line is a bit naughty – but naughty is a great way to start flirting right off the bat. Plus, you’re stroking the guy’s ego, which is usually always a winner.
17. Get Serious Straight Away
Whilst being funny and lighthearted works a lot of the time, there’s still something to be said for hitting your match with a deeper question straight off the bat.
For example, a woman once asked me what my favorite podcast was in her opening message. She said she enjoys listening to podcasts as they help her learn things, and she wanted to know what I listened to. I liked the question because it helped us to transition to an actual proper conversation. Eventually, we started to banter, too.
18. Or At Least Create an Emotional Bond
You could get serious by asking him what his thoughts are on the meaning of life (or podcasts). Or, you could try and create an emotional bond immediately by asking him to tell you something about himself. Like this:
Two truths and one lie. You go first.
19. Send a Funny GIF
Lastly, in those moments when you legit have absolutely nothing to say in your opening message, you can always just reel out a GIF. But the GIF must be funny and/or cute. Animal GIFs usually always work.
20. Don’t Use Their Name
Actually, one final tip before I go – never use their name in your opening message.
Why not?
Because it makes it look way too formal and weird. Example:
“Hey, Jason!”
Just no.
21. Simple Greeting
This is something you might didn't expect me to list, right? See, on dating apps like Bumble, there are so many people that are desperately trying to stand out. And, in the process, they have abandoned originality and basic communication skills.
So, as a dating and relationship coach, I would suggest you that don't be fake. You can send simple greetings and it would be a good way to stand out.
Inside Scoop: How To Respond To “Hey” On Bumble?
Takeaway: Starting a conversation on Bumble is pretty daunting because no one wants to lose a hot match! Use the tips in this article to start your next conversation but make sure that, whatever tactic you decide to implement, your messages are always original.