A first message that gets a reply is specific, short and easy to answer

"Hey" hands all the work to the other person. They have to invent a topic, carry the energy and guess whether you are interested in them or just in anyone. Most people would rather reply to the message that already gave them something to say.

A specific opener does the opposite. It shows you actually looked at their profile, it gives them an obvious next line, and it tells them a little about you at the same time. That is a lot of work for one or two sentences, and it is why specific beats clever almost every time.

Their profile is a list of conversation starters they chose for you. On Miragano that means their photos, their bio, their interests and the prompts they answered. Prompts are the easiest place to start, because the person has already told you what they like talking about.

• A prompt answer you have an opinion on, a follow-up question for, or a playful disagreement with.
• A photo with a story in it: a mountain, a dog, a questionable fancy dress costume.
• A shared interest, plus your own small twist on it.
• Something in their bio that made you laugh, said back to them with a question.

Here are some examples to adapt, not copy. Notice that each one names something specific and then asks a question that is easy to answer.

• Their prompt says their ideal Sunday involves a farmers market: "Important question: are you a straight-to-the-pastries person or a responsible-vegetables-first person?"
• Their photo is on a hiking trail: "That view looks earned. Was it worth the climb, or are you still recovering?"
• You share an interest in cooking: "Fellow home cook. What is the one dish you would make to impress someone?"
• Their bio mentions a terrible pun habit: "I was promised puns. I am ready. Give me your best one."

None of these are clever for the sake of it. They are warm, a little playful and very easy to reply to, which is exactly the job.

• Comments about their body. It is the fastest way to sound like everyone else, or worse.
• Copy and paste openers. People can tell, and they talk to their friends.
• Interview questions in a row. One question is an invitation; four is a form.
• Asking for their number or socials straight away. Get to know them here first.
• Long paragraphs about yourself before they have said a word.

On Miragano, bios and prompts can't contain phone numbers, emails, social handles or links, and we suggest keeping the chat in the app until you are comfortable. That is not us being nosy. It keeps you able to block or report in a tap if something feels off.

Sooner is better. Interest is highest right after a match, and waiting a few days to seem cool usually just looks like forgetting. On Miragano there is a practical reason too: a match expires after 7 days if nobody sends a message, so saying hello early keeps it alive.

You also don't need to wait for them to go first. Anyone can send the first message, and the person who does is usually the one who sets the tone.

Sometimes people are busy, sometimes they are not feeling it, and sometimes the app just got buried under a week of real life. One friendly follow-up a day or two later is fine. After that, let it go and put your energy into the next match. A missing reply says very little about you.

It also helps to match with people who want what you want. Everyone on Miragano picks an intent and Discover only shows you people whose intent fits yours, so you start out on the same page.

A great opener is the start, not the goal. Once the chat has a rhythm, suggest meeting up. Our guide on going from match to a first date covers when and how to ask, and you can create your account to try it for real.