Here's a breakdown of the steps in transcription initiation:

1. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the DNA. This is the first step and is mediated by the sigma factor in bacteria, or general transcription factors in eukaryotes.

2. The DNA unwinds slightly at the promoter region, forming a "closed complex."

3. RNA polymerase melts the DNA further, separating the two strands, and forming the "open complex." This is the final step in initiation and allows RNA polymerase to access the template strand for transcription.

Let me know if you want more detail on any of these steps!