Question:

How to Write a Successful Online Dating Profile?

Answer:

Choose a creative screen name – It all starts with a screen name so make this creative and reflective of your personality. For example, If you’re an art lover, your screen name might be something like “InspiredCanvas.”

Catchy tag line – Some online dating sites have an option for a tag line.  Your tag line should be catchy! Aim for a thought-provoking, witty, unusual, or intriguing one-liner. Remember that the goal is to invite someone to further explore your profile. Avoid those common, overused tag lines such as, “Just checking things out,” or “Looking for a nice guy.” Choose something like, “Go Big or Go Home,” or “So what’s in it for you?”

Profile Pictures – No one will even bother to read your profile if you don’t have a picture posted. Would you approach someone at a party who had a paper bag over his head? Reduce the mystery and add some tasteful pictures of yourself. It’s recommended that you add multiple pictures (3-6) in multiple settings to showcase yourself as a well-rounded person. So don’t take 4 shots of yourself in the bathroom mirror! In fact, don’t include any portraits of yourself in front of a mirror. Include full-body pictures (taken discretely, of course). This does not mean posing nude! You can post a picture of you standing with a friend or in front of a landmark while on vacation. Avoid posting too many group photos of your friends. Remember, you are on display here! Include a picture of you doing something, such as your hobby, or playing with your pet, and not just standing against a white wall. And remember to smile and look happy in your photos! Happiness is easily recognizable and tends to attract others. Your pictures should be good-quality, recent, and an accurate representation of yourself.  The biggest complaint I hear about from online daters is that they meet people who don’t actually look the way they do in their profile pictures.

About Me section – Your About Me section can either make or break your online dating profile, so this section is worth putting effort into. Follow these guidelines when writing about yourself:

Choice of words - What makes you special and unique? What do you have to offer to a partner? What are your passions? Avoid describing yourself just with adjectives such as “outgoing” or “down-to-earth.” Everyone says that about themselves! Your job is to explain what makes you outgoing and down-to-earth. Let others conclude these things about your personality. Instead of writing, “I am adventurous and I love to have fun.” B-O-R-I-N-G! Rephrase that with something like, “I have a drive for adventure and I take every chance I get to explore the outdoors. My friends call me the rock-climbing guru.” Do you see how much more interesting that sounds?

Don’t talk about your past – This section is not to talk about your previous relationships and how your ex-girlfriend cheated on you and that you now have trust issues. Your goal is to show that you are ready to move forward and are not bitter about your past relationships.

Be positive – Speak positively about yourself and exude confidence, but avoid sounding arrogant. Highlight your strengths and passions! Postpone a discussion of your dislikes and pet peeves until after a couple of dates.

Avoid sensitive subjects – Refrain from writing about sex, your political views, or your Thursday through Sunday night drinking binges. You do want a date, don’t you?

Less is more! – Don’t go into overkill mode and write an autobiography. You don’t want to overwhelm your readers about all of your milestones from birth to present. Also, it’s wonderful that you’re a movie buff, but don’t list your entire movie collection in your profile. Talk about who you are and what’s important to you in a concise manner.

Spell check – Reread and edit your profile to ensure that your spelling and grammar are up to par. You want to make sure that your description is clear and well-written so that others can read it with ease. Have a friend read what you wrote to catch any errors you may have overlooked.

If you follow these guidelines for creating a successful online dating profile, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next date. If you need further help with writing your profile, please feel free to send me a message.