Suite101

How to Improve Your Dating Profile

Making the Most Out of Your Online Experience

© Christina Donahue

An Amazing Online Profile is a Few Clicks Away, Jane M Sawyer
Have you had nothing but bad luck when it comes to finding love online? Follow a few easy steps and you can fix your Internet dating profile to reap the maximum rewards.

When it comes to Internet dating, the profile is by far the most important aspect; it is the first impression others get of you and is usually the deciding factor in whether they want to pursue any kind of relationship. Don´t let your profile fall flat or misrepresent who you are.

Create a Screen Name

Although most people don´t realize this, screen names are one of the most important parts of a dating profile. You can tell a lot about a person from their screen name. Pick something with meaning to you such as a lyric from your favorite song or the name of your college, sport or birthday.

Add Your Personal Information

These are the basics. Add your name, age, relationship status, what you´re looking for (long term, friendship, etc) and where you live. The most important thing here is to be truthful without compromising your safety. Putting just your first name is fine, as well as entering your city, but certainly don´t post your address. Also, if the site wants to know about job specifics, you could write your occupation but not the company name. But remember, always be as honest as you can. Saying that you´re ten years younger than you really are will only backfire and make you look silly in the long run.

Choose Your Interests/Activities

This is the part where you really let your personality shine through. You want to display who you are as a person, and not just add a list of generic terms that could apply to anyone. Ehow.com says, "Move away from a list of adjectives and delve into specifics. Rather than writing that you are athletic, talk about how you placed in the last marathon you ran." This is no time to be modest. Shout your talents and merits without being too braggy. You want to show people what a great person you are, not make them think you´re stuck up.

Also in this section, you could include a few lists of things you like such as favorite movies, books, and bands. But again, try to stay away from long lists; keep each category under five items so as not to bore readers. They´ll get the idea after a few titles or names anyway.

Add a Picture

A picture is by far the most important part of your profile. Like it or not, first impressions are based on looks, especially on internet dating sites. Make sure your profile picture is a good head shot of yourself. Group shots are great and can further show off your personality, but save those of the additional photo section. You should be the only one in the picture so other users know exactly what you look like. Also, you want to look friendly and welcoming so be sure you´re smiling in the picture and that it´s well lit so you can be clearly seen.

Now that you have your profile up-to-date and looking good, you can go out there and meet new people! As Sarah Stefanson from The Soko.com says "You’ve put a lot of work and thought into creating a profile that truly represents you, and you deserve to get the same from the people who approach you online."


The copyright of the article How to Improve Your Dating Profile in Online Dating is owned by Christina Donahue. Permission to republish How to Improve Your Dating Profile in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.





Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo