You've spent the time and money to post a profile. Now make it work for you with these tips.
While online dating is a great way to meet new people, by far the biggest complaint from singles is their online profile isn't attracting enough attention. Either they aren't any getting responses, or are getting them only from the "wrong" people. There is a definite art to the Internet dating ad. Here are some points to keep in mind when writing yours:
Rely On More Than Search Criteria Alone
The Internet is a great place to order things: books, clothes, and even dates. (Well, almost.) The problem with most online dating sites is that they match you on the basis of search criteria. So when you specify things like eye color or education level, you receive profile information for people that closely match that criteria. But even if someone has the eye color or education you're looking for, does that mean he or she will have the personality to suit you? Of course not. That means you've got to do some more work to find out if you two will be compatible.
Show Your Personality!
In order to get responses from people who are likely to click with you, you must show your individuality. Writing your profile with descriptions, rather than just a list of attributes, will help a potential date get a sense of who you really are. For example, saying you enjoy sports, hanging out with friends, and are reliable doesn't tell anyone what you're really like. Whereas saying you enjoy running around the soccer field working up a sweat, then stopping by the local Mexican restaurant for some margaritas and a ride on a mechanical chili pepper shows more of your personality.
Expand Your Match Requirements
Once you've written an essay that gives a snippet of what you're really like, make sure you open up your search criteria. Decide what you really want in a mate, and design search elements so you won't exclude people that might fall into that category. Think of it this way, if someone was perfect for you in every other way, except for one thing that didn't match your exact criteria, wouldn't you at least want to meet them? Use search criteria to narrow only those matches you would absolutely never consider.
Find Out What Potential Dates Are Really Like
Opening up your search criteria and writing a descriptive essay will help you receive matches more suited to your personality and preferences. But that's only part of the equation. While the Internet can provide a great introduction to your ideal mate, you still need to do the real work of finding out if someone is worth getting to know. Use email and phone calls to your advantage. Get a sense of who someone really is before you meet. You've got to do your homework if you really want to meet your special mate.
Additional Tips:
1. Write as if you're telling your friend about yourself.
2. Use language that is conversational rather than formal.
3. Have someone close to you read your profile and give their honest opinion.
4. Spell check!
Find out more: Online Dating 101
