In the U.S., forty million singles have created a profile with an online dating site. This is good for you, if you’re sitting at the computer trying to condense your personal life and relationship goals into a few paragraphs. By learning from the mistakes of others and avoiding these five pitfalls, your ‘advertisement’ will be both attractive and effective.
1Choose the dating site that’s right for you
Dating sites specialize too. Sites have been created to suit sexual preferences, body types, religions, current status, occupations, and hobbies. If you are big and beautiful, choose a site that specializes to meet someone who thinks you’re the shiznit!
2Pick a good username
Your user name says a lot about you, so try to think of a good one. Pick a name that promotes a hobby or work, without giving your identity away. While names like big_slut21 and big_stud13 are tempting, they will only lure the creepy, stalker-type people looking for one thing. Use some creativity, and choose a good name that you wouldn’t mind using in front of your Mother.
3Pick a good photo of yourself
It is NOT the 1980’s anymore… Seriously. Readers can tell when you’re using an old photo. We loved the 80’s too, but we won’t contact you if we don’t know what you look like. If you don’t show us, we will imagine your profile picture with thirty years added on.
A good head shot is a must for your online profile. You can add a second photo to woo us with your rockin’ hot body. The eyes are the ‘windows to your soul’, and we want to know you aren’t an axe murderer.
Pick a good and recent profile picture (picture by PayBlake)
Select the secondary photo, the body shot, paying attention to detail. Complete strangers will be looking at this photo, so you should choose one that is non-menacing. You’re proud of the deer you bagged last year, but a dead ‘Bambi’ and you wielding a gun is not a good idea. In addition, we don’t need to see the inside of your bathroom either!
4Answer all the questions HONESTLY
Including your current relationship status. You are setting yourself up for epic failure before you even start when you falsely report your age/height/weight and current relationship status. How are you going to date someone if you can’t actually meet in person someday? You owe it to yourself and others to admit when you are married, living with someone, or have a stalker. A benefit of online dating is that it is simple it is to connect with others ‘just like you’. If you are afraid to tell us who you are, how are you going to connect with someone online? Embrace who you are, and expect someone to notice your honesty.
5Write a really great headline
Write a good headline, because, after your photo, it’s the first thing they’ll read. Dating sites often set aside a short headline for your introduction, typically about a hundred characters or so. This helps us decide whether we want to know more about you. Equally as important as your screen name, be daring and creative and let us know what you want.
Creating your profile isn’t that difficult anymore. Most sites have helpful tips in the margins of their web pages to assist with. When writing about yourself, be positive, putting your best foot forward.
