Online dating is no longer just a fad. With one out of every five couples meeting online, it’s safe to say you know at least one person who has or has had an online dating profile. If you’re ever wanted to create a profile for yourself, you may wonder what you should put in the dreaded “About me” section to make you stand out in the crowd. Luckily, there are helpful tips to creating an outstanding profile online. And believe it or not, there are some who supplement their income helping people write online dating profiles to get noticed.
You don’t have to spend more money to create a dynamic online dating profile. Beside, unless you join a free dating site, you will be paying in order to meet people in your area (or beyond). Paying someone to write your profile is an additional expense that you (understandably) might not want to incur. These next few tips will help you create a profile that is sure to get you noticed.
Be yourself…just an exaggerated version
Coming across as smart, funny, and likeable in person can be hard enough; it can seem downright impossible to do in writing. It can be done, however. For example, do you love sports? If so, saying something like “I like football and the Falcons are my favorite team,” is certainly fine. However, you want someone reading your profile to think you’re more than “just fine.” Instead of stating things in a matter-of-fact way, try using a little personality. “Sundays are reserved for God first…then first-downs and touchdowns. If you know what language I’m speaking, we’re already off to a good start.” Seriously, if you read both of these on separate profiles, which online dater would you contact first?
Select clear and recent pictures
If you graduated high school fifteen years ago, then don’t use your senior picture as your main profile picture. Actually, if you graduated high school fifteen years ago, don’t use high school picture at all. There is a trend among some online daters to use pictures that are either old or don’t represent their current look. Don’t be tempted to use that eight year old photo of you on the beach during spring break; especially if you have drastically changed in appearance. Honesty is always best. Also, be sure the picture is a solo picture or one where you can be seen clearly within a small group of people (no more than two others in the picture). And, a little Photoshop to help with lighting never hurt anyone.
Cheat to Gain an Advantage
Don’t take that advice as a pass for you cheat on your spouse or significant other. But, do cheat by browsing profiles of others (commonly known as “the competition”), looking over the ones that stand out the most and modeling some of your profile after what you admire. Don’t steal someone’s content, but do look around to get inspired by what others have said and how they have said it. Remember that when creating a profile, you don’t have to re-invent the wheel.
Be positive
The more you frame things in a positive manner, the more attractive your profile will be to others. Refrain from creating a laundry list of negative traits you want to avoid in a potential mate. Phrases like, “can’t be a smoker, ” or “must love dogs or it won’t work,” may be true for what you are looking for, however, it comes across negatively. Phrases like, “I have asthma so I’d love to meet a non-smoker,” or “I enjoy walking at the dog park and it would be great if you do too,” create an environment that encourages someone to continue reading your profile.
The more selective, the better
If you plan to personally return emails to everyone who contacts you, your dating experience online will be a nightmare. It’s okay to be picky and it’s okay not to return all contacts. Most online dating sites have stock one-liners that you can insert into an email that say “no thanks” or “I’m not interested.” You can even address that in your profile. Using the logic from above (Be Positive), in your online profile you can let daters know that you will only return emails from people who interest you most. Here’s what that might look like:
Like a lot of you I’m sure, I get a lot of contacts in my inbox. I want to thank anyone who contacts me. I realize it takes a lot to do so, even in an online setting. Because I want to genuinely get to know someone special, I won’t be able to follow up on every request. If you happen to contact me and I don’t respond, please don’t be offended. It just means I found a match more suited to my tastes. Good luck!
With a little personality and finesse, you can have an online profile that is uniquely you. Remember: be nice, be cool and have fun with the experience.
