Creating a Knockout Online Dating Profile That Attracts a Date

First impressions count. Your online dating profile is the first – after your photograph – chance to create a great impression. Your profile is what will make a potential date contact you and not the next guy or gal on the dating site.

A photo is not mandatory, but good to have. The odds of getting any contact at all reduce sharply if you don't supply one. Most people are first look at photos before deciding whether to read farther. Also, some sites offer the option of searching only profiles with photos; without a photo your profile might not even be seen.

There are no hard rules about the dating profile photo, except that the image must be of good quality and represent the real you, now. It may be flattering to post a photo of your younger and/or slimmer self, but you could pay for it dearly come meeting day.

Also, you main photo should be a headshot of you alone. By all means, avoid photos taken with exes. Dress as you would on that first date, which is usually better than just kicking-around-on-a-Saturday clothes. Smile, but avoid looking smug.

Some dating sites let you post more than one photo. In that case, it may be a good idea to post some photos from your ordinary day to day life. Just make sure they cast you in positive light. This will help give a prospect a glimpse of the real you. Once more, keep exes out. And please be dressed, unless you are posting to an adult site.

Avoid making the mistake that many people make: trying to write your dating profile right there on the dating site. First create a separate draft.

The username, also known as screen ID is also important. You should aim something catchy, easy to remember and easy to write. It is a good idea for the username to say something about you, or a passion you enjoy, without revealing personal information.

Some dating sites require a headline and others don’t. A good headline will draw someone to read your profile, so please do use one if a space is provided for it.

A good headline should be descriptive and meaningful. Some sites initially provide headlines alone to searchers, so make yours count. You could include a positive aspect of your personality, a passion, or even humor if you can pull it off. Make it unique and lively.

Now begin the body of your profile. The opening line is crucial. Like a pick-up line, it can make or break a date. Use it to grab attention and draw your prospect deeper into your ad. You could start with a favorite quote or song, a guiding philosophy, a passion: something that gives a hint of who you are.

The rest of your dating profile should describe who you are and what you are looking for. Be honest. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Your dating profile should have a conversational feel. Write like you talk.

Remember that you are talking to one person, not a multitude. See that person in your mind’s eye. Tell her/him the type of relationship who you are (not your real name!), what you’re looking for, what makes you good company: basically, why she/he should pick you over the next guy/gal. Express your interests. Get excited, as this will show in your profile.

Be specific and detailed. But don’t hype yourself up or exaggerate. Most readers will see through the hype. Above all, be honest (this cannot stressed enough).

Sincerely,

David

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