Online dating has become quite popular lately; approximately 35% of relationships now begin online, and over half of the single adult population dates online. However, to have the best chances of success, it is necessary to keep a few quite important aspects in mind. Since many people encounter problems when they have to write about themselves, creating an online dating profile is a rather significant item on most people's lists of things they hate doing. Writing a profile that attracts attention in a positive way can seem like a quite difficult task; it can even take hours, and the probability that you won't like how it looks at the end is quite high. In case you need guidance, I advise you to keep a few tips in mind.
Profile photos
According to researchers who study online dating, it is considered that photos of the subject looking directly at the camera are the most attractive, so don't choose a photo where you are looking elsewhere. Also, it is a good idea for this photo to show you smiling with your teeth visible, and for the photo to be high-resolution and well-lit. Avoid sunglasses or selfies for your profile picture.
The total number of photos should not exceed 5 or 6. This should include your profile photo, a full-body photo, a photo with a few friends, an "action photo" where you are doing something you enjoy (it can be anything from cycling to board games), a "personality photo," and one or two other photos that tell the viewer something about you.
Statistics say that if you are a man, give up on selfies. If you are a woman, it is accepted, but make sure to mix them with non-selfie images.
No more than one photo with your dog, piglet, or cat... or with a child. A single photo is enough!
Also, make sure the photos are RECENT and without filters (this means from the last year). No one wants to not be able to recognize the other person on a first date because the photos are too old or too edited. The ideal is to present yourself as you are now. And if you want to post an old photo that you really like, make sure you also include the age you were in that picture.
2. Username
In case you use a platform that requires you to have a username, there are a few guidelines to consider. Many platforms will display matches to users in alphabetical order. Choosing a username that starts with A through M will increase the probability of being seen in some cases.
Another thing to know about usernames: statistics have shown that straight men tend to click more often on female profiles when the usernames include a word that alludes to physical appearance, such as the words "cute" or "sexy."
About Me section
"About Me" - The easiest way to approach this section is to take the pressure off yourself to seem unique or creative. Instead, just focus on being YOU. Start by including basic information, such as age, job, hobbies, education, children or no children. Then add if you are looking for a life partner or just a date; be brief and to the point!
If you want to get the desired match, the best thing you can do is be honest about who you are and what you are looking for. Although it might seem scary to be so vulnerable in an online dating profile – and yes, it might reduce the number of hits or matches you receive – in the long run, it will maximize your chances of finding what you are looking for. Online dating is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are looking for more than a simple connection, it is a game of quality, not quantity – and that can take some time.
To optimize the attractiveness of your profile, it is best to talk about yourself in about 70% of the content, and in the remaining 30%, talk about what you are looking for in the other person. When you talk about what you want from the other person, keep your tone positive. In other words, do not talk about what you DO NOT want in a partner, because that can be considered negative and limits your matches.
Also, try to avoid using too many adjectives and diminutives. Instead of relying on adjectives, show people that these things represent you by giving examples and being specific.
4. Profile examples
The main purpose of your profile is to be a conversation starter for potential matches. If you don't give people much information about yourself, they are less likely to contact you and send you messages. When you are specific about your interests, hobbies, and passions, you give followers the chance to be curious.
How do you spend most of your time outside of work?
What would you like to do more often?
What are your short-term goals for this year?
Where would you like to go or what would you like to do for your next vacation?
Conclusions
If you want to maximize your chances of finding someone online, dedicate time to creating your profile – and do not leave any spaces blank. Signal to potential matches that you are serious about finding someone. Also, make sure your spelling is correct and that you use appropriate versions of words, etc.
If you are tempted to use several different platforms, try to limit yourself to only two at a time. If a certain platform does not work the way you want, after about a month, you can try a new one.
How a sex coach can help you
A sex coach can teach their clients how to write an online dating profile to get the best results and can also help you draft initial contact emails and chats so that you can get a better idea of how to initiate and respond to a message.