In this day and age, online dating tips are becoming more and more important to the single person looking to find a relationship through online dating sites such as Plenty of Fish and Match.com. It’s important to make sure your profile truly reflects your personality so that you attract the best matches for you, and of course, you want to be certain that when you choose a profile to reach out to that they are going to be the best match possible. We’ve put together a list of online dating tips to help you make the most of your online dating experience.
When creating your personal profile:
- Show your true personality. Don’t be one of the hundreds on the site that “love to read, music and dogs”. What makes you unique? Do you have an interesting hobby, lived someplace off the beaten path? Find a focus that’s not your typical online dating site fare.
- Make your profile stand out, but don’t write a novel. It can be tricky to find just the right length – you don’t want to over-share, but you also want to pique interest in knowing more. Give your profile a read-through from an outsider’s perspective, and ask yourself how you would react to the information given, then make your edits accordingly.
- Don’t overwhelm your profile with photos. Just because you can upload 25 pictures, doesn’t mean you should. Choose photos that you feel best reflect your personality and are the most flattering — stick to 5-10 photos tops.
- This should go without saying: be frugal when sharing your personal information. Once you’ve gotten to know one another better, and your relationship develops you can be more relaxed about sharing that info. Until then, guard your personal information like last name, address, etc.
- Don’t discount the smaller dating sites. Smaller online dating communities can be just as effective at helping you find a match, especially if you find one that caters to your personality.
- Be honest. Nothing gets a date off on the wrong foot like showing up in person looking nothing like your profile photo, and nothing will ruin a relationship faster than having your match find out 6 months down the road that you’ve misrepresented yourself on your profile. If you are looking for a lasting relationship – even a friendship – just be honest and be yourself.
- Use optimistic language and make sure to sell yourself. You are an amazing person – make sure your potential match knows that! This is not the time to be shy or humble. Don’t brag or boast, but tell the honest truth and highlight your best qualities or achievements.
- Be vigilant about grammar and spelling. Nothing will make potential matches click away from your profile faster than poor spelling and grammar. Use spell-check, re-read for grammar mistakes and make sure you put your best foot forward from the start.
When creating your personal profile:
- Show your true personality. Don’t be one of the hundreds on the site that “love to read, music and dogs”. What makes you unique? Do you have an interesting hobby, lived someplace off the beaten path? Find a focus that’s not your typical online dating site fare.
- Make your profile stand out, but don’t write a novel. It can be tricky to find just the right length – you don’t want to over-share, but you also want to pique interest in knowing more. Give your profile a read-through from an outsider’s perspective, and ask yourself how you would react to the information given, then make your edits accordingly.
- Don’t overwhelm your profile with photos. Just because you can upload 25 pictures, doesn’t mean you should. Choose photos that you feel best reflect your personality and are the most flattering — stick to 5-10 photos tops.
- This should go without saying: be frugal when sharing your personal information. Once you’ve gotten to know one another better, and your relationship develops you can be more relaxed about sharing that info. Until then, guard your personal information like last name, address, etc.
- Don’t discount the smaller dating sites. Smaller online dating communities can be just as effective at helping you find a match, especially if you find one that caters to your personality.
- Be honest. Nothing gets a date off on the wrong foot like showing up in person looking nothing like your profile photo, and nothing will ruin a relationship faster than having your match find out 6 months down the road that you’ve misrepresented yourself on your profile. If you are looking for a lasting relationship – even a friendship – just be honest and be yourself.
- Use optimistic language and make sure to sell yourself. You are an amazing person – make sure your potential match knows that! This is not the time to be shy or humble. Don’t brag or boast, but tell the honest truth and highlight your best qualities or achievements.
- Be vigilant about grammar and spelling. Nothing will make potential matches click away from your profile faster than poor spelling and grammar. Use spell-check, re-read for grammar mistakes and make sure you put your best foot forward from the start.
When choosing a potential date:
- Decide what you are looking for before you even look at the first profile. Just looking to have fun, but not interested in an exclusive relationship? Want to find “the one”? You’ll have more luck knowing what you want from the start.
- Be specific. The more you explore and define what you are looking for, the easier it will be to choose profiles with potential to be your “perfect match.”
- It’s okay to say “no, thank you” to a date. Don’t feel obligated to accept invites from every person who expresses interest in you.
- Be patient. If you reach out to a potential date and don’t receive an immediate response, it’s okay. There are many reasons why you might not hear back right away.
- Shop around. Don’t settle on the first profile that seems to meet your list of desirable traits. Take your time to read through and click on a variety of profiles. You never know who you might find.
- Prepare to re-evaluate your list of needs/wants/deal breakers, and stay open-minded. If you find a match, meet them, find them amazing, except for the ONE thing you always thought would be a turn-off, be open to reconsidering your stance. Is that ONE issue truly a deal breaker? If not, you may find you’ve finally met the one!
Online dating can open a whole new world of potential relationships or fun date night adventures. Make sure that you take every precaution and advantage to make online dating a success for you!
