Let’s face it, online dating is rather competitive. People will judge you on a couple of pictures and a short profile, and based on that, they’ll either contact you or not. So how do you make sure that your dating profile is as good as it can be? How will you catch the attention of the kind of people you would be interested in dating? Here are a few tips to make your profile stand out.
Check out the lay of the land
Before adding your profile, check out online dating sites such as eHarmony UK to see what other people are doing – make notes of how they’re representing themselves in their profiles and what they’re doing wrong and right, and use it as inspiration to make an excellent profile.
Find a great picture
Choose a good picture or, if you can’t find the perfect one, get one taken. It should be clear and up to date, and you should be the only person in the photo. There’s nothing wrong with choosing one that shows you in your best light, but it should reflect how you do look in real life.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64401168@N00/881592269
Avoid negatives
When it comes to the text, be clear about what you are looking for in a partner, but make sure you express it in a positive way.For instance, compare the following:
“I am looking for someone who is hardworking, who loves travel and adventure and who is into film, books and dining out.”
or
“Don’t contact me unless you have a job. If you prefer to stay home and veg out in front of the TV, it’s a no from me.”
Who would you want to contact?
Take your time
This profile will be your calling card to prospective partners. You should take time to draft and redraft your profile. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, and get a friend to double-check it. Make it funny, think about your best qualities, your most interesting hobbies and activities, and what you’re looking for in a partner.
Create interest
If you feel like you haven’t got anything interesting to discuss, maybe it’s time to get a hobby! This might be especially helpful if you’re recently out of a long relationship – not only will it help with getting over your ex, but it will also give you goals to work towards and plenty to talk about on dates with prospective partners.
Be honest
In all aspects of your online dating profile, you should be honest – from the photo to what you say about yourself, what you want in a partner and what you don’t want (for instance, don’t say you’re fine with dating a smoker if you’re really not). Remember that honesty is the only real foundation for a great relationship.
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