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A Guide to Creating Your Online Dating Profile

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Written by Pam Baldwin

Friday, 21 March 2008

by PamBaldwin

Dating internet services are becoming increasingly popular. They appeal to people who are too busy with work and other obligations to get out and meet potential partners. They also appeal to those who are tired of the so-called "dating game" and just want to find somebody with whom they are compatible. Most dating sites work in a similar fashion; you fill out a profile, and perhaps browse others' profiles until you find a potential match.

It sounds easy enough, but having success with a dating site can require a little creativity, honesty, and hard work on your part. Creating an online profile that reflects the real you isn't as simple as it seems; if you've tried to do so, you'll probably understand what I mean. It requires you to be honest - with potential mates and with yourself. At the same time, you need to portray yourself in a positive manner, or else you might scare possible love matches off.

First, really give some thought to the information you're sharing in your profile. What does it say about you? One big mistake is not bothering to fill out your profile. A second error is to fill it with overused clichs that don't actually say anything about you as a person. Instead of this, concentrate on putting out a friendly, interesting, and approachable vibe.

At the same time, you don't want to write a novel; your profile should be in-depth enough to generate interest, yet concise enough for a person to read easily. Nobody wants to read a huge wall of text, and may be put off if that's what they're confronted with when they click on your profile. Some sites like eHarmony essentially force you to go into detail about yourself, while match.com and Yahoo Personals will give you more choice on how to present yourself.

Make sure that you're honest when filling out your profile. It's fine - and a good idea - to portray yourself in the best light possible. However, don't lie or intentionally mislead your potential dates; there's no way that can end well. If you're struggling to think of things to write, you might want to ask a friend or relative for suggestions.

Lastly, make sure that your profile doesn't look sloppy and poorly-written. People will judge your earnestness, commitment to finding a partner, and perhaps even your intelligence by how your profile looks. If it's full of spelling and grammatical errors, and reflects that you didn't bother to proofread it, chances are they won't be impressed.

On the other hand, a well-written and clear profile is likely to result in serious inquiries. Do not underestimate the persuasive powers of presentation!

If you put sufficient thought into both your profile's contents and appearance, you will increase your chance of success. So, focus on creating a profile that is interesting, reflective of the real you, and easy to read - and good luck!

About the Author:

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