Dating today is easy, right?
That’s the theory. With so many websites and applications and traditional ways of finding love, it has never been “easier” to find people who are open to a relationship.
In addition, the stigma behind using tech to find love has subsided, with studies showing that most Americans perceive the success rates of relationships that start online to be just as good.
But as anyone who has dipped their toe into the pool of online dating will tell you, it is far from easy to find the perfect formula. However, a good dating profile is one vital ingredient that you can’t afford to get wrong.
If you want to know how to get it right, then you’re in the right place. Read on to find out what makes a great dating profile.
1. Make Them Smile
Humor is a given for most when it comes to what they look for in a partner.
Yet as all humor is subjective, it is hard at times to find the perfect balance. A light knock on someone’s funny bone is sure to go down well with most people. On the other hand, it is easy to tell if you are trying too hard.
So what’s the secret to getting it right in what is often such a small space?
Well, first discount the obvious. Anything vulgar or graphic gives off only wrong and creepy vibes. Next, regardless of how much you love that TV show, using lines, especially dated ones (insert Friends reference here), only comes across as unimaginative.
Barring this, as long as it reflects your sense of humor, you should be a winner.
2. Short and Sweet
A study by Microsoft showed that the average person was shown to have an attention span of 8 seconds. But if someone is checking you out on a dating app, you can probably reduce that to 5!
With that in mind, remember that you can’t afford to write your life story. A good dating profile doesn’t have a wall of text, which is a really common turn-off.
Keep it brief and cut out the fluff.
3. Clarity Is Key
We all have a friend who usually keeps the waiter hanging around tapping their pad because of their indecisiveness. Why do the waiters usually pull that face and seem impatient? It’s because they have other people to see!
If you are not clear and direct in your bio’s, your prospective partner will do what a waiter could only dream of in a busy restaurant. Move on quickly.
If you want to grab someone’s attention, be clear about who you are and what you want. Even if the site or app is for a particular group, for example, Iranian dating sites, that still doesn’t mean that’s enough.
Think of 3 or 4 specific adjectives that would describe you, beyond the typical “nice” or “fun.” And then do the same for what you want in a partner. Could it turn off some? Yes. But consider it as your own personal vetting service!
4. Make It Easy to Talk
The first contact made by someone to you is often the most nerve-wracking. For that reason, why not make it easy for them by including something that can initiate a conversation.
A great option for a good dating profile is including a suggestion for a date. That way, if someone is game, they can open using it. But we’re not talking the usual “Let’s get a cup of coffee” here.
Quirkier is almost always better. For example, write out a list of things you would love to try but haven’t got around to. Include one on your bio, like rock climbing or trampolining, and update it occasionally.
5. Don’t Fall Foul of the Grammar Police
When you write your bio, no one is forcing you to press the publish or post button. This means you have the time to complete it and, more importantly, revise it. For that reason, there is NO, and we mean NO excuse for grammar mistakes.
This may seem very picky, but you are in a world of minimal margins on dating sites and apps. Your dream girl or guy could be taken in by your picture, and your online dating profile could get them smiling, but one misplaced use of punctuation could bring it all crumbling down.
Take your time and check it once, twice, and then a third time before uploading it.
6. A Good Dating Profile Isn’t Only About the Words
Although we are writing a good dating profile, no list of online dating tips would be complete without the other reason people either ace or flop their online dating profile.
Their pictures.
Use them to your advantage to give people a good idea of who you are. The non-negotiables are a clear headshot (smile, please!), one with you doing something you love, and at least one full-body shot.
While you may wish to come across as mysterious, avoid arty shots when your face is obscured. This will only lead to you being unable to solve the conundrum of why you cannot find love.
One last tip. If you use a group shot, make sure that it is not your main profile photo and that the group is small. Making people guess who you are can only lead to unwanted confusion.
Get Your Dating Profile Right First Time
All is fair in love and war, but we hope that we have at least leveled the playing field with our suggestions!
If you enjoyed reading our insights into how to write a good dating profile, be sure to check out our other great relationship content on our site!
