 | If
you're going to invest time and money into using an online dating service, you
should pay attention to writing a profile that will get you responses. People
will not be interested in emailing you if you don't do something to make yourself
stand out. Here's some helpful guidelines: |  |
Plan Ahead: Before you post your profile,
write a rough draft on paper and show it to a friend. By having another person
check it out, they may see potential problems or important points that should
be included. You want your profile to reflect who you are as much as possible,
and a third party can often see what you may miss. Include a Photo:
As much as we don't want to admit it, we're all influenced by visualizations.
Post a realistic photo of yourself. It's also a great idea to rotate photos every
few weeks to help bring attention to your profile. Surveys
show that ads with photos are 80% more likely to get a response. Test
the Market: There are many different ways to write a great profile. A short
witty or humorous description may work for you, or a longer description that expresses
more detail may bring the responses you're looking for. Try placing several different
profiles to see which one gets results. The Opening Line:
Like a newspaper's headline, your username will either grab someone's attention
or be passed by without a second thought. NeedleintheHayStack is definitely more
interesting than Mary39483. What's even better is if you're allowed a subject
line - "Looking for My Knight in Faded Denim" shows the purpose of your
profile but with a touch of humor. Details
Matter: Once someone has clicked on your profile, you need to keep them interested.
To do this, you want to come across intelligent but not stuffy. Be sure to use
proper spelling, grammar and complete sentences. Many people don't understand
the coded words used in internet instant messages so don't use them! And all capital
letters are definitely taboo; not only to they give the impression of aggression,
shouting or anger, but it's actually harder to read. Be sure you include an invitation
to contact you within the body of your profile; its not always assumed.
Go Beyond the Physical: Although looks matter at first, in the long
run it's the person inside that matters most. Don't waste precious profile space
describing how great looking you are; instead let the viewers know what kind of
person you are, your likes and dislikes. And remember, humor is one of the top
three attributes that people are looking for in a partner. Honesty Is the
Best Policy: Don't kid yourself by making false statements to impress someone.
If you're not honest, it will definitely be discovered eventually. This is particularly
important when you express your intentions - life partner or casual date. It's
quite disappointing when you find out that you're dating someone with intentions
that are different from your own. Be Positive: Who wants to read about
or listen to someone who complains all the time? Keep that in mind when your writing
your profile. Avoid all references to negative ex-relationships. Express your
attributes in positive terms. Express the things you want and not the things you
DON'T want. Note to the Guys: Here's a biggie you guys need to avoid.
Seldom will you find a woman's profile that says "looking for a no strings
attached relationship." And that's the last thing a woman wants to hear from
a guy! There's many types of relationships, but none have 'no strings attached.'
If you don't want strings, you are aren't looking for a
date but an escort service. Ladies! Listen Up: If you want to
provide the escort service to the guy in the above statement that's easily accomplished
with the wording you use in your profile. But. . . if that is not your intention,
carefully reconsider including 'hot to trot' or 'I'd like to make it with you'
type of statements. Safety First: Never provide an online contact
your full name, phone number of address until you are certain that the person
you are dealing with is reputable. Meet in a public place and follow your gut
when something doesn't feel right. It's always better to be safe than sorry!
By Vanessa May
DateShowcase.com © 2007
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