Online dating may be intimidating regardless of your level of experience. How can you ever stand out in the face of an overwhelming number of digital channels and an infinite stream of prospective partners?
1. Have a clear idea of what you’re looking for.
Before you jump into the online dating pool, you should know what kind of relationship you’re looking for.
Choose one and construct your profile with that in mind, whether it’s a no-strings-attached date, casual dating, or a committed relationship.
2. Put yourself in the position of your possible match.
To take your online dating game to the next level, consider imagining yourself in the shoes of your prospective mate.
3. Demonstrate rather than tell.
The most common error men make is writing about their characteristics rather than exhibiting them. There’s a distinction to be made between claiming “I’m a pretty funny man” and sharing a great tale on your profile. Consider what you want to convey and demonstrate it rather than simply expressing it. “What type of introduction would I want to keep reading?” is also a good question to ask yourself.
4. The best type of profile photo isn’t always what you think.
You might be shocked to learn that posting a picture of yourself smiling and gazing at the camera is the worst thing you can do if you want women to respond. The best-performing photographs feature a man who is not smiling and is looking away from the camera.
Add a photo of you in a social gathering and another of you doing something engaging for best results. The key to the latter is to pique people’s interests and provide discussion starters. For example, good images will show you backstage with a musician or in some unique touristic destination.
5. Make your initial message unique.
Instead of sending a generic “hi, what’s up?” message, send a customized message. Putting thought into your first welcome demonstrates that you’re interested and have gone over her profile.
6. Communicate as you would in real life – in full sentences and with good taste.
It’s vital to avoid text talk and physical compliments while sending texts. Poor language and spelling are also significant turn-offs that provide a bad first impression. Get more imaginative and speak to their hobbies rather than their appearance if you want to stand out.
7. Don’t waste your time on games.
Everyone’s online dating experience is different, but there is one guideline that dating experts recommend you follow: don’t play games. No one comes out on top. Be mature enough to tell someone you aren’t interested if you don’t like them. If you’re interested, don’t make an effort to be inaccessible or difficult to contact. It’s OK if you’re honest and upfront and it doesn’t work; you’re screening out people who don’t suit your criteria.