The key to successful dating online is a well-written user profile. A profile is the unique, customizable area on an online dating site that contains biographical information about yourself, as well as photographs and details about what you’re looking for in a potential mate.
New user’s profile must include 4 parts—the picture, the headline, the username and the paragraph.
The Picture
- Stay recent and real. All pictures should be taken within the last six months and feature a head shot, as well as a full body shot.
- Avoid pictures of yourself with either too many props or too many other people. Your main picture should be just you, and not you wearing sunglasses or you holding your dog. Use those photos for the supplemental pictures.
- Update photos as much as possible. You can use photos from recent vacations as well as those that feature you taking part in a hobby you enjoy.
- Don’t include too many pictures of you with other people.
The Username
- Don’t be too esoteric. Don’t pick something that will likely go over people’s heads or come off as inaccessible.
- If the name you want is taken, don’t try to force one. Make it easy to figure out what it means.
- Stay clear of anything too provocative.
The Headline or Status Line
- Your headline should answer a basic question such as “What am I looking for?” And the answer should be fun and playful and prompt people to want to click into your profile to get to know you better.
- Like the username, stay away from being too clever.
The Description
- Create three separate paragraphs. The first should be about who you are and what you like to do. The second should contain things such as your pet peeves and personal quirks—anything that is unique and stands out from the crowd. The last paragraph should detail what your life looks likes now, including the most recent movies you’ve seen, books you’ve read or places you’ve visited.
- Be brief. No one wants to read a novel and users should be careful about sharing too much.
- Be as unique as possible. Specificity is what makes you stand out.
- Spell check.
Source: OPRAH