When it comes to online dating, your profile shapes that crucial first impression. It’s the first thing potential matches notice, and it helps them decide if they want to get to know you better.
The tricky part with getting your online dating profile spot on is that you only have so much space to describe yourself. The main goal of your profile is to capture people’s attention and make them want to message you, so keep it short and simple. A profile shouldn’t be too long or wordy.
There are a few things you can do to encourage people to swipe right or hit the connect button on your profile. For example, having a strong headline and good description is important, as people will usually read these and decide within 10 seconds whether you’re a potential match or not.
Don’t panic, though. Getting your dating profile right isn’t rocket science. It can be surprisingly simple when you follow a few basic guidelines. We’ve pulled together these tips to help set your profile up for success, so take whatever inspiration feels useful.
1. Be Original and Creative
Once you’re ready to get your dating profile up and running, your top priority should be piquing the curiosity of potential matches. Clichés such as “looking for my soulmate” or “Prince Charming seeking Princess” should be avoided, as they’re empty words that don’t say much about you as a person.
Instead, replace these clichéd phrases with interesting facts about yourself, such as what your hobbies or passions are. Adding snippets of your personality will encourage people with similar interests to message you, especially if you manage to do it creatively.
- Example #1:
- If you like to cook, you write something such as: “Breakfast in bed, one delicious dish at a time.”
- Example #2:
- If you’re a bookworm, why not add a twist to your profile? “Care to explore the pages of life with me?”
- Example #3:
- Let’s say you play a musical instrument, such as the guitar. You can add a phrase such as: “You pick the song. I’ll play the guitar.”
Such headlines help your potential matches imagine what it would be like to have you in their lives. The right joke or invitation can make your profile stand out among the crowd and increase your chances of starting new conversations.
2. Don’t Be Too Graphic or Mention Sex
When you’re starting your online dating adventure, it’s better to avoid adding graphic details or sexual puns to your profile. Playing it safe and not mentioning anything too graphic means that people won’t automatically think that you’re a disrespectful person who objectifies others.
In general, people want to be valued and noticed for more than just their physical appearance. You’re going get more interest if your profile shows that you aren’t just a superficial person. Dating sites like Match that cater to relationship seekers help by providing plenty of thoughtful prompts and spaces to describe yourself.
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: “Match pairs a large dating pool with search filters specific enough to make that size useful rather than overwhelming.” Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Your dating profile should demonstrate that you’re a person who can enjoy a little playful flirtation without demanding sex. Don’t pretend that you want a long-term relationship if that’s not your jam — just keep the profile PG and wait to talk about sex when you’ve established a personal connection in chats.
Of course, the rules change a bit when you’re on a casual dating site or a sex app such as NaughtyCharm or Ashley Madison. Saying you’re looking for casual sex on an hookup site is not only acceptable — it’s encouraged. With this in mind, it’s important to use your judgment to adjust your dating profile depending on the platform you’re using.
3. Keep Things Positive
People join dating apps hoping to meet someone who brings a little fun into their life, so constant negativity is usually a turnoff. If you want more people to click on your profile, give your headline some personality. Ideally, when someone reads your profile, they’ll think, “Hmm, this person seems genuinely interesting.”
You can brighten up your profile by using words that evoke positive emotions and convey a sense of happiness. Use words that describe your fun personality, such as funny, joyful, smiling, excitable, and happy. These descriptors can instantly uplift your profile and help you attract the right individuals.
One last piece of advice: Don’t keep bringing up your ex. It may sound obvious, but people sometimes slip into talking about past relationships when they’re trying to meet someone new. That can make a potential match wonder if you’d speak about them the same way one day. Sadly, that alone can be enough to ruin your shot at a first date.
4. Make Jokes That Show Your Personality
Many people may still hold to the generalization that men are physical beings, but online dating has become more about finding someone with whom you share chemistry.
Women (and men, too) are often more attracted to the psychological aspects of finding a partner. If you can make someone laugh, you usually have a good chance of securing a first date.
Below are a few examples of how you can add humor to your profile, so start taking notes!
- Example #1: “I’m learning about important dates in history. Wanna go on one?”
- Example #2: “I hope you’re not lactose-intolerant because I have some cheesy jokes.”
- Example #3: “Do you have the time? I’d check my watch, but I can’t take my eyes off you.”
These sentences will bring a smile to your potential match’s face for sure, and they’ll probably take the time to check out your profile, too. Good jokes will make it easier to build a connection from the start, and if you’re lucky, your potential match may even send the first message.
Be careful not to try too hard to be funny, though, as people will usually notice, and it can sometimes backfire. The goal is to sound confident and interesting, not like you’re trying too hard or don’t take anything seriously. Remember to treat humor like salt and use just a pinch at a time.
5. Mention What You’re Looking For
People checking out your dating profile will look to see how it matches up with theirs. You can make this easy for them by mentioning what you’re looking for in your online dating profile.
The worst thing you can do when you start online dating is have the wrong expectations. If you’re looking for someone to have fun with, and your date expects you to commit to a serious relationship for years to come, that’s a recipe for disaster.
You can avoid these awkward situations by clearly conveying your expectations in your dating profile. You will save valuable time and match with people who share your relationship desires.
Don’t know how to write about what you’re looking for? Check out the following examples!
- Example #1: “I’m hoping to meet someone fun who’d like to watch Netflix and chill with me on Saturday nights.”
- Example #2: “I’ve traveled to 20 countries, and I’m looking for a partner for my 21st journey. Want to join me?”
- Example #3: “Seeking a partner to dance through life with, from salsa nights to slow dances in the kitchen. Let’s find our rhythm together.”
With these kinds of headlines, people will have a better understanding of what you’re seeking from your online dating adventure. If you sound like someone they’re looking for, they’re more likely to give you a chance and pay attention to your profile. If they look at your profile and they’re not interested, they won’t message you, which will save you time in the long run, too.
Time to Wrap Up & Leave Them Wanting More!
Remember that your online dating profile is a work in progress. No one instinctively knows how to write a dating profile, so give yourself a break. Striving to create the perfect profile from the get-go will just set you up for failure, so take your time.
If you’re not sure whether your dating profile is interesting, why not ask a friend for a second opinion? But remember that, ultimately, it’s your dating profile. Asking for advice can sometimes make you feel vulnerable as not everyone feels comfortable discussing their online dating activities, so only do this if you feel it’s right for you.
To summarize, the more time you spend working on your online dating profile, the more you’ll learn about how to write a profile that entices people to swipe right or hit the connect button. With some research and trial and error, the matches, chats, and first dates will start popping up. Good luck!
