5 Dating Site Headline Hacks for Men

When it comes to online dating, your profile is how you make your first impression. It’s the first thing that potential matches see, and it helps them determine whether they’re interested in getting to know you. 

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’s pretty easy, as long as you follow some basic guidelines. We’ve gathered these tips to ensure your profile is set for success, so feel free to take some inspiration from the examples provided!  

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. 

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.

Match

★★★★★

4.9/5.0

Match

4.9/5.0

About this rating

Our team of editors and writers draw from their industry expertise to calculate dating site and app ratings based on a variety of criteria that impact the user. We compared pricing and analyzed factors such as:

Subscription cost versus value

Popularity and niche interests

Free search, chat, and swiping features

Safety measures

Customer support

Our rating system is independent of commission rates, and any platforms we partner with do not have a say in their scores.

See Our Review »

Editor

Close

Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say: “As the largest and most diverse dating site in the world, Match features profiles of millions of local singles and a popular app. If you only try one dating service, make it Match…” Full Review »

Browse Free: View Photos Now

User Base	Gender Ratio	Popularity (Visits/Mo.)	Free Trial
All Singles*	49%* 51%*	39.7 Million*	Get 3 Days FREE

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 BeNaughty 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. 

People hop on dating apps seeking a partner who can add some fun to their life, so they don’t usually have time for people who are always complaining or bringing others down. If you want people to click on your profile, inject some fun into your headline. When people read your dating profile, you want them to think, “Hmm, this person sounds like someone I’d like to get to know.” 

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 constantly mention your ex. This may sound obvious, but sometimes people can’t help but talk about their exes when they’re trying to find a new partner. This attitude can make people think that if they become your ex at some point, you’ll talk about them in the same way. Unfortunately, that’s sometimes enough to crush your chances of securing that first date. 

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. 

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. 

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!