Profiles are one of the most important things in making a good impression on your potential online suitors.
But where to begin?
People get paid good money to craft appropriate and enticing profiles for potential lotharios and femme fatales, so you shouldn’t worry if you struggle with yours.
1. Pictures
Let’s start with the basics: you want to get a handful of good pictures up there that actually look like you. Let me reiterate: actually look like you. I know it’s tempting to throw up those gorgeously Photoshopped snaps that your photographer friend did for you in her studio, but if they don’t look anything like you then you’re going to have a bad time. People click on your pictures because they find you attractive, and rolling up in person bearing no resemblance to the cutie they first flirted with will put out potential love interests to say the least.
Aside from that, avoid group photos. Let’s face it, you see someone with a group photo, you quietly but automatically assume that they are the ugliest one of the bunch. Studies have shown that throwing in pictures where you’re doing an activity of some kind generate conversation, as do those with pets, so try and get a snap of you hang-gliding with a kitten tucked down your shirt. You’re not going to find advice any more solid than that, I can tell you.
2. Interests
Often, dating sites will match you based on your interests, so try and be honest here. There’s no point making up hobbies you don’t have just to sound clever, because all you’re going to achieve is putting off people who’ve got the same interests as you but are intimidated by your pointless pretension.
You don’t have to list everything you’ve ever done in your life, but going beyond the generic “these are some bands that I like and also some films I have watched and some books I have read” will earn you points. Think of the things other people might find interesting about you.
There’s nothing wrong with a lack of modesty if you’re being honest. And think about the hobbies you most like to share with other people, the things you most enjoy talking about, so you’re more likely to strike up conversation with a stranger over the internet about this passion of yours, whatever it may be.
3. Biography
Writing your biography is, undoubtedly, the hardest part about putting together your online profile. How much do you say? And what do you say? The first thing you need to do here is think about the kind of people you’re trying to attract.
If you’re looking for the travel-friendly type, mention the places you’ve visited and why you want to jet off again. If you’re job is your life, make your passion clear. Fibbing through your teeth will come off as inauthentic, even over the internet, and there’s no bigger turnoff than someone who’s so desperate to impress they’ll come up with any old tripe to do it.
Try to avoid clichés without making it too pointlessly quirky: this isn’t a Zooey Deschanel romcom, after all. Consider presentation as well. While it might seem kind of besides the point, good spelling and grammar (by which I mean, no internet slang, no smilies, and correct capital letters) can make a huge difference to how people perceive you and, considering this is all most of the people who’ll view your profile have to go on, why not make the best impression you can?
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