Having a good dating profile is a must if you want to get any return on your daily swipes. You must be genuine, and show the real you.
Your life story belongs to conversations on dates (hopefully). Instead, your dating app bio should be a snapshot of who you are right now.
1. Decide on a dating app
With so many dating apps to choose from, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind before you begin. That way, you can tailor your profile and the people you interact with to fit your needs and desires.
Some dating apps offer minimal information before a swipe, such as Tinder, while others, like Hinge and Raya, allow users to provide more detailed profiles that incorporate photos and video chats. Some also feature profile prompts that ask questions about your interests, values and goals to help you vet potential matches.
However, even with a well-crafted dating app profile, it can take time to find the right match. That’s why it’s best to start with the basics and add more details once you’ve found a few potential suitors. A complete profile shows that you’re serious about finding a date—and you might be missing out on potential dates because of a blank profile. For example, one poorly chosen prompt can make women assume that you’re not interested in a relationship.
2. Create your profile
Your profile is essentially your first impression on the app, so it’s important to keep it up to date. As your hobbies or interests change, so should your profile bio. Show it to your friends for a second set of opinions and don’t be afraid to change things up, but make sure it’s an honest reflection of who you really are.
A few dating experts say to avoid overly flattering pictures, such as a full-length head and shoulder shot that emphasizes abs or cleavage. It’s also not a good idea to include pictures that were taken over half a decade ago or that use heavy filters. Instead, choose photos that represent your true appearance, and try including an action photo, such as a picture of you hiking or taking a class. Those kinds of photos are more likely to spark interest in your profile. They can also serve as conversation starters when you get a message from a potential match.
3. Upload your photos
Your photos are one of the first things a potential match will see on your dating profile, so it’s important to make them good. Your best photos should show your face, shoulders up and not be blurry or with shadows across your face.
Also, make sure to avoid overly filtered photos and don’t use any pictures that are more than three years old. You want your photos to be a realistic depiction of how you look now, not what you looked like in high school.
Finally, be sure to add a few photos of your hobbies and interests. This will give your profile a more personal feel and help you stand out from the crowd of other profiles.
4. Send a first message
A first message can make or break your online dating game. It’s like being up to bat with the bases loaded and a full count – you need to hit a homerun!
Start by stating something about the person you’re messaging that shows you’ve read their profile. This is a great way to show that you’re interested in them and can lead into a discussion about the things you have in common.
Dineen recommends using photos that are high quality and represent your whole image – don’t include pictures of just your abs or cleavage. In addition, it’s important to avoid photos that are overly edited or used heavy filters.
Keep your opening messages short and sweet. Overly long and overwhelming messages can come across as a lot of work, which may make your match feel overwhelmed. It’s also a good idea to proofread your messages before sending them, as spelling and grammar errors can be a turnoff for people.