Online dating website reviews: Creating your online dating profile
Be honest when you create your profile
An internet dating profile is quite simply your own online personal ad that enables other online dating site members to find out about you and your interests.
How to create an online dating profile
Your online dating profile page features your responses to set questions about your hobbies, preferences and interests, along with photos and a self-written character description.
It’s this written description that many online dating site users find the most daunting aspect of online dating. After all, how do you sum up yourself in just a couple of hundred words?
Honestly is the best policy
Don't pretend to be someone you're not – be honest. Expand on the answers you've given to any preset questions when you signed up to the online dating websiite. Talk about your interests or what you like to do in your free time – and if you're a busy parent or a workaholic, say so, and describe what you've always wanted to do but never had the chance.
What are you looking for?
There’s likely to be hundreds of eligible members that fit key criteria such as age and location. This is your chance to whittle out the ones that will not be suitable. What will make you're ideal partner different from the rest? If there’s an important area of your life that a new partner would have to fit in to, then say so. It'll save time in the long run, and ultimately improve your chances of success.
Put yourself in their shoes
Browse other people’s online dating profiles and make a note of what attracts you or puts you off. Grab a pen and write down the things you'll want to know before getting in touch with a potential date. The chances are you'll have these elements in common with people who'd potentially like to meet you.
Ask a friend for feedback on your profile
Phone a friend
Ask an honest friend for some feedback about what they think are your defining characteristics. Ask what their most enduring memories of you are or how they'd describe you to someone you've never met.
Make a good impression
Take time and care over your online dating profile. Wait until you've got time to sit down and really think about what you want to say, and if possible get a second opinion about what you write.
Spell check text before you post it online, and re-read it to make sure it'll make sense to people who don't know you. Your online dating profile could potentially be read by hundreds of other users, so avoid inappropriate jokes or language.
Stay safe by not volunteering any personal information such as your employer’s name or contact details – see our Staying safe section for more information.
Choosing a photo for your online dating profile
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In fact, some online dating websites estimate that profiles with a photo get up to 15 times more attention than those without.
Be honest
Take the same approach to choosing your picture as you do writing your online dating profile. Choose a recent head and shoulders picture that clearly shows your face, and make sure it’s properly focused and in colour.
Show your personality
Give some clues to your personality by selecting one taken in a setting that means a lot to you. If you're a keen traveller or have an interesting hobby, choose a picture that shows you in your element.
Look sharp
It’s not a beauty contest, but do choose a photo that shows you to your advantage. Expressions and clothing say a lot about people, so pick a photo that captures you enjoying life and dressed to impress. But keep it natural; if you usually dress casually don't use a photo in which you're wearing the only suit or dress you own.