Tips on Writing an Online Dating Profile

Even in real life, you need a nice ice breaker to cut the tension in the air as you make a good first impression in introducing yourself to your date. You'll want it to last, and you'll want it done right away.

Let's say you have your online dating profile up and running, but haven't gotten any hits in the past few weeks. Maybe it's time to do a profile makeover to snag a date. Here are a few effective tips:

Be specific about what you are looking for.

In any endeavor, it is an essential first step to know what you want and set a goal. This goes the same when dating online. Are you into it for friendship, dating, casual sex, a serious relationship or marriage? You cannot be ill-defined about it and say you're just "looking around." However, you should also refrain from being uncouth. People are more inclined to respond to you when you say something like, "I'm here to have fun with no strings attached" instead of, "Anybody here who's up for a one-night stand?" if you're not up for anything long-term, that is.

If you have tried all these and still don't get enough activity, it may be likely that you are not at the right dating site for you. Try browsing around for specialty dating sites that suite your particular lifestyle, age group, or interest.
Don't share too much about yourself during introductions.

If you've ever come across the letters TMI (too much information), it holds true in an online dating introduction. While it is encouraged to be sincere and honest, avoid being frank to a fault. Nobody wants to know if you haven't had sex for a long time, or other repellent details about your personal life.

There are effective ways to make your story tasteful: Keep everything current, refrain from telling lies and fabricating stories and find unique ways to describe yourself.

Upload a profile photo that tells a story.

It's quite easy to post a cropped photo showing just a headshot of you from the shoulder up. Of course, you want potential dates to focus on you alone. However, try uploading a photo that says more about just a headshot, like one with your pet or one of you doing things of your interest. Make sure to place a photo caption that tells an interesting story like, "This was taken when Santino was 8 months old and took him to the vet to get his shots before he bit the doctor," or "This was during autumn when I went skeet shooting with friends." If your picture tells an interesting story, you're bound to have someone respond to it. Good pictures make great icebreakers.

Make sure your introduction stands out.

You may be filling out a questionnaire on a dating site, but that doesn't give you creative restrictions. Make your profile unique so it stands out from the rest of the other profiles. This doesn't mean you just go full throttle on posting outrageous photos and descriptions though. A penchant for the bizarre is still an acquired taste for most people. Be witty, confident and avoid indulging on clichs when you describe yourself. Try to be unusual by writing in a rhyming scheme or by using a popular ad jingle to introduce yourself.