If you have tried meeting women online, or if you have considered this option as a way of branching out socially, you’re definitely not alone. In today’s high-tech, wireless, social-media-loving world, lots of people are turning to the Internet to make connections, whether for dates, sexual encounters, or something much more meaningful. You can be successful in this avenue as well, but you’re going to need to stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the essential Do’s and Don’ts:
DO be honest about who you are and what you want. This is important whether you’re filling out an online dating profile, answering a Cragslist ad or flirting with women on Facebook.
DON’T hold back just because you’re afraid that some of your friends might discover your dating profile. Fact: Most people have online profiles nowadays. Don’t be embarrassed about it. Just own it.
DO feature photos of yourself having fun and engaging in your hobbies and passions. Feel good about pictures that show multiple sides of your personality, and let the women see that you live life to the fullest.
DON’T post or send pictures of you flashing your six pack in the mirror or playing beer pong with your boys. These types of photos are cheesy, cliché, and can raise serious red flags with women who might otherwise be interested.
DO use a cool headline that will make her laugh or pique her curiosity. If you’re filling out a dating profile or answering an online classified ad, you can rest assured that tons of other guys are trying to get attention from the same women, so make sure to use attention-grabbing headlines. This will give you that much-needed edge.
DON’T tell her. Show her! If you like to travel, discuss your travels in exciting detail; paint a picture for her. Don’t just say, “I like to travel.” It’s boring, overused and gives her nothing to connect with.
DO include a call to action. Filling out an online dating profile is sort of like writing a product description, but the product is you! Any good salesman knows that product descriptions must have calls to action: “Act now!” “Give us a call!” “Try it for 30 days!” The same thing should apply to your profile. End with a good call to action, like, “Drop me an email so we can get better acquainted.”
DON’T speak to a general audience. Even if you’re writing a dating profile intended for a wide audience, remember to use the word “you” often. Make it personal, and always write in such a way that engages the individual, and not the collective audience.
