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Before you start - getting prepared
Make sure you stand out from the crowd!
Take your time
Take your time writing your profile. Make notes about your personality, and jot
down your positive attributes, interests, likes, dislikes, before you start
to write something out properly.
Choosing a username
Your username is the first thing people see about you, so if you're stuck
for choosing a username, think about your interests, where you live or who you are.
If you like cycling, try keencyclist. If that's taken then you could add your
location, NYCkeencyclist, or maybe keen-cyclist, keencyclist2005, etc.
Photo Personals
Include a
recent photo of yourself. Personal ads accompanied by a photo,
will attract more than five times the number of replies!
Avoid acronyms and abbreviations
Acronyms and abbreviations are OK in newspaper ads where line space is at a premium.
Online, however, you're not restricted. So avoid things like GSOH, SWF, DWM, etc.
Why confuse people?
If you do have a GSOH (good sense of humour) it would be better to show
that in your profile.
Catch line
That all important catch line can be tricky to write. If you are having a
problem coming up with a something why not take a clue from music, poetry
or literature? A lyric snippet may express just what you want.
But do also check out other member's profiles as well, and see what they use for
catch lines.
Update Profile Regularly
Keep your profile up to date. Keep changing it a little. Many sites will
state when your profile was last updated and allow members to search those by
most recently updated. Other members will be more likely to look at your profile.
Check your spelling
Do check spelling before you post your profile! If you see any spelling mistakes on
this site you can always email us
here!
Avoid negativity
Cannot be said enough! Emphasize the positive things about yourself in your profile.
Be honest
There's little point in writing about the person you'd like to be. Sooner or later,
your potential partner will figure out there's something wrong.
Men and Women
For Men: Avoid stating what type of person you want. Instead describe the kind
of person you are, and let those reading your profile decide if they're compatible.
For Women: It's ok to state the type of person you want to meet, because there
are more men searching for women! Having said that, remember your
chances of meeting someone wonderful increase if your criteria are not too
restrictive!
For Both:
Don't have a list of characteristics that your potential partner
must have, rather have a list of those that they
should
not have. Selection this way round will
increase the number of potential partners but without the red flags!
NEXT ARTICLE -
Online Dating Safety
