How to Write a Personal Profile That Sizzles

Your profile is your most critical online dating tool. It’s the first thing that most prospects will see (after your profile image) and it’s what will compel interested prospects to contact you.

Follow these tips, and you can write a dating profile that not only stands out from the crowd but is downright sizzling!

1. First, create a rough draft of your profile, either on paper or in a word-processing program. You may prefer an outline mode to organize your thoughts. Just pour your thoughts out. Don’t worry about organizing or length just yet.

2. Your username should reflect well on you. Although it’s anonymous, it can still be descriptive. Avoid suggestive names like hotlips32 or 2sexy4you if you are seeking a serious relationship. Also, avoid overused or trite names such as “PrinceCharming. ” It’s okay to use your real first name as part of your user name, but no more than that.

3. When choosing a username, it might be a good idea to zero in on one of your best attributes, such as “affectionate-n-friendly,” “GreatSmile,” etc. Be original.

4. Know yourself. Without seeming like you’re fishing for compliments, ask a few friends what sets you apart. Or, just imagine how a best friend would describe you. In what way are you good company? What are your most desirable attributes? What is it that people like about you? Put it all into your first draft.

5. A photo is crucial. Studies by dating sites have found that a photo can increase your response rate by up to 70%. Use a clear photo with good lighting, not one that looks like it was shot in a dungeon. Use a recent, up-to-date photo so that people will fall in love with the “real you” not the “old you.”

6. Be honest in everything you say. Don’t lie about your age (something that is unfortunately too common online), appearance, educational level etc. This does not mean that you cannot put yourself in the best possible light, just that you should not misrepresent yourself.

7. Put some thought into your headline. After your profile photo, this will be the second thing people see (or on some sites, the first). Don’t waste your headline by stating something obvious, such as “Looking for a great man/woman.” Instead, use this precious space to say something appealing about yourself, such as “Rugged man loves the outdoor life.”

8. Be positive and upbeat. Don’t grouse about your old relationships or the bad experiences you’ve had in the past. Also, don’t name a long list of restrictive qualities that you don’t like in the opposite sex. By the same token, don’t name a long list of requirements that you demand in another person. Instead, talk about the things you enjoy, and other people will be able to tell if they fit the bill from reading your profile.

9. Be forthright about what you want. If you’re looking for a serious relationship or want someone who will accept your children, say so. This will help to draw compatible people.

10. Edit, edit, edit! Only after you’ve poured out your thoughts into your outline is it time to weed it out a bit to eliminate unnecessary information. Check your grammar and run a spell check and you’re ready to submit. And remember, nothing is set in stone, and you can always edit it at a later date to make it even more effective, or to reflect changes in your life.