Member's blog

I get a lot of questions and comments from people about online dating. Some think it is impossible to meet someone online and develop any kind of relationship. Some think that they can just go on a dating site, fill out a quick profile, then sit back and wait for all the emails to come in. Online dating isn't difficult, but it isn't quite that easy, either.

The good news is, you can meet that special someone in the online dating world. There is mounds of evidence that proves that fact. These days, almost everyone knows somebody who has a relationship with someone they met online. It only takes a little bit of effort on your part. Here are a few quick tips to get you on the right path to finding your special friend in the online dating world.

The number one thing that you must do is upload at least one photo to your profile. Think of it this way: Your profile is like a book in a book store. Your photo is the cover on the book. Shoppers don't want a book with no cover. They have no way of knowing anything about the cover-less book. We can all agree that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but we're not talking about judgment here. We're talking about first impressions. If you don't have a photo on your dating site profile, then most potential mates will simply pass you by.

It's ok to use photos of you with members of the opposite sex. Don't use these for your main photo, but in your additional photos. Avoid using photos in which someone (like that ex significant other) has been cropped out. It's usually better to leave them in the photo. Avoid using "party" photos in which you are holding a drink or doing some other party activity.

Women, avoid posting bikini photos or other revealing photos unless you want to get a LOT of email. In any case, save them for your additional photos. For your primary photo, try to focus on a head shot.

Men should not post revealing photos at all. Guys, wear a shirt. Here's a little tip for you guys: If you post shirtless photos on your dating site profile, women are laughing at you as they click on to the next one.

You should also upload quality photos that show your face clearly. Tiny, grainy, black and white photos just don't cut the mustard. Almost everyone has a digital camera these days. The better quality cell phones will take decent digital photos. Get a good photo and put it on your dating site profile. Better still, get at least three dating site photos.

Another thing you should do is write a decent, thoughtful profile. One or two lines aren't enough. In addition to the checkboxes and dropdown lists, you need to fill out the essay portion of your profile. It is really very easy to do when you sit down and think about the things that you like. You can write your essay about your hobbies and your goals. You can write about yourself and the things that make you unique. You can also write about your taste in music. With just those three subjects and just a little thought on your part, you can write a nice profile that is worthy of reading.

So, the first thing you need is a profile photo to get dating site browsers to stop and look at you. Once you have their attention, you need a profile that is complete and includes a nice essay that tells them something about you.

These are just a couple of quick tips that will help you become successful in the online dating world. Check back here for more in the near future.