Creating an online dating profile sounds simply enough-upload whatever photos you can find of yourself or take some with your cellphone, scribble a few words about you and voila you are ready for action.
It can be that simple, but if you want to give it your best shot and get better results than the average guy, start by paying special attention to the photos that you choose to use for your main profile picture and in your online dating profile.
When you create your online dating profile or ad, think of it as marketing yourself. You will need to be able grab the attention of someone who may be viewing hundreds of other profiles pictures and you will have just seconds to do it. Therefore, your main photo that is displayed on your dating site(s) will need to be your best and most flattering close-up of just you.
Review the tips that follow and see how many of them you can put into play to improve your online dating profile.
Use Recent Pictures
Recent does not = three years or more ago!
When you select your online dating profile pictures- the more recent the better! Ideally, the majority of your pictures will have been taken within the last year. Remember: Newer= better. You do not want to misrepresent yourself in looks, age, or weight as it can lead to disappointing your date when you do not appear live in person as you did online.
Go Naked From the Neck Up
Lose the sunglasses and hat mister!
Your main profile picture is your chance to make a great first impression. So use a picture without wearing your hat and sunglasses. Women who are profile surfing will want to look into your gorgeous eyes, and if you are wearing a hat, we may wonder what may be missing under that hat. Besides you can always include pictures with your favorite hat for example, in your other pictures.
Sell it with a Smile!
Smile and laugh- it is just online dating.
It is a fact, that people are more attracted to happy people, so wear a smile in the majority of your profile images and especially in your main profile picture. Believe it or not, I have seen profile pictures displayed where the person appeared angry, disgusted, or unhappy. Furthermore, many times, the profile said that they were easy going or happy people- yet that certainly did not come across in their dating photos. Needless to say you will attract less people to your profile if you select an incongruent picture. So smile silly!
Make it a Genuine Smile
Fake smiles can make you appear less human.
Some people easily smile and look natural in their photos and others who try to smile on queue end-up looking staged, fake, or awkward. When you have your picture taken for your dating ad, make sure your smile looks legitimate Consider thinking about something that is funny to you or makes you laugh a little. This way your smile will come off as genuine and will attract more people.
Make a Solo Appearance
Kick your friends, family and pets out of your primary picture.
Be sure that you are the only one on display in your main profile picture and in the majority of your other pictures. If all of your pictures have other people or animals in them, it will be tough to get a good look at you- the main feature. So even if you love your family, dog, car, or fishing more than life itself, avoid including them in your primary picture and feature yourself exclusively in the majority of your supporting dating pictures.
Tell a Tale
Let your pictures tell a true story about you.
Be sure that a few of your pictures tie-in with the copy that you have written in your profile and/or help tell a story about who you are and what you like to do. For example, if your profile says that you like to play tennis, then display a picture of you playing tennis; if you like to travel, then show a nice photo of you at your favorite location. You may find that you get contacted simply because someone saw a picture of you doing something that they could relate to which gave them something to talk to you about in an introductory email. Snap!
Use Good Quality Pictures
Blurry, fuzzy, out of focus-oh my!
Be sure that the images that you use were taken in focus and are not blurry or fuzzy to the eye. Even pictures that look good on your PC can sometimes look distorted once you have uploaded them to an online dating site (Cell phone pix are notorious for this). So once you have uploaded them, test them by viewing your profile as the public will see it. If you know the photo is out of focus already, then resist the urge to use it and select another one or have more taken.
Crop them in Close
Are your pictures ready for a close-up?
Another photo "do" is to ensure that your images are zoomed-in and cropped closely enough so that the viewer can see your face, even in action/travel shots. They will want to be able to see that it is really you and feel your personality coming to life through the photos you share.
Quick tip: Start with pictures that are of a high resolution (1 MB or more) so when you zoom-in and crop them you are not left with a tiny thumbnail that will not display properly.
Follow these tips to help you make the best first impression you can as an online dater and one that wants to stand out from the rest of the pack in a positive way!
Kathy Marlor- a.k.a. the "Self-Empowerment Sensei" is an experienced online dater, self-improvement coach and seminar presenter.
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