A lot goes into writing a great free internet dating profile. You have to think about your photos, your facts, your byline, the whole kit and caboodle. In fact, a lot of our articles here at Datepad have to do with perfecting those small details. But thinking about the little details involved in composing a good internet dating profile won't do a thing for you if you don't have the basics down. Your profile can be clever and well-designed, but if it doesn't have three very important characteristics, it's not going to be effective in helping you to find love online.
Characteristic 1: It's Informative
This may seem like an obvious one, but to many it's not. And if you think about it, you'll probably agree that there are plenty of internet dating profiles online that are cute or funny or have personality... but don't provide the kind of information you need to make a decision about whether or not to contact them. And so what do you do? You pass them by.
The difficult part about creating an informative internet profile is deciding what kind of information is important and what isn't. The best way to decide what you ought to include? Think about what you'd want to know about you. The best dating profiles have clear, easy-to-understand information about your lifestyle, your likes and dislikes, what you're looking for in a potential partner, and the like. While things like hobbies and interests are important for catching the attention of potential dates, it's key that your profile also tell them who you are, not just what you like to do.
Characteristic 2: It's Honest
One of the reasons internet dating is so appealing to such a wide range of people is that it's low pressure. Because you're not in a bar or worrying about the awkwardness of physical attraction, you feel more free to be yourself. But just because you want to be yourself doesn't mean you don't care about making a good impression. After all, you think, if your profile isn't appealing, nobody will ever get a chance to even meet the real you. This kind of thinking can lead towards less-than-honest information on internet dating profiles.
The profile of a successful internet dater is almost always an honest one. When you lie on your profile, or don't offer up important information about yourself honestly, you're setting any potential relationships up for failure. If you're just looking to build a long list of people you met online, then lying might get you those meetings. But if you're looking to build a real relationship that will last in the long term, honesty is the only way you're going to get there. So you need to start from the very beginning.
Characteristic 3: It's Interesting
What's the point of being honest and informative when the information you give isn't interesting? You're a complete and interesting person with a unique personality. Let it show! There are plenty of people out there who like to cross-stitch and walk their dog... so you need to decide what else sets you apart, and use it on your internet dating profile.
The truth is, some facts are just, well... facts. It's the other things on your profile that show you for who you are: your attitude, your past, your goals, and your general perspective on life. If you don't give a hint of who you are (and make that hint interesting to prospective partners), you can't expect anybody to give your internet dating profile a second look. And getting that look is the whole point of composing a profile in the first place, right?
