In the hectic world that we live in today a lot of people find it hard to squeeze going out and looking for a date into their schedule. And even if you can make time, it can be a major bust going to the same old singles’ bar every weekend. That’s where online dating has really come in handy. Most people have at one point tried a dating site. It’s no longer something that only “desperate” people do. But with this huge rise in internet dating how can you stand out? How do you land a date with the hottie you’ve got your eye on when there are hundreds of people with profiles just like you? Take a little time to properly fill out your profile and abide by a few simples rules and you will find greater success with internet dating.

Instructions:

Step 1
Sign up with reputable dating sites that have a good image. Don’t associate yourself with cheap or seedy looking dating sites. Sloppy sites tend to attract sloppy people! Go with one of the big dating sites such as match, eharmony, yahoo personals or true. There will be a greater selection of potential dates and the type of people there are more likely to be average folks just looking for a mate like yourself.

Step 2
Word your profile carefully! I really can’t stress this part enough. You need to make sure that your profile is grammatically correct, interesting to read and that it provides descriptive and accurate information about you. But hold off on typing out your entire life story. Your profile needs to be short, straightforward and easy to read. Potential dates most likely will not read your 900 word “about me” biography.

Step 3
Don’t be a weirdo. If you are honestly looking for a date and not just a sexual encounter, then be very careful with the things that you say. If you sound like all you want is a booty call you’ll scare away anyone who is looking for a real date. When describing what it is that you like about the opposite sex it’s ok to be very honest. After all, you don’t want to waste your time with people that you aren’t interested in. But do not make it sound tacky and sexist. Say something about how you admire a woman with a curvy figure. Don’t say that you like a girl with big jugs or you’ll set off every woman’s pervert radar on the site. Just use some common sense here!

Step 4
A picture is worth a thousand words. Your display picture will most likely be the biggest determining factor when someone is considering whether or not to connect with you. Your photo needs to be friendly and approachable. Do not post your picture of you trying to look tough. Are you trying to scare the dates off? On the other hand, don’t post a picture of you with an exaggerated smile that makes you look creepy. Take a photo of yourself being natural. A high quality head shot is recommended for your main dating profile picture. If the site allows you to post multiple pictures, be sure to include one or more full body shots as well. People like to have a pretty good idea of what they’re getting into before they commit to going on a date. The biggest mistake that you should avoid when posting pictures on a dating site is putting up pictures of you and an ex. That’s tasteless, tacky and makes potential dates question if you are on the rebound.

Step 5
Make your first move count. When you send your first message to someone you are interested in you’ve got to make it stand out. Most attractive people on dating sites get flooded with messages every day. Do not put hey or hello as the subject of your message. That’s what every one does. Instead make it something that will make them want to open your message. It can even be as simple as “I’ve got a question about your profile”. In the body of your message talk about something you saw on their profile and ask a question about it. An example would be:

Hey, I saw on your profile that you’re really into football. Me too! Who’s your favorite team?

See how easy that is? It will make you stand out because most people say something like “wow, I think you’re really hot”. That’s a closed statement. It doesn’t invoke a conversation. Your message should have at least one open ended question. Also, don’t compliment the person on their looks. They probably get that everyday. Save the compliments for when you meet up for the first time. If the potential date isn’t sure how interested you really are they’ll keep trying to find out. If you smother them with compliments you come across as desperate and lonely. That’s never attractive!

Step 6
The most important rule is to relax and just be yourself. If you try to make yourself out to be someone that you are not your potential date will catch on and think of you has a huge loser. Not to mention that individual will probably tell their friends and so on and so forth. Then you’ll really start having trouble getting a date!