OK, so we’ve covered how to take the perfect profile photo, but getting snap-happy is just the beginning of creating the ultimate dating profile. Once you’ve uploaded your photo you need to start thinking about what to write about yourself.  Finding this a bit daunting? We’ve got some great tips on how to write the perfect profile to go with those amazing photos of yours…

1. Be honest

It’s so tempting to lie or exaggerate, but you need to think about what your end goal is. If your intention is to eventually meet these people you need to be honest with them. Does it matter if you have imperfections? No. Does it matter if you are a liar? Yes! So make the right impression by compromising. Talking about your real interests is great, as this will catch the eye of people with similar interests and it’ll be easy to spend time with them. If you’re looking for someone with different interests – let’s say someone into fitness when you’re more of a sofa bear, then compromise –

“Looking for an active man/woman, who is also happy relaxing with a DVD on a lazy Sunday afternoon.“

You haven’t lied about your fitness levels, but you have stated who you are looking for – a person who will be fit and active who would be easygoing enough to spend time lazing about with you. We all have our imperfections, and things about our lives we don’t want to shout about. Don’t like your job? Instead of being negative about it, be vague, tell them your field of work, or talk about your ambitions instead.

2. Play a bit hard to get

The aim of your profile isn’t to write your life story – it’s to start a conversation. You need to include things that will intrigue the reader so much that they want to know more about you. Humour is always a great way to get people talking to you, and show the world that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Not very good at cooking? Put a spin on it, with the beginning of a hilarious anecdote –

“I love experimenting in the kitchen, but there once was a certain exploding pie incident…“

You’re not lying and saying you put Jamie Oliver to shame, but you’re not being negative about it. You are showing that you are willing to try new things, and if they don’t work out you laugh about them afterwards. Be light-hearted. Avoid writing about your mood-swings, issues or bad habits. And never EVER talk about your ex, no one wants to hear about them, they want to date you not your past. If you really feel the need to talk about a past relationship – save this conversation for the future, it should never be a part of your first impression.

3. Stand out from the crowd

Online dating is crowded, and if you find yourself browsing through the profiles you will see that the same cliche’s are used over and over again. We get it, when you can’t think of anything to say, you state the obvious, because it’s easy. You need to try and be unique, be that person that everyone has to talk to. Be original! Here are a few examples of the most frequently used lines in online dating profiles, and the things that, if you want to stand out are the things to AVOID –

“I like spending time with friends and family.” Everyone does…Try instead, “There’s nothing better I like to do than bake dinosaur biscuits with my grandson on a Saturday afternoon.”

“I’m nice, easy-going and open-minded, looking for someone like-minded.”  You may be all these things, but so is everyone else it seems. Anyone reading this will think you are just like everyone else and a bit, dare I say it, dull.

If you want some inspiration about how to describe yourself, ask your family and friends. They’re the people who know you the best and can normally think of things you never would have.

4. Be random

Some of the most interesting profiles we have read have been incredibly random. They make you stop and think wow, I’ve never read a profile like it! A great way to be random and not come across as too edgy or crazy is to write a list of things you like. It’s a great and easy way of building up a picture of the kind of person you are –

“I like: Hummus, kissing, Bob Dylan, a pint of Guiness on a Sunday, Masterchef, knitting woolly hats…“

At the end of the day, you’re not on the site to win a writing competition, you’re here to find love. So when in doubt list the things you like!

5. Be positive!

 Focus on the positives. Write about who you are looking for, instead of all the qualities you hate. Be specific – we’re all looking for someone kind, considerate and genuine. Focus on the unique traits that YOU are attracted to-

“If you’re a creative type, you like talking til dawn and eating lasagne – send me a message!“

Writing something specific doesn’t mean everyone who messages you will like lasagne, but that they were attracted to the ideas you came up with. If they message you it means they like the sound of sharing these experiences with you.

And there you have it, 5 great ways to improve your dating profile and get you noticed! It’s a jungle out there, but as long as you are honest and avoid the online dating cliches, you’ll be sure to make the Write First Impression 🙂

Until next time,

The Just Singles Team