As someone who has been taking pictures for people’s online dating profiles for 15 years, I believe that one of the main reasons for getting your picture taken is to ensure that people can recognize you when they meet you in person. It can be disappointing when your profile pictures look nothing like you in real life after chatting with someone online and agreeing to meet. Drawing from my experience with online dating and taking photos for online dating profiles, I want to share 11 tips for creating a successful online dating profile. Although these tips are mainly geared towards single women from a single man’s perspective, men can also benefit from them.
Add a current picture of yourself to your profile.
Having a current photo is crucial when it comes to online dating. It helps potential matches get an accurate idea of what you look like and helps to avoid any awkward surprises when meeting in person. Make sure to take clear, well-lit photos of yourself, including headshots and full-body shots.
- Never post a picture of a picture.
Posting a picture of a picture may seem like a quick fix, but it can make you appear dishonest and inauthentic. It’s best to stick with current, clear photos of yourself, so your potential matches can get an accurate idea of who you are.
- Never use a group photo as your main profile picture.
While group photos can be fun and social, it’s best to avoid using them as your main profile picture. It can be confusing for potential matches to figure out who you are in the photo, and they may just skip over your profile entirely.
- Never post a picture of yourself that has been digitally altered.
It can be tempting to use filters or editing tools to make yourself look better in photos, but it’s important to remember that the goal of online dating is to find someone who likes you for who you are. If you post photos that have been heavily edited, your potential matches may be disappointed when they meet you in person and find that you look different than your photos.
- Don’t lie in your profile.
Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to online dating. If you lie about your age, occupation, or interests, it can lead to disappointment and distrust from your potential matches. Be honest and upfront about who you are and what you’re looking for, and you’ll have a better chance of finding a compatible match.
- Choose a username that says something both interesting and true about you.
Your username is the first impression you make on potential matches, so it’s important to choose something that accurately reflects your personality and interests. Avoid using generic or unoriginal usernames, and instead, try to come up with something that stands out and is memorable.
- Avoid posting multiple online dating profiles on the same site.
Having multiple profiles can make you appear desperate or untrustworthy. Stick to one profile and make sure it’s complete and accurate.
- Avoid aerials.
If you only post photos that are taken from above, it can make it seem like you’re trying to hide your body or appearance. Be confident in who you are and post a variety of photos that accurately reflect your appearance.
- Avoid hiding.
Don’t try to hide behind objects or other people in your photos. Be confident in your appearance and post photos that accurately reflect who you are.
- Avoid posting pictures of things that aren’t you, especially in your main profile picture.
Your main profile picture should be a clear photo of yourself, not a picture of your pet or your car. While it’s okay to include photos of these things in your profile, they shouldn’t be the main focus.
- Get your address right.
Make sure your location information is accurate and up-to-date. If you live in a different city than your profile suggests, it can lead to confusion and disappointment from your potential matches.
Overall, following these tips can help you create a strong online dating profile that accurately reflects who you are and attracts potential matches who are compatible with you.