One thing that surprises me about online profiles is how bad so many of them are. Also even for those of us who do spend time writing what we think is a good profile, in actuality we can end up with a really bad one and not realize it. Getting an objective opinion is important. Don't assume that you're a great profile writer.
I remember reading the profile of one of girlfriends who is a wonderful writer (even published). Her online profile was terrible. I recall every paragraph started with "I"... "I am looking for x", "I want y", "I believe z". Nothing wrong with saying "I" but in looking at each paragraph cluttered with "I's" she came across as completely self-centered like everything was all about her. She wasn't like that in real life at all.
Another friend had overemphasized her interest in religion and volunteer work. Nothing wrong with mentioning those things because they were important to her. However, she mentioned that so many times that I was left wondering if she even had time for a man in her life.
It helps to get outside help in writing your profile. There are many online services who are very happy to charge you a lot of money to help you with your profile from a few hundred bucks to thousands for a complete package including photo shoots. You don't need to spend that kind of money. Online dating sites charge plenty already. I feel like there are too many services and people preying on our desperation to find a partner. It irks me that so many are looking to make a career out of charging so much for their advice. (OK, I'm going off topic!)
Try to write a profile that shows your interests but has you come across as someone approachable. Also focus on the most important things you are looking for in a partner. Don't rattle off your long checklist. It will scare guys off. Talk about the important and essential parts of a relationship like listening and supporting one another and providing mutual support.You want to convey that you understand what's important in a relationship.
Have someone else (especially the same sex of who you want to meet) read your profile. A good male friend or relative is a great source. I often find men to be so much more helpful with relationship advice than my women friends. So get a guy's perspective directly from a guy.
One piece of useful advice that I read in a book is the importance of having a decent set of pictures. Too many of us use cropped photos of ourselves from group shots, or don't have pictures with good resolution. This is one area where I would advise you to get a professional to help. Actually I got the tip from a website who offered $3000 dating packages. Instead of paying that fee, I decided to just find a local photographer who charged me $200 for a one hour session. He also was able to recommend someone to do my makeup for $50. We took many shots indoors and outdoors in different settings and clothes. The pictures were fantastic and my online responses increased dramatically.
I was worried that I would look prettier in my photos than real life but the lesson here is that you should try to look your best especially the first few dates. You don't need to spend $100 on a blowout for every date, but look nice, dress well in a flattering way. You need to have standout pictures to make sure the guy sees you. Make sure to include not just head shots but also a full body shot. You should have at least 6-8 photos. Don't skimp with 1 or 2. Make sure at least a couple of pictures are in a dress! It doesn't have to be revealing but you want to look feminine. Men are very visually oriented. That's just how they are. If you don't get yourself noticed (when there are so many competing profiles for him to sort through), you'll never even get a shot to meet or talk to him.
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