By Jeff Cohen, freelance writer (cohenwriting@aol.com)
Let’s say you joined an online dating site two or three years ago. At the beginning the prospects rolled in. Every time you checked your inbox it was flooded with new and exciting dating opportunities. Then the months went by, the first dates didn’t go as well as planned, and your dating pool has dried up.
Before you say goodbye to online dating consider these five tips to give your profile a makeover. You just may rediscover those early months of online dating and rejuvenate your love life along the way.
Tip #1 – Take New Photos
Depending on who you ask, your online photos represent anywhere from 60-90% of why someone does or doesn’t contact you online. Check your photos and ask yourself if they really paint you in the best possible light? This is not about lying and posting photos that completely misrepresent your looks. That will only backfire when you go on first dates and fail to live up to your online looks. But you can show your best side, put on a new outfit, or change the lighting… anything to put your best foot forward.
Tip #2 – Rewrite Your Profile
When was the last time you actually read your profile? Does it still sound like you? Are there things people constantly mention from your profile that you should either highlight or remove? Remember, this is your advertisement to the online dating community. So take the time to market yourself effectively and the prospects will be knocking down your door. Think of it this way… if you won’t even spend the time to write a good profile why should anyone spend the time getting to know you better?
Tip #3 – Join a New Site
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you really have tapped out an online dating site. Sure, new folks are joining everyday, but that cluster of people that meet your criteria may have dried up. If that’s the case, maybe it’s time to join a new site. Let’s say you currently belong to one of the mainstream sites. This could be a good opportunity to go for a specialized site, one that focuses on religion, politics, or hobbies. You’ll get reenergized when you start viewing this whole new world of prospects. That just may be enough to land some quality dates.
Tip #4 – Let Your Friends and Family Weigh-in
Does anyone know you better than your friends and family? Give them a chance to read through your profile and scan your photos. Where do they see opportunities for improvement? Keep an open mind to their feedback because it’s coming from a place of love and support. Those who know you best just may have the perfect idea to spice up your online profile and land more dates.
Tip #5 – Research the Competition
Let’s say you’re a 34-year old guy looking for women around the same age. Sure you’ve scanned your prospects but have you ever taken the time to research your competition? Take a look at guys in their early to mid-30’s to see who else your prospects have to choose from. What do these guys offer that you don’t? How could you reposition yourself to stack up better against the competition? Make a few tweaks based on what you learn from the competition and soon you’ll have an edge.
Jeff Cohen is the author of the e-book, 30 Minute Guide to Online Dating. It's a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of online dating without wasting hours of valuable time. To learn more about the e-book and purchase a copy, please visit Online Dating eBook.
