How to Write the Perfect On-Line Dating Profile

Your online dating success is partly dependent on your ability to capture the interest and imagination of others through the words you write. While the task of writing a good online dating profile may be daunting for many people, it just takes a little time, effort, and know-how.

Here are some tricks of the trade to get noticed by the people you want, while weeding out the ones you don't:

REMEMBER: A good online dating profile should describe you (40%); the person you want (40%); and the relationship you want (20%)

1. Make the ad unique. Most people stick to generalizations: "I like reading, I love going to the movies or I have a pet". To set yourself apart, reword your ad so it gives out something more, such as "I enjoy Stephen King and Shakespeare, I could watch comedies all day or my dog is my favorite guy". Not only do these little details say a lot more about your personality, but also make you more interesting to the reader.

2. Spell out what you want. Saying you’re looking for a “nice guy” could mean almost anything. Instead, explain what that means to you: a guy who loves cats, who is nice to waiters or who would call just to ask if you got home safe. If career, ambition or a love for the outdoors are important to you, say that too.

3. Don’t Fret About Your Past Dates. Here’s another good writing tip to remember: don’t go on endlessly about your last relationship. It simply smacks of either desperation or bitterness. If your online dating profile suggests you’re still living in the past instead of looking to the future, other members will ignore you in droves. Baggage is so unattractive unless you’re going on vacation.

4. A Picture Tells a Thousand Words. A picture greatly increases your prospects. Many people simply don’t respond to profiles without one – would you? Be open and post a CURRENT and good picture of yourself. Don’t worry that someone you know will see it– after all, the only way they would see it is if they too are looking for someone online!

5. The Headline. Always remember this: The headline is the most important element of your personal ad. It's your first written contact. So make it count.

And to prove how important the headline is, studies have shown you have three seconds to capture the attention with your headline. If it's boring, he/she won't click on it, and they'll move on to the next one.

6. Update and keep it current. You don’t need to rewrite your entire profile each week, but go ahead and change a few key items like the last movie you saw or book you read. Doing this will also continually move you up to the top of the search list for new online daters new to the system.

In the end, remember to be yourself and let others know what you want. It will save you a lot of time and effort and just might pay off! Good luck!