Transcript: Building the Perfect Profile

On Dating
Episode “Rules for your profile”

Andrea: Putting together your profile is probably the most important factor when you’re thinking about online dating success. Today were going to look at online profile do’s and don’ts. I’m Andrea Syrtash, and this is Online Dating.
Q: What do you think of Online Dating?
Woman on street: It’s just another way to meet people.
Man on street: It’s a very accessible way to look for love.
Two women: I think people online date, I think it’s awesome!
Woman on street: You really can’t judge someone on the internet.
Man on street: People go online to date maybe because they are so busy.
Woman on street: I am kind of more into the old fashion way of meeting face to face.
Man on street: It’s as legitimate or illegitimate as any other.
Woman on street: I think that people that want to date online, if that’s what they want to do then that’s what they should do.
Woman on street: It’s kind of the new age way to date.

Andrea: This is my friend Jenny. I thought she totally had it together. I mean she’s so smart and so beautiful. And then I saw her dating profile and I was shocked. I mean it looked like she had slapped it together in five minutes. There was no picture and then she complained to me that she was being approached by really lame guys. And I had to tell her I wasn’t surprised!
Your going to attract what you put out, so really take the time and tailor your dating ad Here are just a few do’s and don’ts when your thinking of putting together your online profile.
Major Do. Put up a great picture of yourself smiling. Some people put up these cool shots and they think it looks really good. But it actually doesn’t read well online. If you look happy and approachable your more likely to get contacted.
And make the photo recent. On of the biggest complaints I hear from online daters, is that they meet the person. And the person has lost hair, gained weight, or aged significantly since the photo was taken. Not cool.
And while were talking about photos, I should mention a big don’t. Don’t post millions of photos of yourself in various positions, doing numerous activities. It actually gets really confusing to the viewer. You would think it’s a good idea to show all the different facets of your personality. But research shows that one or maximum two great photos, reads a lot better. Make them want to see more of you.
Another do, write things about your life and personality that are unique, and be specific. So show, don’t tell. Instead of saying I love to travel. Try the best trip I ever took was to Peru when I climbed Machu Picchu. Or you know, I want to see the Great Wall of China in the next two years. Specifics are a great way to capture someone’s attention, and to spark initial conversation.
A don’t. Don’t rationalize why you’re online, and say boring things like; my friends made me do this, or I have never tried this but I am sick of the dating scene. I mean I am actually bored telling you this, because I see this time and time again and it’s so generic, and so boring. So stand out a bit.
Another do, be concise. You can still use humor, and you can still be descriptive. But be short. Because I will tell you, online dating is a lot like speed dating. You have a very short window to make your impression.
Another don’t, don’t be negative in your profile and say things like; the last girl I went out with burned me, or, dating sucks. I mean you would be surprised how any people highlight those things. There not attractive. Leave the negativity out.
Do treat your online profile like a resume or a great cover letter. So stay polished and always proof. Enroll a few friends or family members to proof it for you. And spell check. I mean that sounds so obvious but you would be surprised how many grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes are on peoples profiles. And the message you’re sending when you don’t proof, is that you don’t care, you’re not thoughtful enough, or frankly you’re not smart enough.
Don’t! Don’t talk about sex in your profile! You may think it’s hot but it actually reads kind of creepy to the average online dater.
Here’s my online dating tip of the day.
To get some good ideas, look in different area codes, or even different countries and pick a few profiles you like. So you can customize it to suit your personality. Remember, a bad date makes a great story. So put yourself out there and have some fun.
Thanks for watching online dating, I am Andrea Syrtash, see you next time.