Online Dating
Using the internet to attract dates
By Neal Talbot, All-Star contributor
Updated: 1:56PM, March 17, 2008
Online dating has exploded in popularity over the last decade. More than 100 million singles from every corner of the globe now look for dates online. In fact, nearly half of all American singles are now using online dating. And it's easy to understand why.
Within seconds you can be scrolling through pictures and profiles of thousands of local singles. Within minutes you can line up a date with someone new. As traditional forms of dating become more difficult due to hectic schedules and busy lifestyles - online dating is quickly taking their place.
Singles are discovering online dating provides a positive, friendly, low-pressure atmosphere. It's the only form of dating where singles can screen potential dates without any pressure or fear of hurting feelings, and find someone who has the same passions, goals, hobbies as them. It's also a place where everyone is single and actively seeking to meet other singles. So it's not surprising thousands of singles are now finding their 'special someone' online.
Yet not all is well in the online dating world. Despite millions of singles online and more than $300 million spent on online dating every year, many singles are still failing to make a connection. Why are people on dating sites still unable to get dates? They don't understand what they're doing. Poorly written profiles, blurry photos, shabby spelling, and unconfident first emails are earning some singles terrible results.
Luckily, this online disconnect is easily fixed. Just follow the steps below to find the right dating site, build the perfect profile, write a fantastic first message and earn interested replies. In a matter of minutes, you can create a profile that will dramatically improve your online dating experience.
Where to meet people online
There are a million places to meet people online. The current favorites are mainstream dating sites like Perfect Match, Lavalife, Match.com, Yahoo Personals, eHarmony, Date.com and PlentyOfFish. But dating sites aren't the only places to look for singles. Try social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, rating sites, chat rooms, blogs, discussion and interest groups. The only thing stopping you from finding singles online is your own imagination.
Online basics
Once you pick out the online dating company that best meets your needs, you will be expected to create a profile. This will often include choosing a name, picking a headline, writing a couple paragraphs about yourself, and uploading a photo. Creating an effective profile will take some time and effort to complete.
The main mistake online daters make is just slapping something together in a matter minutes and sending messages off to everyone they're interested in. Then, wondering why they don't get any replies. Invest some time into your profile. Pick the perfect name. Choose a snappy headline. Write a couple intriguing paragraphs. Upload an engaging photo. Send off a magical first message. And watch the responses pour in.
Name
Not any name will do. Your online name should create intrigue, project confidence and catch the viewer's eye. Stop panicking. It's easier than it sounds. All you need to do is find a word that suits your personality and captures the imagination... and expand upon it. Adventure can be turned into ManOfAdventure or AdventureInc. Challenge can turned into UpForTheChallenge or twisted into BattleOfWits.
Avoid locking yourself into a single hobby or profession. These names are always too basic (Bikechick, Surfdude) to separate you from your online competition. Viewers will just assume you're a bland stereotype of whatever you list. An easy way to avoid this is to combine two contrasting attributes. A doctor who loves to bike can combine the two into Bikedoctor. An accountant who loves to surf can be Numbersurfer.
Be sure to never use your real name. Make them earn it. Keep yourself shrouded in mystery and intrigue for as long as possible. Also avoid picking a name that will impress your friends (Dominatrix, RonJeremy69247) but do nothing to impress the opposite sex. Anything overly sexual, threatening, or demeaning will land you in the garbage bin.
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Renee Lee / iStockphoto.com
Online dating has turned into one of the most popular and fun ways to date.
| ONLINE DATING TIPS |
| How to choose an online dating site |
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The most important feature of an online dating site is the number of attractive singles in your area. Don't shell out any of your hard-earned cash if there's no one online to talk to. Price and matchmaking style are other major considerations, along with whether you want to pick a mainstream dating site or another site that caters to race, religion, age or hobbies. - AllStarDatingTips.com |
