For your primary photo, don’t use filters or wear sunglasses, hats, or anything that may obscure your appearance. Add some personality by taking your photo in front of an interesting background, such as your garden or your bookshelf, or hold your pet in your arms to show you’re an animal-lover. Just make sure your face is clearly visible. [1] X Research source Secondary photos may depict you with friends to highlight your sociability, but make sure your first photo is just of you. If your first pic is of multiple people, a potential match might not be sure who you are. Be sure to use a high-resolution photo so that potential matches get a clear idea of what you look like. Just don’t go for too polished, and don’t photoshop. Putting too much effort into your photos may make you appear vain. Avoid professional and job photographs, since they tend to be too strict and stiff.
Make sure all of your photos include you. Don’t waste precious profile space on a photo of your pet lizard, unless you’re in the photo with him. [2] X Research source Be sure your photos accurately reflect who you are. If your pal begged you to go hiking once even though you’re not very outdoorsy, don’t post a photo of you on the trails. [3] X Research source Avoid photos including exes, even if you are on good terms with your exes. This may give the impression you are still involved with someone, or not over a past relationship. [4] X Research source If you’re looking for a committed relationship, don’t post more than one overly “sexy” or revealing photo, as this may give potential matches the idea you’re not looking for anything serious. [5] X Research source Pics of you at bars or with a drink aren’t a no-go, but photos depicting hardcore partying may be a turn-off for some people. Leave your second-best picture to last, so you’re starting and ending strong.
It’s always better to lead with honesty, and really show all the other awesome and amazing characteristics that you bring to the table. Humor is essential to a good profile, but this isn’t the place for it. Saying you got your college degree from “the school of hard knocks” is groan-worthy, to say the least. [7] X Research source Make sure that you’re looking after your health, that you dress well, that you’re really cultivating awareness of yourself. Having a good personality and good conversation skills is more important than being taller or younger. Show your best and honest side.
Get creative and specific. “The highlight of my day is spending time with my family” is positive, but you only have so few characters with which to present yourself: don’t waste them on a common sentiment. [9] X Research source Remember that positivity doesn’t equal sappiness. (In other words, nix the Jim and Pam references!) “The highlight of my day is usually…my morning jog, followed by that first sip of coffee and the funnies (yes, I still read a physical paper!). ” “Typical Sunday: sleeping in, then working on my novel at the local bistro. ” “I take pride in…my garden. ”
Hint: it can be hard to promote yourself or know what makes you stand out. If you’re not sure what to say about yourself, ask your friends what they would say about you: what makes you interesting? How do they describe you to other people?[11] X Research source “A fact about me that surprises people: I’ve seen Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 18 times. ” “Two truths and a lie: I’ve never been to Starbucks. I won an award for Best Haircut in the second grade. I once met Dolly Parton. ” “Worst roommate story: Bees. Just. . . bees. ”
Be sure not to copy jokes or memes from the internet or TV. The goal isn’t just to be funny, it’s to be original. For best results, curate a profile that is a mix of lighthearted or sarcastic and sincere. Showcase your fun side, but be sure to highlight your substance too. [13] X Research source “I’m convinced that. . . horses are aliens. " “Worst fad I participated in: Hey, I looked cute with those emo bangs!” “My most irrational fear: that my dog secretly hates me. ”
That said, keep it concise and down-to-earth. Not only does a bit of mystery entice potential matches, but oversharing can be a major turn-off. [15] X Research source “Most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done: quit my job to move across the country. ” “Let’s make sure we’re on the same page about…our politics. " “The secret to getting to know me is. . . talking to my siblings. "
“My simple pleasures: My cat’s paws. Going to Sephora to smell all the perfumes. A good thunderstorm. ” “I geek out on…LaCroix, board games, and Elvis. ” “I’m a regular at…the 24-hour diner near me. Not even my mom makes pancakes that good. ”
“We’re the same type of weird if…you listen to Christmas music regardless of the season. ” “All I ask is that you…be honest, true to yourself, and communicative. ” “Green flags I look for: positive energy, good tipper, kind to animals, and loves to eat!!”
Avoid poking fun at the dating app. Show you’re taking the process seriously—otherwise, why should your potential match take you seriously?[19] X Research source
This being said, don’t compromise your needs for the sake of a larger dating pool. If you know you don’t want to get involved with someone who doesn’t want children or who holds different political beliefs, make sure your preferences reflect that. Your profile, including your preferences, isn’t permanent. You can always edit your settings to reflect different preferences whenever you want.
