How to Write an Online Dating Profile: 10 Tips You Need to Know

Creating an online dating profile can feel a bit scary because you’re trying to put yourself out there for strangers to assess and determine if they want to connect with you. Whether you’re trying to create a new profile or edit an existing one, you want to end up with a dating profile that says a lot about how attractive, engaging, and authentic you are. 

This article is going to teach you everything you need to know about writing the best online dating profile by highlighting 10 tips for creating an online dating profile that stands out and gets you the right match.

10 Tips on How To Create the Best Online Dating Profile 

1. Select a Memorable Profile Picture

What’s the first thing people will check when they view your online dating profile? 

That’s right. Your profile picture.

The first thing people will check when they view your dating profile is your profile picture, so make sure you use a picture that will leave a lasting impression. 

First, use a high-quality picture of yourself smiling or generally looking approachable. You’d be surprised at how much more inviting your profile will become by simply using an HD image of yourself.

Pro tip: Avoid group pictures or any other form of picture where it’ll be difficult to identify you. You want your potential match to be able to tell who they are looking for at first glance.

Also, avoid heavily edited pictures so you don’t come off looking “fake.” It’s always better to present a more natural look.

In other words, your profile picture should be a picture of you smiling naturally. Make sure to use a good camera to take the picture so it’s super clear and high quality. And finally, try not to edit the picture too much. 

2. Write a Strong Bio Intro or Headline

After viewing your profile picture, the next thing anyone will look for on your online dating profile is your bio. Your bio needs to be engaging enough to grab the attention of anybody seeing it.

Your bio needs to be direct and specific about what you’re looking for. 

Instead of writing something generic like hoping to find love,” try something more catchy and specific like, “Adventure seeker looking for a fellow treasure hunter who lives in North Carolina. I love to go on road trips, read manga, and engage in intellectual discussions.” 

It doesn’t have to be anything predictable or cliché. Just be yourself because the more specific and authentic your bio is, the higher your chances of finding a meaningful connection with someone who shares similar interests.

A creative and charming intro will spark curiosity in the mind of the reader and offer a standout dating profile that will attract your desired connections.

3. Be Honest

Honesty, they say, is the bedrock of any long-lasting, meaningful relationship. 

And it begins with your profile. 

When creating your profile, be truthful about your likes, dislikes, who you are, what you’re looking for, etc. If you have an ideal spec, don’t be shy to state it. If you’re a home buddy, don’t present yourself as someone who’s into nightlife. Just be honest. This is the best tip you’ll get to help you write your online dating profile. 

Pro-tip: Don’t pretend to enjoy activities you don’t or exaggerate your likes just so you can “appeal” to a broader audience. If you do this, it could result in mismatched expectations down the line. 

Those who click with you will do so even if your interests aren’t a crowd favorite. And on the upside, anyone who vibes with your quirky interests will likely build something solid with you. So, don’t be afraid to be yourself. 

4. Highlight Your Interests and Hobbies 

Shared hobbies and interests can be a great way to start conversations, so don’t hold back on mentioning the things that float your boat and excite you. Whether it’s watching anime, cloud-gazing, or painting, highlighting these interests will help others understand you better and make your online dating profile more inviting.

Pro tip: Remember to be specific even while highlighting your interests. Instead of saying, “I love movies,” try, “I love binge-watching indie movies, and I can quote every line from Reservoir Dogs.” 

The second sentence clearly has a lot more personality, making it seem more genuine and inviting to the reader. This is the type of online dating profile we’re hoping to create.

5. Show, Don’t Tell

Don’t just list out a couple of adjectives to describe yourself. Use specific examples that show and tell your unique qualities. 

For example, instead of writing, “I’m adventurous,” you could try writing, “Last month, I tried bungee jumping for the first time, and I must say, it was quite the experience of a lifetime!”

Using storytelling to create your online dating profile makes it more relatable and helps others better understand your personality. 

6. Be Clear About Your Expectations

When you write an online dating profile, you must clearly state what you want. This will save you time and avoid misunderstandings that may arise due to your conflicting goals for the relationship. 

If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, state so. If your goal is to enjoy a casual, flirtatious relationship, also state so. Everyone has different expectations from a relationship, and that’s okay. However, it’ll be best if people know what they are going for from the outset.

7. Sprinkle Some Humor

Another creative way to write your online dating profile is to sprinkle some humor here and there.

Adding a bit of humor can leave a lasting effect on the people who view your profile. It also shows that you may be fun to hang out with, and this will make you seem more approachable to interested parties.

An example could be an interesting fact about you: “I can drive a truck for thousands of miles, but I still don’t know how to make a sunny side up!” Quirky details like these make you seem more personable and fun to chat with so don’t forget to add a bit of humor to your profile while creating it.

8. Keep It Brief

When writing an online dating profile, less is usually more. Don’t start writing an entire essay or adding unnecessary information. Instead, highlight who you are and what you hope to find on the platform. 

Picture your profile as a teaser–you want to give them enough to have them hooked but not so much that they’re no longer curious. Keep it brief but expressive. You don’t need to write in paragraphs to express yourself. 

9. Avoid Generic Phrases and Clichés 

Clichés are such a big turnoff because there’s a high chance the person viewing your profile just read the exact phrases you used on your profile in four other profiles before yours. 

Be honest. If you were in their shoes, how would you feel? 

So many phrases like “I love long walks on the beach” have been so overused on dating profiles that they no longer hold meaning. You want to stand out from the crowd.

If you’re stuck and don’t know what to write, think of a fun habit or distinct memory unique to you and use that to craft your profile. 

After all, where’s the fun in being like everyone else?

10. Update Your Profile Regularly

Like every other socializing platform, you must regularly proofread and update your profile. Who you were a year ago is different from who you are now. You’ve gotten more intelligent, experienced more adventures, and are even better-looking.

It’s definitely a big turnoff when someone checks your profile and finds it filled with typos or outdated information. 

Ensure you take a minute to proofread your profile before you post it and update it every few months after creating it. This way, your profile always appears fresh and engaging to anyone who views it.

The essence of creating your online dating profile is to attract meaningful connections and display your best self. Applying these ten tips can help you write an engaging, authentic, and memorable profile. 

Remember to stay true to yourself. When you do so, you’re more likely to find someone who genuinely appreciates and wants you for who you are. So, use these tips, create your profile, and get ready to swipe your way to your next date!