We're all looking for love online, and for most of us, that means dating apps. Sometimes we have 2-3 of them installed on our phone simultaneously. While it's something we used to hide, the sense of shame has long been replaced with the ubiquitous nature of such "convenient" solutions. The problem is, it's so convenient, most neglect to build their dating profile in a way that would appeal to potential partners.
When it comes to dating apps, people usually scour through profiles equipped with the attention span of a squirrel on crack, dedicating about three seconds on each profile before we decide. That unfortunately means that's all the time we have to make an impression.
In recent years, I've rebuilt and composed countless profiles for dozens if not hundreds of people. My data is composed of years of research from all over the globe, and I've extracted some useful tips to build a winning profile.
Three pics minimum, forget sunglasses and friends
When it comes to the quest for love, it all starts with the visuals. One photo? Nope, that's just a teaser. Two? Only if they're clones of each other. Aim for a hat trick, at least three snaps, more if you're feeling generous - that's the sweet spot. What's on the 'avoid' list? Group photos - a big nope. Snaps with folks from the other side of the gender spectrum? - uh-uh, steer clear. Your profile's starring role should be you, not a showcase of your fan club or a cut-out cameo of your ex's outfit. Sunnies? Only if it's a once-in-a-lifetime shot, and definitely not in bulk. Gym selfie? Yikes! That's a solid pass!
Let's kick things off with the MVP of pictures - the profile photo. A stellar profile picture lets viewers get up close and personal, but not too personal. If your face is hogging all the real estate, it's time to zoom out. Got a picture of you flashing a grin? Fantastic! Smiles are people magnets - that's a scientific fact, not just my two cents. Are you a maestro on the guitar? Flaunt it! Got a cute pic with your furry friend? Two thumbs up! And the supporting cast of photos? Make sure to include a full-length shot, and another that gives a taste of who you are - perhaps a snap from an unforgettable trip.
No sexualized details and avoid writing an entire novel
Here comes the brain teaser: what in the world do you jot down? Perchance, let's tackle the taboo topics first: avoid the bedroom talk - none of the racy stuff, no bedtime tales, and certainly no bragging about your magic touch in massages, unless... in fact, scratch that, there is no unless here. As Joe Biden would say - Don't. If "yoga, beach, and vino at dusk" are your jam, that's all fine and dandy, but just a friendly reminder, you've now joined the ranks of roughly 80% of female app users. We all have a thing for sundown sips, it's not exactly a game-changer.
To the gents - write. anything. An empty profile screams nonchalance, and we're all in the market for affection, right? To the ladies - we know you're brainy and eloquent, but strive for a tight four to five-liner. If you go all War and Peace on us, there's a solid chance most suitors will wave the white flag mid-manifesto. It's not you, it's this rapid-fire, swipe-happy world we inhabit. So, what's the golden ticket? Jot down something that provides a window into the real you, beyond your hobbies or 9-to-5 grind. What sets your heart aflutter in life?
Let's paint a picture with an example: "Hi, I'm Eliana, a self-confessed Twitter junkie, although I'm constantly wrestling with myself to quit the phone, because let's be honest, smartphones are the devil ๐
. Fancy eateries and extravagant presents don't really light my fire, but give me a dash of affection, intimacy, and sensitivity and I'm all in. I've got an entrepreneurial spirit, but my body begs to differ. Don't ask me how that works."
Last, but not least - Emojis - Yay? Nay? Absolutely yay! They're the sprinkle of sugar that makes texts a treat to the eyes and do a fab job of transmitting your unique vibe. But if we're to dive a smidge deeper, which emojis are the party-poopers? These guys > ๐๐๐น๐ฉ๐
(I bet no explanation is needed, right?). And the life of the party? Meet these cuties > ๐
๐๐ฅฐ๐. When all's said and done, the golden rule is to let your true colors shine and serve up a sneak peek of the real you through your profile.
- Elliana Barbel is the CEO and Co-founder of Ellie, the bot-based dating app
Valentineโs Day
(Courtesy of: Ruderman Family Foundation | Production company: WIWU Productions)
