Creating a compelling dating profile is a daunting task for most singles. For those who haven’t tackled a writing assignment since school, trying to tell your own story in short, snappy prose can be tough. Additionally, few people put enough thought into the images on their dating profiles. Out-dated photographs, mirror-selfies, heavily filtered pictures and group shots are all to be avoided yet are often used by singles hoping to find love. At Elect Club, we understand the importance of a well-written profile. Our members receive a professionally written profile and help with choosing authentic, attractive images. Your dating profile is the equivalent of an ‘eyes meeting across a crowded room’ moment. Getting it right is key.
Top Tips From Matchmakers to Elevate Your Dating Bio
Use Images That Will Help Your Dating Profile Tell a Story
Choose clear, up to date images that tell a story about who you really are. Choose images that capture special moments, for example - laughing out loud, visiting a world famous landmark, experiencing a different culture, hiking, sailing, dancing, visiting an animal sanctuary. Include at least one sharp headshot. Ask a trusted friend or relative to take a series of relaxed close-ups and choose your favourite. Do not be tempted to use a headshot from ten years ago, or to overly modify the image, this will only cause embarrassment when the real you meets your date in-person.
When shooting your close up, think happy thoughts while you pose! Genuine smiles are highly attractive and contagious! When we pose for a photograph, we often produce a ‘fake smile’. This awkward look is less likely to connect with those who are viewing your profile. Keep it real!
Try to keep your pose natural. A sitting pose tends to feel more comfortable than a standing one.
If there is no-one to help you take your headshots, invest in a selfie stick. This will help you to take a more natural looking shot.
Share Quirky Details About Yourself to Make Your Profile Pop
Stand out from the crowd by sharing authentic, quirky details about yourself. Tell the stories of why your favourite films, books, travel destinations, bands and restaurants mean something to you. Your dating profile is not the place to reveal deeply personal details, but you can have some fun painting a light-hearted picture.
Express Some of Your Own Needs and Wants in Your Bio
It is easy to get on a roll and write purely about yourself when creating a dating profile. However, it is also important to share information about the kind of qualities you are looking for in a potential partner. If you love to travel and have an adventurous spirit, it is likely you are looking for someone with a similar energy. If you are highly motivated and value success, you are probably going to want to meet someone with their own dynamic goals and achievements. It is okay to put your cards on the table, but avoid significantly shrinking your pool of possible matches. Sometimes our true soulmate is not the person we thought we were seeking ‘on paper’.
Avoid Filling Your Profile With Negative Statements
It is important to show others that you are positive about finding a relationship and emotionally available. Trying to sound overly confident, blasé or choosy will not land well within a dating profile. Show a softer side of your personality – talk about the music you love, the places that bring back great memories, the activities you enjoy doing with friends and family. We often judge others by the way they treat those closest to them; communicate the ways in which you value the people you love.
Positive words have a feel-good effect on others – include words like love, honesty, kindness, fun, happiness in your dating profile. Avoid talking about the things that you dislike or negative traits in others. An example of a complete misstep within a dating profile would be sentences like – ‘I’m not sure I believe in love anymore because I have been cheated on in the past’. ‘I’m not interested in time-wasters.’ ‘Most people I meet are superficial.’
Being Honest in Your Dating Profile Is Key
Be honest about what you are looking for. Not everyone who creates a dating profile is looking for love. Some people are ready for a less passionate form of companionship, especially as they get older. Many people who are looking for a relationship in later life would like a special someone to enjoy days out with but have no desire to share a bed with another person. Equally, some people are looking for casual, fun encounters. These needs and wants are all perfectly acceptable, if you are honest about them upfront. Avoid giving others the impression they can expect more than you are ready to give. By being honest, you are more likely to meet like-minded matches.
Creating the Perfect Dating Profile: Where Should You Start?
A good place to start is by talking to your friends about the qualities they love about you. You may be pleasantly surprised by the words that come up. Narrow these words down to a top five, for example – smart, funny, loyal, caring, honest. Be sure to use these words as the foundations of your ‘about me’ info. However, one of the golden rules of storytelling is ‘show don’t tell’. Share with your readers examples of your kindness, your humour, your intelligence. Likewise, if you want others to know that you love nature/travel/cooking, provide light-hearted anecdotes.
Avoid Common Mistakes in Your Bio
Take your time when creating a dating profile. Create several drafts before you decide on your final version. If you write something too quickly, it’s highly unlikely to have the ‘wow’ factor.
Don’t sound too cocky or egotistical. Show yourself in a positive, attractive light but avoid sounding condescending or intimidating. Others will be put off – or feel they are not good enough for you – before giving you a chance.
Don’t become too stuck in the details. If you overthink your profile too much, you’ll never have a finished, polished version.
Avoid exaggeration. This is an easy trap to fall into when we want to impress others. However, instead of embellishing your achievements, take pride in your authentic self. The more open and honest you are, the less anxiety you will feel about meeting potential matches face-to-face. Showcase the very best version of you; the one that someone special is going to fall head over heels for!
Don’t mention the ex. No-one wants to hear about ex partners when trying to build a romantic connection. Avoid mentioning ex partners in your dating profile, and on initial dates. Whether your past experiences were good or bad, this is information to be shared, if desired, as the relationship develops.
Avoid cutting and pasting from other profiles. It can be tempting to save time by stealing great lines from other profiles, but your dating profile should be a true reflection of who you really are.
Use a Dating Expert at a Professional Matchmaking Agency
If you are not a writer, or a particularly creative type, it may be worth turning to a professional for help. At Elect Club, dating profiles are written by dating experts – membership advisers, dating coaches and matchmakers. These experts have years of experience communicating the correct style and tone when creating an authentic dating profile. After speaking with a new member and gaining valuable insight into who they are and what they are looking for, our profile writers can establish how to present each member in their best light.
We offer the opportunity to have photographs taken, free of charge, at our head office, for those who are struggling to get a great headshot. Our friendly team puts our members at ease and ensures the images capture the essence of each individual.
Dating is a daunting task, especially if you have been let down or disillusioned by online dating or apps. Elect Club members have the guidance of our team of professionals from the very beginning of the process, ensuring that the journey is never a lonely one!
When a new member joins Elect Club, we know that producing a fabulous dating profile is one of our key tasks. The process takes time, with each version being sent to the individual for approval before a final version is agreed upon. Then it’s time to start matchmaking! Dating profiles are never made public and are only shown to carefully selected members. Elect Club members enjoy a level of privacy that it is impossible to achieve in the online dating world.
If you would like to find out more about how our matchmaking service could help you find the wonderful partner you have been searching for, our experienced membership advisers would love to share an informal chat! We are a well-established personal matchmaking agency, offering membership options to professional men and women across the UK. Our team has a wealth of combined experience and will guide you on a rewarding journey towards personal happiness. You will work with your own friendly, professional matchmaker who will take time to understand your needs, wants and preferences. If you are genuinely single and looking for love, call us or fill out our easy contact form today!