A few years ago, if you asked a friend if he or she would post an ad on an online dating site, very few would have said yes. Today, however, it would be difficult to find someone who as not used one or known people who've used one. Online Dating is now considered the fastest and easiest way for people of all flavors to meet. There is no discrimination on age, color, religion, politics, sexuality or sexual tastes. From a worldwide database of people, there will be many thousands who fit what you're looking for.
Simply registering with an online dating site allows you to browse through ads or profiles from people around the world. Unless you live in a large metropolitan city where there are many places to meet new people, meeting people in clubs and bars can be quite limiting. All internet dating sites will offer member photos, forums, online chat, profile matching and many other tools for enhancing your search. You'll have a smorgasbord of people to choose from, so it's ok to be picky.
But what about your own profile that others might be searching for? None of the search tools will help people to find the real you if you have a good photo or if your profile or ad is poorly written. A good photo does not mean a beautiful individual. Everyone is beautiful to different people, so never despair that you will never find someone because you aren't model thin or drop dead attractive. A good photo is well lit, you're smiling, you aren't posed in front of a pile of dirty clothes or dirty dishes and you aren't a small speck in a huge landscape.
After you join, most online dating websites will ask you to create a headline for your profile or ad. This is "the hook" that will bring them in to read your entire profile or ad. Try something flirty or quirky but definitely not "I'm lonely" or "looking for a good time". Pique their curiosity and they'll click to check you out.
Some sites require their members to write a paragraph or more about themselves. Write something about what you have to offer and what you're looking for. Be Bold! If you are vague or boring in your story, chances are your profile will sit among millions of others. Instead of telling people you're fun to be around, show them. Say something like I love to go to parties and dance the night away but it will be much better when I have you to dance with. Describe your hobbies, maybe someone who shares your passion will think you're terrific. If you only want to meet someone between 24-27 with blonde hair who stands 5'9" tall, then here is where you say it. It will save lots of time later. Write your paragraph as if you were speaking to your potential date and someone will want to talk back. You have one chance to make a good first impression, so check your spelling! Many sites have spell checkers so use them. If later you see an error in something you've written, change it.
Posting your photos lets you stand out from the crowd. Nobody else in the world (unless you're a twin!), looks just like you. Your primary photo should be your best photo. Other people will tell you that it should be a head shot or you should have great lighting and a good background. All these elements are fine, but at the end of the day, you'll get more attention from submitting your best photo with your profile or ad. Most dating sites allow you to create a personal photo gallery, so here is where you put photos that show your lifestyle. If you like dressing up - show that in a photo. If you have some sexy glamour shots - post them in your gallery. If you like to fish - show them in your gallery. The photos should ALL be of you.
Profile and photos ready and waiting? Begin your search from those available and wait for your profile to be noticed. Both actions are important. Waiting for luck to happen might work, but helping luck along is always a good thing. Except for your no compromise must-haves or must-havenots, keep your options open. The old saying opposites attract didn't come from everyone being the same. You might find that a brunette or redhead will trip your trigger just as well or better than the blonde.
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