Some things go on forever. A wail by Mariah Carey is a good example; as is a wail by anyone passing a kidney stone. Besides that, Elvis and Jim Morrison, never die. For that matter, neither does Keith Richards even though he’s long overdue. And, if you’ve ever been forced to attend midnight mass with your family at St. Augustine’s Parish in Montreal on December 25, 1978, you’d know better than anyone that certain things go on forever no matter how hard you pray for them to end.
In fact, I could continue listing examples of things that go on indefinitely, but I know when to stop. Some people writing their profiles, however, have not learned this same restraint. And by “some people”, I tend to mean the more…um…”communicative” sex. See the positive spin an ad writer can put on “verbose”?
Your online dating profile should be a conversation starter not an autobiography. Online dating profiles are supposed to be written with just enough information to pique a potential suitor’s interest so that he or she contacts you or replies to one of your messages. You haven’t had a first date yet, so this is not the place to get into long-winded descriptions of the challenges you’ve faced; how much you’ve overcome; how you’re not into drama or game players; how strong and independent you are; and on and on and on.
Instead, keep it around 200 to 300 words – short, sweet and upbeat. Save the lengthy soliloquies for 50 years from now when your partner has learned to tune you out. Sorry, but some dating profiles really do go on.
Again, copy successful advertisers: make your online dating profile just long enough to get attention, but just short enough to keep it.
This is yet another good reason to hire a professional ad writer (me) to write your dating profile. And men – that applies to you too. Many of you cop out with “if you want to know just ask”. That gives the message that you couldn’t be bothered. If you show disinterest, you’ll get disinterest.
For more tips on how to write a great online dating profile, check out the samples of great online dating profiles (sorry for being redundant but “key words” help with search engine optimization. Or, go straight to the fun free personality quiz. It will help you uncover some of the unique traits that you need to highlight so that you stand out.
