The biggest mistake singles make when writing their online dating profiles is being “average”. There are very few dating profiles out there that actually engage a reader and keep them motivated to read from start to finish.
Today, rather than critique an excerpt from one dating profile, I’m going to post the openers of five separate dating profiles. These dating profiles are being selected because they’re representative of this most common mistake.
Hopefully by reading them one after the other, you’ll see how uninspired they are and you’ll be more able to craft yours with a more critical eye.
The opening lines of 5 online dating profiles:
1) First thanks for reading, how to sell yourself is not one of my things…I’m easy going, honest, and all about my kids. I have lots of interests but not anything that I have to do.
2) Hi I’m down to earth and like the easy things in life, and enjoy life to the fullest. I like movie music and road trips.
3) I moved back to New York a couple years ago from LA to help my mom with her business.
4) I am physically fit, a bunch of laughs, warm, caring, honest, good listener, I like movies in my room , swimming , fishing, listening to music and dancing to any kind of music, traveling, going bowling.
5) Where to start ? At this stage in life we have more than enough to fill this space. How about just a recap until we meet and see if the connection is there.
My critique
None of these openers is particularly interesting and most just ramble on with a list of interests. In addition, my spell check was annoying me so I even cleaned up the grammar and spelling mistakes throughout each one of these.
Here’s an example of a great opener for an online dating profile. I wrote it. However, the anecdote was one that a client came up with after I had asked her a number of questions.
Here it is:
I once served my husband a cocktail laced with arsenic. But, don’t worry. That was when I was the lead in a play. In real life, I’m a chef and prefer to play with knives.
See the difference between hers and the five others? This one says so much and in such an engaging way,
When you write your online dating profile, remember that people read countless profiles in one sitting. So at least make sure that your opener is engaging. It’s the surest way to get people interested enough to keep reading.
Samples of online dating profiles
Have a look at more samples that can help you write a better online dating profile.
Better yet, let me help you write yours. I ask a lot of questions and then I use your words and best anecdotes to create a profile that is true you. I also combine solid marketing techniques with good writing so that your dating profile is interesting from start to finish.
