I post blogs twice a week. At the beginning of the week, I post a blog that critiques excerpts from two (anonymous) dating profiles that I’ve found on dating sites. The blog is specific to dating profiles, however the critiques are based on my 20 years of experience as an ad writer and marketing expert.
At the end of the week, I post a more entertaining blog with a broader focus on self-promotion. So check back for that one on Friday. In the meantime, I hope this helps:
How to write a dating profile, tip 12:
I’m a reasonably ethical being. And I guess I look ‘alright’ (but that’s for you to decide). I work at being healthy: I go to the gym three times a week (for a couple of hours at a time) and eat sensibly. I enjoy outdoor activities. I’m somewhat reclusive. I don’t mind if you’re similar, or more gregarious. I love travel and adventure, although I haven’t experienced either for a long time.
“Reasonably” ethical? Way to put doubt in a potential suitor’s mind! You’re either ethical or you’re not. If you’re not, then why open with that? I feel a rant coming on, but I’ll just let it pass and get to other aspects of this profile such as: I “work” at being healthy. This could imply that it’s difficult for you to be healthy. Instead, just say “I like good health” or “I enjoy healthy activities”. It’s a more positive spin. Also, saying that you’re reclusive while on a dating site is not a good strategy. It doesn’t make you seem like someone who would be good with another being.
Basically this profile leaves me with the sense that this person isn’t particularly happy or engaging. It’s just not positive enough.
How to write a dating profile, tip 13:
I filled out this section before. I don’t know why every time I get an e-mail and try to reply to it they want me to fill this profile out again. It’s annoying. It’s not like I have all kinds of stuff to say.They want four sentences before I can continue. I hope this qualifies as four sentences.
How can someone actually think that writing nothing – and in particular, writing nothing but a rant – could elicit interest? I wouldn’t want to go on a bus with a guy this peeved, let alone on a date with him. Whatever your problems with a dating site, get over them at least while you’re writing your online dating profile. Even if people agree with you about the site’s flaws, you nonetheless have no charm and that’s what you need to engage potential suitors.
That’s it for this more serious blog on online dating profile writing. For a more irreverent one, check back on Friday for series “Online Dating Profiles. The Agony, Part 22”.
In the meantime, if you want to start crafting a better profile right now, get started on uncovering some of your unique traits by completing the personality quiz. It costs nothing to do, but it’s an important first step in writing an online dating profile that stands out. Once you’ve completed it, you can incorporate some the best answers into your dating profile, or you can hire me to do it. I’m trained to know what to pick and where to put it.
Feel free to check out the online dating samples of my work, as well. If you like the blogs, then you’ll like the tweets. Would also love to see you on Facebook.
