I used to take excerpts from random dating profiles and critique them.
For some reason I stopped this practice. But, recently, I was asked if I’d to it again. So here goes, the first critique of many to come. I hope they help.
Excerpt from the dating profile of a 36-year old man:
I was on this site before and thought I try again.
I’m ambitious and take care of myself mentally and physically. I have travelled extensively and even worked on a cruise ship. I love exploring new cultures.
I enjoy catching a game at the pub or putting on a suit and heading out to a special show. Then again, staying in with good wine, good conversation and someone special is also great.
My critique
It’s never a good idea to say that you’ve been online dating before and clearly weren’t successful. It’s negative no matter where you say it in the dating profile. However, it’s even more of a downer when you begin that way.
If you’ve travelled a lot then you probably have some interesting anecdotes. My suggestion is to share a few of them. If you’ve done a lot of traveling then you likely have a number of good ones from which to cull. So, pick a great one and describe it vividly.
Lastly, when you list your interests, try to have some focus or at least a priority. This last paragraph essentially says that you like dressing down, dressing up and/or staying home. It’s very wishy washy. Instead, I suggest picking a few favorite things to do and then you can always end on the fact that you’re nonetheless open to other activities.
A final note about writing your online dating profile.
Most people have a difficult time describing themselves, let alone marketing themselves. So the biggest tip I can give you is this: let me do it. I use all your words and anecdotes so that it’s in your “voice” and true to you, but I combine that with solid marketing techniques and good writing so that it makes you stand out.
Check out my online dating profile samples and see for yourself. Better yet, get started by completing the personality questionnaire and then submit your answers to me. You’ll be amazed at what I can do with them.
