How to Create a Dating Profile That Gets Genuine Matches
If you are wondering how to create a dating profile that attracts genuine matches, forget trying to impress everyone. Your profile should simply help the right person get a real sense of who you are.
Good photographs, a few specific details and an honest description of what you enjoy can give somebody that important feeling of, “I’d like to know more about them.”
Think of Your Profile as an Introduction, Not a CV
You do not need an extraordinary job, perfect photographs or a life packed with exotic holidays to create an attractive profile.
You need to show enough of your real life for somebody to imagine what spending time with you might actually be like.
That could mean mentioning the places you enjoy, what your weekends usually involve, something you are passionate about or the kind of relationship you would like to find.
You are starting a conversation, not applying for a position.
Choose Photographs That Look Like You Now
Your main photograph should make it easy to see you. Choose a recent picture with your face clearly visible, good lighting and no heavy filters.
You do not need a professional photoshoot. A relaxed photograph taken outdoors, in a café or somewhere you feel comfortable can often look warmer and more approachable.
Then use your other photographs to show a little more of your life rather than uploading five similar selfies.
- A full-length photograph
- A favourite day out
- A hobby or activity you enjoy
- A holiday or memorable place
- A relaxed everyday photograph
A photograph of you walking in the Peak District, cooking at home or exploring a new city gives somebody far more to respond to than another close-up selfie.
Write a Bio That Sounds Like a Real Person
The quickest way to disappear into hundreds of dating profiles is to write something anybody could have written.
Instead of:
“I like travelling, eating out and staying in.”
Try:
“I’m always tempted by a weekend away, but I’m equally happy finding somewhere good for Sunday lunch and walking it off afterwards.”
The second version tells somebody much more about you without being longer for the sake of it.
If you enjoy travelling, mention somewhere you loved. If you enjoy food, say what you cook or where you like eating. If Sundays matter to you, describe your ideal one.
The same idea runs through writing a dating bio that actually sounds like you: specific details create personality.
Give Someone an Easy Reason to Message You
A good dating profile should make starting a conversation easier.
Compare a profile that says “Ask me anything” with one that mentions learning to cook Thai food, wanting to visit Iceland or searching for the best Sunday roast in Birmingham.
One gives a stranger very little to work with. The other gives them three possible opening messages.
You might mention a place you want to visit, a hobby you have recently started, your perfect weekend or something you are surprisingly good at.
Those small details make starting a conversation on a dating site feel much more natural.
Show Your Personality Instead of Listing It
Writing “I’m funny, adventurous and laid-back” tells somebody very little because almost anyone can describe themselves that way.
Show those qualities instead.
If you are adventurous, mention the spontaneous trip you loved. If family matters to you, talk about the Sunday tradition you never miss. If you have a dry sense of humour, allow some of it to appear naturally in your bio.
Let people notice your personality rather than announcing it to them.
Be Clear About What You Hope to Find
You do not need to describe your future relationship in detail, but somebody reading your profile should have a reasonable idea of your intentions.
If you want a serious relationship, it is fine to say so. If you would rather meet somebody, enjoy dating and see naturally where the connection develops, say that instead.
Try to describe what you do want rather than creating a warning list about what you do not want.
Instead of:
“No time-wasters, drama or people who can’t communicate.”
Try:
“I’d like to meet somebody who enjoys good conversation and is genuinely interested in getting to know each other.”
Your previous dating experiences may have taught you what to avoid. They do not need to become the opening message of your next relationship.
Do Not Try to Get Everyone to Like Your Profile
This is one of the most useful things to remember about online dating: more matches do not automatically mean better matches.
If you love countryside walks, quiet weekends and independent coffee shops, say so. Someone looking for clubs every Saturday night might decide you are not compatible.
That is not a failed profile. It is your profile doing its job.
The aim is to help people who might genuinely enjoy your company recognise something they like.
Dating Profile Example: Keep It Simple and Specific
“Manchester based and happiest when I’ve got something planned for the weekend. I love finding independent restaurants, getting out into the countryside and escaping somewhere warm whenever the British weather gets too ambitious.
My perfect Sunday involves a late breakfast, a long walk and deciding what we’re having for dinner far too early in the day.
I’d like to meet someone kind, curious and easy to laugh with. Tell me somewhere you’ve visited that you’d happily go back to tomorrow.”
In a few lines you learn about lifestyle, humour, interests and what this person hopes to find.
The final question also gives somebody an obvious way to start talking.
Read Your Profile From the Other Side
Before you publish it, imagine you know nothing about the person who wrote it.
After reading your profile, could somebody understand what you are like, what you enjoy, what you are hoping to find and what they could message you about?
If the answer is yes, you probably have enough.
Check the spelling, but do not polish every sentence until your personality disappears.
The best final question is simple: “Does this actually sound like me?”
Keep Your Profile Current
Your dating profile should change when your life does.
Replace photographs that no longer look like you. Add a new interest. Update what you are looking for if your priorities change.
You do not need to continually reinvent your profile. Small updates are usually enough to keep it feeling current and genuine.
Keep Private Information Private
Being open about your personality does not mean sharing information that a stranger does not need.
Keep your home address, financial information, passwords, exact workplace details and other sensitive information off your dating profile.
There is plenty of time to reveal more about your life as you get to know somebody and trust develops.
Our guide to protecting your privacy while dating online explains how to share enough to build a connection without giving away too much too soon.