Setting up a Dating Profile: What NOT to Do

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There are plenty of guides online explaining how to set up a dating profile, but that is only part of the process. You need to know what not to do in order to ensure success. We’ve seen plenty of singles give up far too quickly because they didn’t understand online dating etiquette. You can avoid their mistakes!

Check out these tips for what not to do with an online dating profile.   

Don’t Hide Your Profile Picture

Most dating sites provide the option to have a private profile photo. This seems nice at first because you can protect your identity online. However, not having a photo will drastically reduce your dating connections. A photo offers a quick first impression. Make it count!

Don’t worry if you’re not conventionally attractive. Some research shows that being too attractive is actually a negative online. People question the authenticity of a photo or person if the profile pic looks unnaturally pretty/handsome. The flaws you hate in photos may be exactly what someone else is searching for. Rest assured, your face deserves to be seen.

Don’t Use Group Photos in Your Dating Profile

Group photos are an instant turnoff for some singles. They don’t want to see your friends. They want to see you! You may think that you’re highlighting how popular are, but you’re not. Individual pictures indicate confidence, and that’s exactly what you want to portray.

If you insist on using a group picture on your online dating profile, do not make it your main profile pic. Put a few individual photos on your bio first and bury the group picture further down.

Don’t Lie in Your Bio Details

You don’t have to share every detail about your life online, but you should be honest. Making up a fake background will only come back to bite you later on. If someone reaches out because of a lie you told, they’ll eventually learn that you weren’t telling the truth. Then they’ll question everything else you’ve said since.

Good relationships are never built on lies. Be honest with others so you can make genuine, long-lasting connections.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make the First Move

See someone you like? Send them a message. It’s that simple. Others may reach out to you, but you can’t expect the other person to always initiate the conversation. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you can make the first move. Put yourself out there and see what you get in return.

Don’t Limit Your Options

This is so important. Don’t get stuck looking for your “type.” It’s unlikely that someone will fit every single one of your preferences.

Don’t limit your options to a specific age range, nationality, height, income level, location, etc. Explore as many connections as you can, and you might be surprised by what you discover. The perfect person for you may be the complete opposite of what you’re looking for.

Don’t Get Discouraged!

The reality is that most online daters talk to multiple people at once. In fact, 19% of online dating users say they’ve talked to 11+ singles at the same time. You may feel discouraged with conversations, options, and seemingly dead ends, but keep pushing. There is someone out there waiting for a person just like you.

If you’re ready to test your luck with online dating, we’d love to have you in our community! Sign up and start talking to singles from around the world.