There is one thing that will make or break your online dating efforts – your personal ad. This article offers tips on how to write the best personal ads that come alive and get responded to.
The first mistake most people make is creating one while at the dating site. This can be intimidating and prone to mistakes. A better way is to first make a draft on a separate piece of paper or typing program (Word, WordPerfect, Word Pad etc).
Begin by brainstorming an attractive screen name (also called a handle or stem). This is vital, as it helps catch prospects’ attention.
When creating your screen name, you might want to consider your best qualities or interests and build it around this. This will not only tell something about you, but also offer prospects something to open up dialogue on. Try for something unique and interesting.
Many sites require your ad to have a headline. This is also extremely important, like a first greeting or introduction. Not only that but, some sites initially provide surfers with just headlines. A good headline should attract someone into your personal ad to find out more about you.
Just as in your screen name, you can use your headline to describe yourself, or what you are looking for. You could also incorporate one of your main interests or an interesting aspect of your personality. Study other people’s headlines and see which ones attract your attention. Model yours on these.
Next is the body of your personal ad. You will need to describe yourself and what you want, in specific terms without sending your prospective mate to sleep. This means being descriptive and using action words. It would help to make the following four lists:
1. Things you cannot do without
2. Things that would be nice to have but you can do without.
3. Things you absolutely cannot stand or will not have.
4. Your hobbies and interests
Making the above lists will help will help dig deep into yourself and you find things to write about. It also helps in answering profile questions, both multiple-choice and essay-type.
Now write about yourself. Imagine you are talking to someone seated right there in front of you. Tell him or her how you feel about things, what you like to do and what you are looking for. Be specific and positive.
Just write it down, without minding about spelling or grammar. Get excited and write fast. This helps bring out your personality, without getting stalled by the analytical part of your brain. Write in a conversational style, which has proved to work best and shows that a real person is behind the ad.
Writing about yourself does not mean that you should reveal every detail. If you can’t tell it to a stranger at the bar or coffee shop, don’t write down in your profile.
Just as in headline-creation, it would help to study other people’s ads. Run a search of people seeking the same type of mate as you are. Look through a dozen profiles or more, and take notes. If a phrase or sentence peaks your interest, don’t hesitate to modify and adapt it into your own.
When finished, put your draft personal ad down (or save it in your hard drive). Better still, let it sit overnight. Then come back with a fresh mind and correct spelling and grammatical mistakes. Also, cut any clutter. Read it over at least three times to check for flow.
There you have tips on how to write the best personal ads. All you have to do is transfer your winning ad to your dating site of choice. Some minor modifications may be needed to fit different sites, but the hard part is done.
By: David Kamau
Want to know the best online dating tips? You may not be satisfied with the dates that you are expecting but there are a lot of dating tips that you can get on the internet. You may wear yourself out in parties, bars and clubs just to spot a date but there is another practical way of doing so without the hassle. Dating online is one of the most popular ways of meeting other people that you may like or be in a relationship with. Most of the time, those who have internet connection in their houses, they spend time visiting online dating sites to help them out in their dating dilemmas. Plus, you would not have to waste so much money on unnecessary bar hopping and blind dates.
The dating means has gone cyber. In other words, people are more comfortable chatting with possible persons to date and then turn out just fine. Many have revealed how thankful they are because they have finally found their love of their lives on the internet. So what are some online dating tips to remember and to keep in mind? First thing, find the persons who have almost the same standards you have. View as many profiles as possible to have a wider selection.
Remember, there are so many other people who are also looking for their dream dates so do not miss the chance. Once you have chosen the prospects, it is time that you get to know them. You either chat with them or exchange emails. In this way, you will get to know the person before actually meeting up with him or her. Some people may have different attitudes and personalities that is why you should know well enough if they fit your standards or not. If you are not a very outgoing person, you can try to look for a partner online.
This could build your confidence and then overcome your shyness in the end. Plus, your appearance will just be the next thing to your profile. What does that mean? People will judge you not because of how you look like but on how you interact and socialize. It is not enough that you look good.
Personality is a great factor in liking a person. Most of us would want a sweet and romantic date. So in online dating, you will be able to know a whole lot of people who have the same interests and hobbies as you are. Online dating could let you meet the person that is meant for you. In addition, did you know that 60 to 70% of women are into online dating? Do not waste your time and money on blind dates. The thing is, knowing the person first before the meet up so better trust an online dating site that is reliable and topnotch. These are just some of the online dating tips you can try.
By: Lucy Watson
