1) Online dating is easier for women than it is for men. Men online outnumber women by as many as 3 to 1 on some online sites. Women get far more contacts from an online personal ad than men do, as a result.
2) In order to stand out from the pack, you literally have to stand out. You have a second or less to sell yourself, so every word and picture counts. Choose them carefully.
Here are the do's:
1) Do play up your sense of humor. If possible, play it up in the headline of your ad to catch a woman's attention right away. Some cute examples I've seen recently:
- Tall, Dark, and Something
- Get ready to smile!
- Tiggers Bounce!
- Like my purdy smile?
Or, play up a unique aspect of yourself:
- Right Winger Seeks Right Woman
- Fireman in Search of Flame
- Athletic Chef Seeks Hungry Lady
- The Sky's the Limit (airline pilot)
2) DO use descriptive terms, avoiding generic words like nice, gentleman, fun, funny, and normal. Instead choose words like adventurous, witty, fun-loving, energetic...you get the drift. Take some time and think about aspects of your personality that people tell you are appealing. If nothing springs to mind, ask your friends to suggest words that describe you. Spend 2-3 sentences describing yourself in concrete, interesting terms.
3) DO think about your hobbies, and which of these are going to be activities that you hope to share with a date. Do you really think that the average woman is going to spend her time hunting and fishing? Instead, think about activities that you would LIKE to share with her: biking, hiking, dining out, going to movies, rock-climbing, boating. Spend at least a sentence or two describing the type of date you would like to take her on...preferably something fun and unique. Again, the odds are somewhat against you, so you want to stand out and be memorable.
4) DO demonstrate a sense of humor if you are going to claim you have one. Think of a witty sentence or two that you can include that will make her smile. But be careful, humor is an individualized concept, and it's probably best not to be TOO edgy. Again, run it by a friend if you aren't sure.
5) DO check the spelling and grammar on your ad. If this isn't your strong suit, have a friend help you. Some recent, embarrassing examples that I've encountered:
- Looking for a Honest Women
- A Smile Is A Terrible Thing To Waist
- Man Seeking Relations
6) DO briefly describe the characteristics you are looking for in a woman. Warning: Make sure you aren't describing your dog (loyal, dependable, affectionate). What are your priorities? If you don't know what you are looking for, how will you find it? You're seeking a treasure without a map. If your goals are that unclear, it may in fact be that you aren't really ready to date yet.
7) DO avoid revealing any obvious kinks in your ad unless you are looking for kinky. Don't go into great depth about your sexual performance (unless you are looking only for a sex partner). Don't ask for pictures of toes. Or say the word "touch" (or any variations thereof) more than once.
8) DO use a current photo (current = within the last 12 months). Do use a photo that makes you look attractive. Do consider having a female friend help you pick a photo. Please, for the love of all that is sacred, wear clothing in your picture.
Don't:
- Include a woman in your photo, unless she is your mom or daughter.
- Use a photo where you've obviously trimmed an ex out of half the photo
- Use an obviously posed photo....use an action shot instead.
- Use photos taken with your webcam (showing your face in a disturbing shade of blue reflected from your computer's screen) or cell phone.
- POST A PHOTO OF YOUR GODDAMN PENIS. Ewww...skeezy.
