Research shows that over 8 million women visit various online dating sites looking for that perfect man. The sad part about that is research also shows that out of every 10 men who post a personal ad on a dating site, only 3 of them will get a response.

In most cases, the reason for this low success rate is many people don’t put the proper time into creating their profile. If you have come to the decision that you are ready to look for a mate online, you need to make a commitment to yourself to post the best possible ad.

Here is a quick list of 10 things to consider when creating an online dating profile.

1. Commit that you will spend time creating your profile.


Don’t just sit down and fill out the template without putting any thought into your answers. I recommend printing out the template and working on it by hand. Once you’re done, set it aside for a few days and then revisit it to make sure it conveys the message you’re hoping to send.

2. Research other profiles on the site.


Go through your “competition” and see which ads you find interesting. What is it about those profiles that draw you in? You don’t need to copy their exact profile, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. If you find a profile interesting, odds are that most other people will as well. Copy the format that their using, but make sure to add in the things that make you tick.

3. Be honest.


If you’re only 5′6″, don’t write that you are 6′0″ tall. Eventually you are going to be found out. If you are really the kind of guy that prefers watching the game with a few friends over a couple of beers, you’re not doing yourself any favors by advertising yourself as a theater goer who enjoys fine wine and dining.

4. Spend as much time as you can on your opening headline.


It is the most important part of the entire profile. Case studies show that you have about 3 seconds to capture someone’s interest with a headline. Come up with something that will draw people in and separates you from your “competition”.

5. State your intentions.


Are you looking for Mrs. Right, Mrs. Almost Right, or Mrs. Right Now?

6. Post a Picture.


For those of you who are self-conscious, this can be a very intimidating process. Almost all of us have issues with our appearance, but statistics show that people at least 5 to 10 times more likely to click on a profile with a picture than one without. Keep the picture simple. Use a recent headshot, and make sure to smile!

7. Be descriptive.


Which ad is more interesting?

Ad 1: I’m interested in having a nice dinner and then taking in a movie. I also enjoy music and watching TV.

Ad 2: I really enjoy catching a bite to eat at the Olive Garden, having a glass or two of wine, and then heading over to the movies to catch the latest comedy film. I love going to concerts, and the best shows I’ve seen recently were The Police and Led Zeppelin. I enjoy hanging around the house, and I get drawn in every time a Seinfeld rerun comes on.

The second ad tells the person a lot more about you, and gives them a great insight into what makes you tick. I know now that you enjoy funny movies, you like Italian food, you enjoy a glass of wine, you like Rock and Roll, and your a closet Seinfeld fan. It’s hard to tell you share the smae interests as the person in AD 1 because they aren’t telling you too much. F0r example, music tastes can vary from classical, to country, to Rock, but Ad 1 doesn’t give you any insight.

8. Avoid using cliches to describe yourself.


Dating sites are full of profiles that describe themselves as “having a good sense of humor” or find themselves to be “caring and sensitive”. If you feel you do have a great sense of humor, make an effort to have that come through in your writing.

9. Use proper punctuation and spelling.


This is not a text message you are creating. It is an advertisement about you. Treat it the same way you would treat a resume. It gives the appearance that you are organized and serious about your intentions.

10. Pick a user name that is appropriate.


How many ladies are going to click on a user name like “crazybill” or “stonecoldkiller”? These names make women think of social deviants. The same rule applies to women. User names like “boytoy” or “sexkitten” give men a certain impression, and they will usually avoid them when looking for a long term companion; however, if you’re in the market for “Mr. Right Now”, these will achieve your purpose.