Whether it’s writing that personal essay or choosing your main default photo, every online dater struggles with filling out their profile. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Where do I begin?” or “How do I stand out?” No need to kvetch though, the good news is that both are common questions and both are easily answered! Here are three easy ways to create an online dating profile that packs a positive punch!

1. Pick a Standout Username

Your username is like your smile – it’s the first thing other daters see. So, pick a username that shines as bright as your pearly whites! You can easily do that by choosing something short, catchy, and memorable. Pick a username that will attract the kind of people you want to go out with. Funny always gets attention, but so does heartfelt and honest.

Are you in shape and devoted to your yoga routine? How about calling yourself, YogaFanatic717? Or, have you recently relocated to the West Coast from the East? Use this info when you choose your username by picking something like East2West. Whatever you do, don’t pick anything depressing or negative like URFutureExHubby or LovelessinLA. Simply choose a name that is the best reflection of you.

To help you get a better idea of what we mean, here are a few examples of both good and not-so-good usernames:

Good Usernames	Not-So-Good Usernames
TotalMensch	InsaneInTheMembrane92
DancingQueen23	LovelessInLA
East2West	NYPlaya
YogaFanatic717	URFurtureExHubby
GoldenPupperLove	MamasBoy3000

2. Stay Visible

When other 100hookuprs® do a search, many of them sort their search results by “last members to login.” So, if you want to be seen (and not left at the bottom of the barrel), it’s best to stay active on the site and log in as often as possible!

There are plenty of other ways to stay visible to daters. First, consider updating your profile pictures. When you add new pictures, other users are sure to be intrigued by your latest addition. You know how you check out your friend’s Facebook page when they update their profile photo? It’s the same thing! Next, answer a few Kibitz Corner questions. Not only will you be featured in the answers section, but other daters will get a better idea of who you are as a person. Sounds like a win-win to me! Finally, sign in to Instant Messaging so your profile shows up as “online now” when other members search for people who are interested in chatting. Who knows, maybe your Beshert will come along via IM!

3. Write a Great Essay

Snappy essays are one of the best ways to stand out in the dating crowd and, more importantly, the best way to attract the right person for you. The key to writing a great essay? Just like a really great shoe, it’s all in the details (forgive me, but you know I was going to make a fashion reference eventually)! The best part is that the details are all about you, so it should be simple! What do you like to do in your free time? What are your greatest achievements? What is your favorite sports team? Start with easy questions like these and then share your story! Here are a few more key elements to writing a standout essay:

• Write like you talk

Be conversational as you write. Pretend you’re hanging out with your best friends, telling them exactly what’s on your mind. Each reader who checks out your profile will feel that personal touch, and will ultimately feel at ease as they read through your “About Me” section.

• Get specific

Including as many details as possible makes your essay even easier to visualize. The next time you feel the need to write, “I like to go hiking” in your essay, follow up with, “I like to go hiking with friends. When we go on extended trips, I take a 30-pound backpack, a relief map, my guitar and a case of beer and we set up camp near a river or lake for some excitement in the great outdoors!”

• Keep it current

Feel free to update your essays whenever you have a new idea or something new happens in your life. If you see a great movie that’s made your top ten list, add something about why you like it. If you go on an African safari, describe it with a roar! If you get a new mountain bike, suggest a ride as a date idea.

• Use spell check

Bad grammar is not sexy!

Put these three easy tips into effect today and I bet your profile will get more attention. When it comes to your online dating profile, you definitely get what you give. So give it some attention so you can get some attention in return!

Xo,

Rachel

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