5 Proven Ways to Succeed with Online Dating

Online dating has truly changed the way we meet new people. It’s opened up so much possibility for our love lives, but can be difficult to navigate. We’ve compiled a list of some few tips to guarantee you success with online dating.

Choose the right app

First, you need to choose the right app or site. And there are a lot of dating sites out there. Match, Hinge, Tinder, Zoosk, Grindr, too many to list honestly. And the niches are extensive. There are sites specializing in matching singles by religion, lifestyle, you name it. Based on your preferences, and what kind of arrangement you’re looking for, there’s definitely an app or site out there for you.

If casual hookups are more your thing, then Tinder may be the one for you, or if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, then Her may be for you. Check out this dating app guide by Miingle for more.

Ace your profile

Okay now you’ve chosen your app, now comes the profile. Your profile can really make or break your online dating experience, so it’s crucial to get it right. You want your profile to communicate who you are, what your interests are, and what you’re looking for. Thankfully, most dating sites display all of these things in a convenient way on your profile.

The photos you use are crucial, as shallow as it is, in finding a good match. It’s the first thing that a potential match will see, so you need to make it a good one. We recommend going for natural shots that show you smiling, and that give insights into your interests (dogs never hurt). Show off your personality, and try not to take yourself too seriously – it’s the unique profiles that’ll get the genuine matches.

For your profile’s bio, you want to hit a good balance between giving essential information such as your age and location, and getting across your interests and personality. Don’t be afraid to be honest and unique too!

Generic sentences like “I love dogs” aren’t going to get you very far. Think outside the box with your dating profile, and think about what you want your potential boo to know about you if they come across your profile. What kind of person do you want to attract? What kind of conversation do you want to spark with them? These are great things to consider when writing your profile. Remember that your online dating profile isn’t an audition or CV, you just want to be honest and sincere.

Start reaching out

Once you have the profile down, it’s time to start matching! Keep an open mind when swiping through your dating app of choice – you never know who you may have a connection with. We recommend spending time actually reading people’s profiles because it’s their interests, values and personality that will sustain a conversation, and potentially a relationship, not just a pretty face.

It’s one thing matching with someone, but a whole different ballgame actually speaking to them. It can be daunting making the first move, but the key is making it personal. Don’t just send out generalised first messages such as “Hey”, because they are not going to make you stand out. Think about how many messages they may receive, you don’t want to be lost in a list of “hey”’s.

When speaking to any matches, picking the right topic can swing that first conversation. If you and your match have any interests in common, then use them! A little social media research doesn’t hurt here either – so try to find out if they’ve travelled to anywhere you’ve been or want to go? Do they listen to similar music to you? Speaking about something you both have an interest in is a surefire way to start an interesting conversation that you’ll both enjoy. In addition, you’ll probably feel less nervous and awkward too by speaking about your passions.

Get to know them

After you’ve established that you like each other and want to take things further, you have the opportunity to get to know them. In the times we’re in at the moment, we have more time than ever to do so, and it can be a great chance to lay down some foundations for a post-lockdown world.

Using FaceTime, Skype, or however you like to video chat, spend some time really talking to each other. This way, you’ll not only build up a relationship but if things aren’t meant to be, you can find out quicker. Speaking about a wide range of topics means that if you do have any clashes over important things like fundamental values, at least you won’t have wasted much money!

Be creative during lockdown

The last way to succeed with online dating is to be creative. Whilst we are confined to our homes, and can’t meet up or go on physical dates, don’t let that stop you from finding love. There are so many ways to recreate IRL dates over the phone or computer, it just takes a little creativity.

Many museums and galleries have started to offer free virtual tours, which is a great idea for a different date idea, where you can video chat while “walking around”. You could do something creative together like painting or crafts while on video chat. Netflix party allows you to Netflix and chill together with ease, no more trying to hit the play button at the same time. You could even send your date some money to buy some nice food and wine, both dress up nicely and have a dinner date over the phone!

We know the online dating world can be intimidating, and a little overwhelming, especially if you aren’t having much luck with it. But, with these 5 tips, you’re sure to succeed with online dating – just remember to be yourself and to not take everything so seriously. It’s meant to be fun, and can really change your life.