How to write an online personal ad that gets results
According to the U.S. Census of 2000, there are more than 100 million unmarried Americans, 27 million live alone, and MSN Dating and Personals claim there are 40 million online dating site users.
How do you get your personal ad to stand out among all those millions of ads out there?
First, decide what you want to get out of placing an online ad. Do you want to meet lesbians who want to settle down or lesbians who want to play the field? Think of your ad as the equivalent of a work resume. You want to appeal to women who are looking for qualities that you have. You also want the women who respond to your ad to match your requirements. When writing your ad be specific and feel free to be lengthy. The more detailed, positive and compelling you make your ad the better your chance at meeting the perfect "one" for you. You only have one first impression, make the best of it.
1) Photos pay-off in responses.
In your quest for love online, do you start off narrowing your searches to photos with ads? Most women probably do the same. Do yourself a favor and upload a photo or two.
When choosing your photo, be sure to pick a recent and complimentary picture of yourself. If you don't have one, use your digital camera's self-timer function or go to your local big box retailer and spend twenty bucks on a studio photo. This minimal investment in yourself will reward you with a higher rate of viewer interest then if you hadn't uploaded your photo.
Depending on the dating website, there may be certain restrictions on the types of photo you can submit. Most of the larger companies, Match.com and EHarmony, do not allow sexually explicit photos. For your typical personals site you'll want to include an attractive total body and close-up photo. To personalize your ad, upload a picture of yourself doing something you love. Fishing, playing guitar, camping, socializing with friends. These personal touches will also make you more accessible, "real" and inviting.
2) Honesty really is the best policy.
In your online search for Ms. Right how many times have you browsed through the ads at Dykefinder and wondered how accurate they were? Like anything else, when you shop online you want what is depicted in the ad to be what you get in "real-life." It's always a big disappointment when you do meet and the woman is nothing like she described in her ad or in her email exchange with you. Get to know the person first by email. Consider a phone call around the fourth email message. A few phone calls combined with the email correspondence should be enough to tell you whether you want to pursue a meeting in person. If you decide to meet, GLBT coffee houses are neutral and safe territory for an introduction, unless your ex works there, than all bets are off.
3) Content is queen.
Like everything else on the web, if your ad isn't compelling who’s going to want to get to know you better? When you're asked, "Tell your potential date about yourself" do not generalize. How many times have you come across an ad that says, "I like long walks on the beach?" Too many I'm sure, and how likely is that to capture your attention? Add more detail to your description. Instead of a long walk on the beach, write something like "Beach bunny enjoys frolicking in the waves and eating shrimp cocktails in the sun." Now you've shared a bit of your wit and eating tastes, this will provide your potential date with more positive and inviting information about you.
When writing about yourself, don't include details about your past relationship. Who wants to read about someone's ex-girlfriend or date someone that hasn't moved on? And keep the sexual references out as well. You want to make an exceptional first impression. If you wouldn't say it to someone at the grocery store, it'd probably be wise to keep it out of your personal ad.
The more information you share in your profile, the more likely you'll get accurate responses from compatible women. If you have a gazillion cats indicate that in your ad. This will keep Miss Cats-Make-Me-Sneeze from inquiring further.
One final word, remember to check your spelling. Misspelled words give the impression that you rushed through your ad or it wasn't important enough to you to take the time to run spell-check.
Still unsure of yourself? Pay someone to write a personal ad for you!
With such a large population of singles in the world, it's no surprise that businesses have started to cater to online singles looking for love and romance. Two companies, Look Better Online and Personals Trainer, offer to make-over your personal ad for a fee. If you're really hurting for something to write or have a mental block when it comes to talking about yourself, these two online vendors may be the ticket to your next relationship.
Look Better Online: $49.95 to review profile, $99.95 to write profile
Personals Trainer: $39.95 to analyze profile, $159.95 to write profile
*IPHIS is not affiliated with any of the companies listed in this article.
