HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR DATING APP PROFILE
Out of the dozens of dating apps out there, one thing holds true: they all require a user profile for you to start connecting with other users and hopefully finding a love match. Of course the apps have their issues - namely, a gamified, dopamine-sparking experience that feeds upon our deepest insecurities as humans along with a pay-to-play model that only benefits the tech CEOs overseeing these abusive strategies - but we use them nonetheless because they provide more access to potential partners than you could feasibly meet in everyday life.
Whatever app you choose to use, you will need a user profile that introduces you and your most attractive, unique traits to all these potential future partners. Regardless of what platform you’re using to meet people, these are the most important elements to consider when creating an effective dating app profile.
How to choose the best dating app photos
Dating apps are a purely visual medium and users with the best photos (who also pay the premium fees to boost their profile views) typically get the most traction on the apps. In his book Modern Romance, Aziz Ansari works with research psychologists to break down what makes best dating app profile photos for men and women. These tips and observations were based on studies and surveys with dating app users and reveal some basic truths that you may have already noticed:
For women:
It’s good to have at least one photo that’s taken from a higher angle so it’s pointing down
Have a photo where you’re pretend to “flirt” with the camera rather than straightforward smiling
For men:
Look away from the camera and don’t smile
Men who take photos with dogs tend to do better on the apps
Other than these researched observations, you can also consider:
Full-body photos of yourself doing a fun, interesting activity. Bonus if it’s an actual hobby of yours like rock climbing, hiking, or anything outdoorsy
Formal wear photos
Casual or candid photos
Make sure all your photos are recent, well-lit, in-focus, and show you smiling at the camera. Also avoid photos that include you wearing sunglasses or a hat - you want to show your whole face and not hide any of your gorgeous features!
How to write the best personal summary/description for dating apps
Again, dating apps are a visual medium, so no one is looking to read the next great American novel while swiping. But you do need to describe yourself in a way that makes you stand out from other profiles and highlights your unique personality traits.
While there are specific prompts that help you describe yourself via hobbies, occupation, education, and interests, you should also consider showcasing your values, what you look for in a partner, and what would make you a great partner.
If you volunteer regularly, you should mention that you’re community-oriented and believe in giving back. If you’re family-oriented, you can describe how much you enjoy spending weekends with nieces and nephews. If you’re ambitious and entrepreneurial, you can mention a business you recently launched or a course you’re taking to enhance your skill-set.
The number one rule with dating is “know thyself,” and this extends into dating apps. The better you know yourself, your values, and what you’re looking for, the better you’ll be able to craft a profile that adequately captures your best traits AND attracts the right people to your profile.
