Online Dating: How To Create The Best Profile

Your online profile is your opportunity to stop a great man in his online tracks and become the type of woman that he is willing to fight for – and by fight, I mean fight for your attention. This is your time to shine! We live in an age where there’s a camera in everyone’s pocket, so people expect pictures. And if you’re going to put up a picture, it needs to be damn good!

I’ve been given out to loads of times about how superficial I am, but singles need to understand that visual chemistry is everything at the start, especially online. You’re a fabulous person on the inside, but he doesn’t know that because he doesn’t know you – you’re behind a computer screen, so all he has is your picture and your profile.

As a rule of thumb, you are only as good as your worst picture. That may seem harsh, but online dating can be a very shallow world. The standard of the pictures that people put up online is shocking. Remember, you’re trying to lure a man, not use an online dating site for your latest holiday pics – put those on Facebook instead.

To get a better man, you need a better photo. Period. I have even sent some clients to a professional photographer, as no amateur can rival a professional for lighting and angles. Their job is to make you look good. There are loads of studios that also do your hair and make-up for a good price, and I highly recommend them. If you are low on funds it’s a great present, so ask your friends to buy it for you for your next birthday. Believe me, it’s worth it. Plus having your picture taken and getting your hair and make-up done for the shoot makes you feel wonderful and is great for your self-esteem.

Just one last bit of advice: corporate photos won’t do! The guy has to imagine what you would look like on a date if he was to ask you out, so dress in date attire.

I recommend three pictures. A smiley, seductive headshot is great as one of the three, but if you only show your face, many guys assume you’re hiding something. The man wants to see the whole package. So how are you going to promote yourself? Look at your photos and ask yourself what that photo says about you. You may need to ask a friend for their opinion too. Be brutally honest!

Avril Mulcahy

Author of Go Get Him!

Online Profile Picture Dos & Don’ts

Dos:

• Wear date attire.

• Feminine, sexy and figure-hugging dresses are best.
• Have at least three pictures. You can just use one photo and then offer the other pics to men you’re interested in. Plus it will make them feel special that you are only sending this pic to them.
• Make sure your packaging is right – your hair, make-up, etc.
• This isn’t surprising, but men really do prefer profiles of women who show cleavage. Your cleavage is part of your body, so you don’t need to cover it up. Keep it classy, but a push-up bra can make all the difference.
• Understand your body shape to make the most of your assets and downplay your flaws. In other words, don’t wear anything that accentuates your negatives – if you have bad arms, wear long sleeves.
• If you don’t have a picture, get a professional photographer to take one for you.
• Stand out from the crowd with unusual jewellery or accessories, that picture of you with a celebrity or a photo with a cool backdrop.
• Most importantly, remember to smile!

No gos:

• Don’t post a picture of you with a drink in your hand.

• Don’t look serious, sad or corporate.
• Don’t post a picture of you with a group of friends (they may in fact fancy one of your friends!).
• Don’t post a picture of you doing sports. You aren’t going to wear your tracksuit on the date!
• Don’t post a picture of you with other men (men are turned off by this).
• Don’t show too much skin – stay classy.
• Don’t look bland.

This is an extract from Go Get Him. Everything You Need to Know to Create the Love You Want by Avril Mulcahy.

Avril Mulcahy is Ireland’s premier modern matchmaker, blending traditional matchmaking with modern day technology, psychology and know-how. Formerly a public relations guru with a BComm and MA in Public Relations and a licensed NLP coach, Avril is now one of Ireland’s leading authorities on dating and relationships and helps singles across Ireland and the world find dating success and love.

Go Get Him is now available in bookshops nationwide (RRP €12.99) & in the Gill Books Online Shop (€10.39) - Buy Now! Also available as an eBook.