Dating profile tips: 15 simple but effective ways to make yours stand out

On the hunt for dating profile tips? Yep, creating an online dating profile can be daunting. 

Why? Well, it's not always easy to big yourself up without feeling like you sound conceited or, even worse, desperate. But did you know? One in three couples now finds love online - which means it might be time to up your game when it comes to your dating profile. 

In this fast-paced, social media-dependent world, the Internet is used for everything. From keeping in touch with old school friends, to career networking, to finding a cat-sitter for that weekend away... you know, all sorts. So it only seems logical you would use the good old Internet for finding that special someone, too. 

A bit like the best sex games and best sex positions, dating sites promise to help you spice things up a bit in the bedroom, whether you're looking for romance or a one-time thing. 

With the help of dating expert Charly Lester and Bumble’s sex and relationship expert Doctor Caroline West, you'll be able to perfect your profile game in no time. Our expert advice promises to help - best dating apps at the ready.

Don't miss our guides to the best sex toys, best dildos, and best vibrators, while you're here. Best lube at the ready...

Dating profile tips: how to write a dating profile

1. Ask your friends for help

Get a friend to help you write your profile. Sometimes they know you better than you know yourself. It's also way more fun when you get your friends involved, especially if there is a glass of wine or two.

2. Avoid clichés

Even if you do like 'walking on the beach' or 'drinking wine in front of a roaring fire', leave it out – everyone says that. Think of something interesting that could be a conversation starter. 

One tip I'll never forget: if you add a question at the end of your profile, you'll be able to see if they have actually read everything (and not just scrolled through your photos).

3. Look at other profiles

"If you struggle for inspiration, why not look at a selection of profiles to see what other people are saying?" suggests Lester. "Reading a variety might give you ideas for things to include in your own one."

4. Choose action shots

Wouldn't you know, apparently profile photos that demonstrate you playing your guitar or downhill skiing – even if your face isn’t showing – get more messages. 

Research by Bumble revealed that more than half of daters like photos that show a fun sport or activity. 

5. Stay positive

Avoid negative tones and always be positive about yourself. Your profile is essentially your dating CV. You wouldn’t want a future employer to read anything negative, so why would you want a potential partner to read anything that isn’t positive?

6. Be honest

Lying doesn’t get you anywhere in the dating world. Think about how hurt you'd be if someone you were dating lied to you. Honesty is the best policy. 

7. Be specific

Use specific examples when you're talking to make sure you give a full flavour of who you are. If you love travelling, say where your favourite place is and why. Anything concrete like this brings you alive to anyone reading.

8. Update your bio regularly

Keep your profile up to date. Make the effort to renew your profile on a regular basis with relevant information about yourself.  Dr Caroline West says it's super important to update your bio, especially if your travelling somewhere new - "it's the best way to attract the experiences you are looking for. Make sure to add the dates your in your new spot and which languages your fluent in."

Try this: ask where the best drink or dinner spot is in the place your holidaying. "ending on a question can be a great way to get the conversation flowing", suggests Dr West.

9. Check your grammar

Many people find poor grammar and spelling a turn off, and the best of us can make mistakes, so be careful on this point. If you're not a naturally good speller, let AutoCorrect do the hard work for you.

10. Say cheese

A poll found that 96% of people prefer seeing a big, happy smile in a profile photo than a sexy pout. Interesting...

11. Choose recent photos

If they are more than a year old, don’t use them. One of the most frequent complaints about online dating profiles is "they may have looked like that once but they certainly don’t look like that now". Looking better in the flesh is better than the reverse. 

"Whilst it’s tempting to include a photo you love, make sure it reflects who you are now," says Dr West.

12. Show them the real you

"It’s been proven that the more photos you have on your profile, the more attention it will get," says Lester. "So make the most of that. Include at least a couple of clear head shots, where you’re not wearing sunglasses and you can clearly see your face. I always include at least one full length photo too, so there are no surprises when we meet up in real life."

13. Have fun

Most people want to find someone who can make them laugh, so show people you have a sense of humour. If you can make someone laugh, it’s a great icebreaker and could get your conversation off to a great start.

14. Be the focus

Don’t choose a picture where you are not the main focal point. Dating apps are the place to show who you are, not your latest sunset snap. 

15. Think outside of the box

"If a dating profile asks what you’re looking for, don’t give too much detail. Tell them about the type of relationship you’re looking for, and if you have set deal-breakers like 'must like dogs'. But when it comes to things like height, weight, income, hair colour etc – there is no point listing these things," explains Lester.

"Firstly, it can make you look too unapproachable, even to someone who ticks all the right boxes. And secondly, you’ll be surprised how often people fall for someone who doesn’t tick any of their original boxes." Lester tells us.

How to spot a good date

So, you've read our dating profile tips - now scroll the expert's advice on how to know if you're on to a winner, when you do meet. 

1. Positivity

No negativity on a first date please. If someone mentions anything cynical about relationships or comments about their "annoying" ex, move along. Say their partner cheated - sure, knowing how to cope with being cheated on can be hard, you don’t need the baggage attached that comes with dating someone who's still angry or grieving.

2. No arrogance

Avoid Mr 'It’s All About Me'. It’s good to love yourself but there is a line that should not be crossed.

3. Check their photos

Are they in a bar or nightclub in every shot? If so, don’t contact them if you’re someone who likes to be in bed by 9pm. Late night dates a bit of you? You might want to head to one of London's best rooftop bars together.

4. No waffling

A long and very detailed profile could be an indication of what’s in store when you meet them in person. Nobody likes a waffler.

5. Kindness is key

Look for people with a good character. A profile that mentions family and friends, volunteering, and enjoying spending time with kids is a good sign.

Now you know how to make your dating profile stand out amongst the crowd, why not check out our round-up of the best online dating sites to sign up to?

Looking for something a little less serious? These are the best apps for no strings sex - hello, Tinder - and our guides to the best sex toys and vibrators for solo fun, while you're at it.

But with these dating tips, a date will be in the calendar pretty soon, so make sure to check out our first date tips and first date questions, while you're here. 

Whatever you choose, just follow the advice above and chances are you'll find what you're looking for. Happy online dating!