3 Musts in an Online Dating Profile

According to Online Dating Magazine, an estimated 20 million are people visiting online dating websites; and you've noticed an increase in failed attempts at creating a successful dating profile. People have to remember, that your profile is your calling card, your first impression, your shot to create a connection in today's social networking arena. With so many people dating and even more doing it online, what chances do you really have of finding love on the internet? Well, it all starts with the first step, and it all begins with your online dating profile.

Should you be funny? Should you disclose your love of kitty calendars? What about hobbies; will they think you're a little odd when you list your beetle collection on your profile, the bug, not the band. Here are three key elements that are needed when creating a successful online dating profile. It might not lead to immediate love, but it will put you on the right path.

1. A catchy and original headline. Consider this your first impression. Do you want to be funny, sophisticated, maybe you want to come across confident, intelligent, even? Create a headline for your online dating profile that'll guarantee traffic; dating is a numbers game after all. A few of the less clicked on dating profiles start off with a boring title. "I'm looking for a date," as your title/headline doesn't set you apart from the rest of the dating world; in fact, it clumps you into the group of online daters with no originality. Give it some thought, be quirky, be funny, and create a headline that causes a chuckle or a laugh, because humor goes a long way. Whatever you post, make sure it's a reflection of things to come. Don't sell yourself as the next Seinfeld only to show up and really be like George Costanza.

2. A clear face and body shot. It's a proven fact that online dating profiles with no photos get clicked on less. People want to see who they're reaching out to. Whatever the reason keeping you from posting an online photograph of yourself, too shy or you want a sense of privacy, understand the statistic-no photo equals less contacts. Once you've join the photo-posting crowd on your dating profile, make sure it's a clear shot and that it's of you alone showcasing both a close up of your face and your entire person. Avoid posting group shots on your profile, this is your time to shine, the moment you want all the focus-and you drive the attention elsewhere when posting a photo of you and all your buddies at the bar or at a company picnic. You don't want people to think you're the sexy blond on the right when you're the sultry redhead on the left-it complicates matters. Keep in mind that it's rare to take a self-portrait , self-timers and tripods can be difficult-not impossible-to use; the solution, use a friend. Having a profile-photo party with a few of your friends can make for a good time and an even better online dating photo. Take several shots and pick the best three to post. You want to make sure to have different shots in your profile; remember; variety is the spice of life.

3. A profile that personifies you. Whether it's your charming personality that wins people over or your inquisitive and curious nature that drives people to you-make sure it comes across in your profile. Yes, it's true that profiles with photos are clicked on and seen 60% more than personal ads with no photographs, but people clicking on your profile want more than just a pretty face. They want a person of substance, a real person. It's your profile that will take them beyond the superficial and explore the possibility of connecting with you. Allowing your personality to shine through with words is not an easy task but it's one that will pay off in the long run. There are many online dating services that will help you in what many consider a daunting task f writing your profile, you may want to consider this if you don't consider yourself a wordsmith. Keep in mind that humor is something most people are attracted to so make sure to be witty or include observational humor in your profile as to increase your chances of getting winked, e-mailed, or contacted--whichever method works on your particular site.