Let’s face it, most people using dating apps are making swipe left-swipe right decisions in an instant. Our fingers are finely attuned to flick left or hit “X” for a myriad of reasons. Some of these reasons may be shallow like, nope I’m only into blondes, next. Or, strangely personal like, Oof no more Ashley’s for me, swipe left!
But a lot of reasons people pass on potentials on dating apps are more widespread, and can be mitigated against with a well-written profile and smart picture choice.
Here are some ways to make sure that you’re getting as many matches as possible:
App Choice
First and foremost, your choice in app makes a big difference. Some apps, like Tinder, are extra-prone to the lightning-fast, mindless swiping. Try an app like Flutter that focuses on high quality matches, and encourages daters to treat each match as what they are — an actual person!
Bio
This should be obvious, but write a bio! Many people swipe left on blank bios by default, so you’re sorting yourself out by not writing anything.
Chill on the emoji usage. Seeing a grown-ass adult with a profile like …. 🍷 ⚽️ 🏄♀️ 🧀 ⚾️ ✈️ ⛳️🧘♀️ 🥞 🌴 🎨 🎲 🚗 is not a good look.
Be specific! If you list generic, trendy things in your profile like “Love to travel. Just a Jim looking for my Pam”, you’re going to get lost in the swaths of other boring, unoriginal profiles. Think about what makes you unique. You’re an eclipse chaser? You won your hometown’s chili cook-off? You sing with an a cappella group on the weekends? Great! Let other people know about your quirks.
Don’t be negative on your profile. Phrases like “Swipe left if you ____” or “Tired of all the games” give off a prickly vibe. You want to encourage swipes with inclusion, not exclusion.
Be honest, because you want your matches to actually be compatible. If you’re not looking for something serious right now, make that clear. If you’re looking for someone who’s religious, say that. More honesty = more likely that you’ll attract the right people for you.
App
Include a variety of pictures, including at least one full-body shot. Profiles with only close-up selfies are not going to do well because you’re left wondering what this person actually looks like.
Speaking of selfies, try to limit the mirror selfies, especially shirtless gym selfies. It’s just tacky.
Minimize pictures with sunglasses on. People want to see your eyes.
Don’t overdo it with the group shots. No one likes to swipe through 5 photos and still not be sure which one is the actual person. Most of your pictures should be of only you, or with someone else who is very obviously not you (like your mom or dad).
Smile! It’s an easy way to give off good energy. We’re more attracted to people who are smiling.
Choose pictures with a story. A picture of you in a lush jungle or of you grinning ear-to-ear at Oktoberfest is much more likely to be a “hook” than a bland selfie.
Bottom line: be authentic to your true self and put a little time into crafting your bio and choosing your pictures. Don’t be afraid to show off what makes you really unique and don’t be afraid to be specific! For the best success, your dating app profile should present an interesting and appealing snapshot into you, so you can rise above the chaff and make other daters pause and think, Ooh wait, this one’s interesting and wow look at that picture on Mt. Everest!*swipes right*.