Your profile is your first impression. A few thoughtful touches can make the difference between a profile that is quietly skipped over and one that starts friendly conversations. Here is how to make yours stand out for the right reasons.
Start with a clear idea of who you are looking for
Before you type a word, decide what you actually want. Are you looking for friendship and chat first? Other couples for socialising? Singles to meet for a drink? The clearer you are, the more likely you are to hear from people who want the same thing.
Choose your photos with care
Photos matter more than anything else on a profile. A few guidelines:
- Use clear, recent pictures. Natural light and a relaxed smile go a long way.
- Show your face if you are comfortable doing so. Members tend to reply more to people they can picture. If you would rather stay private at first, that is fine, but say why in your bio.
- Show you as you are. Pictures that look like you on a good day build far more trust than heavily filtered ones.
- Include a mix. A friendly headshot, a full-length photo and something that hints at your personality, such as a hobby or a favourite place.
- Keep it tasteful. A profile that shows warmth and confidence tends to get more genuine replies than one that tries too hard.
- Never use someone else's pictures. Honesty is the foundation of everything in the lifestyle.
If you are a couple, make sure both of you appear in at least one photo so people know who they will be meeting.
Write a bio that sounds like a person
A short, warm bio beats a long one. Aim for a few friendly paragraphs that cover:
- Who you are. Your first names or nicknames, roughly where you are based and a little about your life.
- What you enjoy. Hobbies, food, music, travel or whatever makes you laugh.
- What you are looking for. Be as clear and kind as you can about the sort of people and connections you hope to find.
- How you like to go about it. For example, "We like to chat first and meet for a drink before anything else."
Humour helps. A bio that makes someone smile is far more memorable than a list of requirements.
Be honest about your boundaries
Saying what you are not looking for is every bit as helpful as saying what you are. A simple line such as "We go at our own pace and always chat first" tells people what to expect and puts you in control. It also makes it easier for others to be respectful from the start.
Avoid common mistakes
- Copy and paste bios. People can tell, and a bit of personality works wonders.
- Vague or empty profiles. "Ask us anything" gives people nothing to reply to.
- Long lists of demands. Be clear, but stay friendly.
- Rushing. Take your time over your profile. You can edit it whenever you like.
Reply like you mean it
A great profile is only half the picture. When someone writes to you, reply with more than a one-word answer, ask a question about them and keep the conversation relaxed. If someone is not a match, a polite "thank you, but we will pass" is always appreciated.
Keep it fresh
Update your photos and bio every now and then. Members tend to take a profile that has been looked after more seriously than one that has not changed in months.
Ready to put this into practice? Create your profile in a few minutes, say what you are looking for and start exploring our members.
Have a question? Our FAQ and glossary are a good place to start.