Tips for online dating success

People have always looked for ways to enrich and improve their lives by finding a friend, lover or partner. However, in our busy modern world, it can be difficult to find time and energy to meet a partner the conventional way. That's why internet dating has become so enormously popular for singles all over the world. And it's not hard to see why. More and more people turn to dating websites: both paid and free dating sites, rather than traditional places like churches, social clubs and friends' circles.

The internet offers a fast communication system. People with a common interest can almost immediately start messaging others looking for the same thing. The internet is an extremely time saving, cost effective, economical and anonymous medium. You don't have to a be rich, high profile movie star or a well known sports person to be on the internet and meeting people. Everyone is equal in cyberspace, and everyone has an equal chance to succeed. That is, if you know how!

It all comes down to knowledge and expertise. No matter how great and trendy the technology is, it is you who has to make use of the knowledge, and only you can take the initiative. Technology only helps us, as a means to make dating services quicker and often cheaper than what was once possible.

Online dating success is more likely when you have polished practical communication skills. There is no single solution for effective online conversation with another person. In the article that follows, I've listed some important points to get you started. And of course the more points you follow, the more you will succeed at internet dating.

Let's start with your own profile on an internet dating website (most dating websites require that you set up a 'profile' about yourself, to display to others who are searching for someone). What you've written in your profile's self-description is very important.

You may start a great online conversation with someone you like, but if they look at your profile and see a clumsy presentation (like thousands other profiles), I guarantee the conversation will not last long!

A poorly-written profile gives the impression that you're not serious about dating. And remember, you profile doesn't have to be 100 sure the other person has a similar view. Be creative and add some funny sentences to your messages. This will keep your online friend attracted to you, and they will want to continue the conversation.

Don't wait for other people to contact you. Make an effort to start a conversation with someone whose profile caught your eye.

Be determined to achieve your goal. Start by making a realistic plan, perhaps breaking it into measurable steps first. Approach online dating with a positive attitude. Something like: 'I will only leave this particular dating site when I've met someone I really like.'

Write individualised messages to people you contact. Don't send impersonal, generic or ready-made messages. People spot these right away, usually by the way text mis-aligns in your message (text that has been copied and pasted has different alignment). Or by content that might not be relevant to their profile details.

Write a few sentences in your messages. Don't just say 'hi, how are you? or 'hi, you look gorgeous!' People receive lots of short messages, and they won't be impressed if you send yet another one.

Avoid writing long messages. It can annoy people as much as short one. It's a mistake to write a long message containing everything you want to say. Bear in mind what the other person wants to hear! An overly long or self-indulgent message will often not receive a reply.

Show the person you chatting with that you care about them. It will put you in a better position than other candidates. Do this by being empathetic, and interested in their life.

Contact one person at a time. Doing this means you'll be more prepared, and more focused. If you're more prepared, you're more likely to receive a reply, which could lead to a ongoing conversation online.

Always have your best photos displayed in your profile. Update them regularly. Make sure there are a few of them. At least one must be a recent portrait. One full-length photo is also a good idea. It's a bonus if you're smiling in the photos! Having photos online will considerably increase traffic and therefore your chances of meeting someone. People often reluctant to contact somone without a photo.

Be prepared to follow-up on every message you send. If the person you're contacting hasn't replied in a few days, write another message, and keep it friendly. Don't be demanding. Tell the person you're waiting for a reply and you'd like to hear from them, so you can hear whether they are not interested in you, or not. Don't keep sending further messages if you don't receive a reply to your second message. Some people will only send a reply IF they are interested in you. If you don't hear from someone, you can assume it is a 'no' from them.

The last and one of the most important tip is never give up. This is easier said than done! Remember that persistence brings success - there are no shortcuts. Keep in mind that online dating does work - many people have met their marriage partner from dating websites.

Follow the above tips to increase your chances of online dating success. Once you gain experience and polish, you will definitely see results. Happy dating!