Writing an online dating profile can be one of the most cringe inducing tasks we ever do. However, if, like millions of others, you want to be part of the internet dating boom, then you will need to learn how to write one. Writing a profile isn't something you should rush, and this article covers some of the points you should take into account when writing your internet dating profile.

The internet dating profile is like the classified ad of days gone by. Instead of five acronym laden lines in a newspaper ad, you will be expected to write a couple of paragraphs. This, in addition to your photograph, is what 'sells' you. Speaking of the photograph, some people may be wary about posting their photograph to a dating site, and may hold off doing so. That is fine - internet dating still works without a photograph. However, don't expect anyone with a photograph to reply to your messages. In the undocumented hierarchy of the dating site, those without photographs are usually snubbed by those with photographs...

Typically, an internet dating profile will require you to write about who you are and what you are looking for. There will be countless checkboxes where you can exclude a certain group of people, for example single parents or smokers. Fill these out carefully, as it will help to reduce the number of waste-of-time dates you go out on.

The descriptive answers are always the hardest to answer on the dating profile questionnaire. Most people find it very difficult to write about themselves knowing it will be in full view of millions of strangers. The best way to get ideas is to look at the other profiles of the members on the site who are looking in the same category as you are. If you spend a couple of hours reading those profiles, you will definitely get a good idea of what decent and poor profiles look like.

Always be positive about yourself. I remember reading a profile once where the person said they could do with losing a few pounds. This is dating suicide - if you don't have a high opinion of yourself, why should anyone else? The issue here is not about being overweight; it's about admitting to potential suitors that you are unhappy with the way you look, and that comes across as very negative.

Don't take yourself too seriously when writing your profile. Your profile represents your online image, and you don't want to put people off by being over pretentious. Think about some of the most famous movie stars in the world. Most of them come across as crackpots - they always have some crazy religious/diet/workout fad on the go, and take themselves way too seriously. Whether you are male or female, when writing a profile think of yourself as the George Clooney of the dating world; he never takes himself too seriously and as a result the media love him.

Writing an online dating profile is nowhere near as difficult as it seems. Follow the advice above and you won't go far wrong...

About the Author

Julie Westbrook is an expert in the field of Internet Dating, and has recently launched a new site at http://www.Internet-Dating-Lowdown.com which aims to cover all aspects of the online dating experience for both men and women. Can't decide which dating site to go for? Why not try http://www.best-internet-dating-site.com