How To Avoid Basic Dating App Mistakes

Like them or loathe them, dating apps are now the most common way that people make a romantic connection - and, if they’re lucky - meet their soulmate.

The sheer volume of profiles on most major dating sites can be overwhelming, and it’s even more confusing when, despite our best efforts, we don’t get the number of matches we expect. Or when the only people we match with are unsuitable. Or they don’t respond to our messages.

What’s going on? It can be easy to start wondering uneasily what’s wrong with us. But stop there! In the vast, vast majority of cases, problems like this encountered on dating apps can be sorted out with just a little tweaking of our profile or how we go about messaging potential partners.

Assess Your Profile

Many people are guilty of committing the cardinal sin of online dating: not properly completing their profile. Yes, it can be time-consuming and cringe-inducing, but remember: your dating profile is your chance to stand out to potential matches and to get across just why you could be their perfect date. Leaving it blank or sparsely completed is one of the quickest ways to get people swiping left - and it could simply be because, with so many potential matches available on the site, they’d rather make a connection with someone who’s provided some information about themselves. One of the worst mistakes people make on dating apps is not viewing their bio as the golden opportunity it is to highlight your personality, your attributes, and values.

You don’t need to write War and Peace, but just ensure you’ve completed every section as fully as possible and got across just why you’re a great match! And if you can inject a little bit of humor, all the better.

Use Perfect Photos

Another basic dating app mistake that can lead to a serious match drought is using photos that aren’t doing you any favors. There are several types of pictures that are guilty of this. Firstly: group photos. It’s ok to have one group photo, but no more than this, and it definitely shouldn’t be your main profile pic.

With so many profiles to look for and so little time, many people will immediately dismiss a profile featuring a group shot rather than trying to figure out which person in the picture is you. It’s all about optimizing your chances of getting great matches, so up your odds by cutting out shots in which you appear with your friends or family. Your dog is ok, though.

When it comes to your main photo, this should be a clear picture, without filters, that shows your entire face; it can be tempting to use an arty, profile, half-in-shadow shot, but resist. You want your potential matches to know what you look like for realsies, and dating app users are more likely to automatically dismiss profiles featuring main pictures in which the other person’s face can’t be clearly seen.

Proofread Thoroughly

I know - proofreading is neither glamorous nor sexy, but it could do wonders for the success of your dating app profile. Just take a few moments to carefully read through your whole bio and any other text to eradicate any typos or errors. Sure, a misspelling is unlikely to be a dealbreaker, but why take any chances when a thorough read-through is such a quick task?

If you can bear it, it’s also worth getting a close and trusted friend to look through your whole profile and ask them for honest feedback.

Optimize Your Messaging

And finally, now you’re getting plenty of matches, it’s time to make sure that your messaging game is up to speed.

One of the most common mistakes folk make with this side of the online dating game is by sending an opening line that’s not engaging or original enough. With so many active app users, standing out from the crowd in terms of your opening gambit is crucial.

The best way to strike up a successful conversation - which will hopefully ultimately lead to a successful date - is to reference something the person has included in their bio. This is a great way to show you’ve paid attention to their profile and not just been focused on their photos. So, for example, if they mention in their bio that they’re a foodie and love trying new restaurants, you could ask what the best meal out they ever had was.

Use the tips above to upgrade your profile and boost your messaging game to effortlessly make matches and, with a little bit of luck, find love!