Hearing the words “online dating,” can make us a little skeptical. Yet, over the last few years, this way of meeting prospective dates has become acceptable and extremely popular. So, now you have finally decided to take that leap of faith and post a personal ad to a few different online dating services, such as Match.com or Eharmony.com. Now as you write this ad, you are probably asking yourself, “How can I make myself really stand out from the rest of the crowd?” It is really quite easy.

Hearing the words “online dating,” can make us a little skeptical. Yet, over the last few years, this way of meeting prospective dates has become acceptable and extremely popular. So, now you have finally decided to take that leap of faith and post a personal ad to a few different online dating services, such as Match.com or Eharmony.com. Now as you write this ad, you are probably asking yourself, “How can I make myself really stand out from the rest of the crowd?” It is really quite easy.

Scan through a few different magazines and newspapers. Observe the methods that advertisers, marketers, and copywriters use when creating ads. Keep in mind that these marketers have one goal. They are trying to convince you to buy a product or service. You are doing the same thing. You are marketing yourself to get as many responses as possible.

Personal ads generally have three components:

1. The introduction is the first part of the personal ad. This is the headline. You have only three seconds to grab the attention of the reader, so make this part captivating. It should be short, sincere, and honest.
2. The second part is the personal profile.
v Write as if you are talking to him in person.
v Let him know your personality type.
v Include the qualities you are looking for in a partner.
v Figure out what sets you apart from your competition.
v Use colorful language.
v Be optimistic.
v Don’t come across as arrogant, haughty, pretentious, or derisive.
v Use your own tone.
v Don’t be someone that you are not.
v Don’t show excess baggage.
v Be sure to proofread for grammatical mistakes and misspellings.

Let me emphasize this: Be honest.

3. The conclusion is the last part. Create urgency and excitement here. You need to make him want to drop you an email right there and then.

Don’t forget to include a decent picture of yourself in the profile. Make sure it is updated. No pictures from your high school days are permitted.