Why Your Dating App Profile Isn’t Working | Insider Tips to Stand Out

updating dating profile

As experts in the dating app arena, we’ve seen our fair share of profiles —the good, the bad, and the ones that are just kinda…there. If you’re finding that your dating app profile isn’t getting the attention or matches you hoped for, nay, deserve, you are far from alone!

But don’t do anything drastic like delete your profile or give up on love! We’re coming to your romance rescue with insider tips to help you totally revamp your profile, making it not just work, but stand out. Welcome to our crash course—stick with us, and you’ll be getting noticed in no time!


The Profile Pic: Much More Than a Pretty Face

Okay, First things first, let’s talk photos. We all know that pictures are important, maybe too important, on dating apps, but it’s not solely about looking good. Your photos should also tell a story—your story. Here’s how to make each photo on your profile count:

profile pic
  • Diversify Your Photos: Include a mix of close-ups, full-body shots, and activity photos. Show yourself doing things you love, whether that’s hiking, painting, or enjoying a night out with friends. It’s about showcasing your interests and personality.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Blurry, low-light, or heavily filtered photos can be a turn-off. Go for for high-quality, clear images that show you in the best light.
  • Smile: It sounds simple, but a genuine smile goes a long way in making you appear friendly and approachable.

The Bio Breakdown: Your Story Should Sell

Your bio is a great way to attract interest and curiosity from other singles. And a great bio? Well, that can make someone swipe right because they want to know more, not just because they like how you look in your photos! Here are a few solid pointers for crafting a swipe-worthy bio:

bio
  • Keep It Light and Upbeat: Focus on what you enjoy and what you’re looking for. Stay far away from any negativity or making a laundry list of things you don’t want.
  • Be Specific: Vague statements like “I love music” don’t say much. Instead, specify your favorite artists or the last live concert you saw—specifics make you more relatable and interesting.
  • Show Your Humor: If you’re funny, let it out in your bio. A super clever quip or a witty observation can make your profile memorable.
  • Ask a Question: Ending your bio with a question can be a great conversation starter/icebreaker and makes it so much easier for someone to send that all-important first move—the first message.

Making the First Move: Convo Starters That Work

Now we are getting to the good stuff—sending that initial message to a match. Yes, it’s scary. But you’re on a dating app for a reason, so shoot your shot in the DMs! This is your chance to make a good second impression. Here are some tips to break the ice effectively:

convo
  • Personalize Your Message: Show that you’ve read their profile by commenting on something specific—this says you mean business and put in the effort.
  • Open With a Question: Ask about their interests, experiences, or something related to their profile. You want to get a response and a simple “Hey” is not gonna cut it with most people.
  • Be Genuine: Being real is attractive, so tell them a bit about yourself or why you were drawn to their profile.

Interests and Hobbies: The Compatibility Keys

Specific interests and hobbies aren’t just padding for your profile; they’re potential points of connection. Here’s how to leverage them:

interests
  • Be Honest and Mix it Up: List a bunch of your interests to show that you like different things—this really increases the chances of finding common ground with potential compatible matches.
  • Use Them as Filters: Your eclectic hobbies can attract like-minded singles and could just be the thing that makes someone swipe right.

The Devil’s in the Details: Fine-Tuning Your Profile

Oftentimes, it’s the little things that can make a cosmic difference. Paying attention to small details can drastically improve your profile’s overall impact:

edit profile
  • Update Regularly: Keep your profile up to date by periodically updating your photos and bio. This shows you’re active and engaged on the app and want to meet someone special.
  • Check for Typos: Poor spelling or grammar can be off-putting. A quick proofread goes a long way.
  • Be Inclusive and Respectful: Make sure your profile is welcoming to all. Do this by avoiding statements that could be seen as exclusionary or possibly offensive.

Champion Authenticity: Being the Real You

In a massive arena of super-curated profiles, realness is like a breath of fresh air. Here’s why being the real you matters so much:

being you
  • Attract the Right Matches: By being authentic, you’re much more likely to attract people who appreciate you for who you are, leading to better connections.
  • Confidence is Attractive: There’s something inherently attractive about someone who is comfortable in their own skin and unafraid to show their true self.

The Feedback Loop: Learn From Experience

Don’t be afraid to tweak your approach based on your past experiences!

feedback
  • Ask for Feedback: If you’re comfortable enough, you can always ask friends or matches for their honest opinions on your profile.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new photos or rewrite parts of your bio. Sometimes, even the tiniest changes can have a big impact on your profile’s success.

Takeaways

Having “success” on dating apps isn’t just about getting matches; it’s about finding and connecting with someone who gets you, and could hopefully become a part of your life! By following our insider tips and putting a little extra thought into your profile, you’re not just upping your chances of getting noticed; you’re also inching closer to finding those real connections that make the swiping worth it.

Molly Davis
Molly Davis

Molly is an East Coast writer who lives on West Coast time. She’s been in the journalism field for over 20 years — newspapers are her first love but she’s finding digital media to be just as fun and challenging as print! When she’s not giving therapist-quality dating advice, she’s curled up watching movies, reading, or volunteering at local dog shelters.