1. Be upfront about what you’re looking for

The first thing to remember is that you need to be honest about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for someone who’s happy to date someone with kids, say so. If you’re clear about what kind of relationship you’re looking for, then you’ll get attention from the kind of people you’d like to meet.

2. Write about what makes you unique

There’s something about you that makes you interesting and unique. Maybe you run hobby conventions, or compete in windsurfing competitions. Whatever it is, put that right up front in your dating profile. You want to stand out from everyone else, so show readers why they should choose you.

3. Avoid clichés

How many times have you read the phrase ‘romantic walks on the beach’ in dating profiles? It’s a cliché, and it doesn’t tell you anything about the writer. All it is doing is showing that they don’t know what to put in their profile. That’s why you need to avoid clichés.

4. Check your grammar and spelling

Nothing turns off a reader faster than poor spelling or grammar. It can make you look uneducated and sloppy, which obviously you don’t want. If you’re worried about your spelling, you have lots of options for help.

5. Have a friend check your writing

Once you’ve written your profile, before publishing it it’s a good idea to have a friend read it over. This means that they can pick up on spelling and grammatical errors that you may have missed. It also means they’ll be able to suggest edits. You’re friends for a reason, so they’ll paint you in the best light possible.

6. Don’t make demands

You have an idea of what your perfect partner looks like, and that’s fine. However, when writing your profile, don’t make demands of what they should be. If you write that they should be 6 feet tall and fit, you’re going to put off people who don’t fit that description but could be perfect for you.

7. Show, don’t tell

You’re not writing a resume, so don’t just list out everything that makes you interesting. Tell the reader a story. You want to show them why you’re such a catch, rather than just bombard them with facts. For example, you could start by talking about your last big fishing catch, and lead into why the outdoors is so important to you.

8. Don’t talk yourself down

You may think yourself deprecation is funny, but it can come off as insecure. You’re writing a profile to big yourself up, not put yourself down. It’s important to keep a tone between boasting and insecurity. Tell the reader why you’re such a good person, but don’t brag or boast about your accomplishments.

9. Be honest

Most importantly, you must be honest in your online dating profile. In a sense, you are advertising yourself. You want people to read your profile and then decide to get in touch. They’re going to be upset and annoyed if it turns out you’re not what you said you are. Be honest. After all, there’s someone who will love you just the way you are.

Follow these tips and you’ll have a dating profile that will wow people. All you have to do is show yourself in the best light possible.