4 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Dating Online

If you’re new to online dating websites, you might not know about the various pitfalls that are waiting. Whilst online dating can be a lot of fun, and can help you to meet lots of really interesting people, there are a few online dating errors that new (and experienced) that members can make.

In a bid to help you through the maelstrom, here are our top 5 common mistakes to avoid when dating online…

1: Sticking with the free trial

Although some sites offer really generous free trials, they are usually just there to encourage you to explore the site and sign up for a paid service. This is all well and good, but it can be tempting to wait, in the hopes that you’ll receive messages from paying members, before forking out for the full package. In our opinion, this is a classic mistake. Your ability to respond is usually limited when you’re on a free trial, and often other members can’t find or view your profile quite so easily. If you’re serious about chatting with other members, and potentially meeting up, it’s time to open the wallet.

2: Not completing or updating your profile page

Your profile page is perhaps the most important part of being successful when dating online. It’s your advert to the world, allowing other members to see you and what you’re all about. Members who don’t complete their profile page, or who put in minimal effort, are missing out in two ways. Firstly, their profile won’t be taking full advantage of the searching and matching algorithms which dating websites use to help members find dates. This means you’ll be ignored, and therefore receive less attention and communication from members. Secondly, it’s really just not impressive to visit a profile when it’s clear that the member hasn’t made any effort. Whilst a great photo might encourage some members to get in touch, imagine how many more members would contact you if they knew a little more about you!

3: Not uploading photos

We get it, uploading photos to the web can be scary. What if your friends see them? What if people don’t like what they see? In all honesty, you shouldn’t worry so much. If your friends see them and realise you’re using a dating site… guess what – so are they! And there’s really not much stigma to online dating any more, millions of people do it. If members don’t like what they see, you’d never know it. They won’t waste time contacting you for no good reason. But, the people who are attracted to your photos and profile will get in touch. There’s one thing we can almost guarantee, though: if you don’t upload any photos, you won’t get as many members interested in you. The fact is that all sorts of people like all sorts of different looks and styles, so don’t worry – there’s someone out there for everyone! Uploading colourful, fun photos is a great way to show people what you enjoy doing, and that you’re hoping they’ll get in touch. That said, if you really don’t want to upload photos, don’t feel too pressured – there are members out there who appreciate that and who actively search for people who are a little camera-shy.

4: Not being yourself

It can be really tempting to present a ‘persona’ online, rather than being honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. But what’s the point in pretending you like something if you don’t? Why put yourself under the strain of having to go on a date with someone you’ve lied to? Our advice is to be direct and honest about your life and who you’re hoping to meet. This doesn’t mean you have to spill all your secrets and viewpoints on your profile page, but be proud of who you are. If you’re a geek, or a fitness fanatic, or love playing Pokemon Go, say so! We’d put money on the fact that there are plenty of people out there who’d love to do the same, and if you don’t tell them about it then they’ll never know.

The lowdown

In essence, the mistake people make when trying to date online is this: a lack of confidence. The great thing about online dating is that people find you, and you can talk to people based on your mutual interests. The game’s changing, and there are plenty of fish in the proverbial sea, many of whom will undoubtedly be hyped to get to know you. So, go get ‘em, tiger! (That’s a Spiderman reference; see, we’re geeks too, and proud).