If you have never been involved with online dating sites, than this is article is a great place to start. On the other hand, if you have been using online dating services for some time, then you may want to read the tips in this article. You see, if you have read through any of the online dating profiles you will know that most are poorly written. I mean, guys, haven't you come across entries for women that say, "they don't need a man", but just prefer to have one? What's that all about? If you don't need a man, then why are you on this dating site to begin with? And women, what about men's profiles? It seems that every man writes how they like to cuddle and take walks at sunset along a beach, gag me! So, lets throw out that garbage and focus on the elements that make a good, effective, and honest profile. Because us women do want a man (unless you're a lesbian) and not all guys like to cuddle and take walks along the beach!

Online Dating Profile Tips for Success:

• Write or type your profile off line first. this way you can review it, edit the profile, and check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A poorly written profile will certainly get overlooked....Next!
• It's all in the headline. The headline is the large bold type at the top of the profile page. Make it brief, but powerful. Say something about yourself in a few words like, "Mom of 8 seeks Knight in Shinning Armor." OK, maybe leave the number of kids you have out until they get to the meat of the profile. But do tell them you're a mom. Or, how about, "Hunter and Dog Lover Seeks Female Partner for Adventure and Romance." You get the hint now?
• Look, we all think we're funny, romantic, considerate, etc. Rather than say it, show it. Let your profile reflect your humor, or your romantic style. If you're not sure it conveys what you are trying to communicate, get a friend or two to read it and get their input.
• Let your profile stand out. And you ask how do you do that? Well, start by reading other profiles. See what others write and do the opposite. I say this because most people write the same stuff, I like walks, animals, kissing, blah, blah, blah. Be original. Be unique. Be yourself. If you have special talent, then let it show in your writing!
• Remember marketing 101? The USP or unique selling point? OK, maybe you never took marketing, but you need something that makes you shine. Something that sets you apart from the crowed. I can recall speaking to men and they would comment on one comment I would make about my relationship with my parents. It's what set me apart and what made them remember my by to get the dates. Sit down and think about what makes you unique; the one thing that makes you different and add it to your profile.
• Be honest and up front. Write exactly what you want. Don't beat around the bush or hint, especially you women! Tell him you want a guy who can spend quality time every night together or guys, tell her you want her to spend time watching the ball game with you and serving you a cold one!Think about who your ideal partner is and then step into their shoes. What will they be looking for in a profile?
• Role play. Put yourself in your potential matches mind. Imagine what they would be looking for and then start writing.
• Upload a few good images of yourself. You don't want to talk about your physical appearance, but you want to show them what you look like and not what you looked like 10 years ago. Select 3 good photos of yourself; one a head shot for your main image, one a full length image, and one doing your favorite activity. Avoid photos with many people or an ex in it. the focus is on you, not groups of people or ex's. I hate to have to see a photo with 5 guys in it and try and guess which one is the guy in the profile. Don't really want to play "Where's Waldo" in the online dating scene.
• If you're negative, then change your attitude. Avoid any negative statements in your profile. Yeah, I know, then you're really not portraying who you are if you can't write your negative statements. gag me! If you're negative, get help before you start dating. People don't want to hang around negative people anyway!
• Convey a sense of confidence in your profile. Don't sound insecure or swishy washy. Be decisive and confident, not arrogant, just confident.
• Proof Read, Proof Read, Proof Read! Did I mention Proof Read? Seriously, do it! Have a friend or two check what you wrote. Get their input. Even have a stranger who doesn't know you (of the opposite sex) read your profile and see how they  react.