You’ve downloaded the app, but now you’re staring at a blank profile wondering what to write. Creating a dating profile that actually gets matches feels harder than the dating itself. Between choosing the right photos and writing a bio that doesn’t sound desperate or boring, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
But here’s the truth: a great dating profile isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic while highlighting your best qualities. This guide covers everything from dating profile tips for men to the best dating profile examples that will help you stand out and attract the right people.
Why Your Dating Profile Matters More Than You Think
Your profile is your first impression, your elevator pitch, and your audition all rolled into one. In those few seconds someone spends looking at it, they’re deciding whether to swipe right or keep scrolling.
A good profile does three things:
- Catches attention with strong photos
- Shows personality through authentic writing
- Prompts conversation with specific details
Most people fail at all three because they either put in zero effort or try way too hard. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
How to Take Good Dating Profile Pictures
Let’s start with photos because they’re 80% of your profile’s success. Here’s what works:
Photo 1: Your Main Picture
This is your most important photo. It should be:
- Clear and well-lit (natural lighting is best)
- Recent (within the last 6 months)
- Just you (no group shots)
- Smiling (genuine smile, not forced)
- Looking at camera (shows confidence)
- Flattering but accurate (don’t catfish yourself)
Bad examples: Sunglasses, far away, bathroom mirror selfie, outdated photo from 5 years ago
Good examples: Outdoor photo with natural light, genuine smile, clear view of your face, wearing something that fits well
Photos 2-6: Your Supporting Cast
Include variety that shows different aspects of your life:
Photo 2: Full body shot
- Shows your actual build
- Preferably doing something (not just standing)
- Example: You at a hiking trail, at an event, exploring a city
Photo 3: Hobby/Interest
- Shows what you enjoy doing
- Makes conversation easier
- Example: Playing guitar, cooking, at a sports event, with your dog
Photo 4: Social photo
- Proves you have friends (but crop them out or make faces less visible)
- Shows you’re fun and outgoing
- Example: At a wedding, dinner with friends, group activity
Photo 5: Dressed up
- Shows you can clean up nice
- Wedding, formal event, or just dressed nicely
- Don’t use this as your main photo though
Photo 6: Conversation starter
- Something unique or interesting
- Travel photo, unusual hobby, funny moment
- Gives them an easy question to ask
Dating Profile Mistakes to Avoid With Photos
Never use:
- All selfies (shows you have no friends)
- Photos with your ex (even cropped)
- Only group photos (which one are you?)
- Shirtless gym selfies (unless you’re literally a fitness model)
- Sunglasses in every photo (are you hiding something?)
- Photos with kids that aren’t yours (confusing)
- Blurry or low-quality images
- Only face close-ups (suspicious)
What to Write in Dating Bio
Your bio is where personality shines. The goal is to be interesting, specific, and approachable.
The Formula for a Great Bio
Opening Line (Hook them):
- Start with something unique or funny
- Avoid generic lines like “I love to laugh” (everyone does)
- Be specific, not vague
Middle Section (Show personality):
- Share actual interests with details
- Include conversation starters
- Show your values naturally
- Add a touch of humor if that’s your style
Closing Line (Call to action):
- Give them an easy way to start conversation
- Ask a question or make a playful challenge
- Keep it light and inviting
Best Dating Profile Examples
Example 1: The Specific Enthusiast “Weekend warrior who takes hiking seriously but can’t take a decent selfie (proof: these photos). Currently on a mission to find the best ramen in the city—3 spots down, 47 to go.
I’ll beat you at trivia but lose terribly at mini golf. Looking for someone who appreciates good coffee, terrible puns, and doesn’t mind that I plan trips with color-coded spreadsheets.
Sell me on your favorite restaurant in one sentence.”
Why it works: Specific details, shows personality, gives conversation starters, ends with a question.
Example 2: The Balanced Professional “Marketing by day, mediocre home chef by night. My pasta is questionable but my pizza-ordering skills are exceptional.
Into: Live music, bookstores that smell like coffee, debates about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is), and people who text in full sentences.
Currently reading: Anything by Haruki Murakami. Currently watching: Whatever you recommend.
What’s your go-to comfort food?”
Why it works: Self-deprecating humor, variety of interests, shows he’s open to suggestions, conversation starter.
Example 3: The Adventure Seeker “Just moved back from two years in Barcelona and already missing the tapas. Dog mom to the cutest terrier you’ll ever meet (yes, he’s in my photos).
I’m happiest hiking a new trail, trying a restaurant I can’t pronounce, or spontaneously deciding to drive to the coast.
Looking for: Someone to split an appetizer with, even though we both know I’m eating most of it.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?”
Why it works: Specific experiences, personality comes through, shows values, includes her dog, ends with engaging question.
Dating Profile Tips for Men
Do:
- Show your interests with specificity
- Include photos of you actually doing things
- Proofread (typos are deal-breakers)
- Keep it positive (no complaining about exes or bad dates)
- Show your sense of humor naturally
Don’t:
- List requirements for your date (“Must be fit,” “No drama”)
- Write a novel (keep it to 3-4 short paragraphs)
- Use clichés (“Partner in crime,” “Love to laugh,” “Work hard play hard”)
- Brag excessively about money or possessions
- Be self-deprecating to the point of seeming insecure
What to Write in Your Bio: Topic Ideas
If you’re stuck, include:
- Hobbies: Be specific (“training for a 10K” not “working out”)
- Food preferences: Great conversation starter
- Entertainment: What you’re reading/watching
- Travel: Best trip or dream destination
- Quirks: Something unique about you
- Values: What matters to you (subtly)
- Current projects: What you’re working on or learning
How to Choose Your Dating App Prompts
Most apps have prompts like “My simple pleasures” or “I’m looking for.” Here’s how to answer them:
Prompts to Prioritize:
“My simple pleasures”
- Be specific and relatable
- Good: “The first sip of morning coffee, finding a new hiking trail, when my dog does that circle thing before lying down”
- Bad: “Good food, good friends, good times”
“I’m looking for someone who”
- Focus on personality, not physical traits
- Good: “Can laugh at themselves, sends random article links at 2am, appreciates a well-timed dad joke”
- Bad: “Is hot, fit, has their life together”
“Most spontaneous thing I’ve done”
- Shows adventurous side without seeming reckless
- Good: “Booked a last-minute flight to Portland for donuts (worth it)”
- Bad: “I’m super spontaneous!” (then don’t give example)
Prompts to Avoid:
- “Height” (unless it truly matters to you)
- Negative prompts (“I don’t want…”)
- Overly sexual references (even if you’re looking for casual)
- Anything that sounds like a job requirement
Common Dating Profile Mistakes
Mistake 1: Being Too Vague
Bad: “I love traveling, music, and hanging with friends” Good: “Just got back from Iceland—still obsessed with the hot springs. Currently making my way through every jazz club in the city.”
Mistake 2: Negativity
Bad: “No time wasters. Tired of games. Where are all the good ones?” Good: “Looking for someone genuine who’s actually ready to date”
Mistake 3: Trying Too Hard to Be Funny
Bad: “I’m basically Ryan Gosling but funnier and way more humble (see what I did there?)” Good: “According to my mom, I’m a catch. According to my friends, I need to work on my karaoke confidence.”
Mistake 4: TMI Too Soon
Bad: “Recently divorced, working through some trust issues, but ready to try again” Good: “Recently single and excited to meet someone new”
Mistake 5: The Resume Approach
Bad: “Successful entrepreneur, own my home, financially stable, 6’2″, fit, college educated…” Good: “Built my business from the ground up—it’s been a wild ride. When I’m not working, you’ll find me at the climbing gym or testing new coffee spots.”
How to Stand Out in a Sea of Profiles
Use Voice Notes (If Available)
Some apps let you add voice notes. Use them! Your voice adds another dimension to your personality.
Update Regularly
Refresh your profile every few weeks:
- Swap out photos
- Update your bio with current interests
- Change your prompts
- This boosts your visibility in the algorithm
Be Specific About Your Interests
Instead of “I love music,” try:
- “Currently obsessed with ’90s alternative rock and sad indie playlists”
- Gives people specific things to comment on
Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of saying “I’m funny,” tell a funny story. Instead of saying “I’m adventurous,” show a photo from your adventure.
The First Message Strategy
Your profile should make it easy for people to message you:
Bad profile ending: “Ask me anything!” Good profile ending: “What’s your controversial food opinion?” or “Convince me that your city is better than mine”
Give them something specific to respond to.
Red Flags to Avoid in Your Profile
These things make people swipe left immediately:
- Photos with other women/men who could be exes
- Bathroom mirror shirtless selfies
- Every photo is a group photo
- Snapchat filters
- Quotes about “only God can judge me”
- Lists of demands or dealbreakers
- Blank or minimal bio
- Poor grammar throughout
- Excessive emojis
- Only car/gym/fish photos (guys, we see you)
Profile Optimization Checklist
Before you publish, make sure you’ve:
- ✅ Used 5-6 high-quality, recent photos
- ✅ Included at least one smiling photo
- ✅ Shown your full body in at least one photo
- ✅ Written a bio with specific details
- ✅ Proofread everything
- ✅ Given people conversation starters
- ✅ Kept it positive and authentic
- ✅ Updated all prompts with thoughtful answers
- ✅ Removed any dealbreaker language
- ✅ Asked a friend to review it
Final Thoughts
Learning how to create a good dating profile is part art, part science. The science is following the rules: good photos, specific details, proper grammar. The art is letting your personality shine through in an authentic way.
The best dating profile examples all share one thing: they sound like a real person, not a carefully crafted marketing campaign. People can tell when you’re being genuine versus when you’re performing.
Your goal isn’t to attract everyone—it’s to attract the right person. Be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. The matches might come slower, but they’ll be better quality.
Now stop overthinking it, implement these dating profile tips for men and women, and get your profile out there. Someone’s waiting to match with the real you.