So many people come to me asking why Tinder (or insert your favorite online dating app) "isn't working." What does "working" mean anyway? Some people think it means they should end up in a long-term relationship. While that's a lovely goal, Tinder is simply the tool you're using to get to the first date. Then the ball is in your court. "Working," to me, means that you're getting more attention, you're getting more right swipes and matches, and you're converting more messages into dates.
Are you perhaps doing something that's not aligned to make the dating app "work" for you? Let's look at the biggest mistakes you may be making ... and how to fix them.
1. Too many photos.
Tinder allows nine photos. I recommend using five instead. Less is more. Don't let someone find the one they don't like and swipe left because of it.
2. No profile.
Write something. Something is (usually) better than nothing. A length of 20 to 40 words is what I recommend. The short length is because people have shorter and shorter attention spans, and you don't want them to skip you just because they don't want to make time to read what you wrote. Ideas for the profile: Things you're good at, things you like, where you're from, shows you're binge-watching, a few pieces of factual information, etc. Anything interesting provides "message bait," or something to write to you about.
3. Connecting to Snapchat, Instagram, or Spotify.
This is TMI! Don't give people the chance to dig through everything and dismiss you because of it. Don't connect.
4. Shirtless selfies and gym selfies.
If you're a man looking for a woman, do not _ I repeat DO NOT _ post shirtless or gym selfies. Ever. Even if you're ripped. Trust me. Fish pictures are often no better.
5. Being too generic.
Don't try to appeal to everyone. Rather, be yourself, and the right people will be interested.
Here are some samples of dating profiles that WORK:
Entrepreneur, competitive punster, spin class enthusiast; lover of quick wit, single-malt scotch, and my dog. Where's the best old fashioned in town?
Thoughtful weirdos to the front, please. Tell me what you're reading. Bonus points if the answer is yes to this important question: Do you like blue cheese?
English teacher turned urban planner. Drinker of chai over coffee. Fan of live indie music. Endearingly nerdy history buff. Talented at a good number of things, but whistling isn't one of them.
Final tip on the profile as a bonus: End with a question. You've just made it so much easier for people to have something to say in their first message to you.
6. Sending boring messages.
When it comes to messages, the key is to be short, sweet, and ask a question. If the other person has written something interesting, then you simply need to ask about it. But, what if there is no message bait?
Just remember that anything is better than "Hey," "What's up?" or "How's your day?" These lead to banal conversations ... or none at all. Examples for when someone provides no bait:
1. If you had nothing to do today, would you rather binge-watch "Game of Thrones" or go for a hike ... or both?
2. Best place for (insert favorite food or drink) in the city?
3. Early bird or night owl? Just curious.
Let the dating apps work for you. Fix these six problems today. You should see a difference immediately.
