Online Dating TipsThat Actually Work in 2024
Stop wasting time on dating apps. Learn the strategies that get real results - from profile optimization to first messages to planning great first dates.
Platform-Specific Guides
Profile Photos That Get Swipes
Do This
- • Lead with a clear, smiling headshot with good lighting
- • Include at least one full-body photo
- • Show yourself doing activities you enjoy
- • Have friends take candid photos of you
- • Use photos from the last 1-2 years
- • Vary your backgrounds and outfits
Avoid This
- • Group photos where people can't tell which one is you
- • Bathroom mirror selfies (ever)
- • Heavy filters that distort your appearance
- • Photos with exes cropped out
- • Only having one photo
- • Sunglasses in every photo
Pro Tip: Your first photo matters most - it's what people see when swiping. Use a photo where you're looking at the camera, smiling naturally, in good lighting. Studies show photos with slight head tilts and genuine smiles perform better.
Writing a Bio That Converts
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of saying "I'm funny," write something funny. Instead of "I love travel," mention your favorite trip.
"I love to laugh and have fun"
"I'll make you snort-laugh in public. Sorry in advance."
Give Conversation Hooks
Include specific details people can ask about. Make starting a conversation easy.
"I like cooking"
"I make a carbonara that'll ruin other pastas for you"
Keep It Positive
Avoid listing what you don't want. Negativity is a red flag even if your complaints are valid.
"No drama, no hookups, no time wasters"
"Looking for something real with someone who gets my humor"
Check out our platform-specific guides for Tinder bios, Bumble bios, and Hinge prompts for tailored advice.
First Messages That Get Replies
The Formula
- 1. Reference their profile - Show you actually looked
- 2. Add personality - Be playful or genuine, not generic
- 3. Ask a question - Give them something to respond to
Example
"Your hiking photo looks like it's from Yosemite? I've been dying to do Half Dome. What was your favorite part of the trip?"
Keeping the Conversation Going
Conversation Tips
- • Ask open-ended questions, not yes/no questions
- • Share things about yourself too - don't just interview them
- • Reference things they mentioned earlier (shows you're listening)
- • Use their name occasionally
- • Match their energy and message length
- • Move to a date suggestion within 3-7 days
When to Ask for a Date
- • When conversation is flowing naturally
- • After you've found common ground
- • Before the conversation gets stale
- • Be specific: "Want to grab coffee Saturday afternoon?" beats "We should hang out sometime"
- • Have a backup plan if they're busy
Platform Comparison
| App | Best For | Key Feature | Our Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinder | Largest user base, casual to serious | Swipe-based matching | Openers · Bios |
| Bumble | Women-first, relationship focused | Women message first | Openers · Bios |
| Hinge | Serious relationships | Profile prompts, like specific content | Openers · Prompts |
| Organic connections via DMs | Story replies, shared interests | DM Lines |
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