Choosing Your Online Profile Photo

One of the things that you have to pay special attention to when joining online dating sites is your profile photo as it is the first thing that potential dates will notice about you.

While your headline and text are important, your profile photo will help you create a good first impression. Keep in mind that there are numerous people on the site and just like you, they are all browsing the profiles. And honestly, just like you, they are looking at the photos.

Now, when I talk of choosing a good photo, I am not implying that you need to look perfect. It does not matter how good-looking you are. However, there are certain rules that you need to follow when choosing a profile picture to put on any online dating sites such as Match.com. Keep in mind that these tips are compiled from personal experiences within my group of friends. Here they are:

1. Always post a recent photo

As a general rule, you should not post a photo that is over six months old. If you think people will not be able to tell the difference, think again. How many times have you looked at a photo and was able to tell right away that the photo was taken five years ago? Little things in the photo such as your clothes, your hairstyle, etc will always give you away.

If I see an old photo posted, it is easy to assume that they do not like the way they look now otherwise, they would have posted a recent photo. This to me is an indication of a low self-esteem which is not very appealing.

2. Do not use your webcam to take your profile photo

Taking your own photo using the webcam will definitely not produce a good photo. For one, the quality won’t be good and (2) you will probably end up having a stiff and unnatural smile on your face.

When choosing an online profile photo, I always try to choose a picture that looks natural and real.

3. Do not post a studio-taken photo

Before you go thinking of making an appointment with the studio photographer, stop! You do not want this either. Yes, they look great but they also look unreal.

Anytime I see these photos, I just move on to the next. Studio shots look marvelous but it will also make me think photoshopped. It is pretentious to say the least.

4. A close-up photo is always nice

The profile photo should always be a close-up photo. This is not the place to put a full-body shot. You can put the full body shots in the additional photos section. Keep in mind that most of these online dating sites will crop your photo to an icon size. You need to make the most of this by keeping your face visible.

5. Do not post profile angles

As mentioned above, a clear, head on photo is always the best choice. Profile angles are great in the additional photos section but not as your main profile photo. It is always best to show yourself clearly right from the start.

Everyone knows that people look differently at certain angles. It is misleading and could very well lead to certain expectations later on. Personally, I do not like to be misled.

6. Do not wear hats and sunglasses

Wearing hats and sunglasses covers up a significant percentage of your face. Do not do this. I cannot stress the importance of letting others see you as naturally as possible.

Now, there could be various reasons why people do this. They might think it’s cool, they might be afraid someone they know will see them on the site or they could also be covering up something. Either way, it does not imply something good.

7. No black and white pics

Your photo should represent you well. It should be a true representation of who you are. Often, people look different in black and white photos as well as in photos where the colors have been photoshopped. If you really want to post a black and white photo or a color-edited photo, you may do so but please do not post it as your profile picture.

8. No photos of you with the opposite sex

Do not choose photos of you with someone from the opposite sex. Even if he/she is your brother/sister. This is an online dating site and people will never assume that it is your brother/sister with you.

There are some photos I see where people actually crop the other person. And yes, even when they crop it, it still shows that they are with the opposite sex. Do not do this as it looks really tacky. No one wants to see your picture with your ex or even with someone you have just dated briefly.

Following the above rules will help you create viewer interest in your profile as well as help you get more profile views.

If you have not registered for an online dating site yet, here are some discount coupons to help you get started -