Regardless of the online dating app you use, there's no one "right" way to create a dating profile. The most important thing is to be yourself and express what makes you unique, as these qualities are what make you special.
With my 15 years of dating coaching experience, let's look at a few profiles that exemplify this and how you can replicate their success.
Exploring the best online dating sites can provide you with more examples and strategies to create an outstanding profile.
» Learn more about how to make your online dating profile stand out (for women).
Why Is a Well-Crafted Online Dating Profile Important?
A well-written dating profile that showcases your personality, interests, and values is critical to making an excellent first impression and sets the tone for the right kind of connections from the start. To amp up the personality, you’ll probably want to avoid joining the 1 in 3 Americans who say they’re willing to use AI to help create their profiles.
Providing detailed information in your profile also helps dating algorithms recommend better-suited matches for you, rather than just relying on the popularity bias many online dating apps exhibit.
Dating Profile Examples
1. Adventurous
Looking for a partner who's up for anything? Highlight your adventurous spirit in your dating profile. Share daring excursions, ideal out-of-the-box dates, and photos of outdoor activities. The goal is to express your passion for life so you can attract fellow adventurers ready to make bold memories together.
Here's an example:
2. Serious
If you're focused on finding a meaningful, long-term relationship, be upfront about wanting commitment over casual flings. A survey of dating app users found 44% were seeking long-term partners, while 40% wanted casual dates.
Share mature insights, causes you support, and photos of quieter moments, and consider these Zoosk alternatives to find long-term companionship.
Here's an example of a well-written, serious dating profile:
"I spent the greater part of the last ten years working hard at my career, and now I am ready to find a long-term partner to share my life with. My love language is Quality Time, and I love being around those I love. I am very intentional about everything I do and where I spend my time and energy.
I’d love to align with a like-minded person who is serious about commitment and personal growth. I am very committed to self-improvement and value effective communication, mutual respect, and shared values. I believe emotional intimacy is the glue of a relationship, and I’m looking to find that person who seeks this type of connection. "
» Try these strategies to find real love online.
3. Fun-Loving
As an outgoing, fun-loving person, you want to show off your playful side in your dating profile. Mention wanting a partner in crime for happy hours and binge-watching comedies. Share funny anecdotes and silly photos. A lively self-portrait like the one below can draw in those with similar zest for embracing life's joy.
4. Compassionate
If you want to attract a caring match, share any volunteering, mentoring, and charity work you do. Express wanting a partner with empathy, integrity, and generosity, and include photos showing your nurturing side. This provides a window into your kind soul, drawing those seeking a thoughtful partner. For example:
"I am a hopeless romantic seeking a genuine connection with a kind soul. I live for meaningful moments and a life full of passion and compassion. I am open-hearted and tend to connect over deep conversations that keep us awake all night rather than small talk.
I seek and demonstrate authenticity as well as empathy. I like volunteering, am fluent in all five love languages, and love animals. I’d love to share my journey with someone who values contribution over consumerism, experiences over material things, and quality over quantity. If you lead with your heart, then we’ll definitely have something in common!"
» Learn how to take a good dating profile picture by yourself.
5. Creative
Does your imagination know no bounds? Flaunt your originality in your dating profile. Discuss unique hobbies like painting surrealist art or crafting experimental music. Include quirky photos of you pursuing creative passions. A fellow creative heart is sure to be intrigued by your innovative way of engaging with life. For example:
"I find inspiration in even the most mundane parts of life. Whether I’m cooking up a meal on the fly (I don’t follow recipes!) or putting words to music, I am always exercising the right half of my brain. I love it when someone has an active imagination and likes to dream big. I’d love to meet a fellow dreamer interested in creating a masterpiece together."
6. Analytical
If your mind works in a logical, systematic way, mention intellectual pursuits like computer programming, statistical analysis, or solving complex puzzles. Share photos of you focused on academic or technical projects.
Discuss wanting to find someone who enjoys meaningful conversation about science, philosophy, or current events. A study by dating site Seeking.com shows more users have advanced degrees and prefer equally educated partners.
Showcasing your intellectual side can attract a curious, rational match. The profile below is a perfect example of this:
7. Optimistic
As an optimist, your dating profile should radiate positivity without being cliché. Share specific examples of focusing on the positive rather than generic platitudes. Instead of “I see the glass as half-full,” say, “I find silver linings when plans fall through.”
Use photos of you smiling about real hobbies, not stock images. Express wanting genuine shared daily happiness, not just vague dreams. Here's an example:
"My philosophy is that life happens for you rather than to you. When it comes to everyday life, I wake up and go to bed with a smile most days. I’m good at regulating my emotions and not letting things get to me.
I believe in high vibes and being magnetic to attract good people and things. I’m also really good at finding parking spaces in full lots; some call it luck, but I call it optimism. I'm seeking a partner who sees the world similarly and believes there is more good than bad out here!"
» Ready to meet your match? Try these Bumble alternatives.
8. Humorous
Looking to meet someone who appreciates a good laugh? Research shows that humor is important in finding a partner, so inject some lighthearted humor into your dating profile.
Mention wanting a partner with a fun bantering style to make everyday moments more entertaining. Share amusing anecdotes that show off your witty perspective. Include photos of you being silly and not taking yourself too seriously, like the profile shown below:
9. Ambitious Go-Getter
Are you driven and goal-oriented? Share career goals and photos of professional achievements. Mention wanting a motivated partner to grow and thrive with. Express how you value drive, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. This will help you attract a dynamic, success-oriented match that values your determination.
For example, you could write something like this:
"They say we change every seven years, but I think I’ve gotten it down to five. I’m a big-picture thinker and always have something I’m working on. I let my passions get me out of bed every day, and I love making progress towards my goals.
I think I’m a little bit of everything (passionate, adventurous, serious, fun-loving, driven, and empathetic), and I’m looking for that special someone to take the world by storm with."
10. Easygoing
If you're an easygoing person, then your dating profile should convey a carefree, go-with-the-flow attitude. Mention how new experiences, spontaneity, and having fun are priorities over rigid plans. If you're into free-spirited dating, mention that as well.
Emphasize valuing authenticity and empathy in relationships rather than sweating the small stuff, and give off an overall relaxed, open-minded vibe.
Consider writing something like this:
"When I’m not making the world a better place, I’m spending time with friends and family and hanging at the beach or near water. I go with the flow, and there’s not much I get rattled by. I’m looking for someone that's balanced, approachable, and easy to get a smile from. Is that you?"
» Make sure to ask these questions on your first date.
Tips to Craft a More Effective Profile
Be Authentic
It's so important to be intentional and true to yourself. If you’re a homebody that prefers to date from home, don’t post photos or tell a story that presents an adrenaline junkie, and don't try to pretend to be someone you're not. Sooner or later, people will discover the truth about who you are. Instead, present yourself in an authentic and balanced way.
Incorporate “Fish hooks” Into Your Profile
Fish hooks are specific pieces of information that bait a person into engaging with you. For instance, instead of saying you like Italian food, state that your favorite dish is chicken parm. If you like to read, mention your favorite book. The more specific your profile, the more tangible and accessible you become to engage with.
Make Meaningful Connections From the Start
While there's no single formula for the "perfect" online dating profile, the examples and tips above showcase how you can tailor your bio to highlight your individuality. Being true to yourself is key, so don't try to be someone you're not just to get more matches.
Craft your profile mindfully and intentionally to portray the real you, and you'll connect with people who appreciate you for you. Dating sites with science-based matching, like eharmony and Stir, can also help you find the perfect match.
» Refresh your online dating profile with these helpful tips.
