Create a Compelling Dating App Profile | Recent Research

As a successful professional woman looking for a long-term relationship, have you ever wondered what makes a dating app profile compelling?

• Is it painting a compelling picture of what sharing a life with you might look like?
• Is it appealing qualities and interests? Shared values?
• Is it professional photos designed to capture attention?

The answer is none of the above.

As a dating coach, I often hear clients express frustration that despite their best efforts, they’re not attracting quality partners. They wonder if the problem is their profile. The truth is that even those with a marketing background, who know the importance of targeting the right audience, often miss the key ingredient that makes a profile irresistible to a prospective partner.

What’s Missing from Your Dating App Profile?

Recent research by Juliana Schroeder, Associate Professor at Haas, and Ayelet Fishbach from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business revealed an unexpected truth about what makes relationships thrive. Although people report wanting to know about their potential partners, the research shows something different.

What truly makes people happiest in their relationships isn’t how much they know about their partner but how known and supported they feel by their partner.

Ironically, the desire to be known leads people to create comprehensive online dating profiles filled with appealing qualities, interests, and achievements. Yet, in a world where authentic connection feels rare, it's the desire to feel known that people crave in their relationships.

What to Include in Your Online Dating Profile

Based on these findings, Schroeder and Fishbach created two types of dating app profiles: one that focused on the dater’s special qualities and interests, and the other that emphasized getting to know the potential match. Study participants were then asked to rate each profile’s appeal and their interest in meeting the profile owner.

The results? Profiles that focused on *wanting to get to know the other person* were significantly more compelling. These profiles demonstrated an interest in building a relationship where the other person would feel known and understood.

If you are a professional woman who wants to make her profile as compelling as possible, the research is clear. In addition to sharing who you are, you also want to make sure that you convey that you care about your potential partners and their interests and values.

Here are some ways to apply this insight to your online dating profile

• Ask questions! After sharing something about yourself, ask a question. For example “Backpacking in the Pacific Northwest is my happy place, what’s yours?” or, “My current hobby is glass blowing.  What’s a hobby you’re passionate about?”
• End your profile with an invitation to get to know each other. For example, “I’m looking forward to getting to know you or “I’m looking forward to discovering what you love to do and sharing those experiences with you.”
• Focus on creating warmth and approachability with  a friendly, conversational tone

The best dating app profiles aren’t about impressing potential matches with a list of interesting hobbies or filtered photos. They’re about creating connections. By focusing on being open and curious about your potential match, you’re more likely to attract the quality partner you are looking for in a relationship.

Want to learn more about how to create a compelling dating profile? These blog posts will help!

What to Write for a Dating Profile - Finding the right partner starts with attracting the right partner. Here is my best advice on how to write a dating profile that attracts the right guy.

Online dating profile tips: How to make your dating bio better -Tips to help you stress less when writing your profile.

How to end a dating profile in 3 easy steps - Once you've polished your dating profile, it's time to end it in a way that invites an interested reader to take action and message you. Here are the key steps.

 Good luck!

About Me 

Hi, I’m Rachel and my coaching practice is dedicated to ensuring that successful professional women achieve the same success in their romantic relationships that they have in their careers.

If you are struggling with your dating app profile I can help.

I’m here to guide you in crafting an online dating profile that reflects your best self while drawing in the partner you’ve been looking for. With the right approach, dating can become an empowering journey toward the relationship you deserve.

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. A dating app profile call could be your first step toward creating the relationship you’re looking for!