Your Dating App Profile: What to include and what to leave out
If you've downloaded my free guide to writing the perfect dating profile, or read my other dating profile posts, you should have a dating bio that is beginning to reflect who you are.
Today I want to share some things that should and shouldn't be included in your dating app profile to attract compatible matches and avoid wasting time.
Why Your Profile Matters
A well-crafted profile will help you be more efficient and effective when dating. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, 61% of online daters say it's difficult to find someone looking for the same type of relationship they want. A key way to be more efficient is to weed out non-matches before wasting time with them on a date. The best way to filter out non-matches is to include the following elements in your dating profile.
What to Include in Your Dating App Profile
The Type of Relationship You Want
Many of my dating coaching clients worry that being upfront about what they want might prematurely eliminate potential matches. But someone who doesn't have the same relationship goals as you will never be a good match. It's just inevitable heartbreak lurking in your future.
If you are looking for a long-term relationship (LTR) say so. if you are interested in casual, but monogamous, include it! If you're not into hooking up or FWB, say so.
While not everyone will read your profile, the right people will. Someone looking for the same thing you are looking for is more likely to reach out.
The type of person you seek
A recent client told me that she was looking for a kind man. You may want someone funny or perhaps you want to be sure your next partner is physically affectionate.
When I was searching for my husband, I wanted a guy who preferred to take a walk on a sunny fall day than watch a football game. If there is a quality that is important to you in your next partner, say it!
Highlighting what matters most will help you attract a partner who aligns with your values.
If you want (or don't want kids)
This is such a frequent dealbreaker that it's important to address this upfront.
If you want kids, include that and consider sharing how many kids you have in mind. There is a big difference between one or two children and a baseball team. If you want a baseball team now is the time to share.
If you are unsure, clarify what that means Are you open to children with the right partner? Could flex either way? Whatever your answer is, get clear on what you want and add it to your profile.
Already have kids? Be sure to mention it in your profile. Being transparent will save you the heartbreak of meeting someone "perfect", only to discover that he isn’t family compatible.
How you like to spend your time
There are many ways to live a fulfilling life. Your dating profile should paint a picture of what yours looks like.
Rather than listing generic interests like “travel” or “music,” invite potential matches into your world, by showing them your world. Here are some examples:
- "My happy place is walking along a sandy beach in the summer—bonus points if there’s ice cream involved.”
“Saturday mornings, you’ll find me volunteering at the local food bank before heading to my favorite café for a flat white.”
“I’d rather spend a quiet evening with the latest New Yorker issue than watch the latest Netflix hit—what about you?”
Specific details help bring your personality to life and attract someone who shares your interests.
The best way to find love is to own who you are
While we all like to think that we are open-minded, it isn't always easy to co-create a relationship with someone who wants very different things from their one precious life than you want from yours.
So when you search for a partner, get clear on what you are looking for first and then look for someone who shares your vision. It's the easier and faster way to find love!
What to Leave Out of Your Online Dating Profile
Negativity
While it may be tempting to include statements like “No liars, no cheaters, no games,” it’s best to leave them out. Instead, focus on what you do want in a partner. Happy and positive people are naturally drawn to others with the same energy. In dating as in life, the saying you attract more flies with honey than vinegar, applies.
Creating a compelling dating app profile isn’t about attracting the most matches—it’s about attracting the right match. The more you lean into authenticity and embrace who you truly are, the easier it will be to find someone who appreciates you. So, take the time to craft a profile that reflects the real you, and trust that the right person will recognize and appreciate what you have to offer.
Want more tips on developing a compelling dating profile?
How to Write the Perfect Online Dating Profile
Online Dating Profile Tips: 10 Ways to Make Your Dating Bio Better
How to end a dating profile in 3 easy 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!
