5 features of a great online dating profile

Ensure you're making a lasting impression on potential dates with an attractive online dating profile. What you share can help you attract the best possible match. Below are just five features of a great online dating profile:

• Your potential matches want to see clear pictures of you and you alone.
• Skip the group photos, pictures of your pets and random shots of places you've been to in favour of a few self-portraits and action shots that show your best side.
• Make sure you share recent photos so that viewers have a realistic idea of what you look like.

• It doesn't matter if you've been heartbroken recently, have a troubled dating past or are close to giving up online dating altogether — your matches don't want to hear about it.
• Keep things positive and neutral. Prospective dates don't need to know about your baggage before they've even met you.

• Sharing details about your requirements makes it easier to filter out people who aren't good matches.
• State whether you're just looking to meet new people at this stage or are ready for something a little more serious. These details can encourage the right people to get in touch with you.

• Don't be guilty of over-sharing. Your online dating profile should provide some basic information about who you are and what you are passionate about so that potential matches can determine whether you are someone they would want to date.
• Sharing too much personal information can actually turn people off.

• Mention hobbies or interests that a potential date could share with you. Even if you are more of an introvert, list some hobbies or interests that involve other people.
• This could include any type of sports or outdoor activities, dance classes, going to concerts or attending art shows.

The right photo selection, positive word choice and interesting details can make or break your online dating career. Use these tips to create an online dating profile that helps you connect with a potential date sooner rather than later.