No matter how accomplished each of us may be in our dating past, coming to mature online dating requires a whole new set of skills. Whilst a smiling face is still essential, there’s an emphasis on self-expression and an unspoken code of conduct to adhere to.

To write a great online dating profile then, is to consider who you are first and be honest with your assessment.

Figure out, your likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, tastes in music, food, travel, etc….  Do an inventory, if you’re a sensitive soul, say so! Just as in any relationship, you want to be attractive on your own merits, so know yourself and allow others to know you too.

Be honest, be precise, and be specific. The biggest turn on for potential dates is if you show you have a sense of humour. We are not talking about publishing your joke book here, just a light coating of wit will work wonders. Trust us on this one!

• Have a good photo on show

The number of responses, increase dramatically with a good photograph. Use a fairly recent photo. Avoid old photos that no longer represent the person you are now, it doesn’t pay to have a discrepancy between the picture and what you really look like.  Don’t have your mates or an ex-girlfriend on it! Try to show you in an ordinary context that people can relate to. The picture of you with a ‘kiss me quick hat’ doing the conga may be great fun but not likely to attract the widest audience.

• Check your spelling and punctuation

Studies have found that rather than bad photographs, it is bad spelling and grammar which are the biggest turn offs for a potential date. So, when you’re building your profile and chatting to someone who’s caught your eye, keep a handle on that grammar.

• Avoid misunderstandings when describing yourself.

We are our own worst critics and many people tend to focus on the downside of their appearance and experiences. The truth is that there is someone out there for everyone and starting off by criticising yourself is no way to attract them. In much the same way, being over the top and boasting about yourself to a degree where disappointment is guaranteed is a bad idea.

• Don’t make a dating profile too long.

Dating profiles are best when they’re interesting enough to spark a conversation, so keep it brief and keep some secrets and stories to yourself – they’ll play much better on your first date.