Contributed by: kellyseal on Friday, June 14 2013 @ 06:49 am
Last modified on
When it comes to online dating, you only get one chance to make a good virtual first impression. Members scroll through matches at a pretty rapid pace, so it's important to make yourself stand out from the crowd. (But not in a bad way!)
Pictures are important, but equally as important - and often completely overlooked or discounted - is the impression you make with your username. A great username captures attention, is memorable, and reflects who you are, at least in some way. But too often, we are afraid to be too creative or we want to pretend to be something we're not, so the username is the first to suffer the consequences.
If you're looking for a good username but are a little stuck creatively, don't worry. Use these guidelines and you'll come up with something great:
Don't go generic. While Carl1021 may not be taken, it's also not likely to create a lasting impression. Using your real name is fine, but instead of adding numbers (in this case, a birth date) that can be easily forgotten or transposed (Carl2010?), try something a little more creative. "VeganChefCarl" is much more likely to get you noticed. Try something that plays to your personality instead.
Refrain from alluding to sex. I'm not sure why this is, but many men on online dating sites make vague references (or in some cases, very explicit) to sex or sexual preferences. Please don't do this - these are women you don't know and your friend can't vouch for you to total strangers. Besides, it makes you really unattractive. "KeepYouUpAllNight" is probably not the best way to go. Have a little class.
Don't brag. It's nice to be confident, but you'll come across as arrogant if you turn your username into a selling tool. "BillionaireEntrepreneur" isn't going to win you any fans, and neither is "AbsOfSteelStan." Stick to more realistic (and less arrogant) descriptions. Don't brag about looks or income.
Tie it in with a picture. I advise people to always include an "active" photo - one that shows you doing something, instead of just smiling at the camera. Do you play guitar? Rock climb? Sail or kayak? Think about what it is you love to do, and convey this in your profile with both pictures and words. Then choose your username as a tie-in, (i.e. "DenverMountainBiker"). This helps create a distinct impression for those flipping through profiles.
Keep it real, not romantic. While I'm sure every girl at some point wants her "KnightInShiningArmor" to come along, don't advertise yourself this way. "YourDreamMan" isn't so hot, either. Let us women have the romantic ideas, and you stick to who you are. Don't try to sell us with how wonderful you'd be in a relationship, especially when you're advertising it to thousands of other women. Woo us individually, and choose another username.