YourTango Online Dating Bootcamp: Day Twelve

Think that online dating is only for the young? Think again.

Older singles have been taking over the Web, and the over-40 set shows no sign of stopping. The Internet is the perfect place to look for love later in life, but it can be overwhelming for the online dating neophyte. Sally Landau and Julianne Cantarella attempt to make the ride a little smoother in Day Twelve of YourTango's online dating bootcamp.

Some of their top tips for online dating after 40 are:

1. Get started. The first step is the most difficult, but once you take it, the sailing is much smoother. Choose the right site for you by conducting a simple Google search - it will give you a good overview of what's available, what's in your price range, and what offers the features you need.

2. Own your experience. "You know yourself much better than you did 20 years ago," says Landau, "and you have a better idea of who you are and who you want in your life." Knowing who you are and what you want makes the online dating process so much easier.

3. Keep your profile short and simple. When your list of expectations is too long, it starts to look like a list of demands. Keep a list of your most important dealbreakers in the back of your mind, but otherwise keep your mind open.

4. Know your competition. Take a look at other online dating profiles to find inspiration for your own. What's working? What's not? How can you make your profile stand out?

5. Reach out. This goes for both men and women. Search the site for people who interest you, and start communication when you find someone who piques your curiosity. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

6. Hurry up. This is online dating,not a search for a penpal. Once you've exchanged a few messages back and forth, take the next step. Arrange a phone call or meet in person. If there's no chemistry, you're better off figuring it out sooner rather than later.

7. Be open and positive. You reap exactly what you sow. If you have a bad attitude about online dating, you'll meet other people who have a negative outlook. But if you approach the experience with the expectation that it will be positive, your chances of being a success story skyrocket.

8. Be fearless. "Getting back out there can be scary, but it can also be fun," says Cantarella. "Allow yourself to be scared, but don't get stuck. The only person you are hurting by not taking a chance is you!"

9. Present the best version of yourself. Think of your online dating profile as a marketing tool and yourself as the (fabulous) product. Do whatever it takes to present yourself in the best possible light, like uploading flattering photos and making sure your profile is completely filled out.

10. Don't dabble. Like a relationship, online dating takes work. Make it a priority, and devote the time and effort needed to generate the results you want.

Check out the post on YourTango for 10 more tips on dating after 40!

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