Online dating tips: how to nail your profile picture
Just set up an online dating profile but not sure where to focus? Whether you're after mature dating or in your 20s, according to Match.com’s dating expert, Kate Taylor, if you’re going to spend time on anything, spend it on the pictures.
“If you devote a weekend to creating a profile," she told The Telegraph, "spend most of it getting your friends to take photos of you and only 20 minutes to half an hour writing the words.”
With online dating, you only have a split second to capture someone’s attention - and photos are the easiest way to do that. So put away that essay on your favourite films, open that camera app, and get started on making the perfect first impression.
Think practically
The first thing to think about is how people will be viewing your photos - and with a third of British internet users turning to their phone first, that’s likely to be on a small screen.
“These days more and more people are looking at dating sites on smaller screens, so your photos have to work well on them,” Kate says. “Your main picture in particular should be a close-up shot of your face instead of one that’s too far away.”
Use photos to spark a conversation
As well as a head shot to show other users what you look like, Kate suggests uploading four photos - each serving a different purpose.
“One of the other images should show you engaged in an interesting activity; these are the photos that break the ice, spark a conversation, and keep it going for longer.
“Plus you’ll need a full-length photo to show what your body looks like - but stay away from those bathroom abs shots that some men seem to be so fond of!”
Choose quality over quantity
A variety of pictures is important, but be careful with your selection. “Every photo counts,” says Kate.
“It’s not necessarily a question of quantity over quality. If you have eight amazing photos but one bad one, people could easily move onto the next profile because of that one image that doesn’t look so good.”
Be honest
Kate also recommends staying away from old or overly-flattering photos as these might not give other users an accurate representation. She adds: “One of the main reasons a first date doesn’t turn into a second is unmet expectations, so you should put up photos that show how you really look.
“You might worry that fewer people will contact you, but the people who do are much more likely to want a first, second and third date.”
Don’t be afraid to go pro
If you’ve got a little extra money and time to invest in your profile picture, Kate suggests getting some taken professionally, adding “We’re starting to see more and more people using professional photos.”
“You might think it could look like you’re over-invested but we’re all so used to seeing sleek, professional photos elsewhere online now that they can actually seem less jarring than a hand-held photo to users.”
That doesn’t mean you should shy away from your phone’s camera roll entirely though - in fact, Kate adds, men respond well to women with selfies in their selection. Women, however, don’t seem to be as taken with men’s selfies.
Think about who you’re trying to attract
Kate also pointed out that men and women respond better to different types of photos. Men get more responses when they’re not smiling - or if they are smiling it’s away from the camera - while women get more responses when they smile into the camera.
“For women, colourful photos work really well”, she adds, “and it’s really easy to add some colour into the background. If you’re having a headshot taken, just get a friend to hold up a red curtain behind you. But for men, black and white pictures work better.”
So now you know which images work best, start snapping photos and flicking through filters. If you're not even sure which of the many sites out there - from Match.com to eHarmony to our very own Telegraph Dating - is best for you, take a look at our guide to the best dating sites.
