Best Dating Profile Tips: What To Put On A Dating Profile

You already know that your dating profile is your first impression with potential matches. But what most people don’t realize is just how much that impression matters and what it reveals about your personality. Really, most singles don’t know what to put on a dating profile, and it shows.

As a professional matchmaker, I’ve helped thousands of singles with dating profile tips. I can tell you that the words you choose and the photos you upload truly matter. Everything you share in your profile paints a picture of who you are and what you’re looking for.

Sometimes, that picture is warm and charming. But most of the time, dating app profiles accidentally scream “emotionally unavailable” or “not serious”. But a few small tweaks can completely shift how you come across and help you attract better matches.

I’ll share my top dating profile tips, what to put on a dating profile if you want to stand out for the right reasons, the most common mistakes to avoid, and alternatives to massive online dating apps you have not considered.

What Your Dating Profile Really Says About You

Most singles treat their dating profile like a résumé; they list a few of their interests, upload one decent photo, and hope for the best. But you profile is designed to do more than list facts. Really, it’s telling a story: the question is: what story is it telling?

Having been in the dating industry for over 2 decades, I can usually tell within 10 seconds whether a dating profile is going to work. Every choice, whether intentional or absentmindedly made, communicates something about who you are. Here are a few examples:

• A blank or one-line bio: You might think you’re being cool or mysterious, but it usually reads as emotionally unavailable or only looking for casual flings.
• All group photos: This tends to signal a lack of confidence or that you’re not quite ready to put yourself out there.
• Only polished, professional headshots: This comes across as too curated and image-obsessed, even if that’s not your intention.
• The phrase “just ask”: It feels cold and dismissive. It doesn’t encourage connection and puts the burden on someone else to approach you.

Think of your dating profile as a conversation starter. If it’s flat, vague, or incredibly filtered, you’re probably pushing away the people you’re trying to connect with. If you want to attract someone who’s genuine, interested, and relationship-ready, your profile needs to show that you are too.

What To Put On A Dating Profile (According To A Matchmaker)

Now you know what not to say on your dating profile, but what should you communicate instead? One of the most common questions I get asked as a matchmaker is: “what dating profile tips can you share?” Here’s the truth: people either overshare or hold back too much on their dating profiles, both of which hurts your chances of finding a lasting connection,

Here’s what to put on a dating profile if you want to show the real you:

1. A clear, recent picture that actually looks like you: Skip the sunglasses, heavily filtered photos, and group shots. Choose a few photos that really reflect who you are in real life. You should be smiling, relaxed, and ideally doing something you love in your photos.
2. An authentic, non-generic bio: Phrases like “love to laugh“, “dog mom“, and “just seeing what’s out there” are overused and tell people nothing. Leave out the clichés and say something real like, “I’m the kind of person who wakes up early on the weekends to hit the farmer’s market.”
3. Hobbies and values: Instead of saying something broad and unimaginative like “I love music,” say what you really mean. “Currently obsessed with 70s soul and tiny desk concerts” is so much more inviting. Adding details about your hobbies and interests makes it easier for matches to connect with you.
4. A line about what you’re looking for: It helps to be honest, no matter if you want a relationship or casual fling. For example: “Looking for a relationship with someone kind, thoughtful, and open to new adventures.”
5. Something playful and memorable: Your dating profile doesn’t need to be serious from top to bottom. Add something that begs a response, like: “Ask me about the time I got lost in Berlin with only an umbrella and Google Translate.”

And remember this: what you put on your dating profile doesn’t need to impress everyone. It’s not about garnering as many matches as possible; it’s about finding the ones truly meant for you. Your profile just needs to speak to the right people.

Dating Profile Tips To Attract Your Best Matches

Like I said, you don’t just want more matches, you want better ones. That means attracting people who actually align with your values, lifestyle, and relationship goals. To do that, your profile needs to do more than just list a few facts. It should tell your story, and tell it well.

Here are some of my best expert dating profile tips and what to put on a dating profile to help you stand out in a sea of singles:

1. Show, don’t tell: Skip vague words like “fun,” “nice,” or “adventurous.” Instead, give matches a glimpse of the real you. “I make a mean shakshuka on Sunday mornings and love hosting backyard dinners with friends” is infinitely more telling and inviting.
2. Avoid clichés: Phrases like, “I love hiking” or “I’m looking for my partner in crime” are used so often they’ve lost all meaning. Say something unique to you  that’s not on every other dating profile.
3. Keep it light, but meaningful: You don’t need to write a memoir, but don’t sound cold or indifferent. Profiles that seem like an afterthought usually attract singles who treat dating the same way.
4. Use recent, intentional photos: Include at least one smiling, solo shot where your face is clearly visible. Bonus points for pictures that show your personality, like you hiking, traveling, or attending a festival.
5. Focus on what you want, not just what you don’t: Don’t include a long list of dealbreakers. Instead of saying “no drama, no games,” try: “Looking for someone who communicates openly and loves a low-key Saturday night in.“
6. Match your tone with your goals: Looking for something serious? Make sure your language reflects that. Humor is great, but too much sarcasm can make you seem emotionally unavailable or immature.

The most inviting dating profiles are clear, intentional, and indicative of who you are, not who you think people want you to be. Small changes like these can make a huge difference in attracting someone who’s truly a good fit.

Common Online Dating Profile Mistakes (And What They Say About You)

You might think your dating profile looks fine, but the truth is that fine usually gets overlooked. What’s worse is that some small mistakes could be sending the wrong message without you even realizing it.

Here are some of the most common online dating profile mistakes I see as a matchmaker, and what they say to potential matches:

• Only group photos: This comes across as a lack of confidence or like you’re hiding behind your friends.
• Filtered or outdated selfies: This shows insecurity and even deceit.
• Only sharing physical traits or job titles: Makes your seem shallow and unapproachable.
• No mention of what you’re looking for in a partner: It signals indecisiveness and fear of vulnerability.
• Trying too hard to be clever: Quirky or self-depreciating bios backfire, making you seem insecure and unavailable.
• Negative or sarcastic tone: Phrases like “no cheaters” and “don’t waste my time” make you sound guarded and bitter.

Your dating profile doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be meaningful. Each choice you make, from your bio to your photos, adds up to a bigger message about your personality, disposition, and relationship goals. Make sure it’s the one you want to send.

How To Stand Out On Dating Apps

In a sea of profiles that all look the same, how do you actually stand out from everyone else? The key isn’t writing the most impressive bio or having professional-grade pictures. It’s about being real, specific, and aligned with the kind of connection you truly want. Here are the dating profile tips I recommend to singles who want to attract something meaningful:

1. Lead with something exciting: Start your bio with a unique fact or story that will make anyone pause. For example: “Moved across the country with nothing but my dog; zero regrets.”
2. Let your personality shine through: Are you warm and affectionate? A little sarcastic? Passionate about your career? Don’t hide your voice. The right person will appreciate it.
3. Share something you’d love to do with a partner: This gives people an easy way to start a conversation. Share about what your dream weekend would look like!
4. Be clear about your goals without overexplaining: Whether you’re seeking a long-term partner or just dating casually, honesty is attractive. Try: “Looking to build something real with someone who’s loyal, kind, and outgoing.”
5. Match your photos to your lifestyle: Don’t just post what looks good; post what’s true. If you love nature, include a hiking photo. If you’re more into cozy, quiet nights, show that.

Tired Of Dating Apps? Matchmaking Can Help

Let’s be honest: dating apps get old fast. You can spend hours curating the perfect profile, sending clever introduction messages, and going on first dates that don’t lead anywhere. It’s truly exhausting, and often leads to dating burnout. And for many singles, it starts to feel like a second job (without a paycheck).

If you’re done with dating apps, but still serious about finding real, lasting love, you don’t have to go it alone. That’s where a professional matchmaker changes everything. At LUMA, we take a personalized, curated approach to dating. No algorithms, endless swiping, or dead-end dates. Just real conversations, support, and connections, designed around who you truly are and what you’re looking for in a partner.

Our team helps clients cut through the noise of modern dating by offering real guidance, feedback, and carefully curated introductions that are deeply aligned with your values. From offering hands-on support to finding matches who are genuinely compatible, who make dating easier, enjoyable, and a lot more meaningful.

Whether you’re too busy to use dating apps, tired of ghosting and games, or just want a more intentional, luxury dating experience, matchmaking offers something dating apps simply can’t: clarity, intention, and expert insight.

You deserve more than just another match. You deserve someone who matches you. Schedule a call with one of our certified matchmakers today to start your LUMA love journey.