Improve profile to boost online dating success

Online dating has been growing steadily over the last few years as web-based matchmaking services gain a bigger foothold in the mainstream - encouraged by increased internet access.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now using online dating sites, meaning that single people have to work even harder to increase their visibility and ultimately their chances of success.

The best way to achieve this is revamping online dating profiles, according to the sector's leading source Lavalife, which has provided tips for singles to improve themselves and their dating lives in 2010.

"If singles can break out of their current dating routines and tweak their online dating behaviour, success will follow," explained Kim Hughes, Lavalife's dating and relationship expert.

"Over the years we have learned what works and what doesn't in an online dating environment. This year we want to pass that learning along. We're offering concrete tips that will make dating memorable...in a good way."

Lavalife recommended adding more photos and videos to online dating profiles, arguing despite some denying that looks do not matter, profiles with pictures get eight times the response of those without, according to research.

"In the age of digital photography, there is simply no excuse for not having multiple images of your fine self engaged in your favourite hobby, travelling or on the town. Use pictures to help tell the story of you," advised the experts.

Singles who want to increase their chances of success should also be specific in their online dating profiles and steer clear of generalisations such as 'I like to have fun' or 'I love hanging out with my friends'.

According to Lavalife, people should instead talk about their ideal Sunday morning or best-ever holiday, which are "tangible scene-setters that capture your likes and provide an icebreaker for those wanting to contact you".

Singles should also ensure there are no spelling mistakes in their profiles by using spell check and asking a trusted friend to go through their information before publishing to ensure they are giving themselves a good representation.

"You may not think a misspelled word is a big deal but it broadcasts an overall lack of care. Sloppy is never sexy," stated the online dating experts.

Meanwhile, a Danish online dating site has grabbed headlines around the world for kicking out 5,000 people because they are overweight.

BeautifulPeople.com, which has a presence in 16 countries across Europe and North America, announced that "festive fatties" had been expelled after they published recent photos showing "they have led themselves go".

According to the online dating forum, the ejection came about after "vigilant members, who take pride in the standards demanded by the site, called for action".

The majority of singles who were shown the door were from the US, although the site said they could rejoin the forum once they had shed some weight.