5 Common Dating App Mistakes
Gabby here…avid dating app user & dare I say…a self-proclaimed dating app expert at this point.
Yes, of course, like the rest of us, I’ve had my fair share of dating app woes. There are times I delete them all and stay off of them for months out of annoyance and frustration, BUT I have gone on some really great dates via the apps and have found people I’ve wanted to have relationships with.
So, I’m here to say, with some coaching & patience, we can really make this dating app lifestyle work for you. To get you started, I’ve put together 5 common profile mistakes to avoid. It is unreal how many people I see making these mistakes…and I swipe left because of it, even if other things on their profile looked promising. So do a quick audit of your profile, any of these sound like you? If so, HELP IS ON THE WAY!.
Mistake 1) Setting your first photo as a group shot, a super low quality photo, or a photo where you can barely (or not at all) see your face. Your first photo should be a recent, high quality, clear image of you and only you. Silly photos are cool, but I don’t recommend them as your first photo. Also, please do not put emoji’s on other people’s faces - on any of your photos, first or not. It’s weird…either crop them out or don’t post it at all.
Mistake 2) Filling out the bare minimum on your profile. I swipe left on a lot of guys who look like someone I could connect with, but have clearly spent no time putting thought and effort into building out their profile. That not only goes for the prompts/bio section, but for the basics section where you fill out what you do for work, where you went to school, etc. The more information you can give, the better. Not only will it help filter in the people who are good matches for you, but it provides the person on the opposite end more opportunity to engage in conversation with you.
Mistake 3) Not being honest about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a long-term, serious relationship, YOU SHOULD WRITE THAT OUT CLEARLY. You won’t get as many matches, but the goal isn’t to get as many matches as possible…it’s to get high quality matches. When you are honest and upfront about what you’re looking for on the apps, you’re more likely to connect with other people looking for the same thing. It’s a great way to cut to the chase and avoid wasted time.
Mistake 4) Selfies for every single photo. OH, and FILTERS!!!!!! - NOT cute. I want the photos to show you doing fun things, spending time with family and/or friends, traveling, partaking in your favorite hobby. I don’t care if you look like Brad Pitt, I will not swipe right on you if you have selfie after selfie. AND PLEASE…for the love…do not post photos of yourself using Snapchat filters - especially the dog filter…it’s just terrible. Automatic swipe left.
One more thing on this topic…it’s crazy that I have to say this but it’s super common - please no middle fingers in profile photos. LOL.
Mistake 5) Writing basic a** answers to prompts. Do not answer the prompts with one word. Ever. Also, if I see another man write about how The Office is his favorite show, I’m going to lose my sh*t. Dude. The Office is a great show, we all love it, it does not make me want to swipe right on you because you love The Office. Enough is enough.
There are two reasons prompts exist.
1. To teach the viewer something about you so they can make a decision if you’re someone they want to connect with on the app.
2. As opportunities to jump into a meaningful conversation - rather than starting the convo with something like “hey, how was your day?”
Your prompts should give insight into your personality and allow people an easy way to spark conversation through them.
