It seems simple, but some people find that they don't have much luck with this. Usually this means that they've made some easily-correctable mistakes when filling out their profile. Just as in the real world, meeting people in the virtual realm is all about first impressions. Here a few tips.

First, really give some thought to the information you're sharing in your profile. What does it say about you? One big mistake is not bothering to fill out your profile. A second error is to fill it with overused clichs that don't actually say anything about you as a person. Instead of this, concentrate on putting out a friendly, interesting, and approachable vibe.

However, don't get carried away. People tend to have short attention spans, so the chances that someone will read a massively long profile are slim. Rather than being wordy, aim to be to-the-point, and make every word count. Different web sites have different profile forms (such as "interests," "likes/dislikes," etc.), so you can expect some sort of guidance as to what you should write.

Don't worry if you struggle with knowing what to write about yourself. It can be difficult to know what to say. That's why it might be helpful to ask a trusted loved one for assistance. Someone who knows you well can give you suggestions about what to say, what to omit, and so on.

Lastly, make sure that your profile doesn't look sloppy and poorly-written. People will judge your earnestness, commitment to finding a partner, and perhaps even your intelligence by how your profile looks. If it's full of spelling and grammatical errors, and reflects that you didn't bother to proofread it, chances are they won't be impressed.

On the other hand, a well-written and clear profile is likely to result in serious inquiries. Do not underestimate the persuasive powers of presentation!

Creating an online profile that reflects the real you can be a challenge, but it's worth giving your best effort. When you sit down at the computer to create your profile, make sure you have the time to devote to it. Pay attention to detail, ask others for their input, and be honest. Also, don't hesitate to be creative! You don't want to be too "out there," but it can't hurt to add a little "oomph" to your profile to make it stand out!