Meeting someone new through dating apps should never be considered the only way to find love or an interesting connection. It should complement more traditional methods of socializing. But just like in the real world, first impressions matter. How can you create the perfect profile on Tinder & Co to present yourself in the best way and attract the right person?

Here are some fun and winning strategies for creating your profile on Tinder, Bumble, Meetic, Badoo, Grindr, or lesser-known apps in Italy like Her, Boo, or Happn (each with its own unique features, target audience, and goals).

How to Create the Perfect Profile on Tinder & Co
Name or Nickname?

Before Facebook, using a nickname was a must. Later, as our digital identity needed to match our real identity, Instagram and TikTok brought back the trend of using a playful name instead (or in addition to) personal data. Let’s keep it simple with three basic rules to choose the ideal name.

The first is to condense your identity into a few characters: winning names are often those that are original, not directly saying something specific but giving subtle hints about your personality.

It’s better to go with “GiusTommaso” than “TommyMilano.”

The second rule is to avoid numbers, which often reveal sensitive data (like your birth year) and make it seem like you couldn’t think of anything better.

The third, most important rule: be more ironic than attractive. A funny or quirky name grabs more attention than a neutral or provocatively unattractive one.

If you can’t think of something convincing, just use your real name or nickname.

Think of Your Dating App Bio as the Title of Your Movie

Many apps require you to write a short biography, similar to a mini bio. This is where it gets really important: create or use a phrase that captures what’s important to you. You can do this by quoting a movie line, referencing a book, or answering an interview question. Some people even use meme captions.

The more sincere you are, the more the right person (the one you’re looking for) will connect with the meaning behind your phrase. However, a piece of advice: don’t write disillusioned, cynical, or pessimistic phrases. Instead, try to present yourself with a positive, realistic attitude.

Talk About Yourself the Right Way

This is both the most pointless and most crucial section of your profile, because often, this part is either ignored or barely read. But here’s the trick: for those few who truly want to get to know you better, offer clear, non-schematic information about what you love. Avoid sounding too harsh or unfriendly (no one wants to meet someone who seems already unfriendly before even meeting them!).

Summarize what you’re looking for without resorting to clichés, and update it when needed. It’s a good exercise to help you define and express how your life goals evolve—including your presence on a dating app.

Dating App Profile Picture

We can’t see each other in person, but let’s do it virtually. We both know the secret to a good profile picture is to be as real as possible. Many apps require you to show your face, and for many generations who grew up without social media, this might feel like a bit of a stretch.

But try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes: how can they connect with you if you’re wearing sunglasses, have your back turned, or show a beautiful landscape where you’re just a tiny dot in the distance? The ideal choice is a selfie—avoid overly polished or posed pictures.

Using photos already posted on social media that your friends liked is a good strategy: usually, likes are an indication that the photo is quality, shows who you are, and conveys something genuine.

What About the Other Photos?

For the rest of your photos, balance your desire to show off with the typical timidity of this form of exposure. Try to show yourself in situations that represent you as relaxed outside your home: a photo taken by a friend at the gym, an unposed wedding photo (not your own!), or a moment when you’re doing something you enjoy, like going to the movies, reading a book, or taking a walk in the park.

It’s always useful to be seen in a context, but make sure you’re the only one in the photo. Showing other people’s faces in such a personal context is not a good move, especially if they’re cropped or censored. Today, it’s easier than ever—if you don’t have a good phone, get help from someone who knows better. It will be worth it.

How to Start the First Conversation on Tinder & Co

It’s almost more important than the profile itself. There are so many boring, routine questions on dating apps that they’re repeated endlessly, causing conversations to fizzle out quickly. Remember, the first two exchanges are crucial, so don’t be too “robotic.” Try to be friendly right away, without being awkward or inappropriate. Skip the small talk—no one cares about it—and get to know each other in the shortest time possible.

In apps, every conversation is like speed dating. People usually have several ongoing conversations at once. If you don’t stand out by showing special attention to the photos, what they write, and what they’re looking for, you’re just wasting your time. Behind that screen could be the man or woman of your dreams—learn not to let them slip away.

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This article first appeared on Grazia.it – Author: Alessandro Alicandri