With thousands sites to help you find the love of your life, how do you succeed in this adventure.  Well here’s my advice...

Look for a good site

Use a search engine such as Google to get a list of online dating websites. Pick a reputable site, they tend to have more members in every area.  Do consider choosing a site that charges a membership fee as these offer the best online dating sites. These sites attract more members that are serious about finding a long-term relationship, not just a fling.  Don’t always beleve the 100% free online dating, it rarely is.   When you've found a site, do a free search for members in your area. This is usually the time you realise that you really aren’t alone.   You now need a winning profile.

Choosing a nickname

Choose something that highlights your good points, your hobbies or your occupation for example, salsa_accountant, sparklingblue-eyes1972.  Try not to go for the heavily loaded names like wanting2trustagain, broken-inneedofTLC.

Use realistic pictures of yourself

Photos are very important in online dating - they're what attracts people to you! So have a few to choose from. Look for flattering, clear and RECENT shots of yourself, not you at your best 10 years ago, it’s the current you that’s of interest! Use the pictures to reinforce your profile text - if you're saying you're a lively, sociable person, choose a picture of you out in a social setting, not on the sofa.

Write a brief, positive profile

Be light-hearted and positive, just a few paragraphs to describe yourself.  If they want to know more they will contact you.  Don’t be negative and don’t put down online dating, it doesn’t read well,eg…..I can’t believe I’m doing this…

Consider the people the site matches you with

You can search for people, but also the site will match you with people it thinks you have a lot in common with. They'll have matched you up using the questionnaire that is part of your profile, and the results are usually pretty good! These are people who'll share your views on many things, plus will want the same things, like children, pets, etc.

Do your bit!

Make the most of the online dating service. Its down to you now to contact people too, don’t expect it all to be one way!