Many people today, whether in the military, single, or divorced, are turning to online dating services rather than looking for a potential partner in bars and singles clubs. 

Dating online presents some challenges when meeting people. The biggest obstacle is not having the opportunity to talk with the other person face to face. 

This is where the dating profile comes in. Through your online profile, you provide the information someone else needs to make a decision whether you’re the right person for them and vice versa. Consider this your first impression. 

The way you compose your dating profile could make or break the chances of meeting someone else.  Here are a few online dating tips to consider when creating your profile:

• Think before you speak, as it were. Carefully consider what you’re going to write. You don’t want to come off as sounding superficial
• Stand out from the crowd. Try to find unique ways to describe yourself – without going overboard
• Be specific. Many people share the same hobbies. What makes your hobby different? Why just “hike” when you can write, “hiking in the Sierra Nevada"?
• Avoid clichés
• Be positive. No one wants to read a profile full of complaints or hear your emotional baggage
• Spell check. This can’t be stressed enough. Poor spelling and grammar is a turn off to many people
• Be honest 

Take your time to compose your online dating profile. There is no rush. The more thought you put into what you want the world to know about you, the more you’ll get results you want.