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Tips for Writing Effective Personal Ads

With so many personal ads on the Internet, it is important to create the best ad possible.  An ad which will separate you from the rest, and make you stand out.

Below are some helpful tips for writing effect personal ads.

Decide Who You Are Trying to Attract:  Write down what is important to you, and what you are looking for.  Be specific.  If you want a non-smoker, say so.  If you do not want children, say so.  If you want someone who will go out and do something with you every night, mention it up front.  This will save you lots of time down the road.

Select a Screen Name with Pizzazz:  You want your screen name to stand out.  Plus it also gives people an idea of the type of person you are and what is important to you.  Your screen name helps establish a first impression.  Make it count.  Try to refrain from using your real first name with a string of numbers after it, such as Suzzy12345.  You will get lost in the sea of other “Suzzy” members.

So what are some ideas?

• Select a memorable name.  Something interesting, catchy or funny.
• Incorporate one of your favorite interests or hobbies into your name.  This is especially helpful if you are trying to meet a person with the same interest or hobby.  It will automatically grab their attention.  If you love cats, maybe try something like CatLoverSuzzy.  If you love tennis, maybe use ForLoveAndTennis.

Research Other Personal Ads:  Before writing your personal ad, check out the competition.  Make a list of what you like and dislike.  This will help tremendously when you begin writing your ad.

Write a Personal Ad with Pizzazz:  As with your screen name, you want to stand out.  Make your ad as interesting as possible.  Be sincere, charming, funny and confident (but not arrogant).

Be Honest:  You will never find a meaningful relationship (whether with a lover or a friend) if you are not honest.  If the people you meet are not interested in the REAL you, don’t want to waste your valuable time with them.  They are not worth it.  Save your time for people who count.

Be Positive:  It is a proven fact that happy people attract people.  Depressing people do not.  Be positive and upbeat.  Write your ad when you are in a great mood.  It will show in your writing.

Be Specific and Ask a Question:  It is harder for people to respond to an ad if the information is too general.  Also, ask a question which people can respond to.  This is a great icebreaker.  Instead of writing “I love long romantic walks”, try something like “I love to walk up a hill near my house and view the moon and city lights below.  The view is sensational and I’d love to share it with someone special.  Do you have a favorite romantic spot also?”

Include Hobbies and Interests:  If you are passionate about any hobbies or interests, be sure to include them in your ad.  If you love hiking, woodworking, gardening, cats, reading the comics, enjoy cooking Italian, love to eat Japanese food, add it.  It gives people a reason to contact you, and a starting point for a discussion.  Besides, if you are passionate about something, you will want the people you meet to at least have some interest in it.

Include an Interesting Life Experience:  Include an experience you’ve had which meant a lot to you, or include something special about your profession.

Upload as Many Pictures as Possible:  You know the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words”.  Well with online personals, a picture is worth a thousand clicks.  It doesn’t matter what you look like, you will get more clicks with a photo.  It is human nature to want to see people – to help form an impression.  A picture can tell a lot about a person.  Also, some services allow members to search by whether or not the personal ad contains a photo.  So if you don’t have one, you are missing great exposure.  And please don’t be tempted to upload a gorgeous picture of your neighbor or a handsome picture of your cousin…  Your picture will be perfect!

Upload a Flattering Picture:  Use a picture where you look your best.  Don’t upload one where you are a spec waaayyyyyy off in the distance.  People may think you have something to hide.  Use one where you look happy and approachable.   It should not look like a mug shot – heaven forbid!  People do not respond well to mug shots.

Upload a Current Picture:  Ensure to use a recent picture.  Yes, we know you looked great in that picture 15 years ago, but people want to know what you look like today.

Get Started:  Now that you have a great personal ad, don’t wait for people to contact you.  Get out there, browse the ads, and contact people.  Some people are very shy at first.  Don't wait for them.  Seek them out instead.  Go have fun, talk to people and...

...Find your dream date at these great online dating sites.

Next, learn a few tips for replying to a personal ad.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  (c) 2004. Dating Services 4U (http://www.datingservices4u.com) is a comprehensive web site which enhances your ability to succeed in online dating.  Most popular dating sites are listed, reviewed, and organized alphabetically and by category. Also has newsletters, glossary, dating tips and much more!  Visit  Dating Services 4U today, and start meeting people!

When you're ready, review all the wonderful dating sites available, post your personal ad, then start mingling.

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