Let's be honest: Dating and online dating are not easy. I'm not going to sugarcoat it.
We have to keep putting ourselves out there. Unless you're some kind of god (okay, nobody is lol) - you have to deal with rejection (it's the woooorst).
And I'm not here to tell you that online dating is the only solution. But, what else are we supposed to do?
Many of us don't live a life where we naturally meet new people. So, dating apps, despite their flaws, are still a good option.
But I know there are many of you, especially men, who just don't have luck on the apps. So, I've prepared a list of things you can do to increase your chances of meeting someone.
My name is Sophia (also seen at the top right ;)) and my only mission is to help you be confident so you can meet someone!
Here are ten tips that can help you:
1. Use high-quality photos for more matches on Tinder
High-quality photos make you look high-quality too! A DSLR camera is always good, but you can also look great with photos from a current iPhone, provided the lighting is good. I recommend taking outdoor photos in daylight.
Trust me: Low-quality photos, like blurry ones and those taken in poor lighting, don't make anyone look good.
2. Increase your attractiveness
Attractiveness is, of course, very subjective. What do you find attractive in someone else? Do you like people who are fit and have a healthy lifestyle? Or are you more into creative types who like to go to comedy shows or museums? It's likely that the person will find the same things attractive in you. Implement these points in your profile.
3. Show your hobbies
Sharing photos of your hobbies can create a connection and spark genuine interest. It also makes starting a conversation easier. My opinion: If you play guitar and see on a profile that the other person also has a guitar, you'll be much more excited about the match, right?
4. Write an interesting bio
Your bio should be funny but also say something about you. Download my 33 bio ideas to get inspired. Here's one of the 33 bio ideas: "Recently moved to Berlin, trying to adapt by eating Currywurst and wearing socks with sandals 🩴🧦 Looking for a partner to help me master the quirks of German life, and to avoid further fashion faux pas ;)"
5. Become your best version
Get your shit together. Make sure the person in the photo is as fantastic as they look. There's no point in having a great profile and then not impressing on the date. This might require some prep work, but it will be worth it.
And by "Get your shit together" I mean things like: maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a job or at least a somewhat regular income, be positive, and have at least a few nice friends. You don't have to be a superstar, a model, a millionaire, and you don't need to have 1000 friends. A few "basic" things (that I know are not easy for everyone) make a big difference.
6. Wear your best outfit
Your wardrobe represents you. Make sure you're well-dressed in your photos – and you should be on dates too. Of course, "well-dressed" means something different to everyone. If you have an alternative style, just be yourself. If you like it fancier, that's good too. What shouldn't happen is that you don't think about your outfits and just wear old, faded clothes or shirts that are too big and shapeless (I see this so often). A few well-fitting t-shirts or shirts make a huge difference. And you don't have to spend a lot of money. You can always check out second-hand stores like Oxfam and Humana or use apps like Vinted.
7. Be careful with group photos
Group photos are great for "social proof," but only use them if you are clearly the focus and easily recognizable. Like here in the photo on the right →
8. Get fit
You don't have to be a supermodel, but a bit of fitness contributes to looking healthy and feeling good. It also boosts your confidence for dates and generally makes you a more optimistic person.
9. Use Tinder Plus or Gold
Unfortunately, the world of online dating is not the same for men and women. The premium version can help you get unlimited swipes or see who likes your profile.
10. Get photographed
Say goodbye to bad selfies and either ask a friend to take photos of you or hire a professional.
Many don't know, but there are professional photographers like us who can help you with your dating photos. A photographer finds the most attractive angle and knows the best locations to make you look cool. In Berlin, for example, we like to go to the RAW area or Oberbaumbrücke (see left).
Need help with your dating photos? We organize photo shoots in Europe & the US with local photographers 👇