When you look at people’s profiles, you’ll see that the most popular ones are the profiles that have photos on them. People like to be able to put a face to the name on the screen. It’s only human, and helps make a connection after that initial contact is made.
What sort of look should you be going for in your photo?
Men and women generally have very different ways of presenting themselves to the camera. For example, women tend to smile in their photos more often, and flirt with the camera. If you’re going to flirt and smile with the camera though, make sure you’re actually flirting to it, not appearing to be making eyes at someone just off to one side. General research and feedback just seems to suggest that if you’re going for that sexy come-hither look that it should be with the person looking at your picture.
For men, the opposite seems to work better. Looking to one side and not smiling seems to be more attractive to women – maybe it’s that sense of mystery?
More generally, photos that conform to those dreaded internet clichés – the MySpace Shot for women and the topless abs look for men – unfortunately still seem to get the views. The reason for this of course is that it plays to people’s strengths – which is kind of the point when it comes to dating of any sort, let alone online dating. However – as an approach it tends to really favour the younger among us. There’s more interest in a 19 year old showing off his abs than someone in their thirties for example.
The argument of course that still needs to be resolved is whether that’s because there’s anything more attractive about the younger guy, or because women find body shots less interesting as they get older.
This then is the lesson to think about when posting photos to your profile – make sure that your photo is recent and puts you in a good light. Have a look at what people are posting and see how you can put your own spin on it. You’re looking to maximize your chances by standing out while not being so out there that you put them off you.
Good luck