Improve Your Dating App Success: 5 Tips for Getting Better Matches
Get more quality matches on dating apps with these 5 expert tips from The Savvy Romantic. Learn how to optimize your profile, choose the right photos, and make a great first impression to increase your chances of finding a meaningful connection.
One of the questions people asked me the most when I was a matchmaker was, “Are dating apps your biggest competition?” The truth is, dating apps were NOT our competition. In fact, people hate dating apps so much that they pretty much hand clients to us on a silver platter!
As a dating app aficionado, I can totally empathize with the masses, however, there are a few crucial steps that you can take to make the most of your time on the apps, and NOT WASTE TIME!
Use the filters
No, I’m not talking about Facetune. I’m talking about the part of the app that lets you select what you’re looking for. For instance, Hinge has a few preferences you can set, such as age, and it will filter out anyone who doesn’t match those preferences.
Additionally, Hinge allows you to put your “dating intentions.” This is where people tend to hesitate, as they don’t want to scare someone off, but…
SCARE THEM OFF!!! Honestly? If you are unapologetically yourself and clear about what you’re looking for, and that scares someone off, then good! That’s less time wasted for you.
Have honest, accurate pictures
I understand that you might not be your ideal weight right now, or that you’ve struggled to get any good recent pics. That doesn’t necessarily mean that whipping out a picture from 5 + years ago is the way to go.
When someone is online dating, they’re putting their trust in strangers and making themselves vulnerable. The first and best way to keep that trust is by showing up and looking like your pictures.
When you show up looking different, the impression that you’re giving off is that you’re not trustworthy, and more than that, that you’re not confident.
Answer the prompts, read the prompts
Be cute. Be cheeky. Fun, flirty and all the rest. But do please have actual information that describes who you are and what you’re looking for.
It might seem like nonsense, but for those who are actually looking for partnerships tend to write more in-depth, meaningful responses to prompts. Meanwhile, those just looking for a good time, well… you can tell.
It might be tempting to look past the prompts because that picture is… doing things to you… but if you’re picking up on “hook up only” vibes, trust your instincts and move on!
Pick up on their vibes after you’ve matched
Matching with someone is the easy part. Then there’s the entire slew of, “How long do I chat before setting a date?” Although preferences here differ, if it takes too long to get an actual date on the books, that’s a red flag.
While some people will be clear and to the point, others will keep dragging you along without any indication that they’re meeting you in person.
Use your instincts. If you’re not satisfied with the direction of the conversation, drop it and move on to the next.
Ask meaningful questions before meeting
While I’m totally not a fan of deeply “getting to know someone” before you meet, I think there are a few appropriate questions that are direct enough to get a better gauge as to whether you’re looking for the same things and are a compatible match.
For instance, “So what are you looking for?” As much as I want to shudder at the question, it’s one of the most appropriate questions you can ask to help you decide whether you want to move forward.
