How to Write an Online Personal Ad

By eHow Internet Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Online personal ads can be a terrific way to attract potential soul mates. Write an ad that's candid, creative and eye-catching. Then be ready to screen those who respond.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Identify the Web site or the area on your online service where you intend to place your ad. Decide whether you are willing to pay a membership fee to a matchmaking service.
Step2
Read lots of personal ads on the chosen site. Make notes about the features of the best ads and the ones that turn you off.
Step3
Make a list of the traits and interests that make you unique.
Step4
List the qualities you seek in a romantic partner.
Step5
Write a draft of the ad, incorporating your key characteristics and the profile of the type of person you hope to find.
Step6
Represent yourself and your preferences accurately.
Step7
Show the ad to a couple of close friends, one of each gender. Get their feedback on the ad's effectiveness.
Step8
Rewrite the ad to make it clear and enticing.
Step9
Post your ad on a site that will attract the sort of people you want to meet and wait for the responses to pour in.

Tips & Warnings

  • Sometimes choosing a fee-based service screens out people who aren't serious about finding loving partners.
  • A little humor can work, but don't make fun of the entire process.
  • Try to begin your ad with a fresh, eye-catching opening. Say something that's different but in synch with your personality. "Supersonic butterfly seeks loyal wingman" is a better hook than "Looking for love."
  • If you don't want a long-distance relationship, mention that in your ad.
  • Be prepared for suggestive, inappropriate responses.
  • Never put your e-mail address or actual name in a personal ad. Maintain a safe distance so you can screen the interested candidates without revealing your identity or exact location.

Comments

| View All Comments
Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Before you submit an online ad you must read it out loud! If it doesn't feel natural to say, or if it sounds forced or cheesy, don't write it! Nothing comes across more fake or desperate than hokey lines like, "prince charming," "ms. independent," or the worst line, "I work hard and play hard."

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 At first, you should keep your profile description as ordinary and as simple as possible because (1) it is so easy to write something that might be taken as inappropriate, and (2) you limit your potentials by being too specific. That said, you can still write a lot - it's just not necessary or desirable to share so much at first.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Don't just ask if they have a picture they could send you. Ask if they have a picture OF THEMSELF. I asked someone to send me a picture and I got a photo of Curly from the 3 Stooges!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Even though they send you a picture, be wary until you actually meet. I saw one and we met and she didn't look like the picture. And don't accept glamour shots as a picture unless she looks like that every day.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Write an Online Personal Ad

eHow Internet Editor

eHow Internet Editor

Category: Internet

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Internet

Veesites
Meet Virginia DeBolt eHow’s Internet Expert.