How to Write an Online Personal Ad

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scanners
• Internet Service Providers
• E-mail Accounts
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Computers
• Pens
• Notebooks

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make a list of the traits and interests that make you unique.

4. List the qualities you seek in a romantic partner.

5. Write a draft of the ad, incorporating your key characteristics and the profile of the type of person you hope to find.

6. Represent yourself and your preferences accurately.

7. Show the ad to a couple of close friends, one of each gender. Get their feedback on the ad's effectiveness.

8. Rewrite the ad to make it clear and enticing.

9. 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.

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."

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.

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!

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.