Tips For Not Turning Off Men Online

In the age of technology, online dating has become a go-to resource for those trying to find true love. YourTango has tips on how to prevent turning off potential suitors online.

Love is only one click away . . . so don't miss your opportunity!

Not having any luck with online dating? It's not you — it's your profile. Small, unintentional missteps on your profile, like outdated photos or poor word choice, can have big consequences. The good news: these mistakes are easy to fix. Read on for ways to keep your online profile from turning men off.

1. Good photos are your top priority.

We all want the complete package — an attractive partner with a great personality. But let's be real, men and women on online dating sites look at photos first. So you want you be ready for your close-up, and we do mean close-up. Shots that are taken from a distance or out of focus raise red flags, as do pictures that only show your face (or one side of it) or appear outdated. YourTango expert Ronnie Ann Ryan, a dating coach for women, recommends posting three to five that show both your face and body. "This is your profile, so you should be alone," she says. "You'd be surprised how many women post photos with children, pets, groups of friends, or even another man." Smile and wear a date-appropriate outfit.

2. Keep your profile short and sweet.

Your online dating profile is not the place to start drafting your memoir or an op-ed. Men should be able to look at your pictures, read a few thoughtful and grammatical sentences, and decide if they want to message you. Aim for 300 words or fewer.

3. Show, don't tell.

Your English teacher was right: specific details bring writing to life. They also make you stand out from the pack. Instead of writing something generic like, "I enjoy working out, traveling, and spending time with friends," give juicier details. What sports do you like specifically? What's the best trip you've ever taken? What do you and your friends do together? "Details provide conversation starters," Ryan says. "Interesting profiles attract interesting people."

For six more tips, head to YourTango: Nine Ways NOT to Turn Him Off . . . Online

Check out more great stories from YourTango:

• Eighteen Sexy Secrets of Online Dating
• Seven Dating Websites You Won't Believe Exist
• Eight Modern Dating Rules Every Single Should Know