Personal Ad Tips

So you wanna place a personal ad, and don't know where to start? You've come to the right place.

First, you're going to need a good, clear, recent photo of yourself. I can understand and respect if you don't want to use a photo in your ad, but keep in mind that you'll get many more responses if there is a photo. Besides, there are very few people willing to meet someone if they have no idea what they look like.

Don't have a photo? That's no excuse. Digital cameras have come way down in price, and so have scanners. If you don't have either, I'm sure you know someone who does. If all else fails, almost any place that develops photos can now put your pictures on a CD. Unless you're good with a self-timer, have a friend help you with your photos. Now don't go telling me you're embarassed to tell a friend you're thinking of placing a personal ad. This isn't 1995 anymore. ;) It's perfectly acceptable nowadays. You wouldn't be embarassed to tell someone you're going out to a club and hope to meet someone, would you? Same thing.

What should be in the photo? You, silly! What is in the photo doesn't really matter, as long as you can see your face (so ditch the sunglasses ) and that you look happy. And look natural. None of those silly glamour shots or rented tux photos, please. C'mon... when was the last time you really wore a feather boa or a tuxedo? Do be careful with the image you project. A photo of a man posing with his shiny red sports car is going to seem to a normal woman like Portrait of a Mid-Life Crisis, and to a gold-digger... Cha-ching!!! Likewise, a photo of a woman with more cleavage than an episode of Baywatch is going to get responses that rival the sleaziest Penthouse Letters.

Got it? Good. Let's move on to the title.

The title of your ad, or your ad response, is going to be the first thing someone notices about you. Make it stand out. Avoid standard cliches like "Looking for Mr. Right" or "Are You The One For Me?" And stay away from sounding desperate. "Where are all the nice guys?" or "Why do women like jerks?" aren't going to cut it. No one is attracted to desperation. Something fun, something a little quirky, is going to be more eye-catching. Browse the ads of your "competition," and make sure your title will stand out.

Now, for the ad itself.

Take full advantage of the essay questions. Don't just fill in the required checkboxes and think that's enough. The essays are where you can let your personality shine. Talk about anything that sets you apart from the crowd. Again, browse through others' ads to see just what the crowd is saying. It seems like everyone and their uncle likes the standard hiking, traveling, music and dining. Go into detail. Don't just say, "I like to read." Talk about what you like reading. Write like you talk. Read it aloud and see if it sounds natural. Read it to a friend and see if they think it sounds like you. And ferchristsakes... SPELL CHECK IT!

Many dating services have a section where you can describe your ideal match. Be careful that you don't either limit yourself too much, or look as though anybody will do. For instance, a guy looking for a blonde woman who's 5'7, between 21 and 24, and weighs less than 120 lbs, is probably not going to have any takers. Even Miss Perfect will think the guy is shallow. On the other hand, wanting someone between 18 and 99 is only going to make you sound desperate. Your best bet? Talk about the kind of personality you'd like, and don't focus too much on the physical.

Now... get out there and place an ad somewhere! There's tons of great dating services listed on this site.