Tips For Writing Perfect Online Dating Profile

Updated for 2025: A clear, modern guide to writing an online dating profile that actually gets results.

Online dating can feel overwhelming, especially when you're competing with thousands of profiles in London alone. Your profile needs to be engaging, authentic and easy to read — without sounding like everyone else. The good news? With a few simple improvements, your profile can stand out in all the right ways.

Even though we’re big advocates for meeting in person at our Speed Dating London events, we also know that the most successful daters use both online and offline opportunities. A polished profile gives people a stronger first impression — and increases your chances of turning matches into real dates.

Here are 7 smart, modern tips for writing a dating profile that genuinely attracts the right people in 2025.

1. Be Clear About What You’re Looking For (But Don’t List Demands)

It’s natural to have preferences, but a long list of requirements can make you seem closed-off or hard to please. Instead of saying “Must be over 6 foot, gym 6 days a week, earn six figures,” keep your expectations focused on the things that truly matter — values, compatibility and lifestyle.

If something is a genuine dealbreaker (faith, wanting children, age range), it’s fine to mention it. For example, if you prefer to date someone who shares your Christian faith, you might enjoy meeting like-minded singles through our Christian Speed Dating London events.

A warm, open-minded tone always attracts better matches than a checklist.

2. Choose Photos That Tell a Story About Your Life

Photos are the first thing anyone looks at, and they often decide whether someone reads your bio at all. In 2025, the strongest profiles use:

• 5–6 clear photos

• A mix of close-ups and full-body shots

• Natural lighting and minimal filters

• Photos showing hobbies, friends or travel

• A recent photo as the very first image

Avoid:

• Group photos where no one knows who you are

• Old pictures from a different era

• Car selfies, gym mirror selfies or sunglasses in every photo

• Snapchat-style filters

Think of your photos as a mini highlight reel — they should show the kind of life someone could join you in.

3. Use Prompts and Short Sections Instead of Long Paragraphs

People skim profiles quickly, especially on apps. Writing in short, punchy sections makes your bio easier to read and far more attractive.

Break things up with simple prompts like:

• “A typical weekend for me looks like…”

• “The quickest way to make me laugh is…”

• “The last thing I learned was…”

This style lets your personality shine without overwhelming people with text.

4. Be Funny — But Keep It Natural

Humour is one of the most attractive qualities you can show in a profile. The key is keeping it light, warm and easy to understand.

Avoid inside jokes, sarcasm that could be misread, or trying too hard to sound quirky. A single well-placed funny line goes much further than a forced attempt at being the “funny one”.

A good rule: write the way you speak, not the way you think a comedian would write.

5. Stay Positive and Future-Focused

Negativity is one of the biggest turn-offs online. Avoid mentioning bad dates, exes, ghosting or what you don’t want.

Instead, keep your tone upbeat and forward-looking:

• “I’m excited to meet someone thoughtful and fun.”

• “I’m new to London and looking to explore more.”

Positivity doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect — it just shows emotional maturity and confidence.

If you’re also working on your in-person dating confidence, our blog on Common Speed Dating Mistakes is an essential read.

6. Avoid AI-Generated Bios (or at Least Edit Them)

This is a big trend in 2025: AI-written dating profiles. The problem is that many of them sound identical — overly polished, vague, and a little robotic.

Using AI for inspiration is completely fine, but always rewrite it in your own voice. Authenticity stands out far more than perfection.

If someone meets you in person, you want to sound like the same person they read on your profile.

7. End With a Simple, Warm Call-To-Action

Many daters forget this part, but a gentle CTA helps people feel confident about messaging you. For example:

• “If you think we’d get on, message me — I’d love to chat.”

• “Feel free to say hi, I don’t bite!”

• “Let’s grab a coffee if we match — I’m always discovering new spots.”

This makes your profile feel friendly and approachable, which increases your chances of getting messages.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re using dating apps, attending events or trying both, remember: dating should be enjoyable. A strong online profile doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to feel like you.

Keep things positive, be open-minded, and don’t overthink it. And if you want to boost your chances even more, join us at one of our upcoming events. Meeting people face-to-face is still the quickest way to tell if there’s real chemistry.