Choosing an Online Dating Site
When first entering into the
online dating scene, the first question one needs to
answer is which online dating site is right for them.
Choosing an online dating site isn’t just about
recognition and price tags, but whether that online
dating service offers whatever it is you’re looking for.
This article
is intended to educate new online daters as to what to
look for in an online dating service. We’ll provide you
with the top 10 tips for choosing an online dating
service, and why these points are so important.
1.
Reputation
First and foremost, you want to
join an online dating site with a proven track record
for security, integrity and reliability. Ideally, the
online dating service should be in existence for at
least 3 years, with no reports of fraudulent or corrupt
activities. The online dating service should provide
their company name, address and telephone number
directly on the web site as proof of legitimate business
interactions.
2.
Relationship Types
What is it you are seeking from
your online dating experience? If you’re looking for a
serious, long-term relationship, choose an online dating
service that specializes in that. If it’s bi-sexual,
gay/lesbian or a casual, one-time encounter to explore
fantasies you seek, they having online dating services
that specialize in these as well. Know what you’re
looking for and choose the right online dating service
to meet your expectations.
3.
Free Basic Membership/Free Trial
Look for an online dating
service that allows a free basic membership, or at least
a free trial, so that you know exactly what you’re
getting into before handing over any cash. Many online
dating services will allow a free basic membership with
no expiration. These allow members to do many of the
things a paid membership allows, including enabling paid
members to contact free members with the option to
reply. Once you decide you’re on the right track, only
then should you consider paying a subscription.
4.
Profile / Photo Uploads
If using a free basic
membership at an online dating service, you should have
the option to provide a complete profile with more than
one photo allowed. When a user uploads only one photo,
statistics show a lower response rate from interested
users. No picture at all reveals an incredibly low rate
of response.
5.
Security
Knowing that your personal and
financial information is 100% secure is an invaluable
asset when using an online dating service. The #1 tip
above, “Reputation”, will generally ensure that security
is not an issue. But it is important to also know what
payment methods are accepted so that you can use a safe,
secure method of your choosing, not just their’s. Glance
over the terms to ensure your personal info will not be
sold, rented or given away either.
6.
Avoid 100% free Online Dating Services
An online dating service that
is 100% free for all members, without even offering a
paid subscription, may sound like an awesome plan. In
reality, the site simply cannot offer the same quality
services as other online dating sites. They rely on
advertising alone to bring in cash, meaning they don’t
need quality to make money, just a lot of visitors per
day.
7. Active Members
The more active members an
online dating site has, the higher your chance of
success will be. You may find a smaller site with a
lower price tag, but these have a much lower rate of
success, due to the lack of traffic. Not to say a small
online dating service is bad, but it will become a lot
better over the years as the membership volume grows.
8.
Advice Columns
Try to look for an online
dating service that supplies an online dating magazine
and advice for snagging the right person. These sites
will help you build a better profile, seek out the right
kind of people that you actually want to find, and build
a solid relationship that fits your desires. In essence,
they don’t just want your money, they actually want you
to succeed.
9.
International Online Dating Services
Generally speaking, an
international online dating service will have the
largest number of active members. We don’t mean overall,
just because they reach so far and wide, but the most
members per region as well, meaning a more diverse
variety of personalities.
10.
Customer Service
No business is complete without
solid customer support services. Make sure the site has
24/7 support by email and preferably toll-free telephone
in your region. Test out the customer support by calling
them up and asking a few questions. If they can
accurately respond to all of your questions in a timely
manner, the online dating service’s customer support is
probably very reliable.
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