This Is What To Write In Your Online Dating Bio

Ask anyone in a committed, happy relationship that began life on a dating app what exactly they wrote in their profile and 99% of the time they’ll have forgotten. The haste to delete old app profiles in those romantic early days of exclusivity means finding them again is near impossible. Re-downloading the app for ‘research purposes’ will only leave someone with a whole lot of explaining to do. Instead, we’ve enlisted the help of the biggest and best dating apps out there to share some pointers on writing the perfect bio. Yes, you’re going to want to take notes.

Less Is Not More

Step one is to actually write in that bio box. Bumble’s VP of International Marketing and Communications, Louise Troen, tells us: “Don’t leave your profile blank! This is your opportunity to show off your amazing sense of humour and let your next potential match get to know a little bit about you. Everyone loves a funny, unique profile. Remember to keep it positive. For guys looking for a date, asking a question in your profile that a woman can answer as her first message to you is always a good idea.” The advice from Tinder’s spokesperson is the same: “Your bio is a space where you can show off your personality, likes, dislikes and, most importantly, set your intentions. Just never leave your bio blank – it’s where potential matches can best get a sense of who you are.”

Edit Out The Predictable

“Be honest – but don’t make it too long,” urges Badoo Head of Communications Tristan Pineiro. “Everyone loves to laugh, and everyone thinks their family and friends are very important. Don’t take up space with sentences that don’t really say much about you. Talk about who you really are: your daily life, where you go, what you do, what you are passionate about. If you say, ‘I don’t know what to write here, just ask,’ you’re asking them to do all the work. Help them out a bit! Avoid ambiguous phrases like ‘looking for fun’ or ‘let’s see what happens’ because they could easily be misunderstood.

Go Niche

“Give specific examples or anecdotes that show your matches what sets you apart. Lots of people are fun, outgoing, adventurous, love to travel, or enjoy being active. If you like to cook, what’s your favourite dish to make? Have you been to a great concert or festival recently? What’s your favourite local spot on a Saturday night?” says Louise. Badoo’s Tristan seconds that advice: “You may feel compelled to say things like ‘long walks along the seafront’ and ‘lazy picnics’ but, honestly, when was the last time you actually did that? If afternoons scouring flea markets for that elusive final piece in your china collection is your thing, say so!” According to Happn’s spokesperson, specific interests in art and nature get the most profile likes from women and gay men.

Get A Second Opinion

Finally, Bumble suggests you don’t go it alone when it comes to writing your bio. Often it is friends and family that know exactly how you come across to the outside world. As Louise explains, “Sometimes we can be our own worst critics. Our friends (both men and women) can help us see things we might miss. Ask them how they might describe you, or the things about you that stand out the most.”