The big question these days when it comes to Dating Agencies is not to discuss the pros and cons of using one, but actually what is the best way. When I was growing up, and was in the phase of looking for a partner, I would never of considered using a third-party as a means of finding one for me, as there really was a stigma about people who used either an agency or put an advert in a newspaper looking for love. Computers have changed all that, and you are more likely to be considered cool if you use a dating site than strange. Basically everybody is doing it, and whether you are looking up old girlfriends or boyfriends, or searching for a new experience, your computer will get you results. There is a drawback however; your computer is only as good as the information than you put into it, and even though there are millions of hopeful date seekers using the sites, most of the profiles are to say the least woeful. Here are some useful tips to improve you success rate.

1. If you don’t have a photo, then forget it. Most people don’t even look at a profile unless it has a picture, and on most sites you can exclude those profiles out of your search results. No matter what shape your body is in, it is always possible to get the best out of it for a photograph, if you are prepared to spend the time and trouble to get it right. Believe me it is well worth doing, and having a picture alone with nothing else will increase your likelihood to get other members contacting you.

2. When you write a profile, try to keep it light-hearted and general. Don’t go into details about any tragedies in your life, or look for sympathy. Dating sites are fun, but can be harsh environments and nobody will go out with you out of sympathy. They will however give you a second look if you appear well balanced, confident, with a sense of humour. In fact, writing in your profile something like, ” happy-go-lucky Lady (or man) with great sense of humour, would like to bring fun into someone’s life, are you ready for me?” This doesn’t say anything specific about the person writing it, but gives off a huge “buzzy” vibe which will attract certain people.

3. Apart from these pieces of advice, there is the golden rule of Internet Dating which is, don’t be crude, and never be rude.

If you put together a profile advice, and incorporate the above, then you will certainly increase your success rate in online dating.

Meeting someone online and meeting face-to-face are two different things. There is a nervousness and hesitation involved when you meet someone personally. You should always be careful when taking your relationship from internet to real world. Here are some points to ponder which will help you to date safely and transform you relationship to the real world.

• Fix A Meeting This is the first step towards transforming your relationship to real world. Arrange a meeting with him/her when you think you are ready to take your relationship to the next level and are assured that he/she is the right person for you. Don’t allow your date to pick you from home and be sure that your date does not know your home address yet.

• Prefer a public place Always choose a public place for meeting where there are a number of people around. You can also consider going out with a group or on a double date.

• Pay Half the Bill It may sound awkward but it is a good strategy to follow for a first date. People expect something in return if they pay the full bill so it is better to pay half the bill so that you are not obliged to return the favour.

• Avoid Alcohol Alcohol is the greatest threat to your judgement and decisions on a date. Better avoid it. Even if you are drinking, drink in limit so that you know what you are doing. Keep your drink in your sight while drinking,

• Take your own car When going on a real date go with your own mode on transportation. Don’t rely on your date.

• Avoid secluded places Remember that you know your date only through internet, so it is better to avoid secluded places when meeting personally

• Follow your instincts No matter your date claims to be a real gentleman, follow your instincts. If something doesn’t feels right to you then it probably isn’t right.

• Inform someone about your date When going on a first date, inform a trusted friend or someone from your family that you are going out. It is better to tell about the person with whom you are going out.

• Stay Alert Even if you are enjoying the date and the person seems to be great, its advisable to be alert whole evening. Keep you cell phone or pager with you and be aware of your surroundings.

Plenty of online dating advice out there focuses on what to include in your profile, but what about what NOT to include? Writing your online dating profile takes time, but with the right approach you can come across as your truly fabulous self without revealing your entire life story. Fine tuning your profile so that it highlights the best things about yourself but still leaves a little to the imagination is the key to online success. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Keep Negatives out of your online dating profile

Negative statements do nothing for your online dating profile. A little self-deprecation is okay, but now is really not the time to mention your ex, your work problems or that your house is being demolished tomorrow. Be positive and cheerful.. Think of your profile as your own little patch of space where people come to find out more about you, it makes it easier to create the right ambience. Ideally your profile should be full of warm inviting statements and happy vibes, so throw out anything which could be read as moaning, griping, being too sarcastic or grouchy – these will do little to attract your ideal partner.

Don’t come across as too idealist in your dating profile

Many experts in online dating advice say that it’s important not to specify your ideal girl or guy too rigidly in your profile – this could put off all the potentially great partners out there who might feel they can’t live up to your strict criteria. Saying you want a non-smoker with a good sense of humour is fine, but mentioning that you’d also like them to love animals, look like a runway model, earn millions and be passionate about sci-fi is a little too far. Keep your options open without compromising on your core values in a partner and you’ll avoid scaring off potential dates with unrealistic demands.

Scour your online dating profile for clichés

Like long walks on the beach and candlelit suppers? Either try to put this in a more original way, or leave it out altogether. The most overused phrase in dating profiles is ‘I’m equally happy going out with friends or staying in with a DVD and a bottle of wine’. Whilst these things might be true, you’ll be surprised at just how many other people say the same thing. Take our advice; clichés are one of the most bland, boring things you can include in your online dating profile, so leave them out wherever possible. Instead try using ‘buzz’ words that stand out, like mentioning a country you’ve visited recently or a book you’ve read. If you like food mention a particular cuisine, if you have an interesting job describe it and don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus to avoid unimaginative words.

Beware of extreme opinions

Do you have an unexplained hatred of men in skinny jeans, or are you put off by girls who listen to heavy metal? In terms of online dating advice, being extremely critical or judgemental is a huge mistake. We all have our pet hates but if you need to resort to listing them in your profile, you might want to rethink your reasons for doing so. Making any extreme statements or sounding like you think you’re superior to others in the online dating community is going to spell disaster for your profile, and will repel potential partners pretty quickly. Leave these out and you’ll leave dates with a much more rounded picture of who you are.

Final online dating advice: too many details are a no-no

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, good online dating advice will tell you to cut the fluff out – but be honest about the fundamentals like your age, sexuality and whether you have children. Don’t feel you have to share your entire life story instantly in all its minutiae though, talking about your last breakup or your relationship with your family are personal and can wait until you’re serious about someone. Also don’t give away too much about where you live, work or socialise -keep these details to yourself until you meet someone you like and feel comfortable with. When it comes to meeting up for the first time, stay open minded – even if your date isn’t quite right for you, see it as an opportunity to make new single friends and widen your circle of contacts. They may have a single friend who is perfect for you!