Best Face Forward - How to add a killer photo to your online personal ad.
By Brenda Ross

I read this amazing statistic recently - 24.3% of singles have used or are currently using online dating services or personals to meet someone. Whoa.
Right now there are 15 major subscription-based online matchmaking sites, as well as thousands of smaller, more specialized ones. Many of my friends
are giving it a shot, and the last three weddings that I attended were for couples who had met online.

Since online dating is becoming a viable way to meet someone, why not give it a try? How it works: You join up (Date.com was my choice), and you create a bio, which consists of answering a series of questions. But what you might not know is that adding a photo to your ad can really make a difference. I read somewhere that you have 12 times more of a chance of getting replies with a photo.

You'll have a few options to consider. Mall glamour shot or that talented friend with digital camera? I say choose the friend. If you already have a great photo of yourself, get it scanned at a local copier shop, and easily upload the image onto your computer. Date.com will alter and resize images for you.

A few important details: Never have your picture taken if you aren't in a really great mood, because it always shows. A good photographer, haircut and lighting can downplay features that otherwise might make you feel self-conscious. Take as many as possible so you have more choices - rest assured, even supermodel shoots work this way. When deciding, ask friends of the opposite sex which shots they find most appealing. A focus test, if you will. If you are a woman, then only ask your male friends which photos show you off to your best advantage. This works like a charm.

Now that you have a better idea of what you can do to rev up your social life, get out there and give online dating a try. Have fun!


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