Dating: The Importance Of Having A Recent Picture In Your Profile

Whether you want to admit it or not, appearances play a significant role when it comes to dating. Regardless if it is online dating or a face-to-face encounter, the first thing that anyone will notice is what the other person looks like.

Fair or not, people get their first impressions by how the other person "looks" to them. This is especially true when it comes to dating. When you first meet someone in person, there is always an internal reaction that takes place. That reaction could be neutral, negative, or positive (as when you notice an attractive person).

With online dating, the only difference is the time lapse of knowing how your potential match really looks in person, which is not the same as looking at their blurry photo in a faraway shot. Nevertheless, when it comes to meeting your match online, a single photo is crucial into getting you that click from that special someone.

Why is posting a photo so important in finding a date online? One of the main reasons is that when you search for a date on the Internet, you only have their photos and profile to rely in order to figure out if this person is someone that you can pursue a relationship with, or at least someone that you can spend time with. Since you do not have the initial advantage of meeting your prospect in person and knowing whether you connect with them or not, your only option is to base your decision by first looking at their photo(s) and then reading their profile.

Do Not Lie With Your Photos, Keep Them Recent

Many times, an intimate connection is made only after that initial attraction has been established. Therefore, if you do not have an idea what your prospect looks like, you may end up feeling disappointed or even frustrated if that person did not turn out to be what you hoped for once you finally meet each other face-to-face. You may even feel cheated and that your time and energy was wasted meeting and communicating with this person online. You certainly do not need to look like a model in order to get a response to your profile. Having a decent photo next to your profile makes you less mysterious.

Having A Picture In Your Profile Will Increase Your Response Rate By 90%

Another reason why it is so important to post your photo is that you'll get about 10 times more response compared to someone who didn't have their photo posted. Several online dating companies came up with these results after doing a survey. If losing 90% of possible contacts is okay with you, then you shouldn't have any concern about not posting your photo online. Keep in mind, however, that 90% makes a big difference especially if you live in a small town.

Last but not least, getting more responses, posting a photo online greatly reduces your chance of getting rejected as well as getting a no response to your e-mail. Many members do not answer e-mails from other members who do not have their photo posted along with their profile.