How to write a winning dating profile - and mistakes to avoid

Essential tips for crafting a memorable online dating bio and common mistakes to avoid.

Essential tips for crafting a memorable online dating bio and common mistakes to avoid.

Published Mar 13, 2025

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Creating an online dating profile can feel like writing a CV for your love life. 

A great dating bio strikes a balance between authenticity, humour, and intrigue. You want to showcase your best qualities, be authentic, and stand out from the sea of profiles. 

But with just a few sentences to make a lasting impression, how do you get it right? 

Here's a guide to improve your online dating bio, along with some common mistakes to avoid.  

Let your personality shine through  

Instead of listing adjectives—“I’m funny, kind, and adventurous”—show your personality through specific details. For example, rather than saying, “I love to travel,” try: "My perfect weekend? Exploring a new city, getting lost in a bookshop, and finding the best hidden café for people-watching."  

This paints a picture and gives potential matches something to connect with.  

Keep it light and positive  

No one wants to read a bio that sounds like a list of complaints. Avoid phrases like; not here for time-wasters or swipe left if you’re not serious. 

Instead, focus on what excites you. Your bio should feel like an invitation, not a warning sign.  

Add a touch of humour  

A joke can break the ice before you’ve even started chatting. If you have a dry sense of humour, let it show. This makes you relatable, likeable and memorable.  

Be honest, but not too honest

Honesty is key, but that doesn’t mean listing your entire life’s struggles upfront. Saying things like; “recently divorced and trying to figure things out” might be true, but it’s hardly an inviting start. 

Instead, frame things positively such as "starting a new chapter and excited to meet someone who loves spontaneous road trips and great conversation."  

Avoid overused clichés

Some phrases are so common that they’ve lost all meaning. If your bio includes any of the following, consider a rewrite, “I love to laugh” or “I enjoy long walks on the beach.” Unless you actually do this regularly, it sounds generic.  

Instead, try something more unique to you:  

"My happy place? A coastal hike, good music in my headphones, and a sunset that makes me forget about checking my phone."  

Leave something to talk about  

You don’t need to reveal everything in your bio. Instead, include a question or a fun fact that invites people to start a conversation.  

Keep it light, show your personality, and avoid negativity or clichés. Remember, your bio is just the start—let it be an invitation for someone to want to learn more about you.

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