Hi Em,
How do you 'cold call'? That is to say, send a message with basically NOTHING to go on. Sometimes a girl's OkCupid profile is so minimal – and apps like Tinder create this problem all the time. I read your article on messaging, but I don't believe it covers this particular issue.
Skylar
OkCupid genuinely wants dating to be a good experience for you, and their non-traditional questions, multi-faceted matchmaking, and modern vibe help you steer clear of feeling like a loser.
- OkCupid's own data is clear: your pics are, by far, the most important aspect of your profile. Your profile pictures color the tone of every word on your profile and every message you send. That is, a winky face may feel 'cool' next to one photo but 'over-eager' next to another.
- Ben's self-summary on OkCupid is a quick read which is never a good sign; especially on OkCupid because the site gives you a ton of space to write about yourself. Ben put some effort into his bio, but it's not good. It doesn't stand out nor does it pop. If you want to grab a woman's attention, your dating profile needs depth, and it must share.
Skylar, this is a great question! Minimal profiles are the worst. They're also a bit of a gamble. Here's why:
If a girl doesn't bother to fill out her online dating profile, it could mean one of two things:
1) She doesn't care about online dating, so she isn't making an effort to succeed at it with a profile.
2) She's so hot that she doesn't need to write a profile. She gets messages from guys constantly, just because she's attractive. She doesn't need to do anything and she's still got the pick of the litter.
Of course, it's also possible that:
3) She's new to OkCupid and hasn't filled out her profile yet.
But odds are in favor of (1) or (2). That's why smart guys don't spend the majority of their time messaging girls whose inboxes are flooded or who don't care about online dating.
Your efforts are better spent making genuine connections by messaging girls whose profiles prove you'd be a good fit for each other.
That being said, a cold call every once in while won't do any harm…
1) Ignore the Superficial
Online dating sites (and apps like Tinder) are about quick first impressions and starting conversations.
In a cold call situation, most guys fail on both accounts. They lack the creativity to come up with anything interesting to say, and go with general openers or comment on a girl's looks only: 'How's your night going?' or 'Gorgeous photos.I'd like to know more about u….'
You'll make a better first impression – and increase your odds of a reply – if you ignore her appearance and 'how are you?' platitudes. Make a real attempt to get a real conversation started right off the bat.
How?
2) Scour Her Profile for Conversation Topics
Take a quick inventory of what you DO have to work with. Cougar hookup app. Most guys will ignore the tiny bits of information that a bare bones profile provides – but any kernel of information can be gold!
Even a mostly empty profile on OkCupid could tell you a girl's city, at minimum. If you're lucky, maybe she also filled out the Basic Info section with her diet, job, or if she has pets.
NOTE: try to avoid using Basic Info like religion, income, and drinking/drug habits. Those can be controversial or super personal, and might make her hesitate to reply.
Specific info in her pictures can also be fair game – as long as your message focuses on a unique detail that not everyone could note as special.
For example, maybe she's wearing an old Weezer t-shirt. Maybe she's at Platform 9 3/4. Those are great to comment on; not everyone is into those things. Meanwhile, tons of guys could write, 'Hey, I love the beach, too.'
Your first message's goal is to start a conversation on a subject that sets you apart from other guys.
How?
3) Ask Her A Question
Use that little gold nugget you found and ask her a question about it that inquires about her thoughts, opinions, or feelings.
Since the only goal is to come up with a question that asks for her opinion, let this take the pressure off crafting the 'perfect' first message.
There are lots of things to ask when you know a simple fact about a person and don't care about saying something 'perfect.' Just brainstorm for 30 seconds and go with it!
How To Write A Bio For Okcupid
For example, let's say she's filled out her Basic Info on OkCupid, and her diet is 'Strictly Vegetarian.'
Your first message could ask any of the following:
'Hey, saw you're a vegetarian. I've been mostly pescatarian for the past 5 years. What's your favorite meal to cook for yourself?'
'Hey, saw you're a vegetarian. I'm always curious to hear the reason people choose that – ethics, health, etc. What was it for you?'
'Hey, saw you're a vegetarian. Have you ever been to X Restaurant? Their veggie burgers are actually incredible!'
'Hey, I'm a vegetarian, too! 5 years. How long for you?'
'Hey, saw you're a vegetarian. Ever considered going full vegan? I thought about it, but I'd miss cheese too much :) What would you miss?'
'Hey, saw you're a vegetarian. Me too, 5 years. I do miss bacon sometimes…but I've held strong! What do you miss the most?'
None of these messages will win any literary awards, but they ask a question about something you know she's got an opinion on.
Then, don't stress out beyond that. Knowing she might be a girl from category (1) or (2), just give it a quick shot and move on.
Conclusion
It's frustrating to try to message girls whose online dating profiles provide nothing to go on. While it's a better use of your time to focus on girls whose profiles prove you've got lots in common, a cold call every now and then can be worth it.
Increase your chances of getting a reply with a first message that stays away from superficial topics. Instead, pick out any bit of info that her profile does share and quickly write a question about it that asks for her thoughts or opinions.
Okcupid bio examples. With your interest in her thoughts (not her looks) and your ability to start a conversation out of nothing – you just might succeed where other men have failed!
OkCupid is one of the most popular online dating services out there. If you're looking for love on the web, OkCupid is probably a good place to start. As soon as you're set up, all you have to do is get to swiping and messaging and you'll be good to go right? Well, almost. As with any dating app, your profile is the first thing daters see when they open the app, so you've got to make your first impression count.
OkCupid has a more complex profile system that has ten short answer sections. It's not required to fill them all out, but it's definitely recommended. And to help you out we're offering examples and tips for each.
Here are some OkCupid profile examples for men to get your creative juices flowing:
My self-summary
I'm a chef by day and actor by night with some time in between for beach bumming. Friends, family, and a cold glass of beer (anything craft) on the weekends are my anchor. Looking for someone who is passionate and hardworking, but knows how to let loose too.
Me, a Haiku
I can play all sports
and work in advertising,
Dinner at seven?
Current goal
I'm working to be a doctor. As you've probably heard, it's…hard, and I don't have that much time to commit to dating right now. That said I'll be able to save your life one day, so that's got to be worth something, right?
Tip 1: Who You Are, What You Do, Where to Find You
This structure is a great way to summarize yourself in a nutshell. Anyone can learn a lot about you from your likes, your job, and your favorite activities. You can write a longer answer if you're looking to come off a bit more serious and short if you want your profile to read quippier.
Tip 2: Burning Desire Turns to Hot Date
What's your passion? What's your dream job? Are you already doing it? What would you do with a million dollars? These are the things that make you tick and can tell other daters a lot about you. Reach for the stars and then write about it in your bio. Passion is sexy, and everybody likes a dreamer.
I could probably beat you at
naming Nicolas Cage movies off the top of my head. When I was in 11th grade, I decided I would watch every movie that he's been in. I did. Mom wasn't impressed. Message me if you are!
I love this about myself
I haven't broken a bone in my body. For normal people, that's a wow. I'm an ex-gymnast and I dance hip-hop, so for me, it's a miracle. Let's hope it stays that way *fingers crossed*
My weirdest quirk
I can play almost any wind instrument. I started with sax in school and moved out from there. Want Kenny G on flute? I got you. *Disclaimer: Have not yet attempted bagpipes.
Tip 3: I Can, I Am, I'm Not
This one is for hobbies, interests, and hidden talents. Whether you can do a mean Larry David impression or like to spend the weekends taking woodshop, this approach let's you talk about what you like to do for fun. Answers can range from goofy to passionate, but should all show off your personality.
Tip 4: Confident, Quirky, and Flirty
Whether it's singing to your mirror with a hairbrush microphone or putting mustard on your eggs, it's okay to be a little quirky in your profile as long as it's you. The person you're looking for is looking for someone confident in who they are and will find your quirks endearing. Don't hide what makes you unique. You'll do better owning it.
A movie I've watched over and over and over again
Zoolander. Blue Steel, Magnum, La Tigra? It's like Ben Stiller played three roles in one movie. No one can tell me that he's not a comic genius! I'm still holding out for good ol' Ben's comeback.
The tastiest thing I've ever consumed
The Impossible Burger, hands down. A meatless burger that tastes like meat is probably the best thing ever. OK, well, that and every ice cream sundae I've ever had. How can you beat ice cream?
Good Okcupid Biography
I value
Friendship. My friends are everything to me. They've helped me through a lot and that bond is irreplaceable and a whole lot of fun. Friends first, then everything else after.
Tip 5: Rep It Loud, Rep It Proud
Got an embarrassing favorite middle school band? We all do. Never miss a Giants game? You're not alone. We're an entertainment nation and we connect on our movies, music, books, and sports. Pick your faves and shout it out. This is one of the best ways to find common ground.
Tip 6: What Are You About? No, What Are You Really About?
Chances are you value something more than anything. Is it your family? Your faith? Keylime pie? Dealbreakers and dealmakers are real. If you've got them, now is the time to let other daters know. Think about what's important for you and you'll attract people who feel the same.
The last show I binged
Stranger Things! I watched the first two seasons in five days. (Still convinced this is record time.) I've had this weird craving for Eggos since…
I should spend less time
Working. Certified workaholic here. I love my job, but there's life outside of work. Right? Right???
On a typical Friday night I am
Off to the gym, to the home to freshen up, then to the club. I have a habit of catching Saturday Night Fever a day or two early.
What Are The Okcupid Profile Questions
Tip 7: Guilty Pleasures
We all have them. From Netflix binges to your favorite conspiracy theory, it's your hidden loves that make you, you. So celebrate them. People like bonding over vices as much as virtues, and they can make you stand out.
Tip 8: There Aren't Enough Days in the Weekend
Sunday funday versus lazy weekends? How we spend our free time says a lot. So think about it. When the weekend arrives are you out to the movies, the bar, or the gym? There's no wrong answer here, only your answer.
The most private thing I'm willing to admit
I just got out of a breakup, and I'm just getting back out there for the first time in a while. I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for, but drinks, dinner or bowling sound like a good start.
If I were sent to jail, I'd be arrested for
asking for too many samples at the ice cream shop. I always end up apologizing to the people behind me in line. 'I'm a bad role model, kids. Don't follow in my footsteps.'
You should message me if
You're looking for something serious. I've done the short-term dating thing and no knock on it, but it's not for me. I'm looking for a genuine connection with someone that thinks it's okay to (occasionally) eat dinner after midnight. Open to dinner suggestions~
Tip 9: Get Vulnerable
It's great to be fun and carefree, but we all have our feelings, too. Sharing something vulnerable can sometimes be the quickest way to an open heart, so open up. There's no shame in putting something private out there.
Tip 10: Tell Me What You Want (What You Really, Really Want)
If you know what you're looking for in a relationship, write it in your bio. If you don't know, well, you can write that too. Honesty is the best policy, and that's a rule that isn't changing anytime soon. If you're straightforward and upfront about what you're looking for, that's your best ticket to find it.
These OkCupid profile examples are meant to inspire. Unfortunately, the whole thing isn't an exact science. It may take some tweaking to get your profile just right. The bright side is that time is on your side.
If you're still looking for more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board of online dating profile examples to see more online dating profiles examples for men from different dating sites and apps.
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