How to Build an Online Dating Profile That Could Lead to Marriage

The flowers, the music, the romantic vacation — every dreamy detail of a wedding winds back to one of life’s most essential steps: finding your person. And in today’s world, that means turning to online dating.

Finding a partner for life might seem intimidating, especially in an age when many people are delaying marriage or not getting married at all, but it’s far from unattainable. The proliferation of dating apps and websites can have you hopping from one person to the next — never sure of the state of a relationship — but connecting with potential partners doesn’t just have to be a romantic engagement.

That’s why we turned to three matchmaking and relationship professionals — Mia Devine, a dating strategist; Leo Barris, a counselor; and Alina Kale, a relationship coach — to get their best advice for trusting your dating profile to the experts if you’re truly seeking a substantive relationship, including how best to write up your bio, select your photographs and navigate the whole experience without losing your mind.

Smart Dating Profile Construction

Ready to try online dating? Here, our experts show you how to navigate dating apps with confidence, and offer advice on whether you should pay for dating apps.

Be Open About Your Intentions

Even if you’re not ready to make the leap and entering serious coupledom, it’s a good idea to mention your intentions in the profile. “A lot of people try to be casual so they don’t scare anyone off,” says Devine. “But telling it more like it is, by communicating that you are looking for a long-term connection upfront can help eliminate those who aren’t on the same page.”

She estimates that most online conversations may last five online messages (if you are lucky), before you take things offline offline — if you are interested in going on an actual date with a real live human being who does not include “Marriage” in their list of future deals-breakers.

Select Personality-Full Photos

Don’t worry about the over-filtered selfies and stuffy corporate headshots — your profile pictures should represent you. “Smile and look right at the camera in your first photo,” Barris advises. “Then show yourself doing things you love — traveling, cooking, hiking, anything that gives people a sense of your personality.”

Full-body shots and images of you looking active and athletic will signal confidence and unquestionable openness, Kale adds. But leave out the group shots with friends — especially if you might be overshadowed by them. “It’s terrible for me to say, but the second someone has someone cuter on their arm, the attention goes there,” says Kale. “And men, particularly, don’t need to see your social circle — they will assume you have one.”

Don’ts: Formal images, bridal party pix, anything that feels too staged or serious.

Your Bio Should Be Weighty, but Not Heavy

Your profile should arouse interest — or curiosity — not piss people off with heavy expectations. “Yes, you should be clear about what you want, but you don’t want your résumé,” says Devine. “Inject some humor, provide an offbeat fact, add a little color.”

Consider using prompts to tell short stories about your hobbies, weekends or values. “If they’ll share, ‘I do Saturday yoga, I FaceTime my sister in Berlin and I walk my rescue dog ,’ that’s a good mental image,” said Kale.

She also suggests lighthearted formats, such as “two truths and a lie,” to keep potential matches engaged. “People love guessing games. Just make it something light — like that you once shared an elevator with your favorite actor,” she says. “It’s flirty and it also says something about what you’re into.”

Don’t Be Scared to Get Help Writing It

Don’t know how to rise above the competition in your profile? Use AI for some idea generation. “Nothing wrong with leaning on a little tech support,” Kale says. “You might ask: ‘What should I put into a dating profile to seem like a fun first date? and build from there.”

Just don’t forget to bring your own voice and personality to it once you have the first draft.

Skip the Dealbreaker Lists

No matter how much you would like to attract your ideal partner with a predilection for felines, a wicked forehand or an urban lifestyle, listing deal breakers in the mix can often turn out to be self-imperiling. “Your profile should be something that attracts potential matches—not something that repels them,” Devine explains. “People evolve. “Your ‘non-negotiables’ are more likely to be flexible down the road once you meet someone awesome.”

Turning yourself into a filter Instead of turning your bio into a filter, give people a sense of who you are and what you like. Let the deeper compatibility questions emerge in a conversation.

Handling Your Profile And Staying Sane

Having a great profile is only the beginning. Here are some pointers to make sure your sex and dating life remains both safe and fun.

Set Time Limits

It is easy to get tired of dating apps. Constant swiping and notifications can be overwhelming,” says Barris. He recommends only looking at your app during specified hours. 30 minutes a day is very good enough,” Kale adds.

Boundaries help ensure the experience is fun — not frustrating.

Match With Purpose

Don’t swipe just to swipe. “Treat dating apps as you would in meeting people the old-fashioned way,” says Barris. Read bios. Notice shared interests. Be selective.

And what if you are upfront that you only want something casual? “Don’t kill yourself,” says Kale. “Unless that resonates with you, keep on stepping.

Make the First Move

There is no rule that you have to first match with the guy who has messaged you — so do it. “If you like someone, say something,” Kale says. “And suggest a date early. Don’t chat endlessly. Say, ‘You seem fun — coffee next weekend?’ It keeps the energy moving.”

Track What’s Working

Reflect on what gets results. “What photos get the best possible matches? “Which bios lead to actual conversations? says Devine. “Keep notes. Test different things. Switch platforms if needed. It’s how to work smarter, not harder.”

Stay Focused on the Present

Even if marriage is something you’re actively seeking, don’t make your profile read like a list of qualities you’re looking for in a spouse. “Dating apps are the tip of the iceberg,” Kale says. “Don’t ask, ‘How can I look wife material?’ “But would someone want to get coffee with me after reading this?” ”

When you are on that first date, be there. “No one wants to talk wedding bells during appetizers,” Kale quips. “The purpose of a first date is to wish for a second. That’s it.”