Online dating is becoming an increasingly popular method of meeting a partner.
Millions of people are choosing this quick and easy method of meeting people to try and find love. Many have succeeded. In fact, some studies have suggested it’s now the most common method of finding a spouse.
If you want to try your luck with dating apps having never done so before, it can be quite intimidating though. With so many different apps out there, how are you supposed to choose the best one for you?
That’s where this guide aims to help you.
Read on for seven simple steps to finding the most suitable dating app for your needs.
1. Take great photos
There’s no getting around it; online dating is highly image-based. Most users are primarily making decisions based on your photos (guys especially). So, there’s no point making any dating app comparisons if your photos are trash. You’ll only attract men beneath your potential if you have bad photos, no matter what app you use.
A lot of women think it’s cool to look like they’re “not trying” at online dating. You can beat these women to the top-tier guys by putting some effort into your photos. So, lose your ego and do it!
Before you start to compare the various dating apps out there, get clued up about how to take great photos for online dating. This will ensure you get the most of whatever dating app you choose. While you’re at it, check out our guide on how to start an engaging conversation with a guy as well. This will help you turn matches into dates with more consistency.
2. Read expert reviews
Most likely, you’re a busy lady who doesn’t have time to try out every single available dating app. Well, it’s going to be tough to find the best app for your needs by comparing the promotional copy on the App Store or the websites of these dating apps. These are always written to make their app seem like the greatest, even if they’re awful scams.
That’s why it’s recommended to read in-depth independent reviews written by online dating experts. A good example of this is the yearly rankings of the best apps for hookups that Beyondages.com puts out. We’re not just talking about a general rundown of each app’s features. These sites actually use the apps they’re reviewing for several months so they can create an experience-based review.
3. Decide whether you’re looking for a hookup or a relationship
Some dating apps are tailored exclusively to those who are only looking for a short-term fling, holiday romance or friends-with-benefits situation. These apps tend to be overtly sexual in their marketing and make no qualms about being a “hookup app”. This clear branding helps all users to let their guard down when it comes to talking dirty and making short-term propositions to other people.
Meanwhile, the apps geared to help people find true love will make that clear in their marketing as well. These apps tend to have algorithms that focus on matching people based on their personalities and mutual interests. They place more emphasis on detailed bios too. If you are looking for a serious relationship, check out this list of signs that a man really loves you, so that you can see if the guy you met online is really serious about your relationship.
Some apps place themselves in between these two extremes, so there’s plenty of choice for people who aren’t too sure what they’re looking for too.
4. Do you want a mainstream dating app or a niche one?
The advantage of using a mainstream app is that your profile is going to be seen by a lot of people. By putting yourself out there, you’re going to increase the odds of getting a lot of matches.
But there is a different strategy to help you find the partner of your dreams.
You could also make a profile on a niche dating website, which is designed specifically for a certain type of person. There are niche websites for specific races, religions, hobbies, jobs and more. While you’re unlikely to have as big a dating pool on these apps, you can be sure that the people you do connect with are your type of people.
5. Decide your budget
If you’re not willing to spend any money on the hunt for a partner online, you’re going to need to look for a dating app with the best free version. If you’re happy to throw some dough at this pursuit, you’ll be more interested in finding the dating app with the best-value premium membership.
There are some high-end dating apps that cost a bomb, but if you’re looking for a super-wealthy partner, these might be your best option.
Some people prefer to use a paid subscription-only dating app if only to avoid the time-wasters. The more a dating app costs to use, the more likely you’ll come across people who are taking it seriously.
6. Will you be using mobile or desktop?
Some dating apps are only available on smartphones, while others are websites without an app and therefore are too fiddly to use on a mobile device. A lot of the mainstream apps have both.
Still, if you’re only planning on using mobile or desktop, you’ll want to choose an online dating service that’s compatible with that device.
7. Test out your favorites
By following these steps, you’re likely to get a good idea of what dating apps are likely to be most suitable for you. From there, your best next step is to try out a few of the apps that pique your interest and see which one brings you the most success.
A lot of apps have a free version for you to try, and there’s nothing stopping you from creating an account on more than one online dating service. So, go wild!
Perhaps, once it becomes obvious that you have a clear favorite, you’ll put all your eggs in that basket. Or maybe you keep going with a small handful of profiles. It’s up to you! The main thing is that you enjoy yourself and keep yourself open to new opportunities.
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