Today, even choosing a free online dating service to use can be tough. Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one. You can create a profile at several different services in order to increase your chances of success.

An important tip to remember is that with online dating sites “success” means different things to different people. Some people are looking for love and a long-lasting relationship. Others are looking just for friendship and someone to hang out with. Occasionally, people are looking for just an activities partner. When creating your own profile, remember to specify what you are looking up front. Then, start to look at other profiles to see who might be a match for the interests you’ve identified.

The information gathered and made available at free online dating sites varies substantially. Some people like sites that make any information beyond the bare minimum “optional” that the user can choose to provide or not while other sites require a much larger set of required information input. Be sure to always check the privacy statement before giving away your information to insure that you are happy with the agreement. Many sites allow you to sort potential dating partners by region, state, city, county, or zip code. However, it can be a mistake to rule out potential dating partners because of distance. It used to be true that people typically married someone within 50 miles or so of where they lived but the Internet has really made dramatic changes in the way people meet, date, and even marry. Don’t rule out someone who might be perfect for you over a little obstacle like distance.

Some free sites include a dating advice forum. These can be very helpful to you while you are learning the ropes of online dating. For example, if you find that you are getting numerous first dates, but not as many second ones, the online dating advice forums are a great place to obtain suggestions and guidance from seasoned members that you can then put to good use for yourself.

Good dating sites now include a checklist of suggestions that can be very helpful. For example, many offer suggestions about how to pick a profile name for yourself. Most women are not going to be attracted to an older guy that calls himself a piranha. But if that’s the kind of name you want to use, be sure to spell it correctly. Otherwise, you might just appear to be uneducated or careless.

With the passage of dating safety laws in several states online dating websites are starting to offer a wealth of information about dating safety. For example, you should not use your complete first and last name on dating sites because it is not safe information to provide in association with your city and state. Be sure to look for other helpful dating safety tips. Some paid dating services run limited background checks on their members but remember that you can likely save money and obtain more complete information by using one of the inexpensive online background check services yourself. Either way, always put your safety first.

Remember that everyone is nervous on a first date. The other person is just as nervous as you are. The most important goal of dating should be to enjoy yourself. Laughter really is the best medicine so don’t be opposed to trying a few jokes or funny stories if things are a bit awkward. Chances are that both of you will begin to relax start having fun.

Try to be yourself. If you are looking for a long-lasting relationship, the “real you” is eventually going to show up. That brings to mind a consideration about your own profile.

While you are looking at other people’s profiles, take a few minutes to look at your own. Do you really think it is a good idea to choose a profile name like “piranha”? I don’t think so.

If used wisely, a free online dating service can help you find the right people and help the right people find you.

About The Author

As a well-known Internet dating safety advocate, Sarah T. Connor has been actively advocating the passage of Internet dating safety laws in several states. She is also a successful dating advice guru and the publisher of Free-DateHookup.com, a 100% totally free online dating and matching service for singles who are looking for that special someone. Sarah Connor also has a B.S. Degree from the University of Maryland.