How Subtle Tweaks in Your Online Persona and Style Can Make a Big Impact on Matches 

Choose a flattering mix of photos 

Photos taken in natural light often appear more flattering and approachable. Outdoor settings or even just sitting near a window can make a photo feel more genuine. 

Including a mix of photos—casual, slightly formal, active, or with friends—shows different facets of your personality. It makes you seem dynamic and more interesting. 

Don’t overdo it with selfies. There is no need to contribute to the trend: 93 million selfies were taken every day in 2023. 

How to exude confidence 

Framing things in a positive way creates a more attractive persona. For example, saying, “I’m always up for an exciting date” rather than “I don’t like boring people” shows openness rather than a critical mindset. 

If boring people are a turnoff for you, you might be interested in knowing what surveys reveal. Over a third of people anticipate boring people to live in towns, and 32.5% believe they are likelier to live in small rather than big cities. Being boring is perceived as such a disadvantage that many people make an effort to appear the opposite, giving rise to peacocking and other phenomena on dating apps. 

Be authentic and specific 

On that note, being open about imperfections can come across as confident and real. For example, “You’ll love my cooking, it involves ordering pizza” may add a touch of humor and honesty.

Instead of a bland “I love traveling,” you might mention a specific travel-related experience, like the time you learned to cook a local dish when you visited a hidden beach in Greece. This paints a picture and invites curiosity.

Don’t try too hard to be funny 

A funny line or a quirky fact in your bio can grab attention and make you memorable. Laughter is mainly a form of bonding; people are 30 times likelier to laugh when they are with others than if they are alone. However, don’t try too hard. It’s better to elicit a smile than trying too hard to be witty.

Consider the platform 

Different platforms call for different styles. Dating apps and social media like Instagram benefit from a mix of personal and polished sides. A bio that sounds like a LinkedIn headline might feel stiff and out of place. Instagram stories or highlights can give a peek into your everyday life without oversharing. Short clips of you doing things you love—like hiking or showing off a new skill—can attract like-minded people. More than 95 million videos and photos are uploaded to Instagram every day. 

Avoid overthinking

Sometimes, people try to craft the perfect message and end up sounding too formal or robotic. Writing as if you’re speaking casually yet thoughtfully can make you come across as more natural. According to research cited by Forbes, 73% of people aged 25-35 and just over half (52%) of those ages 45 to 55 chronically overthink.

Let your values show

If something is truly important to you—like sustainability or creativity—find subtle ways to include it in your profile. It attracts users who share your passions and values. Sustainability is an increasingly common value. In 2024, it emerged that searches for sustainable goods had increased by 71% in five years, and 72% of consumers bought fewer green products five years ago than they do now. 

Update regularly but not too often

A new profile photo or a slight change in your bio can signal that you’re active and engaged. It also gives those who might have come across you before a reason to take a second look. However, constant tweaks can make it look like you’re trying too hard. Small updates every couple of weeks would be perfect.