How to Create the Perfect Online Dating Profile
Stand Out in the Crowd (With a Little Help From Your Mate)
Creating an online dating profile that actually gets matches isn't rocket science—but it does require a bit of thought. Whether you're a seasoned swiper or new to the dating app scene, crafting a profile that shows the real you while still being appealing can feel like a balancing act. And when it comes to Tandem, the double dating app, you've got twice the opportunity to impress (or twice the pressure, depending on how you look at it!).
Let's break down how to create a dating profile that gets results, with special tips for making your Tandem profile shine.
The Basics: Profile Perfection 101
Before we dive into Tandem-specific tips, let's cover the universal truths of good dating profiles:
Photos That Tell Your Story
- Lead with your best: Your first photo should be a clear, friendly shot of your face
- Show the real you: Avoid heavily filtered images that don't look like you
- Variety matters: Include a mix of close-ups, full-body shots, and activity photos
- Group photos: One or two are fine, but make sure it's obvious which one is you
- Recent pics only: That amazing shot from three years ago? If you don't look like that now, don't use it
Bio Brilliance
- Keep it positive: Focus on what you want, not what you don't want
- Show, don't tell: Instead of saying "I'm funny," write something actually funny
- Be specific: "I love music" says nothing; "I collect vinyl records and never miss a local gig" tells a story
- Mind the length: Too short seems lazy; too long seems intense—aim for the goldilocks zone
- Conversation starters: Include something that makes it easy for matches to message you first
Tandem Profile Magic: Double the Fun
Now for the Tandem-specific tips that make double dating profiles pop:
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
One of Tandem's best features? Your mate can fill out your details if you're too lazy. This is brilliant because:
- Your friend often sees qualities in you that you don't recognize in yourself
- They'll highlight your best features without your self-consciousness getting in the way
- They might remember interests or stories that you wouldn't think to include
- It's often easier for others to brag about us than for us to brag about ourselves
Take advantage of this feature—sometimes your bestie knows how to sell you better than you do!
Location, Location, Location
Unlike some apps that limit you to nearby matches, Tandem lets you search in a very wide area (over 60 miles). This means:
- You can cast a wider net, especially useful if you live somewhere less populated
- Weekend trips become possible dating opportunities
- You're not limited to the same pool of people you keep seeing on other apps
- You can set your location preferences based on how far you're actually willing to travel for a good match
Make sure to think about your true mobility when setting this up—a wider search radius means more potential matches!
Prompt Perfection
Tandem allows you to add 3 prompts which others can like to start the conversation. These aren't just any prompts—Tandem prompts focus on your synergy with your mate. This is your chance to:
- Show off your friendship dynamic
- Highlight shared interests or hilarious differences
- Tell the story of how you met or your favourite memory together
- Demonstrate why you make a great double date team
Choose prompts that showcase both your individual personalities and how you vibe together. Remember, people are matching with both of you!
Wingperson Wonder
Here's a unique Tandem feature: If your mate is taken, they can still join you as a wingperson. This means:
- You get all the benefits of double dating without your friend needing to be single
- Their partner doesn't need to feel threatened—your mate is just there to help
- You still get that confidence boost from having someone who knows you well by your side
- Your taken friend can focus entirely on helping you shine
Make sure to highlight in your profile if this is your setup—it helps set expectations!
Profile Do's and Don'ts for Tandem
DO:
- Show the dynamic between you and your mate
- Highlight activities you'd enjoy as a foursome
- Include photos of you both having fun (but also some individual shots)
- Mention if one of you is taken and just there as a wingperson
- Show your personalities both individually and as a duo
DON'T:
- Make it unclear which person is which in photos
- Focus on one person much more than the other
- Use old photos where you look completely different now
- Be vague about what you're looking for
- Forget to proofread (spelling mistakes are an easy fix!)
The Perfect Tandem Profile Checklist
✓ Clear, recent photos of both people (and some together)
✓ Engaging prompts that showcase your friendship
✓ Location preferences that reflect how far you'll actually travel
✓ Individual sections that highlight what makes each of you unique
✓ A hint at what your ideal double date would look like
✓ Clarity about whether you're both single or one is a wingperson
✓ Something specific that matches can comment on to start a conversation
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect dating profile is all about authenticity with a strategic edge. With Tandem, you've got the added dimension of showing not just who you are as an individual, but how you interact with someone close to you—which actually tells potential matches a lot more about you than a solo profile ever could.
Remember that the best profiles don't try to appeal to everyone—they aim to strongly appeal to the right people. So be yourselves, show your unique friendship dynamic, and get ready for double dating adventures!
Ready to create your standout Tandem profile? Join our WhatsApp group to find out when we launch in your area. We have something special planned for launch. You won't want to miss it!