A 2015 study by Global Web Index revealed what most Tinder users already know: whether they’re looking to find love or make love, men far outnumber women on the dating app. The study found that 62% of Tinder users were male, while only 38% of users were female.

This creates a situation where women overwhelmingly have the upper hand, because they have more options to choose from. As a result, many men remain baffled by Tinder and how to effect the seeming phenomena of matching with someone who is not a sex bot, doesn’t work for a live cam website, is not a prostitute, and is not too scared to meet in person.

So regardless of your gender and sexual preference, here are seven golden rules for increasing the likelihood of right swipes on your Tinder profile.

1 – Be An Active Tinder User

Many of the people complaining about lower than average matches on the site are hardly ever on it. Do a lot of swiping, and interact with the matches you already have to increase your chances of keeping them. Users often clean up their Tinder matches over time by unmatching the people they don’t interact with. Reduce the likelihood of being unmatched for this reason.

2 – Identify what you Need and Want

Some dating experts insist that dating is a numbers game, and you should create a profile which will appeal to the majority. This may work for those looking for casual encounters, but to develop more intimate connections – whether platonic or intimate – tailoring your account to the kind of person you want to attract is key.

As a result, knowing what you need and want in a relationship (or lack thereof), and from a person, should set the tone for the rest of your interactions on Tinder.

3 – Pick Better Pictures

If you don’t have a picture with your Tinder account, then you’re already doing it wrong. Some people may swipe right out of curiosity, but most will not, even if you have an amazing bio.

Your profile picture should be a recent, general favorite as decided by not just yourself, but your friends. Pick the ones that got the most likes on Facebook or Instagram, because this implies that it is the most attractive one you have.

The rest of your pictures should reflect not just the life you live, but the kind of things your match will be included in if he or she becomes involved with you. For instance, if you’re an active man, bring out the hiking and climbing pictures. If you’re a dog lover, post a picture of you with your four-legged friend.

4 – Fill Out Your Bio

A lot of people don’t fill out their bios. Reasons range from “Nobody even reads that” to “I don’t know what to say”. But the truth is many people do read it and use the content of your bio to break the ice.

Some potential matches also wonder, If you don’t know what to say in a bio, will you make good conversation on a date? Few things are as awkward as being stuck on a date with someone who doesn’t know how to carry on a conversation.

If you’re looking for something shallow, then perhaps a bio isn’t that big of a deal. For the people looking to create deeper connections, even when it doesn’t lead to a relationship, find some witty words to throw in that bio.

5 – Capitalize on the Power of Social Media

Tinder allows users to link their Instagram pages to their dating profile. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to let potential matches see more pictures of you and the things that interest you. You might also gain yourself a few new followers in the process.

In addition to this, Tinder shows mutual interests between you and your potential matches, which often helps to establish common ground. The more interests and pages you like on Facebook, the greater the likelihood of catching someone’s eye based on shared interests.

Don’t go crazy on liking pages though. Stick to the ones you’re genuinely interested in, so as not to create a false perspective of who you are. Overselling and under-delivering may get you more matches, but won’t work in your favor in the long run.

6 – Don’t Judge a “Book” by its Cover

Don’t judge potential matches based on their pictures alone. That lumberjack beard could be shaved off by now, and those muscles could have recently dissolved into twenty pounds of extra fat.

Similarly, accounts with bad pictures are often owned by people who are just not photogenic – I wasn’t. Take it from a former user who met up with maybe a dozen people from Tinder: almost every user looked even better than they did in their photos.

7 – Widen Location Settings

Only dating within a 20 mile radius doesn’t do much to expand your dating pool. Be open to matching with people no matter how far away they are, or if they live in a different country and are only in your area on vacation.

I met my husband on Tinder, while on vacation, and ended up marrying him and moving to his country. You never know what can happen.

Also, often times when people are planning to relocate, they will check out the dating pool in the area prior to moving. Don’t miss out on that opportunity by confining yourself to men and women up the street.

Got dating and relationship topics you’d like us to cover? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

About the Author

 

Alexis Chateau is the Founder of College Mate and Managing Director at Alexis Chateau PR. She is an activist, writer, and explorer. Follow her stories of trial and triumph at www.alexischateau.com.