To help you stand out on our app, it’s essential to bring out your personal brand and set yourself up for success. So what does this look like exactly? Here are some of our best profile tips you should consider to improve your chances of getting the best quality matches. 

Use more realistic pictures.

In the age of unrealistic social media imagery, it’s very tempting to reach for that photo filtering app. Don’t. Don’t filter your profile photos. If you lie about your age, weight, height, or any other points of insecurity, you’ll be found out as soon as you meet with your match in real life (and Ziinkle’s whole premise is meeting in real-life, in real-time), and you can’t start a genuine connection built on a lie. In fact, people who use candid photos get 15% more likes than those who use posed photos, whilst bathroom selfies get you 90% fewer likes!

Being authentic and honest will get you further:

Don’t use group photos.

Yes, it’s great that you have friends, and sure you look like you were all having a wonderful time in that group shot, but you’re making it difficult for potential matches to guess who you are. It shouldn’t be a game of Where’s Wally, so make your first profile of just you. Yes, your friends may be hot too, but they can create their own profiles. This is all about YOU! If you still want to include a group shot, perhaps add it as the last photo. 

Good lighting, but take off the sunnies.

The secret to a good photo? Great lighting. Natural light, especially during the afternoon golden hour, will soften your features, give you a great glow, and give you an aura of warmth. You may feel like your sunglasses would make a great accessory with all this beautiful lighting. Sure, if you want to decrease your matches by 15%. Don’t use photos with any accessories that obstruct your face, such as glasses and hats. 

Include at least one summer shot.

According to a Match.com survey, 60% of men and 82% of women were viewed as more attractive in photos taken in the summer months versus the winter. Conversely, just 2% of people were considered more attractive in winter photos. This is is because typically, both sexes look better when outdoors, having a good time and relaxed, which comes across in your photo, just as it would in real life. 

Be honest.

If you match with someone who likes hiking, but the thought of dragging yourself up a mountain covered in sweat makes your skin crawl, be honest about it. You don’t have to pretend to be interested in things you aren’t, or you’ll just trap yourself in a one-sided conversation. So whilst you should show interest in the other person by asking them questions to get to know them better and assess your compatibility, you don’t need to drag out a conversation that you don’t want to be in. And be upfront, if you’re looking for casual, low-commitment relationships, be honest; otherwise, you’re going to attract people who expect more from you than you’re willing to give.

Get your friends to look over your profile.

Your friends know who you really are, so they can help you project the most authentic version of yourself. Also, use them as a second set of eyes and let them proofread your profile. 

Use the Ice-breakers questions.

Ice-breakers give potential matches something to work with, both online and in real life. So let your personality shine through and provide them with an opportunity to let theirs shine in return. Trust us, it’s so much better than getting “hi, how are you” greetings.