Having the right photos on your profile will dramatically increase the rate of replies you receive.

Having no photos will just get you ignored – you’ll just look like one of the MANY married people trying to have affairs online!

Today, we’re giving you a breakdown of the photos you should include and what impact they’ll have on your dating profile.

You should try and include photos of…

1) You being active / doing something you love.

People who make their pics work double-time: showing their appearance and their interests, will get better results. Research on successful profile pictures shows that people are twice as likely to meet someone in person when you post pictures of yourself “doing something interesting” instead of “drinking” (a standard stand-by photo).

Why this works: You’re showing visitors how you lead a full, engaging life—and that you potentially share some common interests.

When your pictures create topics of conversation, the viewer won’t have to think hard about how to respond to your message. And the easier you make it for them to respond, the better. Next thing you know, you two are chatting away about your favourite rock climbing spots nearby.

Do you have photos from the last time you went rock climbing? Coached your nephew’s football team? Went on holiday? Give them some love on your profile. And if you don’t have photos of you doing something you enjoy, get some!

Next time you’re out for a walk or in the midst of a tango (the dance, not the drink), have a friend take a couple pics.

 

2) You, not alone.

When someone’s profile pictures are all selfies, it doesn’t show off your social side (and, depending on the nature of those selfies, could even come off a little narcissistic). One or two photos of you with friends, looking happy and natural, are much better than a profile full of boring, posed selfies.

Why this works: People want to know that you’re capable of having healthy relationships. When a few photos show your cycling team, volunteer group, or others who clearly enjoy spending time with you, curious eyes can feel fairly confident you’re not a sociopath. (Which really increases your odds of meeting more dates in person!)

If you haven’t checked out the photos tagged of you on Facebook lately, take a look again. Your goal isn’t to look perfect in every one. It’s okay if you and your friend are beet-red and sunburned from a day of fishing. The goal is to prove you’re a normal, happy person with friends who enjoy your company.

But try to keep big group pictures to a minimum. Group shots make it difficult for people to spot you—turning the photo into a game of ‘Where’s Wally’! A photo of you and one or two friends is perfect

 

3) You with your family.

This works like a souped-up version of photos with friends. At the next holiday, grab your brother, a couple cousins, or your grandfather. Have someone take the photo close-up, so you’re easily recognisable, and put your arm around Granddad (get the idea?).

Why this works: Many people love family pics because they instantly assume you’re close with your family, a caring son, a good sister, and a sweet uncle. Basically, that you’re one of the good people. Good people make good partners!

 

4) You with your pets.

Here’s a quick tip just for the guys here, according to recent research, photos with animals are even better for getting people to meet in person than your photos of “doing something interesting.” So round up the nearest dog, cat, or kangaroo and let the magic happen!

Oddly enough, the study shows that reverse isn’t true for women posing with animals – sorry ladies.

Why this works: Men who are kind to animals give off a vibe that’s caring yet playful… gentle yet protective… easy-going yet responsible.

 

5) Your full body shot.

This is an online dating best practice because it’s common decency. We want to know what you actually look like.

You get nervous when all of someone’s photos are cropped right below her chin, right? You know they’re probably hiding something, and it’s probably not a wooden leg.

Unless you want the other person to be suspicious of you, post at least one photo showing your full body.

Why this works: You want the other person to know you’re an honest, genuine human. Lots of losers post deceptive photos online, or lie on their profiles. After a couple bad dates, anyone would be sick of this. When people can see you’re confident and honest about who you are, they’ll be into that.