Registering on an Online Dating Site

Step One: Choose a Website

There are many Internet dating sites to choose from; many will require you to pay a registration fee. This will deter most casual users, who are just looking for a bit of fun, so this should help you in your quest to find someone serious.

Step Two: Register

Choose a user name and enter your search criteria (for example, "a man seeking a woman"). Then enter your date of birth and country of residence and the city closest to you.

Step Three: Add a Picture

The most successful profiles are the ones that have a photograph attached - they usually receive up to 8 times more responses. Make sure that your photograph shows you at your best and that it's a true representation of who you are now. Don't post a picture of yourself 10 years ago, or looking sporty if you're more of a couch potato these days. Many sites vet pictures so you may have to wait a few days before your picture goes 'live'. Alternatively, you can usually email your photo and they'll upload it for you.

Step Four: Sell Yourself

If you want to get a date via the web site, you need to create an online profile. Most sites have a 'My Profile' page or something similar, where you can enter your physical description - build, hair and eye colour and also other personal details such as religion, level of education, and attitudes to smoking and drinking. There will also be an 'Expanded Profile' section, which will ask questions about your personality, for instance, how you'd describe your sense of humour or where your ideal place to live is. Enter a description of yourself and your ideal partner.

Step Five: Find a Date

Once you are ready to go you can check out the photos of literally thousands of people, depending on how broad your categories and preferences are - such as age, location, level of education, looks and so on. You can be proactive and e-mail them through the site when they're offline, or message them when they're online. Or you can just wait for them to get in touch with you.