How to Place An Ad
Personal ads can be a great way to attract new and interesting people, and the way you write your ad will make a huge difference in the number and quality of responses. If you want to attract the most suitable singles, you have to plan very carefully what you are saying in your ad. This is your chance to sell your best traits and reveal your personality. However, you may find it difficult to describe yourself in a few words without sounding corny or like you're bragging, so here are a few tips:
- Have a look at other people's ads, and see what words you think work well, and then piece them together to form your own character map.
- Provide as much information about yourself as possible (as long as it's relevant), but without revealing details that are too personal. The more information you provide about yourself, the more likely someone will realise that they have something in common with you.
- It's essential to include your age, and if you are advertising in a national publication, the area in which you live.
- Think of your target audience. Who do you want to attract and what traits of your personality do you think they would be interested in?
- Make sure you include unique traits of your personality, something that makes you stand out from the crowd.
- Emphasise your positive traits. If you are active, energetic, romantic or sexy, make sure you say so.
- Don't be too vague (see our example ads, below).
- Avoid any negative points, or any kind of problems you are currently having. People are usually interested in what they will gain from dating you, rather than in the emotional baggage you might bring into the relationship.
- Women are often interested in knowing how tall a man is, so make sure you include that detail.
- Men are usually interested in knowing a woman's body type - slim, curvy, petite, full-figured.
- Make sure you are clear, specific, and realistic about your preferences, but don't be too demanding as this might scare away your potential dates.
- If the publication allows it, include an attractive headline to your profile. It should be short and creative to catch the reader's eye. An appropriate quote or a short summary of what has been said in your profile can make a catchy headline.
Example Adverts
EDINBURGH I am a genuinely friendly and open guy. I like to spend time around friends, and love to meet new people. I like to keep myself active. WLTM genuine, honest female, 25-40, for relationship.
This advert is far too vague, and tells us nothing about the person who wrote it, or even the type of woman he wants to meet - there must be thousands of women between the age of 25-40 who consider themselves honest and genuine!
The following advert is a much better example; it tells the reader more about the man who wrote it as well as the things he is looking for in a relationship.
ROMANTIC, thoughtful and spontaneous male, 35, 6ft 1', dark hair and brown eyes WLTM warm, slim, attractive, like-minded woman of similar age for walks, socialising and enjoying life. E/burgh.
