Putting yourself out there on a dating app can feel like entering a brand new world with its own rules and secret language!

Whether you're diving into online dating for the first time or you identify as a serial swiper, the backbone of any good experience starts with building a good profile. And your bio is the first thing that needs attention!

Lucky for you, I have firsthand experience with this. I found myself on a dating app after a string of bad first dates. I must have done something right because I met my husband on said dating app!

Here are my top 3 tips on writing a captivating bio for a dating app — getting you one step closer to the right swipe of your dreams.

Writing a good bio for a dating app can start to feel a little bit like the aimless icebreakers at work that claim to be "fun" but secretly have you sweating bullets.

But here's the secret sauce to calming those nerves: the goal of your online dating experience is key to writing a great bio.

Research suggests that the average American spends just thirty-one seconds reading a dating profile.

Think about what you want from online dating and try to create a bio that reflects that. Start by identifying your goals and work from there.

Dating coach Amie Ledingham, recommends a technique to her clients called conscious dating. Conscious dating is all about knowing yourself. Ledingham suggests that people consider this process like writing a job description for an ideal partner.

For example:

• Include intentional thought in your profile. Talk about life goals, career aspirations, and key non-negotiables. As the saying goes, like attracts like!

• Be honest about what you like. If you are a cinephile that spends weekends curled up on the couch, be honest. Don't lead off with the person you aspire to be if this is far removed from who you are.

• State your intentions. If you aren't clear on your end goals yet (like marriage or long-term partnership), that's okay but it is important to be clear about that to avoid any confusion or heartbreak.

Here's what I did for my bio:

• I included key things I wanted a prospective date to know. I was a grad student at the time, I'm close with my family, and I work in education. ✅

• I was clear about what I wanted — a connection with someone genuinely interested in the potential of a relationship. ✅

• I was clear about not wanting casual hookups and not being interested in one-night stands. ❌

If you've read any good books or articles recently, you know that the secret to success is hooking your reader in the first few lines — the same goes for your online profile!

Here, we want to follow the KISS acronym, "Keep it simple, silly!"

Focus on quality AND quantity. A few pithy lines with the right adjectives can work wonders. The goal of a good bio for a dating app is to pique the curiosity of the person reading it and leave them wanting to know more about you!

One trick that Laurie Davis, author of Love at First Click recommends is stringing together a bunch of descriptions, like "Lover of dogs, coffee, and all things outdoorsy". Focus on showcasing your personality, interests, and hobbies.

Some apps will give you the option to include a conversation starter like "Ask me about my pets" or provide you prompts talking about what your ideal first date would be. Other apps leave you to fend for yourself — and that can be scary!

Here, you can include your own conversation starter in your bio to maximize your chances of connection.

It's human nature to look for things that we have in common with one another. Help your future date out by giving them a starting point. There is nothing worse than finding a cute match online and realizing that the conversation is dryer than the Sahara desert.

Don't leave them feeling like this:

To spark the best conversation possible, try including conversation starters on different topics. Avoid starting with heavy or controversial topics and opt for something lighter. Great options for starting conversations include:

• Travel: Where have you been? Where would you want to go?

• New skills: What is something you have always wanted to learn?

• Leisure activities: What's your favorite way to spend a weekend? Showcase your personality and spunk!

• This or that questions: Coffee or tea? Beach or mountains?

Whatever conversation topic you decide on, aim for questions that are light but will inspire genuine connection.

Quiz: Jason's Conversation Starters

Jason is new in town and looking to make new connections. Help him choose the best conversation starter(s):

A. "What is the weirdest thing on your bucket list?"

B. "What is your favourite thing to order at a new restaurant?"

C. "If you could take any person to dinner, living or dead, who would you choose and why?"

Let's imagine that you're swiping along and the following three people come up. Look at their bios and decide who gets a first date!

1. Gracia

Photo by Sayo Garcia on Unsplash

Bio:

🌴 Serial island hopper | ☕ Coffee enthusiast | 📚 Book nerd

I’m new in town! Looking for someone to show me the best spots around. Let’s explore 🗺️

2. Simon

Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash

Bio:

My life revolves around skating, music, nature — and maybe you! 😉

Shredding the streets, jamming to punk, and always seeking new spots to explore outdoors. If you're into good vibes and spontaneous adventures, let’s ride. 🎶🛹🌲🛹☕

3. Axel

Photo by i yunmai on Unsplash

Bio:

Yoga enthusiast.

I find peace in stillness and strength in balance. 🌿

The dating pool is filled with murky waters, but with renewed confidence and some great strategies to show up authentically, you're all set to find the great match you deserve. Happy swiping!