The dos and don’ts (OK, mostly don’ts) of getting your Tinder, Bumble or Happn profile right.

It’s dating season. No really, it is. According to Match.com, online dating sites are at their busiest between 26 December and 14 February. So, if you’re single and want to find romance online, now is a good time to dabble. But what to use? There are a ton of sites and apps out there. On the app side, Tinder is having something of a renaissance, thanks to some new features (such as the photo algorithm, detailed below). Happn, the app that links you to people you’ve crossed paths with, has maintained its cool, and Bumble, the one where women make the first move, remains popular (probably for that very reason).

Personally – and I was dating for a long time (I wrote a dating column for The Independent and even wrote a book on the subject) – I’m also still a fan of a more traditional dating site, like Guardian Soulmates, Match or MySingleFriend, because they don’t feel quite so throwaway, or swipe-happy. So called “elite” apps, such as Raya and Elite Singles, are on the rise, too. You have to wonder, though, about what kind of a person puts themselves forward for this. “Hi, you don’t know me yet, but I’m pretty special.”

Whatever platform you choose, though, you’ll need to create a bio or a profile and pull together some pictures of yourself. I gathered some dos and don’ts (okay, mainly “don’ts”) to help you make the most of the season. Because, let’s face it, there are a lot of cringeworthy profiles out there. And nobody wants that.

KEEP IT BRIEF

A witty one- or two-liner can often be enough for a successful online profile – with just the right amount of self-deprecation that you don’t sound insincere or insecure. No one wants to think you’re the kind of guy who tucks himself into bed on a Thursday night and spends hours penning a Tinder personal statement. You want to be the kind of guy who whizzes off two funny, charismatic sentences about himself while on the commute home (even if it did take all you night). “Partner in crime” is a no-go phrase.

DON’T PUT A MADE-UP JOB

No one will think “professional penguin tickler” is funny. Also, answering “None of your business”, another favourite I have experienced on dating apps, is not cool. You sound rude and/or unemployed. Leave it blank or say what you do. Simple.

DON’T USE TOO MANY GROUP SHOTS

We’re trying to find a date, not play Guess Who. And make sure you have at least three photos of yourself. One or two is not enough to convince us what you look like. That picture of you thrashing around in the surf? Can’t see your face. Ditto all the ones where you’re wearing sunglasses. And, it sounds obvious, but choose pictures that are in focus. Changing up your photos and bio every now and then can get you more matches, too. Certain pictures actually attract more people, which is why Tinder’s Smart Photo feature uses an algorithm to reorder your snaps and show your best one first.

AVOID FOCUSSING ON THE NEGATIVE

This is a big one. Long lists of “nos” are alarmingly popular on dating apps (no one below 5ft 8in, no one over 35, etc). Grindr is particularly bad for it. If you’re leading with what you don’t want, you come off as an inherently negative, possibly even prejudiced, person. Or a sociopath. And stating things that have perhaps burned you in the past like “No time-wasters” or “Don’t match me if you’re not going to message me” come off as a little bit bitter, too.

NO SIX-PACKS

Don’t do the gym shot or self-indulgent torso selfie. Maybe that’s a nice surprise for us to discover later on. A non-tacky holiday shot of you having fun in a non-bro/creepy way could do the trick if you are desperate to bare flesh.

NO PHOTOS OF THE EX, PLEASE

You’d think this would be an obvious no-no, wouldn’t you? But no, exes are not-so-craftily cropped out or – worse – scrubbed out with a drawing tool. Lol. Not. Throw in a photo of you with your pet dog though, now we’re talking.

DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR GAP YEAR

Your brief dalliance with philanthropy might have been cute at 17, but we really don’t need to see the sixth form trip to Uganda. Potentially ease up on the winter sports or Tough Mudder victory shots, too. Mainly because everyone uses them and it’s boring. Choose pictures that say something about your interests and what you enjoy doing. Maybe you had a recent weekend trip to Porto or like walking in the mountains. Diversity is key. No one wants to see endless group bar shots or solo bathroom selfies.

SMILE!

Let’s end on an up note. Smile! Smiling in photos will increase your swipes by 14 per cent. And, again, remember to ditch the sunglasses; not only are you hiding your face, you’re reducing your right swipes by 12 per cent.

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