February brings with it Valentine’s Day, which, for many, is a pain-in-the-arse reminder that some of us are sad and single once again. Many will be doing the annual re-install of the dating apps in order to try and scurry for a special someone, but scoring a date can often be harder than balancing more than four drinks at the footy. Whether you’re after that special someone, or swiping right for a good night, we have the tools to help you.
SEE ALSO: Tradie Tough tests
SEND PICS
For dating apps such as Bumble, it’s always a case of the more pictures of you the merrier. This might seem like a no-brainer, but having at least six pics ensures all those new additions to profiles (prompts, quizzes etc) have room to spread out.
“The number one tip is to make sure the first photo is just you,” Bumble’s Asia Pacific Communications Director Lucille McCart said. “Save the group photos for further down your profile. No one likes playing the guessing game with group shots.
“Smiling photos also do better than a Zoolander pose or a mirror selfie.”
You heard right, folks: blue-steel pics at the gym mirror while randoms wait behind you to use the free weights ain’t gonna cut it.
The Tradie’s advice for blokes is to also avoid fishing photos at all costs. We all love to fish, but there’s an overwhelming consensus among the e-dating community that pics of people throttling fish are a big turn off.
Other outdoors pics – like 4x4ing, camping or just chilling on a boat – are your friend here, because they convey the same message without the fish guts.
Take them to the next level by adding in pics of you with animals, especially dogs. “Your photo selection will also tell a story about your personality, so use this as an opportunity
to communicate your interests to your potential matches,” Lucille said.
ABOUT U
On Bumble, women have to make the first move. That may seem a godsend for many shy lads out there, but they’re not going to message you if you have nothing interesting to prompt them.
“Keep it positive and humorous and you can’t go wrong,” said Lucille.
“Focus on what you are looking for rather than what you aren’t. For example, ‘looking for something meaningful’ will be better understood than, ‘if you aren’t looking for commitment, keep swiping’.”
The Tradie thinks something like ‘not here to f*** spiders’ can be a bit too confrontational for most swipers as well, and is such a basic bio.
Mentioning you’re a tradie, and what kind of work you do, might be as popular as ever.
The continued rise of the ‘trendy tradie’ is finally getting the credit it’s due in the dating world. “It’s also a good idea to include details that can help your potential matches understand what you might have in common – like taste in music, passion for travel or a favourite movie,” Lucille said. “If you find it really hard to talk about yourself, it can be a fun idea to ask a trusted friend to write one for you.” Good luck and happy swiping, tradies! Our fingers are crossed for you for a successful Valentine’s Day and beyond.