Writing a great profile need not be a chore, it just requires some thought. Most people are impatient, will sign up to a site like Pink Sofa and then dive straight in, filling out their profile details and description without giving it much thought. Perhaps you intend to come back later and add some finishing touches to your profile and then never get around to it. Perhaps you don’t think it’s really that important? Depending on your motivation for being on a site like Pink Sofa, whether it be for developing new friendships, business networks or to find the love of your life, you’ve only got one shot at telling your story. Don’t blow it!
The basics: layout, spelling and punctuation
Admittedly, these things are a particular pet hate of mine, but I’m sure I’m not alone. To be perfectly frank, poor spelling and attention to detail are a real turn off. Take a little time to honestly assess the way your profile appears on the page: is it too long? Too short? A jumble of rambling thoughts? As far as length is concerned, don’t “overwrite” your profile; readers don’t necessarily want your life story, just some salient points to spark their interest.
Remember to break your profile into paragraphs, and inserting the odd comma and full stop won’t go astray either! Poor grammar and punctuation make your profile hard to read and the potential love of your life could go AWOL at the sight of a poorly written profile. When I was a wide-eyed teenager in training at a restaurant chain, the company motto was “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Cheesy, but true: you may have only a fleeting moment to show someone how amazing you are, so don’t make the most of it! If command of the written word is not one of your strong points, try writing your profile in a word document first and run it through the spelling/grammar check. It’s not cheating; think about the last time you applied for a job: weren’t there at least some capital letters involved?
Content: you are what you type?
Ok, ok, I know what you’re thinking. Women are different to men, they can see beyond the words. Being naturally intuitive, women will read what I have written and see the real me. Sorry to shatter this illusion for you, but women will only do this if what you have written is a real reflection of the person that you are – or at least a close approximation! Avoid clichés; instead focus on what is important to you and what you are looking for in a potential partner or friend. Be specific also about your likes and dislikes, instead of “I like movies”, why not “I love romantic comedies”; instead of “I like to dine out”; try “I love eating Italian food” – you might develop a special bond over pasta at the local Italian restaurant! Be creative and use humour where appropriate, the use of humour is a great way to break barriers – if the woman reading your profile is smiling now, wait until she meets you 
Importantly, re-read what you have written: could you send yourself a message based on the information that’s in your profile? If not, add more detail! Everyone needs a starting point to begin melting the ice, let alone break it!
Ok so that’s enough to get started with… more to follow!
Tags: lesb, Lesbian community, Lesbian dating, Lesbians
December 31, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I’d also add that creating a great profile is just part of getting to meet women on Sofa. Posting in the fora is a really great way to raise your profile and let others know more about you. Sometimes I see a profile and think “Mmmm……you’re interesting”, only to then see something said on a thread by that person that makes me go “Ouch, I don’t like that!”