The Basics of Personal Ad Writing

Capture Attention

Use a Catchy headline---a catchy headline will make your ad stand out. Be bold, creative, whimsical, passionate or humorous to catch their eye. "Ravishing Redhead" or a "Radiant Blonde" has more impact than "Attractive Female."

Describe Yourself

Who are you? First, start with some of the basic descriptions such as what you look like, marital status (single, divorced or widowed), sex, age and -- if important -- ethnic or religious background. Include aspects you feel are important. Keep it short. Don't waste your time telling your life story. No one reads an endless ad. You'll have time to elaborate in your email exchanges. Stick to the basics and leave a little something to the imagination... but not too much.

Describe who you want to meet

Make sure to list the ideal age range, education, etc... of your potential mate. Also, describe what you like to do. What are your hobbies and interests? What are your political, religious, social or moral values? If any of these are important to you, mention them in your ad.

Describe what you like to do

Be specific. Don't be generic or vague. Avoid cliches like "fun-loving" or "long walks on the beach." Who doesn't like long walks on the beach? What kind of museums or music do you like? What type of sports, radio stations, restaurants, food, plays, movies, directors, TV shows, nightclubs or other activities do you like? And, if you really do like long walks, what beach do you like to walk? Also, if you're adamant about certain issues like smoking, pets, or children you should mention it.

Describe some of the things you'd like to do together

What are some of the activities you would like to share with a potential mate.? Are you athletic? Do you run? Play tennis? Racquetball? Do you like to listen to live music or go to the opera? Remember, it's easier to envision be with someone if you can envision the things you'll do with them.

Show your personality and sense of humor

Be creative. Develop a selling point. If you have a good sense of humor, don't just say so, prove it! Most of all, make sure the ad reflects your personality.

Be honest!

There's a common misconception that all those ads in the personals aren't true, or worse, that they're all made up. Not true! The people who have the most success through the personals are people who are sincere about who they are and what their intentions are from the start. If you are sincere about meeting someone, it won't do you any good to mislead people by falsely representing yourself. Create an ad that will encourage the right people to respond - people who you want to meet.

Capture attention.

Last, but not least, capture the attention of your reader. Try to make the first phrase of your ad the most interesting and memorable. In doing so, you'll make your ad easier to find when the reader is deciding to which ad he/she will respond.

Photo

A picture speaks a thousand words. Let's face it, appearances are important. If people can find out that they are or aren't attracted to you sooner rather than later, it is a plus. We've made it easy for you to attach the photo in your ad, simply follow the upload photo link in the members site.

Ok, let's recap:

• Capture attention.
• Describe yourself.
• Describe who you want to meet.
• What do you like to do?
• What would you like to do together?
• Show your personality and sense of humor.
• Be honest!