Do all you can to boost your chances on online dating sites

Online dating has become one of the most popular ways to meet someone special in recent years, with a significant proportion of all couples now getting together thanks to their favourite matchmaking site.

With many thousands of users logging on every day in the hope of finding Mr or Miss Right, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get chatting to members of the opposite sex. However, one of online dating's greatest advantages – the sheer number of people using it these days – can also prove to be something of an obstacle.

After all, with so many people competing for the attention of suitable dates, you must do all you can to stand out from the crowd. As such, it is vital you are able to show off what makes you such a good catch and someone that other singletons should be fighting over.

One of the main areas you will need to focus on is the photographs you choose. Many people will make an initial assessment of your credentials based on how you look in these snaps, so opting for ones that showcase your greatest assets is a good idea.

Similarly, many people will be hooked by what you have to say, so spend plenty of time writing your profile page. You can talk about your goals and ambitions, as well as how you like to spend your time, so that you come across as driven and fun.

It is also important to put plenty of work in yourself. Not everyone likes to start conversations or send the first message, so be prepared to go for it should you find someone you like the look of. After all, you have nothing to lose.

Should you be prepared to take a gamble and arrange some dates with people you meet via the internet, you might just find you are in a stronger position than ever to settle down. This is because you can spend plenty of time beforehand finding out as many details as you want, as opposed to more traditional dates which are often arranged with no prior discussion.