Some people think that just because they’ve written their profiles and posted photos that their knight in shining armor would charge up to them in a bright cheery email declaring eternal love. How we wish that were so. But wishful thinking aside, practicality is still an important aspect in a romantic notion called online dating.

One very important thing to consider is to write a headline that will not only catch a potential date’s attention but will certainly grab his attention. With over millions of people looking for a friend, partner or spouse online, the internet has become a very competitive social hub.  Diane Allred, columnist for a dating online magazine says that profiles and photos are secondary only to headlines.

“You never can tell what a member wants from other members until you see their headlines,” Allred says. “If they want a lasting relationship, they’ll probably advertise that, and if they want nothing more than a fleeting romance, you can also tell with their personals headlines,” she remarks. She has put in a few suggestions on how to write a winning personals headline.

1. Highlight what’s attractive. It’s the basic marketing ploy and you need to sell yourself. Think of your most valuable asset (whether physical or mental) and add that to your headline. It could also be a characteristic or virtue that will make you more appealing to like-minded persons.
2. Be specific. Be specific with what you want. If you like to meet an artsy, romantic person, then say so. If you are looking for a short term relationship that or activity partners more than a long-lasting relationship, then place that in your headline. It can help attract the specific persons you’d like to meet.
3. Never be brash about or rude in your headline. We know that you have had a terrible experience with online dating before but that’s no reason to say, “Jerks not welcomed!” or something that includes expletives. On the flip side, this could attract attention from people who might think of you as a sassy girl but the attention could be for the wrong reasons.
4. Show your humor. A sense of humor is one of the most attractive characteristics that anyone could possess. What better way to advertise your funny bone than in your personals headline. So crack a joke or relay a funny incident. Nobody can resist a good laugh.
5. Be yourself. This might sound so redundant but this is the actually the best way to meet someone that will fulfill the compatibility test. A winning personal headline will consist of something honest and uniquely you. Create a headline that spells out your personality and something that will lead a prospective date to your door.