7 Key Elements of a Great Online Dating Service

With hundreds of online dating sites to choose from, the search for the one that best suits your needs can be a little daunting. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve created a list of the 7 key elements you need to be looking for in a great site

1. Caters to your individual needs

On some sites it can feel like finding the right person is like looking for a needle in a haystack. A good dating site will make this process easier by narrowing your focus. Are you looking for casual dating? A relationship? An intimate encounter? The site should either cater to one of these areas or at least categorize its profiles in such a manner.

2. Fits Your Budget

You don’t have to spend a fortune to meet the right person. If you’re willing to sift through a lot of dodgy profiles to find a few gems, free sites might be for you. On the other hand, don’t think that spending a ton of money will guarantee the result you are seeking. There are many reasonably priced dating sites that provide fantastic features and loads of qualified candidates for you to peruse. And don’t forget to look for a free trial… many great dating sites will give you a test drive free of charge!

3. Gives You Some Privacy

Most people don’t want their dirty laundry blowing all over the neighborhood. A good dating site should offer some privacy and security so that you can still find Mr. or Miss. Right without having to disclose your dating habits to all of your family and friends. Another feature many sites utilize is private message boards which allow you to keep your dating habits online and away from your regular email account. Plus, when you don’t have to publish your personal email address, you’ll avoid the onslaught of spam email.

4. Helps Narrow your Focus

A feature that may appeal to some online daters is compatibility testing. If you’re short on time and patience, some sites will provide you with a list of candidates they feel would be a good match based on your personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes, etc. The testing phase can be pretty lengthy but you might avoid wasting a lot of time searching through unsuitable candidates.

5. Provides Helpful Extra Features

Online dating should be a fun and exciting experience. With that in mind, many dating sites offer a ton of unique features that not only simplify the process but make it more thrilling as well. Features like instant messaging and chat rooms can take your experience to a whole new level.

6. Specialization

If you’re looking for a very specific person, perhaps someone of a certain sexual orientation or religious affiliation, find a site that specializes in bringing those people together. For example, why waste your time searching through profiles of people who are looking for a serious relationship when what you really want is someone interested in a casual fling? Specialized sites will help you find exactly what you are looking for.

7. Testimonials

Great dating sites will have lots of positive testimonials singing their praises. Make sure you take the time to read through a few before you get started to see if your expectations are a match for what people are already experiencing.

Aelicia J. Anderson