Tia submitted her Bumble profile to Insider's Dating App Clinic. She requested to blur her face for privacy.Insider
- Tia submitted her Bumble profile for review by an expert as part of Insider's Dating App Clinic.
- Expert Thalia Ouimet suggested 54-year-old Tia talk more about herself in her written bio and include photos that illustrate her hobbies.
Tia, a 54-year-old using Bumble to date, submitted her profile for Insider's Dating App Clinic, a series where we ask experts how to revamp your dating profiles to increase your chances of finding a match.
Tia said she's looking to date men. She's seeking someone who is emotionally intelligent and kind, someone who takes care of their body and health, and someone who is financially stable. She said her deal breakers are smoking of any kind, young children, and drug use.
Tia said she's emotionally mature and genuinely happy most of the time, so she's seeking an "interdependent, mutually fulfilling long-term relationship." She said her ultimate goal is a committed partnership or marriage.
"I am multifaceted, professional, fun, intellectual, emotionally grounded, and savvy. I like both posh events and down to earth experiences, from jeans shorts to sequins," Tia told Insider.
She said she could use help with her written biography in her dating app profile, but thinks she's off to a good start with photo selection.
Thalia Ouimet, a matchmaker who works with clients in New York City and Miami, reviewed Tia's profile and offered advice on how she can update it.
At first glance, Ouimet enjoyed the authentic vibe of Tia's photo selection.
Tia said she had confidence in her photo choices. Insider
Ouimet said Tia's pictures weren't over-edited, which is a huge plus.
The matchmaker tells her clients to invest in professional photography, but said Tia's photos were workable if she'd prefer the do-it-yourself route.
Ouimet said many singles make the common mistake of using outdated photos or mirror selfies. These suggest you're not being intentional about your profile or dating life. Taking the time to curate photos that clearly show who you are now can make a huge difference in your response rate, according to Ouimet.
At the same time, Ouimet suggested swapping out a photo for a picture that highlights one of Tia's hobbies.
Photos should tell who you are and what you like to do in your free time, dating experts say. Insider
For example, Tia could replace one of her dressed up photos, or her bikini selfie, with one that shows her swimming in the ocean, enjoying her favorite meal, reading, or doing another passion.
This way, you don't have to rely on your written biography only to showcase why you'd be a great date, according to Ouimet.
Ouimet appreciated how Tia included deal breakers in her bio. At the same time, she'd love to see Tia include more about herself here.
Write about what you like, who you are, and who you're looking for in the written bio section. Insider
"The About Me section doesn't tell men about her," Ouimet said.
Since this section is one of the first ways someone on a dating app will learn about you, Ouimet suggested Tia remove one of her deal breakers here to make room for a fun description of her personality.
Ouimet recommended writing something like, "I am multifaceted, fun, intellectual, grounded, and savvy. I love both posh events and down-to-earth experiences, from jeans shorts to sequins. My deal breakers are: smokers and bad manners. I'm looking for someone fun, confident, kind, and ready for an adventure."
Tia included a mixture of close-up and full-body photos, which experts say can draw in more matches.
Dating experts suggest including a clear full-body shot in your profile, like Tia did here. Insider
Bumble's in-app prompts are another way Tia can showcase her humor, intellect, and confidence.
Tia's Bumble profile is off to a great start, Ouimet said. Insider
When it comes to in-app prompts, they're most effective when they merge your interests and personality, according to Tobin. Instead of using a basic description to complete a prompt, paint a picture of your ideal first date with words, Tobin said.
For example, an "easy, fun, and different" date, like what Tia describes, could turn into something more specific and conversation-starting like, "Getting to know each other over a glass of wine, then ending the night with laughter and my favorite night cap, chocolate chip ice cream."
As long as Tia writes about specific activities she genuinely enjoys, she can't go wrong, according to Ouimet.
Overall, Ouimet said Tia made an attractive profile with minimal mistakes. If she updates her written bio and swaps out a few photographs to tell more about herself, Tia's Bumble profile will feel balanced and lively, according to Ouimet.