The fact is that 40% of UK singles use Internet dating sites or online dating services? That’s 40% of all singles! Unfortunately, the percentage of these people who actually find a real romance as a direct result of their site memberships is very low - probably less than 10%.

Why is this? Yes, some sites are far better than others, find the right one for you, ease of use is a good consideration. But what really matters is how you use a site when you actually sign-up to one. The five simple steps will help you in your efforts to find your soul mate, if you go about it in a couldn’t care less attitude then you may as well forget it. What I’m about to say may sound obvious and rather simplistic, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t bother doing the ‘obvious’. So here goes…

1. Write an amazing profile. This is the most important aspect of your dating site experience. Advertise yourself in a positive manner don’t say things like ‘Nice guy seeks nice girl for trips to the cinema’ that’s just plain boring? Take the time to say something about yourself, your lifestyle, your interests and the type of person you’re hoping to meet. And remember to sound happy, upbeat, fun and confident; if you’re miserable about your recent breakup, then keep it to yourself! This isn’t the time for modesty; if you think you’re pretty darn attractive, then be sure to say so. One of the best ways to break the ice is through humour, keep it fun and you are more likely to get a positive response.

2. A photograph is essenstial. Even if you don’t have a very flattering one to hand, you should always post a pic with your profile. Remember, 95% of people on dating sites only search for other members who have bothered to provide a picture of themselves. I’m pretty sure you want to see what a potential date looks like just as much as they want to see you. An up to date photo is best but if you don’t have one, then say so in your personal profile.

3. Be Proactive. It’s no good becoming a member of a dating site then doing nothing, people will not get in touch, it’s like owning a website and not advertising it - It’s not going to work. Make sure you regularly search the database for people with whom you might be compatible and when you find someone you like the look or sound of, write to them immediately and tell them why you think you might be a good fit.

4. Write fantastic Emails. Right. You are now a member of an Internet dating site, you’ve done a search for compatible members and you are now looking at a page full of profiles. You are excited to send out a few emails…but what can you possibly say in them? Re-read the paragraph above about creating a great profile and apply the same rules to the first email that you send to another member. Sending boring one line responses and messages just doesn’t cut it, people will not reply to you if you can not be bothered to make the effort. Tell that person a little about who you are and why you think you might both be compatible - respond directly to what you’ve read in that person’s profile - sound interested and interesting and you’ll get an email by return - sound boring and downbeat and you’ll just be ignored.

5. Check Back With The Site. There are two reasons why you should do this as often as possible. The most obvious one is to keep up to speed with who has joined since you last logged-on; that special someone might have signed-up since you last visited the site so don’t miss out. However, what most people don’t realise is that when you log-in to a dating site, your profile moves up the listings on the internal search engine which means that you are more likely to be spotted and subsequently contacted by other people. Don’t be a stranger to the Internet dating site you’ve joined and I recommend that you visit the site at least once a day during the lifetime of your membership.