Internet Dating Tips:

Internet dating has become more accepted than ever before. Match.com reports that 49% of singles in a recent poll look online for their dating partners. And in the same survey, 92% say they would admit to others that they met the love of their life on the Internet, if that were to happen. Gone are the days when people looking for love online were seen as losers with no other options

Here are some tips on how to make Internet dating work for you:

1. Post a picture
How many profiles do you look at that don't have a picture? If you are typical, the answer is not many. A great picture is a way to make a good first impression online. If you don't have a picture available, now is the time to get one. And if you have a few different pictures, showing you in different settings, that is even better. Digital cameras are easy to get, so don't get left out by not including your best shots.

If you are serious about making online dating work for you, there are services that will provide you with great new photos for your profile. LookBetterOnline.com can set you up with a local photographer who knows how to take the best shots for your profile. If you want to see some samples of their work, check out their  before & after examples.

2. Use all of the features
Every good Internet dating service is loaded with features. You can post profiles, search for others, and start communicating in various ways. But there are many other features that add to the Internet dating experience: online chat, success stories, polls and surveys, subscriptions to receive regular emails with matching singles, local events, dating advice, and links to other services. Use as many of these services as you can to maximize your opportunity to meet the person you are searching for - they are all included in the subscription fee you are paying.

3. Post a great profile
Your profile is how others see you. This may be the top Internet dating tip of all. Spend some time working on putting together a complete and honest description of yourself. Go back to it and revise it often. Make sure that you are presenting yourself the way that you want to. Those people who have the best profiles - with plenty of information and highlight their personality, are the ones that attract the most attention. If someone has a limited and poorly prepared profile, most people are going to assume that they aren't really serious about Internet dating and will move on. And be honest, if not you might have some uncomfortable explaining to do later if things work out.

4. Familiarize yourself with search
Probably the most important feature of any Internet dating service is the ability to search. Spend some time working with the search feature - particularly the advanced search - so that you don't waste time going through profiles that really aren't for you. Searching by location and interests are definitely important.

5. Subscribe to emails
Almost all of the services have a system of sending you potential matches to your email address. This is a great way to be reminded of your membership and to see who is new. You can usually turn this feature on and off easily, so you aren't bothered by too many emails. And some even allow you to tell them how often to send it out to you.

6. Use the chat feature
One of the most useful enhancements to most major online dating services is the ability to chat immediately with other members who are logged in at the same time. So if you see an interesting profile, you don't need to spend time sending emails back and forth, but you can immediately find out if there is a connection.

7. Use multiple services
Another good Internet dating tip is to sign up for more than one dating service. While each service has a similar set of features, the database of members is going to be different. By using multiples services, you are increasing your chances of finding the right person. There are also plenty of specialized sites for more specific interests, like Christian dating, Jewish dating, gay dating, etc. These can be great for finding a more specific partner.

8. Spend
Be prepared to spend. To have a successful online dating experience, you will need to spend time, money, and effort. Nothing is free in the dating world. It will take some time. Most people who date want something to happen immediately, but we have all found out that doesn't happen. You have to spend money to find the right person and spend money to make yourself ready, so don't let the expense get you down. And most importantly, be ready to work hard to get what you want.

9. Be safe
Be safe, in all senses of the word. Online dating makes it easy to find others, but you don't always know what you might be getting into. Don't take chances and use common sense. When you are making initial contact with someone new, do it in a public place. Make sure you know as much as you can about the other person before you provide any personal information, such as your phone number, or where you live. If you feel like the other person is being too mysterious, then it is time to move on.

10. Have fun
The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Searching for the right person can be a fantastic experience, filled with anxiety and emotion and even drama. But if you approach it with a positive attitude and think of the search as being as much fun as the catch, you will have a better time. Flirt when you want to and enjoy it. Don't think of it as you do a job search - a necessary evil that has to be endured. Make it easy for yourself by setting your mind to the fact that this is something fun.

If you have other good Internet dating tips, we always want to know. Send us your best dating tips.