How to Write a Good Personal Ad/Expert Profile

Expertise

Want to try on-line dating? Concerned about safety? Need a better profile? I co-authored "25 Words or Less...How to Write Like a Pro to Meet That Special Someone Through Personal Ads." My co-author and I are copywriters who have more than 20 years of professional experience. For this book, we interviewed more than 100 personal ad users to find the secrets that make the personals really work. I can help you decide what to say, how to say it and how to proceed once you get responses as well as how to respond.

Experience in the area

After my divorce more than 20 years ago, I tried the personals when they were in newspapers. Remember those? Sometimes, other commitments would get in the way or I'd burn out on the process. Over the years, I honed my approach. In the interim, I also co-authored a book on advertising, my profession. The research taught me more about how to apply marketing principles to find the right man. Over the years, I also helped numerous other singles find their match and marry. In 2003, I met mine on Match.com and we married in 2006.

Education/Credentials

Loyola University, Industrial Psychology, BA

What do you like about this subject?

Online dating is an exciting process. It can open doors for people in so many unexpected ways. New job contacts. Personal insights about yourself. New friends. I still have several great friends who I met online.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I'm a connector, so I find joy in getting people together. I've been approached by people who have attended one of my speaking engagements and tried dating online. They were happy to report great experiences--which are wonderful experiences for me. I hope to have even more of those!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

-Men are just as vulnerable as women, but they don't know it, which makes them more vulnerable. -It's not only what you say, it's also what site you use, when, how and the way you follow up, that sparks success.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Safety, both physical and emotional, is a huge concern. Using common sense and not getting caught up in the moment is very important. It's smart to have an objective voice coach you through the process.