Do and don't in writing ads!

..:: DO ::..

Describe yourself.

Think of what you’d want to know about someone and answer those questions about yourself. People are more likely to respond to your ad if they are attracted by something you’ve told them about you.

Show - don’t tell.

Instead of saying you “like music, movies, and restaurants,” offer specific examples. It is much more effective to use humor in your ad rather than just saying “I have a sense of humor”. Show that you are an educated and intelligent person through interesting word choice, clear ad structure, and colorful and creative descriptions.

Be creative.

Make your ad stand out by including a special quote or describing your most intriguing feature or most memorable experiences. If you have a sense of humor, don’t just say so; show it! Have fun with your ad. A personal ad can take many forms. A poem, perhaps. One amazing ad consisted entirely of titles — one right after another — of popular motion pictures, carefully chosen and arranged to describe the ad placer.

Show them what YOU would want to know.

Make a list of the most important things that you would like to know about a person before responding to an ad. Chances are, others would like to know the same about you. If you work, in what field? Have you ever been married before? Do you have children? Are you looking to make some new friends, or do you want find one special person to settle down with for a lifetime? Keep in mind that common goals are often more important in a relationship than individual interests.

Describe yourself first.

Be careful to avoid creating an ad that is simply a mile-long list of characteristics you seek in another, without saying much about yourself. It is better to let the person reading the ad decide if they might be a match. This does not mean that you should say nothing about what you seek, just don’t overdo it. You do not want to be too picky.

Details, details.

How many times have you read a personal ad that states: “I enjoy movies, music, and going out.”? This sentence describes millions of people! The idea is to make yourself stand out from the rest! Instead, name a recent movie that you enjoyed. List some of your favorite music styles, song titles, or artists. If you enjoy going out to Italian restaurants, or line-dancing at a country bar on Saturday nights, say so! Ironically, it is the very details that are often overlooked as being insignificant or boring which in fact add the color and depth necessary for a personal ad to be truly effective.

Pay attention to spelling and grammar.

People are more likely to take your ad seriously if you’ve put some thought into it. First, be spontaneous, then read it over.

..:: DON’T ::..

Don’t lie.

You are better off telling the truth in your ad. Honesty can prevent disappointment for both you and your potential date. Just remember - you could end up meeting someone who reads your ad, so don’t say you’re 6′1″ if you’re really 5′4″.

Don’t write your life history.

Write enough about yourself to catch someone’s attention. Don’t include detailed, personal information.

Never include your address and phone number in an ad.

If you decide you want to give out personal information in future correspondence, be sure you’re giving it to someone you can trust.

..:: GOOD EXAMPLES ::.

1.
Hi! I’m a 27-year-old, never-married, fun-loving woman who lives and works (very hard) in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m 5′7″, 120 pounds with black hair, blue eyes, and bright green-painted toenails. I love all types of movies; the best ones I’ve seen lately include “Run Lola Run” and “Bowfinger,” and my all-time favorites include “Braveheart and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I’m a huge music fan and love Dave Matthews Band, Cake, Tom Petty, Susan Tedeschi, and Gipsy Kings. I’ve been known to get a little crazy at concerts; I even kissed Garth Brooks on the cheek after a show! Of course, I was only 16, so, forgive me. :-) My favorite book is “The Killer Angels,” and I can’t wait to finish reading “Hannibal.” I want to learn to play the guitar, speak Spanish, and snow ski with grace. What I value most in my life is my rather large family, the Earth, and my hobby — photography. One day, I hope to become the coolest, sexiest mom with a van full of kids that you’ve ever seen. So, if you love mushroom ravioli, romantic nights by a fire, and springtime camping trips, please reply! I prefer an honest man between ages 27 and 35 who wants kids, enjoys the same things I enjoy, lives nearby, and can appreciate a woman who’s often been called “refreshing.”

2.
Are you looking for a sensitive man who’ll really listen to you after a hard day’s work? Look no further! I’m good looking: 6′1″, blonde, brown eyes, dark skin, nice lips. I may not be the smartest man in the world, but I work hard in every facet of my life. I’m also divorced with no children. I guarantee I can change the oil in your car in 10 minutes flat. Just looking for a woman who appreciates Sunday picnics, baseball games, fine French dining, Broadway shows, casual BBQ dinners on my porch, and a little imperfection every now and then.

..:: WRONG EXAMPLES ::..

1.
Hello my nam is Mike. I’m looking for friends from all over the world. Write me!

2.
Hi! I’m from USA. I like listening to music, watching movies etc. Feel free to write me.