The age of technology has ushered in a new age in the dating frontier. Gone are the days when people have to actually put themselves “out there” to meet people. In today’s time, it’s possible to meet new interesting people in the comfort of your own home via a smartphone application.

Tinder, Happn, Bumble — these are just a few dating apps that have gained popularity and success in the recent years. But, how does one ensure optimum swipes? How are you sure you represent the best version of yourself to your potential mate and true love, if it all boils down to a one-page profile and a series of photos that said potential true love will only spend a few seconds looking at?

Let me let you guys in on a secret: The photos you post on your profile matter! The shots you pick not only tell people how you look, but they’re also indicative of what type of person you are, what your interests are, and how you present yourself to the world.

Here are a few things that you must keep in mind when picking your online dating profile photos.*

Post a good photo showing your face

A photo of yourself is a good indicator that you are confident with who you are and that you are actually a real person.

Illustrations by Kimchi Lee

Be genuine! Pick a simple one where you’re casual and relaxed, and make sure it’s a decent photo! Dark, blurry profile pictures are a definite no-no. This is a public profile that’s designed for people to see, so it’s assumed that you’re putting your best foot forward and posting the best. A hazy pic just tells girls you either (a) have no better photo (really, at this day and age??), (b) are hiding how you really look, or (c) are still using a VGA camera to which I say again — really, at this day and age?? And remember, photos of inanimate objects should never, ever be a profile photo for reasons that should be obvious.

Post a photo that shows your interest

Paint a picture about your personality. Tell your story through your profile!

Aside from giving the impression you’re a person who’s passionate about something, this makes you interesting. Personality always makes people stand out, and it helps attract girls who are into the same things as you.

Sure, that topless gym selfie of yours caught you at a great angle, but at the end of the day, it will still be a selfie, and selfies only say: “Look at me, I think I’m all that!” Instead, if you’re into fitness, post a candid photo of you at the gym. (Okay, it can be topless if you reaaaally want. I’m sure I speak for all women when I say we are fine with a peek at your awesome physique.) If you’re into photography, post a photo of you at work with your gear. The possibilities are endless! Showcase your personality and tell people about the things you care about.

Post a photo that shows that you are open-minded, fun, or adventurous

This gives the impression that you are open to new experiences which include meeting new people.

Posting a travel photo is great indication of this. Not only does it show that you’re up for adventure, it also shows that you are cultured and open to different things. This translates to others that you are genuinely curious of the world around you — and maybe, that world may just include someone you met on Tinder in the near future.

Post a photo with a pet — 

Whether it be a pet dog, cat, or even a plant!

This signals that you are a good, caring person and are capable of taking care of something (or someone!). Take note that sweet photos with random girls or exes never elicit the reaction of “Aww, that’s sweet!” from swipers. Those do not make you seem caring; those make you seem like a tool for even being on a dating app while seemingly involved with another person.

Post a photo showing that you clean yourself up nicely

This depends on what your definition of “cleaning up” is. Whether it be a crisp white shirt or a formal polo, try posting something that shows you also can take the effort to spruce yourself up and with good results.

As much as I love topless photos like the next girl, there is value to looking put-together as opposed to posting another one of your glorious selfies, even despite those abs.

Yes folks, up to a certain extent, millennial dating entails presenting your best virtual self to partners. And although these tips will not guarantee that you’ll find your one true love on an online dating app, at least it will have some girls curious enough to swipe right to your genuine, well lit, properly curated photos. Enjoy!

[irp posts=”10647″ name=”Ride sharing app allowed people to book a Valentine”]

*As discussed and agreed upon by yours truly and her various swiping single girl-friends.

**Tinder “Mr. No” example photos may or may not have been taken from actual profiles.