Online Dating: Is that Dating Site You Like Worthwhile?

By Honey B. Wackx

If one is considering using online dating sites to fine a partner or date there are so very many choices available now, a lot more than just a few short years ago. How do you find the right dating site? If you browse dating sites you will notice how enticing so many of the sites are. How do you find out what really lies behind that web page introduction? Is there a way to tell that the site is a good fit for what you hope to get out of it?

A lot of dating sites offer trial memberships. These give you a chance to judge the quality of their service. As a matter of fact, you should be wary about joining any dating service without a free trial. There are a few other things to consider besides a free trial.

Most dating sites offer a tour of the site. This is not a real trial, however. A tour is just that, a tour. You can browse pictures of happy couples and smiling faces. The pictures make you feel that maybe, just maybe, you can have the same good fortune. You will likely get the impression that those couples found their love and happiness through that website. Maybe yes, maybe no, you will never know in most cases.

A tour is quick and easy to take but also misleading. It may be a complete waste of time if does not allow you to actually experience the features and benefits of a site. Whereas a true free trial involves some degree of signing up to the site, a tour does not. You may be required to answer questions or post a profile. A willingness to fully answer questions indicates commitment on your part and goes to show that you’re not just another scammer or someone not truly interested in finding a date or mate.

Also, a true trial allows you enjoy most of the site’s features, for a specified period of time, without paying. However the trial is geared towards getting you to become a paid member, which is what you expect, therefore you’ll get some teasers regarding features only available to paid members.

There are generally, two types of free trial memberships. One is “unlimited” in features but limited in how long you can use it for free. The other is limited in features offered but unlimited in duration. There are some sites which offer a combination of the two. Which is the better deal?

It is best to go with the first type; unlimited in features but limited in period. Why is this better? Because this allows you to get a better feel of what the site offers by letting you enjoy the benefits of a paid membership, without making a commitment up front. That’s the best way to find out about the site and what makes it site tick.

Bear in mind any free trial will only be available for a limited time, so be prepared to use it immediately. Have your digital image ready to submit along with your profile. When you hit the “Submit” or similar button the trial period starts. You should take full advantage of the free trial while it lasts. If you’re new to online dating, this is a great way to gain some experience and get over any fears you may have.

Start initiating as many contacts as possible, right away. Send as many emails as you can. Answer all meaningful emails. While in the free trial period keep in mind that your purpose is to find out whether or not the site is a good fit for your particular needs.

Browse as many profiles as you can. Check whether the site has large numbers of the kind of people you seek, in order to give you a sufficient number of choices. You should also be able to search prospects by specifics such as age, gender, hair color and education, as well as geographical location and other criteria.

Other features to look for are private chat rooms, so you may talk with prospects and a private email address specifically for dating messages. Most top rated dating sites offer this to protect your privacy. Some reputable sites have a feature that allows you to block emails from persons whom you don’t want to contact you.

Check the types of questions being asked. They should include questions whose answers would interest you. Also, be aware that if a site allows you to skip a lot of the details, it’s likely a lot of people are doing just that. If so, important details will be missed. Details could make the difference of finding someone or not.

When the trial period ends, assess whether it’s a good fit to your personality and needs. Be prepared to sign up for full membership if you found the trial to your liking. If you don’t sign up, at least you did not waste your time and money. You should have gained some experience and a better feel of how the process works, all for free.

You can always sign up for free trials with more than one online dating site, even at the same time. That way you’ll get a better feel of what’s available and the qualities of the different sites or people. You could have a great time meeting new people in cyberspace. You never know, the perfect mate may be someone hiding a computer database that will come alive and spark some happiness and romance into your life.

 

Honey B. Wackx is an aspiring author. She writes articles for herself and other website owners. One of Honey’s favorite interests is home gardening. Another interest of hers is air and water pollution. Honey B. has just found a new interest in internet marketing profits.