Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means love is in the air—and if you’re still swiping with no luck, it might be time for a profile refresh. Think of your dating profile as your personal brand’s billboard in the digital age. Just like you wouldn’t show up to a first date in wrinkled sweatpants (even if they’re designer), your profile needs to make the right first impression.

It’s time to shake off the winter dating slump, swap out those old photos, and get back in the game. Here’s how.

1.Building your visual story
Your photos should tell the story of a man who's got his life together. Here's how to nail it:

Include that post-workout shot—but make it natural. We're talking about the one where you're genuinely engaged in your fitness routine, not awkwardly flexing in the bathroom mirror. A candid of you rock climbing or playing basketball speaks volumes more than a shirtless selfie.

Showcase your style game with a well-fitted suit photo from your buddy's wedding or that business conference you crushed. Just make sure it's recent—that graduation photo from three years ago isn't fooling anyone.

Action shots matter. Whether teaching yourself piano or perfecting your golf swing, show that you're investing in yourself. These images spark natural conversation starters and demonstrate ambition.


2. The cringe hall of fame (don't be this guy)
The fish pic. Yes, we know you're proud of that catch, but unless you're specifically looking to date a marine biologist, maybe keep that one for your album.

Group photos where you're the shortest/least attractive guy. We get it—you have friends. But dating apps are about marketing yourself, not your better-looking buddy.

Bathroom selfies with visible toilets in the background. The fact that this needs to be mentioned is concerning, but here we are.

3. Words that work
Your bio should be like a perfectly fitted dress shirt—sharp, clean, and showing just enough personality. Here's how:

Lead with your ambitions, not your requirements. "Building a tech startup while mastering the art of homemade pasta" beats "No drama please" any day.

Show, don't tell. Instead of "I love fitness," try "Training for my third marathon and can probably outrun your bad decisions." It's confident without being arrogant.

Include specific conversation hooks. Mention that you're exploring natural wine bars or learning about coffee roasting. Give her something to ask about beyond "hey."

The cringe chronicles (avoid these)

Anything involving "Alpha male" or "sigma grindset." You're better than that.

Copy-pasted pickup lines. She's seen them all, trust me.


4. Gaming the algorithm - the technical edge
Want to maximize your visibility? It's all about working smart, not hard. Update your profile during peak hours (Sunday evenings are golden), and keep your content fresh with seasonal photo rotations. 

Link your Spotify to show your refined taste—just hide that guilty pleasure playlist first. The apps reward active users, so engage with features like polls and questions regularly. 

Think of it like optimizing your workout routine—consistency and strategy win the game.

5. Advanced moves
Ready to take it to the next level? Mix in some power moves that showcase your social value without trying too hard.

Master the art of subtle social proof. Include that shot of you leading the workplace presentation or mentoring at your local startup incubator. SItuations where you give off the vibe as a guy that people look up to.

Curate your hobby highlights. Ditch the gaming chair shots for photos of you at that advanced cooking class or testing out your new camera gear at a photography workshop. 

Balance ambition with authenticity in your prompts. Try something like "Building the next big tech unicorn, but still can't fold a fitted sheet"—it shows drive while staying relatable.

Your dating profile 2.0: time to launch
Remember, your dating profile is often your first impression in the modern dating scene. It should reflect the best version of yourself—the guy who's crushing it at work, taking care of his health, and building an interesting life. But keep it real. The goal isn't to create a facade; it's to showcase the quality person you're becoming.

Stay away from trends that'll age poorly, focus on timeless elements of attraction, and always be upgrading. Like your workout routine or career strategy, your dating profile should evolve as you level up in life.

Now get out there and show them what authentic, ambitious, and well-rounded looks like. Your future matches are waiting.

- Forte team