These online dating tips are about getting the main aspects of your online dating profile right. This is the first of a series of five articles, each concentrating on a specific aspect of a lady's online dating profile.

Why bother, you say?

You benefit from clearly describing who you are and the type of guy you are looking for. You immediately cut out all the people who would be of no interest to you (and you to them). It reduces hassle and emotional toll for you. You are investing in your future happiness, so it pays to devote time to the task.

The first tip is about your 'handle', more usually known as your User ID.

Perhaps you have already joined an online agency. Did you choose a memorable and intriguing 'handle' for yourself?

Think about these handles:

Put yourself in a guy's position - he does a search and sees a list of potential matches like this:

Ann123

Brenda29

Charlotte_virginia

Mustang_Sally

ToniLonely

MarybyMoonlight

Maggie_May69

SaraSculptress

BlondeNotBimbo

Wendy993

June_so_lonely

Just_looking49

Laughing_Lady27

ScarlettOHara

Which handles catch his eye? Which ones will he click on first? Which ones grab you? Which ones give a positive feel and which ones seem negative?

Obviously, if your own style is not that of a Mustang, or fun and double entendres such as with Maggie_May69 do not suit your personality, then avoid such handles (or be prepared to deal with the inevitable silly enquiries you will get). You can always find something that very simply generates the extra clicks on your profile. More clicks mean more chances to find the right person, and the right handle will make sure that your enquirers are more appropriate.

It is quite reasonable to assume that SaraSculptress would really like to meet someone 'arty', ideally interested in sculpture.

'Mustang_Sally' tells me that she is someone who is a bit headstrong and challenging, but recognises it.

BlondeNotBimbo suggests an attractive lady who wants to be recognised for her intelligence and not her looks. Of course, if you are a 'stunning looker' with the intelligence of a professor, then you may want to communicate that another way, such as 'BookishBlonde' or just avoid any reference to your hair colour or looks. But then, it pays to advertise!

What about negative messages? How do you think June_so_Lonely comes across? There are two aspects to this.

Firstly, it carries a sense of vulnerability about it. This may not be a good thing to put across, as not all men are honorable. Secondly, it conveys someone who is seeing her glass to be half empty. Some men may like that, some may not, but generally a positive attitude works best.

And lastly, what does ScarlettOHara's handle say - is she literary or a film buff or does it say something about her character. Some doubt can be intriguing...

So, in summary, think about your handle. And of course, many sites offer free trial memberships, so you could join a couple of agencies and try a couple of different handles.

Remember, your handle is your first headline!

(c) 2010 Phil Marks