Conveniently, many online dating sites provide templates and questionnaires that act as guidelines so you can quickly create a personal ad. Sometimes the site will create your profile or ad by asking you to respond with a short essay. Writing more rather than less is always a good idea as it allows others to find you via a keyword search engine. Internet dating experts say that profiles with just a few sentences in them tend to get passed over for lengthier submissions.

Whether you are writing a personal ad or a profile it is important for you to describe yourself as honestly as possible. Most sites ask you for hard data such as your height, weight, body type, eye color, religion, smoking preferences, educational background and profession. In the body of your ad it is a good idea to describe any hobbies or interests that you may have, interests or activities that you enjoy and whether or not you like to travel. Don't share too much information. Write enough just to pique their interest.

Studies also show that profiles and ads that boast a slight personal touch attract more responses than one that is cold or too factual. Although humor plays an important component, try not to sound cynical or sarcastic (especially about yourself.) Be humble, yet stay away from self-deprecating humor such as "I'm so ugly I haven't had a date in ten years" or lines that put down the reader such as "If you are reading this you must be a loser like me."

As you compose your profile try to convey a description of yourself that is easily related to by other people. Good approaches include describing who you are, where you want to go in life, what makes you laugh, things you enjoy, pet peeves and what your friends call you as a nickname.

Acceptable words and phrases to use when describing yourself are sophisticated, loving, generous, cute, reliable, my colleagues describe me as handsome, great legs, petite, curvaceous, hourglass figure, affectionate, likes to cuddle, interested in a committed relationship, sensitive, great cook, romantic, caring, monogamous, down to earth, looking for best friend, educated and gentleman.

Words and phrases to avoid (even if they do seem like a good idea at the time) are well hung, great in bed, I'd love to satisfy you, sexually insatiable, animal, great lover, make love, erotic, uninhibited and any other sexual connotations.

Also make sure to check your profile for spelling and grammar mistakes as that is one way people tend to judge a profile. You don't want to appear illiterate even if the mistakes are just the result of being a one-fingered typist.

Although profiles and ads are created to impress other people, do your best not to create a false impression:

Don't lie about your height, weight or other matters. Don't say you are interested in the stock market to attract a rich man or that you are interested in raves to attract a young girl. If you have children, say so in the ad. Be yourself and see what the universe sends your way. Believe it or not, there are people out there who will probably like you for what you are, not who you think they think you should be.

Personal ads and profiles are not the place to write bitter or sarcastic remarks or make excuses for being single. It is assumed by the reader that the past is over and done with and that you are posting this profile or ad in order to make a fresh start with someone new.

It is also traditional to include a bit of information about what kind of person you are hoping will respond to your ad. An example would be "I am looking for a cultured, well-educated man who enjoys drives in the countryside and going to the movies." It also helps to state whether or not you are looking for friendship, a casual relationship or a marriage partner. It is a good idea not to overdo this particular section because if you set down too many requirements you may limit yourself in terms of potential mates.

It is up to you to whether or not you want to post a photo to augment your profile or personal ad. Internet dating experts say that posting a photo can increase the response rate to your ad by at least ten times. It is human nature for others to want to see with whom exactly they are about to begin a correspondence. Also if you don't have a picture, there is the risk that others may ignore your profile because they think you are hiding something about yourself. If you don't have a photo it is OK to give them an idea of what you look like by dropping the name of a celebrity that you closely resemble.

Remember to post your best photos and write the most charming and accurate ad that you can. Remember, this first impression may be your only chance to attract a soul mate.