Among the sea of online daters, it is essential that you use some strategy to make your profile unique and eye catching. Imagine that there are thousands of young men and women competing for the same attention with the same amount of space. What does each need to do in order to stand out? What can you do within those parameters in order to stand out?

When it comes to standing out on the Internet, there are a host of strategies and gimmicks that you can employ. From flashing Java script to sounds, you can truly make your profile one that is not easy to pass over. However, some strategies may not be in your best interest to employ. In reality, while you can use animation to make your profile stand out, do you really want visitors to think you are that desperate for attention?

On the contrary, there are more resourceful and contained strategies that can help visitors to still maintain respect and intrigue in your profile. Flashing lights and sounds are most definitely not included in this category. Therefore, it is wise to take a moment to review these tips for creating online profiles prior to clicking “save.”

1. Browse your competitors. While you may not view other profiles as competition, perhaps you should. Take a moment to look around at other sites for people that are similar to you. Find out which sites jump out in your view. What do you like about some of these profiles? What do you dislike? Make a list (either mental or on paper) of the elements that you would like to include in your own profile.

2. Use photos. Most people who search online dating sites say that they would not pursue a relationship with someone who does not post photos of him or herself online. Therefore, it is important that you post at least one photo on your profile. This photo can be something that makes people laugh or it can be a glamorous photo of you. It's best to include several photos so that you can represent multiple sides of your personality easily and simply.

3. Be frank. No – you don't have to change your name! But be frank as in honest and forthright. Tell as much information about yourself as you are comfortable telling, such as your employment, your hobbies and what you are looking for from an online dating site. Avoid using your full name or any information that would direct someone directly to you, such as a phone number or address. Email addresses are sometimes fine, but they are usually regulated by the online dating site.

While it may seem like there are magic formulas to making your profile stand out from others, the truth is – it's all in your presentation. Someone who is looking for similar things will enjoy reading your profile and that is the best method of helping yourself stand out there that there is. Avoid flashy animation or cutsie lines. Instead, most people would agree that honesty and openness will help people to immediately feel comfortable and confident pursuing the next step with you.