Top 10 Things - Writing an Article is like Creating a Dating Profile

Some have asked; how does one write an article?

I would say it’s not very different from creating an online dating profile. Of course, all types of information about dating applications are curated from friends (*cough*). I hold myself out not as an expert in both areas.

Here are the top 10 similarities, if not identical, between writing an article and putting up an online dating profile.

1.                 Images & Videos

As a first impression, the most persuasive or seductive words mean nothing. We (the none robot kind) are predominantly visual creatures. The immediate things that strike us are pictures and videos. To that end, having pictures (even videos) attached to an article is an added advantage. From what I gather, the more the better.  

2.                 Titles / Headings

This is where one puts an eye-catching name to his/her dating profile. Let’s use a fictitious example “Fun Understanding Caring Kind - Person”.   

Using that acronym, I bring it back to articles. Having articles that scream for the attention of readers within milliseconds will raise the likelihood or probabilities of the readers clicking on the article…or swiping right.  

3.                 Posturing

Here I thank and express gratitude to my learned friends who gave a run down and explanation on dating profiles. As appearing on an online-dating profile, there is about 2 (max) sentences to introduce the potential “mate” or a hook. Similar to an article, the maximum is 2 short sentences to provide a succinct explanation or description of the article.    

4.                 Catfishing

Any sane person hates being catfished. It’s when someone fakes a profile to trick others. Similar to articles, most (if not all) readers hate and abhor being misled. So if the title is significantly different from the contents, many readers will discard and disregard the article. 

5.                 Content is Potent

At this juncture, if the reader’s interest is piqued, the content of the dating profile (sorry, I mean article) becomes important. Commence with the funneling process i.e. the most important aspects are laid out first. Never leave it to the middle or to the end as you risk the reader not reaching there. Remember to shock and awe as early as possible.  

6.                 Structure & Constructure  

Never be disorganised or all over the place. Always have a narrative. If you want your profile or article to be one that is cool or intellectual (as examples), build it up to that. Remember, the reader’s attention span is but a few seconds.  

7.                 Look at Me  

It is impossible that you would want to attract every person. You know who you are attracted to. Similar to writing an article, identify and reach out to your targeted readers. Some will resonate with you whilst others will shun you. Focus on the former.

8.                 Dig to go Deep 

Whilst all the above will draw attention and traction, any profile or article that does not delve and tackle sincerity or honesty in its contents will ultimately reveal itself. In other words, never pretend to be someone you are not. Find yourself to know what you want to show.  

9.                 Absorb & Continue 

Every singular moment, word, perception etc is an addition to who you are. Get that all in. Absorb the positive and dispel the negative. From that, build that dating profile or article.

The more you do, the more traction. The more traction, the more interest you achieve. It is after all a matter of probabilities. Look at it this way, doing (might or might not get you something). But doing nothing is a sure definitive way of being stagnant.  

10.            Humour 

Like the contents of this article, it’s a sure-fire way to not take things too seriously and not lose yourself in the moment.

Your article is not something to be peer reviewed or a do-or-die piece. Buck the trend and say what you really want to say.

Here’s to your future article gaining traction or your dating profile being swiped right 😉