Are you doom-swiping on Tinder but not seeing any matches? If that sounds like you, you're in the right place. In this post, I'm breaking down the five biggest reasons why most men struggle to get matches on Tinder. These tips will help you level up your profile, so you can attract more matches and get more dates. Before we dive into the details, remember this:
Most men look for what they like in women’s profiles. But women do the opposite—they look for reasons not to like your profile. Women are picky and look for red flags, making it easy for them to swipe left. They only need one reason to reject your profile. And most guys make common mistakes that lead to instant rejection. I’m here to help you avoid them.
Mistake #1. Your Photos Don’t Clearly Show What You Look Like
The most common reason men fail to get matches is that they don’t clearly show what they look like in their photos. Women want to know what you look like right away. If your first photo isn't clear, they won’t continue scrolling through your photos. Instead of giving you the benefit of the doubt by checking out the rest of your profile—they’ll just swipe left.
Try to Avoid:
- Group Photos: Including a group shot is fine to show you have a social life, but don’t use one as your first photo. Women won’t play the guessing game to figure out which one is you.
- Obstructed Photos: Avoid photos where sunglasses, hats, or masks cover your face. It's okay to have one or two of these later in your profile, but make sure your first few photos clearly show your face.
- Odd Cropping: Avoid photos that are too zoomed in or cropped. Make sure your entire head, shoulders, and chest are all in the frame. Don’t use photos that are too zoomed out, making it hard for women to see your face. Aim for a balance— 80% of your photos should show you clearly. From there, you can sprinkle in action shots or other types of images.
Mistake #2. Your Bio Is Too Long
Another common mistake is having a bio that's way too long. Photos are 99% of what people care about on dating apps. But if a woman is unsure about swiping right, she might check out your bio. But don't spill your entire life story here. A lengthy bio can be a red flag. Women swipe on the path of least resistance. If you're forcing her to read a novel, she's going to get bored. She's better off swiping left and checking out the next guy.
Keep It Short and Sweet:
- Use a funny one-liner or a light-hearted statement that can make her smile.
- Avoid listing too many details about yourself. This just gives her more reasons to swipe left.
Remember, your bio should serve to make a good impression, not to overwhelm her with information.
Mistake #3. Your Photos Are Low-Quality or Selfies
Quality matters. I recommend using a professional camera or at least an iPhone with Portrait Mode for your photos. Old, grainy images can make it seem like you haven’t updated your profile in years. Women are going to be suspicious about what you really look like now.
Pro Tips:
- Take photos during the daytime, outdoors if possible, for the best lighting.
- Avoid selfies, especially those taken in your car or bathroom. Selfies give the impression of low effort. Remember, women take 100 photos before choosing their favorite. So, you need to put in at least some effort if you want her to swipe right.
- Go out with a photographer (or friend with an iPhone) for the day. Take a ton of photos. Some smiling, some smirking, some more serious. Rather than settling for the least crappy photos of yourself, rise to the occasion. When you have 10-20 banger photos, it's easy to build a strong profile.
Mistake #4. Posing Like a Tourist
Even if you have someone else take your photos, you can still make a common mistake: posing like a tourist. Nothing is going to dry up women faster than a tourist pose: standing stiffly with shoulders square to the camera, hands at your sides, and a forced smile. As if your mom forced you to take an uncomfortable photo at Disney World, “Say Cheese!”
Instead, Go for Natural Poses:
- Avoid looking posed and stiff, as it can make you come across as inauthentic. Photos that show you having fun or doing something you enjoy can work wonders.
- Try candid, dynamic poses that show you in a relaxed and natural state. My favorite is the Purell Pose. To set it up, make sure your feet are turned 45 degrees from the camera. Then slightly turn your shoulders and chest towards the camera. Now all you have to do is rub your hands together like you're applying hand sanitizer, and boom. No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Mistake #5. You’re Not Showing Your Best Self
This is the most critical point: you need to show yourself at your best on Dating apps. Whether you like it or not, you're competing with other men. And women are going to compare you based on what they see. So many guys are a 7/10 in real life, but a 4/10 on dating apps.
Ways to Improve:
- Grooming: If you're planning to take photos for Dating apps, make sure you look sharp. Get a fresh haircut, trim your beard, and pay attention to the little details like eyebrows.
- Fashion: You don’t need to splurge on designer clothes, but invest in a few stylish outfits. Stores like H&M or Zara offer affordable yet trendy options that can elevate your look.
- Understand Your Angles. Take plenty of photos and experiment with different angles, expressions, and poses. Find what makes you look your best and use those photos in your profile.
- Confidence Is Key: The energy you feel when your photo is taken is going to show in the picture. If you’re not feeling confident, it will be obvious. Try taking photos with friends who can make you laugh for a more genuine smile. This will make you look more approachable and appealing.
How to Get Top Tier Photos that Pull Serious Matches (Without Asking Your Buddies to Hold The Camera)
The top 20% of men are getting 80% of the matches on Tinder because they put in the effort to show themselves in the best light. If any of these points resonated with you, now you know what you need to improve. But I know not everyone is comfortable asking their friends to take dating photos for them. That's why I've built the #1 Dating Photographer Network in America. Apply for your Profile Makeover Here to take your dating game to the next level.
Now go crush it, King!
Your WingMan - Hunter