If online dating isn't working out for you, then don't be so quick to blame the potential matches you're unsuccessfully pursuing. If you're consistently striking out – or just getting no response at all – then start with a look at your profile. It might be worse than you think. Experts and those who get results on online dating sites have some tips for ways to optimize your profile and make more successful matches. First, start with the first thing most online seekers see – your picture. Many sites offer users numerous pictures. For example, Match.com has the opportunity for users to upload up to 26 images! That's a lot to scroll through when someone's checking you out, but if there's just ONE bad one in the batch, prospective matches are likely to zero in on it instead of the more complementary ones. A couple of great pictures is much better than dozens of mediocre ones. Some rules of thumb when choosing and taking pictures: get out of the bathroom. The lighting is terrible, selfies tend to require odd postures, and who knows what sort of items could end up in the picture – personal products or a filthy bathroom are surefire turnoffs.

Also, leave out your buddies – you don't want another person in the picture for comparison purposes, should potential matches prefer your friend and not you. Keep your clothes on – no shirtless photos for guys and no bikini (or less) photos for women. Subtlety is the name of the game here. However, when writing your bio, think of something that sets you apart from everyone else, besides the fact that you love dogs and are looking for someone with a sense of humor because honestly, who isn't? Think about the type of profile that would intrigue you. Have a positive outlook – on just about everything. No one likes a Debbie Downer who is skeptical of the online dating process or professes to be a workaholic who doesn't have much time for anyone else. Finally, if you're not getting responses, then you may want to consider giving another website a try. The harsh reality is that most member profiles are inactive. In fact, more than 90 percent of both eHarmony's and OKCupid's profiles are inactive. Those that are can be spammers, scammers and downright criminals. Not to say that you won't find success, but a perfect profile is a great start.