Selecting an Online Dating Site

With so many online dating sites popping up, singles these days are spoiled with a wealth of choice. Figuring out how to filter through the deluge can be tricky, but every day there are online daters meeting their match or hooking up for unforgettable encounters. Why should you miss out on all the fun? Taking the time to research and explore what's available will let you find the service that gives you what you want (and at a cost that suits your budget).

Here are some tips for selecting the perfect dating site for you.

Know what you want:
Well, what is it that you want? In online dating, this is the big question, and once you've answered it, you can narrow your search and pinpoint which dating sites are best for you. Are you looking for a serious relationship? A true love? Or do you want to test out the Kama Sutra with a new single every night? There's no right answer, but knowing which option appeals to you more will help focus your search.

Do you have a special interest or niche:
Apart from what sort of relationships you'd like to have, you might find it helpful to consider if there is something unique you're seeking. Are you looking for another single with the same religion, culture, upbringing, fetish or hobby (maybe someone who's as crazy about windsurfing as you)? You might want to look for a dating service specializing in your particular desire, as this should increase your possible matches.

Do your research:
Any random Internet search will show you that there are hundreds of dating sites to choose from. Narrowing them down (if your interests and needs haven't already) may require some effort on your part. A good way to start may be to Google for articles reviewing dating sites, or listing the most popular services. Remember that just because a site is popular, or that if has many members, does not mean it is right for you. There are many options available, so don't settle until you've found the one you're comfortable with.

Ask around:
Once you've made a shortlist of sites that appeal to you, ask around for singles that might have already tried the services. There is nothing more reliable than hearing about another member's experiences and opinions. If you can't find someone to talk to, be on the lookout for message board postings that may give you an insight into the pros and cons of each site.

Know your budget:
Because every dating site has a different billing policy and price, take the time to figure out what you can afford, and what you're paying for exactly. Read any "About Us" or "FAQ" sections before joining anything, and do a search to see if anything positive or negative has been reported about this site before. If finances are a problem, there are free services as well (including social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook). Keep in mind though that free dating sites generally offer much less in the way of customer support, features and member protection.

Take advantage of the trial:
Most of the larger, more respected online dating sites offer trials of various length and price. It is a good idea to sign-up for these, as you can then compare between features (like instant message, chat, voice or video options), services and value for money. Make sure to carefully read all the terms and conditions though, as you don't want to get stuck paying for a membership you didn't want. Comparing design and usability is also a good idea, as ultimately, you want a service that is both easy to use and easy on the eye.

Customer support:
Because so many dating sites are similar, the details make the biggest difference. Customer support might not be the thing that first comes into your mind when you think online dating, but good customer care can greatly improve your experience on a site. Problems can always occur, so do what you can to determine whether or not someone will respond to requests for help promptly and helpfully.

It's ok to use more than one:
If money is not an issue (or if you simply want to increase your chances at finding a perfect match), consider using more than dating site at a time. Doing so will give you a bigger pool from which to fish out a true love. Some singles have found success using this multi-pronged approach simultaneously, while others have tried using multiple sites on a rotating basis. Which method works best is for you to decide, but know that there are no rules written in stone when selecting and using an online dating site.

With so many dating service options out there for today's single, selecting a site is in many ways like finding your true love! Knowing what you want, what you can afford and what makes you feel most comfortable is the easiest way to narrow down the list. Trust yourself, take the time to do some research, and above all else, have fun.

Mitch Conway is the author of The Go-Getter's Guide To Finding Your Soulmate, the first dating guide designed to help singles save time and become more proactive at meeting people. To find out more, visit http://www.gogettersguides.com.