The Science to Setting Your Preferences & Liking Bagels

A note from Sherrie Chen, Chief Product Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel

You might be expecting a personal success story about how I found my boyfriend on a dating app, and how we have a dog and three thriving house plants together. That isn’t my story. The truth is, I do have a partner…but I didn’t find him on a dating app (and I can’t keep a plant alive for the life me 🌱).

But, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who genuinely believes in the power of dating apps more than I do. Well, one in particular: Coffee Meets Bagel. 

I’m Sherrie, the chief product officer at CMB 👋.I’ve interviewed hundreds of online daters, and I’ve worked closely with our data science team that’s responsible for increasing connections per user on our app. That means I’ve seen thousands of our success stories, face-to-face and in the data.

And I truly believe that, with the right know-how, anyone can find a meaningful relationship on CMB. So, here it goes: here’s everything I know about making Coffee Meets Bagel work for you.

Setting Your Preferences

After you’ve refined your profile with top-notch pics and details, it’s time to set your preferences and check out your bagels. In your profile under the tab labeled “Preferences,”. But before you set your six, make sure you understand just how powerful they can be 👇.

Preferences vs. Dealbreakers

When I first started using dating apps, I thought that getting ultra-specific about what kind of people I wanted to see was a no-brainer. That way, I’d get only quality matches, right? But as it turns out, being too specific about your preferences may actually lower the quality of the bagels you receive. That’s all due to our algorithm!

How Does the CMB Algorithm Work?

Our algorithm categorizes your set preferences as “must-haves” in Suggested. Later, the algorithm will use additional info, such as your interests, social circles, education levels, and more, to make educated choices about your best bagels.

But because it considers your set preferences as dealbreakers, this means our algorithm won’t suggest anyone who is even slightly outside of your preferences. For example, if there’s someone attractive nearby who shares your interests, but they’re just one year older than the age preference you set, our algorithm can’t consider them as a potential match.

In short: too many specific criteria → smaller pool of bagels for algorithm to work with → less quality matches.

So while I’d never want you to lower your standards or compromise your values when it comes to finding a partner, I would like you to know exactly what setting your preferences means. Make sure they’re an absolute must for you, not just a “nice to have.”

Getting Those Bagels

The hard work’s done! Now, it’s just time to sit back and like or pass on my bagels…right? Not so fast. While you can start connecting right away, there’s actually a science to browsing bagels.

Focus on the Matches Who Matter

If you’re used to swipe-based dating apps, it may be tempting to “like” any and every one just to see if they like you back. But at Coffee Meets Bagel, we use a “slow dating” approach by sending only your best bagels once per day.

This approach has attracted a special kind of user base that takes their pretty connections seriously.  So be thoughtful. Take your time looking at each profile and only tap “💜” if a bagel has you feeling some kind of way.

And if you see zero connection? Don’t feel bad about passing — it’s much better than connecting and then ghosting.

Give “Maybe Bagels” a Chance

Sometimes I have a couple of our CMB members come into the office so that we can gather feedback on their experience (and so they can come pet our office dogs). And when I observe them liking or passing on bagels, I’m often surprised to find they have the total opposite issue of the one above; they pass on everyone.

While it’s great to know exactly what you’re looking for, I recommend giving “maybe bagels” a shot.

Could be interested in a bagel, but not 100% sure? Like them. Hey, they look cute in their first photo…but not feeling the second? Like them. See where it takes you. Tapping “like” doesn’t mean you’re in love.

And chatting with someone doesn’t mean you’re obligated to meet them in person. Plus, not every match you chat with will turn into a date. Liking a bagel just means you’re interested enough to give them a chance!

How Premium Can Help

Lastly, I want to put in a good word for our CMB Premium package. OK, so I know it may look a little…self-serving. I get it. But since I get a glimpse into the backend data, I can genuinely say that Premium really is the fastest way to get more quality connections. In fact, on average, Premium subscribers connect up to 2x as often as non-subscribers.

Here’s what CMB Premium includes:

• Activity Reports: Get access to insider info on bagel activity, like how often they send the first message.
• Read Receipts: Know when your messages have been read, so you’re never left guessing.
• Bonus Beans & Features:
  • iOS — Get 15% more beans on Shop purchases & 8 free Likes in Discover (a value of ~6,000 beans).
  • Android — Get 6,000 free beans to use on special features.

The Next Steps

√  Double check that your set preferences are deal-breakers for you. To edit your preferences, tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap on “Profile Preferences.” On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Navigate to the Preferences tab to select them.

√  Ready to try out a subscription? Head to the Bean Shop to see our latest subscription offerings and tap “Subscribe.”

You’re all set! Whether you try our Premium or just stick to your new liking routine, I hope you feel empowered to make your best connections on CMB.

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If you’re ready to meet matches who matter, download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.