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We Tested 11 Different Male Profile Pictures and This Is What Happened

April 28, 2014/in For Him /by Guest Blogger

I’m at it again! Putting my own online dating reputation at risk for the better good of online daters everywhere, in particular our own users. My previous post was based on improving the way men message women. This time I tested out 11 different types of profile pictures to understand which profile pictures are the most successful for men to use on their online dating profiles. I based the success of each type of profile picture by how many responses each one received when I would message women. The styles are listed from most to least successful. For example, smiling in a basic setting received the most responses while taking a selfie proved to be the worst option. Of course everyone will experience different outcomes but this should give men a good idea of what their main online dating profile picture should be.

1. Smiling

The classic smile received the most responses and was the outright winner!

2. Animal Pic

Having an animal picture is said to display a passion for another living entity, which women find quite attractive.

3. Outdoors

Showing that you’re active is a way to display both ourselves and our interests.

4. Not Smiling

Not smiling may turn some women away but at least you aren’t doing anything to embarrass yourself.

5. Picture with girl

Taking a picture with a girl is hit or miss with many women. On one hand it shows what we look like with a girl, on the other hand, why put a women on our online dating profile in the first place? Do you bring sand to the beach?

6. Shirt off

It depends on the type of women we want to attract. If we want something long-term then we should keep our shirts on, at least on the Internet that is.

7. Group Picture

First off, if there is more than one guy then it may confuse the viewer of the profile. Also if there are multiple girls it could send the wrong message.

8. Costume

Whoever looks at your profile wants to see you, not what you look like in something you wear once a year. Costume pictures are okay as secondary images but not for the main profile image.

9. Eating

10. Cropped

Thoughts that go through the mind of someone who views a photo that is cropped: “Are they hiding something? Who else was in the picture? Do they honestly not have something else to use? They suck at cropping…”

11. Selfie

One of the number one complaints people have about online dating profiles has something to do with people posting selfies.

Did you enjoy this post? Then make sure to check out 5 Ways I Changed the Way I Message Women (and scored multiple dates!)

About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): CMB is a dating app designed with women in mind. Founded by 3 sisters in 2012 in NYC, CMB aims to deliver a fun, safe, and quality dating experience that results in meaningful relationships.

5 Ways I Changed the Way I Message Women (and scored multiple dates!)

April 28, 2014/in For Him /by Guest Blogger

I guess one could say that the last couple of weeks of mine have been hectic when it comes to my dating life but it was worth it. In the world of online dating, messaging is what bridges the gap between seeing someone’s profile and going out on a date with them. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many of us men don’t always end up achieving the success we would like to when messaging women. To understand how to better our chances, and also to get some dates, I messaged thirty women on an online dating site using the following five approaches: aggressive, passive, cheesy, inquisitive, and informal. For example, I messaged six women with an aggressive approach, six woman with a passive approach, and so on. This post includes the five key ways I changed the way I message women after analyzing my interactions, as well as, examples of each approach that was used.

1. The beginning of the conversation is the time to find common ground in order to establish a connection

In the beginning, be funny, ask a question, and pay attention to the details. Let the conversation flow naturally from the initial message but keep in mind that the point of the interaction is for it to lead to a date.

2. Demonstrate that you took the time to read her profile by mentioning an interest of hers

Within the first three to four messages mention something that has to do with the details within their profile that you actually have an interest in. In addition, doing this when it is time to ask her out on a date will absolutely help your chances.

3. If she doesn’t respond to your first message within 48 hours then send an engaging question that she can’t help but answer

Sending one follow up message is a good idea because it shows that you are seriously interested in her but do your best to not come off pushy or aggressive.

4. Suggest a date immediately after receiving a positive response from her

The most success I experienced when suggesting a date was seen immediately after receiving a positive response from her. If you made her ‘lol’ and the conversation has exceeded 4 exchanges then go ahead and ask! Definitely do not let the conversation pass around 7 messaging exchanges before mentioning the date. After 7 exchanges the average conversation tends to lose its muster.

5. End the conversation shortly after making plans for a date

Shortly after you ask her out on a date is an ideal time to end the conversation because momentum plays a big role during the early stages of dating. By doing this you eliminate the opportunity for the conversation to lose its appeal and close out the conversation on a high note.

Examples and Main Takeaways of Each Approach Used

1. Cheesy

Main Takeaway: Being cheesy experienced zero success. No cheese please.

2. Aggressive

Main Takeaway: Being aggressive the whole time while messaging someone will end up turning most people away. Instead be aggressive only when it is appropriate. For example, when asking to go on a date.

3. Passive

Main Takeaway: This did receive some responses but give the person you message something to work with.

4. Informal

Main Takeaway: Being informal experienced zero success.

5. Inquisitive

Main Takeaway: Use questions to start the conversation and to keep it going but don’t be excessive, got it? Are you sure? How about now?

Did you enjoy this post? Then check out We Tested 11 Different Male Profile Pictures and This Is What Happened!

We analyzed hundreds of dating profiles and here are the top 2 success secrets we found

April 8, 2014/in For Him /by CMB

Have you ever wondered where all the good women have gone in your love life? They’re probably running in the opposite direction with the amount of selfies in your profile (among other things). So what’s the right way to display yourself and get more “likes” without appearing like a total creep (like that guy who slowly inches towards unsuspecting women on the dance floor)? Well, here are the top 2 profile tips that were unbelievably successful among our members.

Did you love this post? Check out the Top 2 Online Profile Success Secrets for Women and 10 Relationship Lessons from ‘How I Met Your Mother’
About Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB): Every day at noon, we introduce you to one single with whom you share mutual friends. You have 24 hours to LIKE or PASS your match (aka “Bagels”). Mutual LIKE leads to direct connection via text message on a private phone line.

The Only Dating Timeline You Will Ever Need: Dating Advice for Men

February 25, 2014/in For Him /by Guest Blogger

I get asked questions a lot by my guy friends – “I don’t know if it’s ok to take her to this party or introduce her as my girlfriend” CMB gents, let me give you some insight as to what most girls are expecting to happen- and when! If you follow this timeline, not only will you be a perfect gentleman, but girls will ADORE YOU, I swear.

1 week: I’m so glad we hit it off at our first date. It’s still the early stages so let’s keep things casual. How about we plan a brunch date, followed by a walk in the park. We can hold hands and smooch, but let’s keep some sense of mystery going. I would obviously appreciate flowers but there’s no need for big gifts or extravagant dates. Chivalry is not dead! I’d love to see how much of a gentleman you can really be. Those sweet gestures are greatly appreciated and won’t go unnoticed.

1 month: By this point we’re definitely more comfortable around each other. I would love to be seeing you a few times a week and go on more adventurous dates like hiking or something on the water. Remember that I mentioned that I like seafood and pasta? If you whip some shrimp linguine and pair it with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio, I’ll be really impressed and could probably find a way to show my gratitude. ;)

3 months: Things are getting a bit more serious and I’d hope we can be exclusive. Let’s talk about it, like adults, instead of just assuming things. No need to get me a set of keys to your place, but I’d like to leave a toothbrush and mascara there. I want to be involved in your life: invite me to your cousin’s birthday party or happy hour with your buddies.

6+ months: Wow – we’ve made it this far! I love you and I’m gonna tell you. And I want you to tell me, too. I can’t wait to be your plus one at family events. I would also love to take a weekend getaway together. Maybe we can host a holiday party together? Lets start thinking and talking about our future. And of course I want to make it Facebook official! (That’s the most important part of being with someone, isn’t it?)

If you want to help your girlfriend navigate the dating timeline, share the “Dating Advice for Women” post with her!

CMB Men's Series: How to Score a 2nd Date

October 11, 2012/in For Him /by CMB

CMB Men’s Series is original content dedicated to (confused) men and dating in the city.
Guys typically know within 30 seconds of meeting a girl whether she is compatible and has long term potential. However, just because it’s easy for us to recognize potential, it doesn’t mean that it’s easy to convince the date that we’re worth their time.
Here are 4 essential steps to take on a first date that will help you land a 2nd.
1. Plan the Proper First Date
Choose somewhere you are familiar with, a place where you may know the owners or the best dishes to order. The goal of the first date is to get to know each other, so let her see you in your most comfortable environment.
Less is more! No need for pre-dinner drinks, dinner, post-dinner drinks, Broadway Show..etc. She’s not getting a realistic perception of you if you put on a production. And guess what? If you continue to see each other, she will continue to keep expectations high.
Keep it simple. 82% of women polled in CMB’s survey said that they typically go to a coffee shop or bar on a first date. Dating on a budget in NYC? Click here for our hand picked pocket friendly date ideas that will still impress your lady.
Keep a 3 hour time limit. The success of a date doesn’t depend on duration. Having a time pressure will motivate you to get to know your date within that time period, and may leave her wanting more.
Video courtesy of Ms. Singlefied. Visit her at singlefied.com or @singlefiedyue.
2. Ask Her Questions
Obvious fact of the day: women like to talk. Studies have shown that women communicate more verbally then men. So naturally it’s easy to let the conversation become one-sided, but don’t let it turn into an interrogation where she’s peppering you with questions. Take the lead and engage her with questions that show your genuine interest in who she is, where she comes from, and what her values are.
3. Pick Up the Tab

Splitting the bill, or going ‘Dutch’, might make sense to some. You hardly know each other, the economy stinks, and she has a job. But sorry guys, if you don’t make an effort to pick up the tab, there may not be a 2nd date. Want proof?
CMB’s survey showed that 87%! of women either feel they should never pay on a first date or secretly hope the guy would pay the full bill. Chivalry, and more importantly the expectation of chivalry, is very much still alive.
4. Forget the 2 day/ 3 day/ 1 week rules

There are numerous rules that guys follow for when to contact the girl after the first date. We’ve heard anywhere from 2 days to a week. However, CMB’s survey showed that most women would touch base the day after the date if it went well (assuming they would initiate). Therefore, you will not come across as a lonely desperate stalker if you contact her the following day. Keep in mind that 1 out of 3 women said they would never follow up with a date after the first date. Moral of the story – if you want to see her again, don’t wait until Christmas to tell her.

How to Tell If She's Interested or Just Being Nice

October 9, 2012/in For Him /by CMB

CMB Men’s Series is original content dedicated to (confused) men and dating in the city.
Part III of our series welcomes the return of Yue Xu, Dating Coach for men and Founder of Singlefied. Visit her at www.singlefied.com and @SinglefiedYue.

It’s no secret that guys are terrible at reading women. Here’s how you can tell if she’s actually into you or just being nice.