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The Science to Setting Your Preferences & Liking Bagels

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A note from Steve Pollock, Chief Product Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel

I’ve had success meeting a long-term partner on a dating app. And while my last relationship didn’t work out because, well, life happens – it was an incredibly fulfilling relationship. And another bright side: My experience with dating apps led me to meet Arum and Dawoon Kang, co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel. 

I’m Steve, the chief product officer at CMB. Like you, I’m actively dating and using apps, but now I have an inside view. My goal is to make you successful – and help you achieve your relationship goals. 

I’ve interviewed lots of online daters, and work closely with our product development and data science team. The data science is the part that’s responsible for matching you with compatible “bagels” on the app. Naturally, I’ve seen many of our success stories, face-to-face and in the data – I’ve been studying relationship dynamics for a long time.

I truly believe that, with the right know-how, and yes, real effort, you can find a meaningful relationship on CMB. Here’s how to make Coffee Meets Bagel work for you.

Setting Your Preferences

First, you’ll need to refine your profile with frame-worthy pics and details (Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of tips on this in the coming days.) Then, it’s time to set your Preferences and check out your bagels. But before you start, let’s talk about just how powerful those Preferences can be.

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?

On top of your Preferences for Suggested, the algorithm will use additional info such as your interests, social circles, education levels, and more to make educated choices about your best bagels.

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

So while you definitely shouldn’t lower your standards or compromise your values when it comes to finding a partner, make sure you’re not limiting your options by being too selective about things that aren’t a huge deal in the end. 

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 matching 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 means you’ll be meeting daters looking for a serious relationship (just like you!). 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 the connection just isn’t there? Don’t feel bad about passing — it’s much better than matching and then ghosting.

Give “Maybe Bagels” a Chance

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. As you know from building your own profile, it’s hard to self-promote!  The bagel’s profile may not tell their story well.

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 – it could take you on a really memorable date! Tapping “like” doesn’t mean you’re in love.

And chatting with someone doesn’t mean you’re obligated to meet IRL. Not every match you chat with will turn into a date, and that’s OK. 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:

💜 See all your likes: Why wait? Unblur all your likes and match instantly.

💜 Premium Preferences: Set relationship goals, smoking habits, and more in Suggested.

💜 3 Boosts a month: Get up to 5x the views, plus likes that get shown sooner!

💜 And more, like access to Read Receipts, Activity Reports, and Rewinds.

The Next Steps

✔️  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.

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

Dawoon

How to Fill Out Your Dating Profile Like a Pro

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A note from Paige Butterfield, Content Designer at CMB

Answering the first prompt on my Coffee Meets Bagel dating profile, “I am… ,” went something like this:

“I am…always up for an adventure!” Wait, who am I kidding? I’m waiting for a burrito delivery.

“I am…optimistic!” No, no. Too optimistic. DELETE.

“I am…a writer for a living, and yet somehow filling out my CMB profile is hella difficult.”

Let’s get something straight: writing a good dating profile takes real effort. But, it also produces real results. In fact, profiles with details filled out on Coffee Meets Bagel are 50% more liked than profiles with missing details.

But buckle up, this research is headed to party town. When the co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel pulled the stats to figure out the difference between the profiles of people who entered a relationship through CMB vs. people who stayed single, it boiled down to one thing: their profile length.

Then again, while the research on profile length is encouraging, filling in your profile with an exposé on the plot holes in the Star Wars cinematic universe isn’t going to make you more likely to land a date. (Or is it?)

Instead, follow these five simple tips to fill out your profile like a pro. 

1. Think of your profile as a giant icebreaker

Brian, head of Android at Coffee Meets Bagel

Your profile details’ first job is to help you stand out from the crowd. But, it has a passion project, too: to give you and your matches something to talk about as soon as you connect.

And while Coffee Meets Bagel does give you the chance to write your own icebreakers (hidden from your profile) to start off a chat, you can never have too much to talk about. So ask, “What would I tell someone about myself to spark conversation?”

For example, instead of filling out CMB’s second prompt, “I like… ,” as  “I like…plants,” you could instead write:

“I like…taking care of my indoor herb garden 🌱. I feel like a pro chef when I add fresh oregano to my homemade pizza! Fair warning: a virtual pizza party with me might end with you learning some scientific plant names.”

Now, you’re taking a potential conversation from, “So…plants,” to conversation on indoor gardens, pizza, and cooking.

2. Be specific because everyone likes dogs


Audrie, senior graphic designer at Coffee Meets Bagel

Already, by approaching your profile details as one giant icebreaker, you’re on your way to success. That’s because the more specific we can get, the more our personal story will really shine against the crowd of “The Office” binge-watchers, adventure-seekers, and dog-lovers.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with loving dogs (and if there is, I don’t want to be right). But, instead of writing, “I am…a dog-lover,” try:

“I am…a dog parent to a bubbly corgi, Sheldon. When I’m not at the dog park with him 🐕, I’m learning how to surf.”

Not only would you be sharing your love for dogs, but I can already imagine you and Sheldon playing at the park. It feels real, and people don’t want to connect with profiles; they want to connect with people. Plus, you’re sharing an additional activity you enjoy, which could spark conversation – or even lead to a video chat featuring Sheldon himself.

3. Tell ‘em what you want


Jackie, Global Marketing Manager at Coffee Meets Bagel

Getting specific about what you’re looking for from the get-go might feel a little awkward. But on Coffee Meets Bagel, we give you the prompt, “I appreciate when my date… ,” because we know that being open about what you’re looking for is really important. And what you write may not attract everyone, but it will attract that right someone.

Looking for specific values, like kindness and honesty? Write it out. Is an active lifestyle or adherence to a certain diet important to you? Say so. In search of a friendly opponent for a virtual video game date? Shout it out loud! (Or, you know, casually add it to your profile.)

But, do be mindful of how you come across. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being negative on your profile, and sass like, “If you smoke, swipe left,” isn’t attractive. Instead, focus on what you are looking for. An alternative to the smoking comment could be, “I appreciate when my date…values a healthy lifestyle 🍎.”

4. Give them a chuckle


Blake, software engineer at Coffee Meets Bagel

It’s no shock that “makes me laugh” is one of both men and women’s most-asked-for qualities in a date on CMB.

But your job isn’t to make everyone laugh — it’s just to put a smile on the person that’s right for you. So, don’t worry if you aren’t a comedian, or if your knock-knock jokes are a little — or a lot — rusty. Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to get playful or show some wit when you write your profile.

Not feeling it? That’s okay, just keep it light. Skip to tip number five ✋.

5. You’re awesome, be awesome

Dawoon, co-founder and Chief Dating Officer of Coffee Meets Bagel

Sometimes it feels easier to write something generic or even nothing at all because you don’t want to look like you’re “trying too hard,” or perhaps you’re afraid of rejection. I’ve been there.

Rejection hurts, so you try to mold yourself into the person that everyone will like. But by pretending to be someone that everyone likes, you won’t stand out to that person who’s really right for you.

So be authentic. Be vulnerable. Be you. Not a lot of people are brave enough to do that, so you’ll stand out like an everything bagel in a row of plain ones.

Bonus: Give your grammar a check-up

You don’t need a solid viewpoint on the Oxford comma (because let’s face it — everyone already knows it is the way of truth 😉), but for the love of all that’s good in the world, use spell check. Even better, have a friend review your profile for mistakes. You may think grammar is no big deal, but even a small typo could make you come across as careless. And you’re awesome, remember?

Edit Your Profile Details

So, you’ve got all of your profile pro tips in your noggin. Now what? It’s time to jazz up your profile to show off the true you.

To edit your profile on Coffee Meets Bagel, just tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can switch between your photos, details, and preferences. Today, make sure you give extra attention to your details.

Deciding what to write on your dating profile, and even how to say it, is tough. But with these five tips (and maybe a burrito to get your brain working), I think you’re going to do great.

Ready to get your wordsmith on? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

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These 10 Dating Photo Dos and Don’ts Are Game-Changers

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A note from Audrie Thompson, senior graphic designer & photographer at CMB

The other day, my friend Sarah asked me to look at her online dating profile to see if she was doing something “wrong.” Admittedly, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been on the dating scene — but I like to think that I’ve still got it 🤷‍♀️. After all, I met my boyfriend of three years on Coffee Meets Bagel (not to mention I work there)!

Now back to Sarah’s profile. Basic info? Check. Quirky one-liners about herself? Check.

Photos? Not…so…check.

Let’s get real for a sec. Choosing your dating profile photos is no easy task. And they’re important. In fact, we know that at CMB ~80% of the reason people pass on a potential match is because of their photo.

So it wasn’t that Sarah didn’t have photos. She just didn’t have good photos. You know, the ones that showed her…for her 💗.

Here’s the insider advice I gave Sarah on the dos and don’ts of dating photos.

Dating Profile Photo Dos

Do #1: Show your face

A full-face photo is less of a dating photo tip and more of a dating photo must-have. In fact, on Coffee Meets Bagel, if you don’t have at least one photo that shows your face, we can’t approve your profile.  Keep this headshot as your first photo, so your matches know what you look like from the start!

Do #2: Let the light in

Man-made light is better than no light, but natural light is basically magic. In photos, sunlight can work its wonders by highlighting your best features and making your eyes pop. Pro-tip: For the best photos, make sure the light source isn’t directly behind you. We want to light up your face ☀️!

Do #3: Share a smile

Your smile is one of your best and most telling features. Smiles radiate warmth, kindness, and positivity — all important qualities in a partner. So before you snap a photo, try flashing a natural grin. To look less posed, have a friend take your photo, but ask them to snap several action shots to capture the organic moments that lead up to the main shot.

Do #4: Show what you love to do

After you have that first face-forward headshot, you can also upload an action shot of you doing something you love — whether it’s going on an epic hike, seeing a live show, or hanging out with your pet 🐱. These photo types are perfect conversation-starters.

Do #5: Upload a full-length pic

A recent (within the last year) full-length pic gives bagels a better idea of what you look like, so upload at least one. Don’t have a tripod on hand? Grab a friend and make a day out of an impromptu photoshoot at a local park or in front of a vibrant wall. Bonus points if they have a DSLR or a great camera phone 📸.

 

Dating Profile Photo Don’ts

Don’t #1: Get lost in the crowd

You may think that you look best in that group photo with your best friends or family. But, how is a potential match supposed to know whether you’re the cute brunette on the left, or the dude in the howling wolf tee on the right? To make sure it’s clear who you are, leave group photos out of your profile photo line-up. Or, if you really love a certain group shot, make sure to file it last — that way there’s no mistaking who you are.

Don’t #2: Feel pressured

When it comes to dating profile photos, don’t feel pressured to look “sexy” or to show more skin than you feel comfortable with. Because believe it or not, choosing your profile photos isn’t always about finding the picture where you look the hottest or the fittest. In fact, the best photos are the ones that can give us a sense of your personality and your “vibe.”

Don’t #3: Stop at selfies

Discard the dog ears and filter pics and exchange them for photos taken by a friend in “do” tip five. Apart from the fact that selfies don’t always turn out well, the filters we like to apply to them don’t make for an accurate representation of ourselves.

Don’t #4: Hide under hats & sunglasses

Slather on the SPF 50, because the wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses have got to go (at least while you’re taking photos). No matter how much you love those new shades, photos where you have sunglasses or hats on hide what you really look like and can cast unflattering shadows.

Don’t #5: Upload ancient photos  

Your potential matches aren’t interested in seeing what you looked like five years ago. So, rather than uploading photos that don’t resemble you anymore, take new ones. You want the right match to fall for the current you, not the you from junior year of high school (…unless you’re still in junior year of high school, in which case you probably aren’t old enough to be using our app!)

Selecting the Best

Now that you’ve had your photoshoot, it’s time to select your best! Choose a minimum of four photos — but, more is always better if they’re quality. It also helps to have a friend who matches your gender preference to review your picks. What we see in ourselves is not always what others see, so a second opinion can help make sure you’re putting your best face forward.

Spotlight: Profile pic superstars

Like Sarah’s best pics ended up being different than my own, so will yours. To give you a better idea of what kind of pics you should be looking for, I’ve gathered a few profile-pic superstars from Coffee Meets Bagel. Their photos radiate their warmth and positive energy — just like yours can ☀️

Daniel, Franklin, TN

 Joanne, San Diego, CA

Pete, San Francisco, CA

Joy, Seattle, WA

Upload Your Photos

Feeling inspired? I hope so! Now’s your moment to upload your own photos to your Coffee Meets Bagel Profile.

To do so, just log in and tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can choose to upload new photos, or delete and swap existing ones.

Taking and choosing your best pics can feel a little overwhelming at times. But with these 10 photo dos and don’ts, you’re already on your way to selecting photos that show off the best in you!

Ready to show off your best self? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

Couple

So, It’s Your First Day on CMB? Here’s What You Need to Know

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A note from Dawoon Kang, co-founder & -CEO of CMB

Listen, we know that dating sometimes gets a bad rap. And we totally understand why! Putting yourself out there is scary, and it’s disappointing when things don’t work out the way you want them to.

But here’s our counterpoint: Dating itself isn’t all that bad, it’s the dating-the-wrong-people part that makes things so hard. You know who we’re talking about: the ghosters, the game-players, the “I know we’ve been seeing each other for three months but I’m not ready for anything serious,” kind of people.

But that’s where we come in. My sisters and I believe everyone deserves a fair chance at love. So, we created a dating app where you can spend less time on the wrong people and more on the right.

Sure, dating is still tricky sometimes. But CMB is here to help you every step of the way, from setting up your profile to meeting someone new to navigating a first date. Let’s dig into how we’re doing dating differently, plus everything you need to know to make the most of Coffee Meets Bagel.

girl meditating with phone

What to Expect

While social media apps, like Instagram and Twitter, are convenient tools when used purposefully, they’re also time-sucks. Infinity pools. Black holes. They’re happy to grab your attention and suck you into endless scrolling: photos of your friends’ vacations, breaking news, pop-culture trends, cats playing the piano.

And when dating apps exploded onto the scene, most of them followed this pattern. In fact, this study says more than one in 10 dating app users swipe for over 14 hours a week.

This didn’t vibe with us, so we chose a different approach.

Dating for the serious dater

At CMB, we’re here for the dater who’s ready for something serious – and tired of wasting time on the people who aren’t. In fact, we’re so serious about being serious that we ask upfront what you’re looking for when you sign up. Only interested in a casual relationship? You’re welcome to join, but you won’t find that here.

This approach has attracted a special kind of community, with over 91% of CMB Daters looking for a serious relationship. That means you won’t be stuck wading through a sea of singles who aren’t on the same page.

And on top of a curated community, we’ve made it so online dating doesn’t have to be your whole life to be successful. Instead of making you swipe all day on the wrong people, we’ll introduce you to select people we think are the best fit.

Checking Your Bagels

We’ll use information — like the preferences you set and who you’ve liked or passed on in the past — to introduce you to your best potential matches (aka bagels). Then, we send them to your Suggested section in the app just once per day.

And then, before you can see your next bagel, make a decision to like or pass on them. Every time you like or pass on a bagel, we’ll learn more about you and your type, so tomorrow’s bagels will only get better.

It may even take a week to get your first match (when you like someone and they like you back). But that’s OK, too. Instead of feeling swipe-fatigue like on other apps, you can take a break and just live your life. We’ll continue working in the background to set you up with someone great.

girl looking at dating app on phone

Learnin’ the Lingo

Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into a few terms that will help you better navigate Coffee Meets Bagel.

💜 Bagels: Your potential matches (That means you’re someone’s bagel, too!)

💜 Suggested: Suggested is where we introduce you to your best potential matches every day at noon. Liking in Suggested is free, and since we’re always learning more about your type, our suggestions will only get better. That means less swiping and more matching.

💜 Discover: The section that’s “the schmear on top,” for when you want to browse extra bagels nearby beyond our suggestions. They may not meet your preferences, but we think they could still be a good match. Use beans to like bagels in this section.

💜 Beans: Earn beans by signing in, exploring, and more. Trade them in to unlock special features such as liking extra bagels. Need more beans? Pick some up at the Bean Shop.

💜 CMB Premium: Our subscription package includes special features such as: Likes You, where you can see everyone who likes you at once and match instantly; Three Boosts a month, so you can get up to 5x the views, plus likes that get shown sooner; and Premium Preferences, which let you set relationship goals, smoking habits, and more in Suggested.

The Next Steps

Now that you know what to expect, make sure you’ve checked these must-do’s off your list:

Lots of love and kindness to you as you embark on your dating journey! Remember: it might take time, it might feel slow, or it might even feel discouraging at times. But, I hope you savor and enjoy the process!


Excited to start matching? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.