Looking For Love On Dating Apps? Here are 12 Dating App Tips From Experts

Online dating is easily one of the best inventions in our lifetime. Though the swiping and courting phase can be a bit of a slog, apps expand your pool of contenders and allow you to meet people you'd otherwise never known existed. That said, there are some dating app tips you should follow in order to make the most of your experience and find romantic success.

Whether you're on just a singular platform or have profiles set up across a variety of dating apps, the ultimate goal is find a potential mate and say goodbye to the swiping bonanza. We asked experts for their best dating app advice so you can do exactly that.

1. Take Time With Your Profile and Ask For Feedback

Your profile is your first impression, so do everything you can to make it really count. In other words, the goal isn't to hurry through the setup, but to take care to write a bio that highlights your interests and what you're looking for in a match. The fruit of your efforts will reflect your findings.

Another dating app profile tip is to ask others for some feedback on what you've created. "We have our own biases that impact how we present ourselves in our dating profile," says Jenn Mann, MFT, a psychotherapist, author and host of VH1's Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn. "It's helpful to get honest, objective feedback from someone who's in the category of the kind of person who you'd like to date."

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2. Know What You're Looking For

It's easy to get caught up in the swiping and forget why you joined in the first place.

"There are so many options on these apps that it can be overwhelming if you haven't narrowed down who and what you're looking for. Going into it with an understanding will keep you from wasting your time," says Gabriela Reyes, LMFT, a therapist and relationship expert for Chispa.

She suggests creating an 'ideal partner list' where you write out your non-negotiables, things you can be flexible on but are important to you and even some of your superficial wants (in case the universe is listening.) This helps you narrow your choices down to people you can actually see a future with.

3. Pick The Best App(s) for You

Similarly, stick to one or two apps versus hogging yourself down with countless options. One of Reyes' best online dating app tips is to "do a little research and pick an app based on what you're looking for," she says. "And if there is more than one app you're interested in checking out, try one at a time." Consider apps best on your sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnicity and beyond.

4. Engage Authentically and Intentionally

As you get to know someone, aim to be as engaged and genuine as possible. At the same time, remain observant as you gather information about the other person.

"Trust takes time to develop, and it's behavior over time that tells us about people. People also tell a lot about themselves very early on if we're willing to pay attention," says Susan Trotter, PhD, a relationship coach and public speaker. "Look for shared values…and consistency between their words and their behavior."

5. Be Clear About Your Intentions and Priorities

Being honest about who you are will attract people who appreciate you for you. Understand what you're looking for in a partner and communicate that clearly in your profile and in conversations with potential mates. This transparency not only enhances mutual respect but also builds a foundation for a more meaningful and authentic relationship.

6. Talk With Just a Few People at a Time

The best part of these apps can also be their downfall if we're not mindful. You've got choices galore, but try to focus on those who stand out in a sea of profiles.

"Talking to too many people at once can be overwhelming," Reyes says. "It can also hinder us from giving attention to those who we could actually build a relationship with. Ideally, you're not getting to know more than two to three people at a time."

7. Nail Your Photos

Photos are people's first impression of you on a dating app and can be a dealbreaker that makes someone swipe left, Dr. Mann says. One of her biggest tips for dating apps is to take a look at your photos. Ask yourself why you're choosing this photo, what it conveys about you and how it aligns with the type of person you're trying to attract. She adds that you should try to show some different sides of yourself and to eliminate photos that may have distracting elements.

8. Only Pursue People That Feel Like a Fit

No matter how connected you might feel with someone right away, it really does take time to get to know someone.

"Before you invest in any one person, you want to be sure that they're a good quality person and a good fit for you in terms of values and compatibility," Trotter advises. "Take things one step at a time and ask yourself a simple question with each step. Do I like this person's profile enough to want to message them? Do I like the conversation through the app enough to want to continue talking with them? Do I feel like they're good quality and compatible enough to want to meet them on a first date?"

At the end of the first date, ask yourself if you enjoyed their company enough to go on a second date. Doing these kinds of questions at each step will help you take it slow and stay more grounded in the process.

9. Move Things Off the App

One of the inherent problems with dating apps is that we tend to stay stuck on them. If you feel a connection with someone forming, that's your sign to move your conversation off the app and meet up with the potential mate in person for a date in the real world! There are no hard rules regarding this dating app tip, but aim to meet up with someone that has good potential within a week or two of matching. This allows you to test your chemistry in person. If it's there, you're on your way to date number two and beyond. If it's not? That frees you both up to find the right one.

10. Move On if It's Not Working

While some relationships do develop overtime, often we have a gut feeling about whether or not a relationship is going to work. Whether you're only texting at this point or you've already met up for a date, kindly nip things as soon as you know this isn't a relationship you want to pursue.

This frees up your time to connect with others who may be a better fit and allows the other person to do the same. Try not to ghost the other person or string them along. Simply saying, "You're awesome, but I'm not feeling a romantic connection here," can work.

11. Identify Your Dating Patterns

As a general rule when dating—whether digitally or otherwise—it's important to do some self-reflection and have some self-awareness. This includes understanding your own unhealthy dating patterns.

"Spend some time delving into your unhealthy relationship history. Look for patterns and personality types that you tend to be attracted to," Dr. Jenn says. "If you are unable to figure this out on your own, consider getting yourself into therapy to explore how your history, childhood or any trauma you have experienced informs how you are choosing a partner and what you are attracted to."

12. Prioritize Your Self-Esteem

Here's the thing about dating: You can pour your attention into the wrong people over and over again. Identifying your patterns can help, but also prioritize building up your own self-esteem.

"The real power is in finding a good person to love and having that person love you the way you deserve," Reyes says. "The only way to know what you deserve is to learn to love yourself and recognize what you have to offer. Loving yourself through actions and words is the best tip I can give you."