5 Expert Tips to Get More Matches, According to Science

In the fast-paced world of online dating, your profile is your first (and often, only) chance to make an impression. If your matches are feeling few and far between, it's not bad luck—it's a problem of strategy. As a social expert, I'm here to tell you that small, specific changes rooted in psychology can drastically improve your results. Stop guessing and start using these five science-backed dating profile tips to get more matches. 1. Master the "Duchenne" Smile in Your Main Photo Your first photo is non-negotiable: it must be a clear, forward-facing shot of you, and only you. But the kind of smile you use matters immensely. A "Duchenne smile" is a genuine smile that involves not just the mouth, but also the muscles around the eyes (it's what makes your eyes "crinkle"). Psychological studies on attraction consistently show that Duchenne smiles are rated as more authentic, trustworthy, and attractive. A forced, low-energy smile (or worse, a serious, "cool" expression) can be perceived as cold or untrustworthy. Expert Tip: Go through your camera roll and find a picture where you were genuinely laughing or happy. This candid warmth is far more magnetic than a perfectly posed, sterile headshot. 2. "Show, Don't Tell" with Action-Oriented Photos Many people fill their bio with a list of adjectives: "I'm adventurous, funny, and loyal." This is unconvincing and forgettable. To get more matches, you must prove these traits with your photos. Behavioral science shows that "signaling" (demonstrating a quality) is more credible than "claiming" (stating you have a quality). Instead of writing "I'm adventurous," show a photo of you hiking a real trail, kayaking, or exploring a new city. Instead of writing "I'm social," include one (and only one) well-chosen group photo where you are clearly happy and engaged with friends. Your photos should tell a story that your bio supports, not the other way around. 3. Apply the 70/30 Bio Rule for Balance One of the biggest bio mistakes is making it all about you ("I want, I like, I need..."). Another is making it a list of demands for your partner ("You must be..."). A successful dating profile bio follows the 70/30 rule: 70% should be about you: Your passions, your personality, what makes you unique. This is your chance to build your value and showcase your life. 30% should be about them (or "us"): What you're looking for, the kind of experiences you want to share, or a prompt to start a conversation. This ratio signals that you are a complete person who is also actively looking for a partner to share with, which is the ideal balance. 4. Eliminate All "Red Flag" Negative Language This is one of the most critical expert dating tips: scan your bio and delete every single negative word or phrase. Research on impression formation shows that negative information is weighed more heavily than positive information. Phrases like "no drama," "not looking for games," "don't be boring," or "swipe left if..." instantly backfire. Even if your intention is good, your potential match doesn't read "This person is mature and wants a real connection." They read, "This person is jaded, has baggage, and has clearly had a lot of drama in their past." Expert Tip: Reframe everything positively. Instead of: "No couch potatoes." Try: "Looking for someone who's up for a spontaneous weekend hike." 5. "Feed the Algorithm" to Boost Your Visibility This final tip isn't about psychology, but platform mechanics. Dating apps are businesses, and their algorithms are designed to reward active, engaged users by showing them to more people. If you have a great profile but you only log in once a week, the app will assume you're not a serious user and bury your profile. Expert Tip: To get more matches, you need to signal to the app that you are a high-quality user. Be Active: Log in at least once a day, even for a few minutes. Swipe Thoughtfully: Don't just swipe right on everyone. A selective swiper is seen as a higher-quality user. Send Messages: Respond to your matches and send the first message. Update Regularly: Tweak your bio or swap one photo every couple of weeks. This signals to the algorithm that your profile is "fresh" and deserves to be shown.