After reading an article once about men’s interpretations of women’s online dating profiles, it became clear to me that it’s just as important to discuss some advice for men when it comes to online dating. Trust me — I know what women want. I’ll break it into three categories: pictures, profiles and emails. (Note: This article is geared toward men searching for women, but the advice applies to men searching for men, as well.)

Pictures

1. The number of pictures: Less is more.

Some online dating sites allow for more than 20 photos, and some can even link to your Instagram account! Just because they allow for that many doesn’t mean you need to post that many. Three to six pictures is plenty. Put your best pictures out there, as long as they are accurate. Two great photos will win against four or more mediocre photos any day. People will look for the one bad shot and decide not to email you because of it. Don’t let this happen to you.

2. What to put in the pictures: you and only you!

I see so many pictures of men with their buddies. You’re going to be compared anyway to all of the other profiles, so why let someone compare you in your own profile? Have you ever looked at a girl’s profile and thought to yourself, “Well, she’s cute, but her friend to her left is cuter.” Women do that, too. Or this might happen: “Which one is he again?” So start cropping!

3. Accuracy: Be accurate; enough said.

Getting in front of someone after you’ve posted inaccurate pictures won’t win her over; it will drive her away and make her wonder what else you might be lying about.

4. The “interesting” picture:

One of the three to six recommended pictures should be your “interesting” picture. This is my secret. We need something to help us start a conversation. Posting a picture of you bungee jumping, volunteer firefighting, posing with your dog: These are what make you unique and give us something to ask about if we write to you. “What a cute pup! What’s his name?”

Profile

1. Set yourself apart: I’m sure we’ve all seen the “I love to laugh” profiles. I don’t know about you, but most people I know enjoy laughing. And wearing both a tux and jeans. And going out and staying in. You get the point. But I don’t know a lot of people who have lived in nine countries, enjoy taking stand-up comedy classes and took three months off once to see if he found his calling in tap dancing. (The answer was no.)

2. Have a catchy intro that makes us want to read the rest: Below are actual intros from online dating profiles. Would you keep reading?

• I work a lot. (It’s OK that you work a lot, but don’t lead with it.)

• It’s true. I’m single! (I sure hope so!)

• I just figured I’d meet someone at work or through friends. (We all did.)

• I’m still on the fence about online dating. (Cynical, anyone?)

3. The “Just Right” length: Too-short profiles don’t say enough and too-long profiles don’t even get read. Give your profile a read and think to yourself, “Does this tell enough?” or “Would I click to the next profile simply because this one is too daunting to read?” If the answer is yes, adjust accordingly.

Emails

Make your correspondence short and light, and end it with a question, and be sure to refer to something in her profile so she knows you read (or at least skimmed) it. Online dating is a numbers game, so the more emails you send, the more responses you’ll receive.

So get online, and have fun!