15 tricks to boost your dating profile
Linda Rains, Match.com

Think there's a secret to posting photos at Match.com? You're right. In fact, there are 15 of them. Like it or not, the opposite sex is known to make snap judgments based on appearance Ñ and some photos work, others don't. So grab your digicam or your photo album and scanner, find your best mug shot, and get ready for love.

1. Smile big. We've all got a serious side, but most will agree that a smile is a best bet to attract the opposite sex. Turn that frown upside down and say cheese.

2. Clown around. Don't be shy about sharing that funny side, especially if it's part of your true nature. If your favorite shot just happens to include a set of Groucho Marx glasses, use it. Just be sure your profile text matches your image with witty, humorous repartee.

3. Don't be a poser. Resist the urge to post posed webcam shots from your desktop, and stay away from that self-timer. Shots like these are often awkward with uncomfortable pasted-on smiles. Unless you've got a knack for self-timed snaps, enlist the assistance of a friend.

4. Keep it clean. The grunge look went out years ago, as did dirty, oily hair and greasy fingernails (wait, that was never in). Best to clean up for your profile shots; save those camping, fishing, or mud volleyball shots for another time.

5. Get in focus. Completely unclear to this writer (literally) are the folks who post out-of-focus, fuzzy photos on their profiles. Find a sharper image and ditch the blurry look.

6. Up close and personal. Even worse are photos that make admirers squint to see your smiling face. Long-distance love is good; photos at long distance are not. Keep it close for your profile shot.

7. Not too risquŽ. Do not ogle the camera with a lascivious gaze or deck yourself out in a too sexy and overly revealing boudoir getup. Yes, you'll earn oohs, ahs, and varied guffaws. But in the end, you'll get a laugh and not an email.

8. Be current. If that fave shot just happens to be two, three, four or more years old, save it for the photo album. Outdated looks will surely confuse and possibly even anger your date, should you meet in the offline world.

9. Don't kid around. Mention your kids in your profile, but don't include them in your profile photo. There's a time and a place to introduce the little ones, and your online photo page is not it.

10. Be a groupie. Most dating and flirting experts say that men or women who look like they are having fun in a group often catch the eye of the opposite sex. If you've got a group shot, feel free to use it. Just be sure to point yourself out in your profile.

11. But don't couple up. Old photos featuring you and ex-loves are strictly prohibited from profiles Ñ even if you've taken steps to crop that former date out. For now, keep that ex in the closet.

12. Petting is okay. You've already got someone who's the love of your life Ñ it just so happens that his name is Spot. Four-legged friends are typically irresistible and give admirers an excuse to write. Use them to your advantage.

13. Nothing to hide. It's great that you cycle, ski, blade, or even skydive. But take the heavy-duty equipment off (or at least the headgear) for that athletic shot. It's your face we'd like to see, not the goggles, helmet or parachute.

14. In the dark. Similarly, poorly lit photos that are dark or shadowed tell us that you may have something to hide. Opt for images that are well lit, clear and easy to see.

15. No time to reflect. Finally, if you wear glasses, be sure that flash is pointed away from your specs or turned off. The glare from your glasses is not only disturbing; it's been known to distort an otherwise attractive face.

Ready to change your own image and up your email factor? Update your profile and post a new photo today.