I have started to use an online dating site for the first time about 4-6 weeks ago. It is hard work. It's like having a mini part time job.
Advice for startups in this space. Cut your features to the following: Like + Email. If I LIKE someone (judging by the looks), then show me the basic info. If I LIKE the basic info, they get a notification and if they LIKE me then that's it. Let us email each other from OUR OWN client. So I email user345@datingsite.com and you route the email a la Craigslist. Simple as that. Let us take it further.
Advice to guys. My first 2 weeks I was pinging everyone I was attracted to. That did not work (for me). It's when I just kick back and decide to wait that I realized it's mostly the women who choose in this game. Also if someone contacts the conversation is usually much easier. My 2 newbie cents.
You're right about the women doing the choosing. There was a study about how when women did the approaching in speed-dating, they became more interested. (PDF: https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://faculty.wcas.north...) So you're at an advantage if they make the first move.
Advice for startups in this space. Cut your features to the following: Like + Email. If I LIKE someone (judging by the looks), then show me the basic info. If I LIKE the basic info, they get a notification and if they LIKE me then that's it. Let us email each other from OUR OWN client. So I email user345@datingsite.com and you route the email a la Craigslist. Simple as that. Let us take it further.
Advice to guys. My first 2 weeks I was pinging everyone I was attracted to. That did not work (for me). It's when I just kick back and decide to wait that I realized it's mostly the women who choose in this game. Also if someone contacts the conversation is usually much easier. My 2 newbie cents.