For all of the millions of people who sign up on online dating sites, you would think that finding a suitable match should be a fairly straightforward endeavour. However, for hundreds, or even thousands of people, online dating has not reaped any rewards, in some cases never even receiving a date.

But there are a few things you can do to better you chances of finding your soul mate. Here are a few tips to follow to make online dating work for you.

1. Determine what you want. Do you want a one night stand? A casual date? A friend? Or do you want a long term commitment? Determine where you fit in and then act accordingly. If you are looking for a long term relationship, it is a good idea to ignore those who want something else. If for example, you see a good looking profile, but in it, they state they are looking to have some fun, go partying, etc. Perhaps this is not the person for you. Look elsewhere. Look for someone who has similar relationship goals.

2. Be realistic. If you’re an average looking person (or dare I say, ugly) don’t shoot out of your league. Know your limits. We all want a supermodel but rarely do we find one, without being a everyday visitor to Botox Cheshire. Or perhaps you don’t care about looks, but instead you want a scholar, a genius. However, you’re dumb as a brick. Again, look in the mirror and find who you are before you find someone else.

3. Be honest. Don’t write in your profile that you are 6’5”, 210lbs of pure “man”, especially if you’re 5’6’, 210lbs. Remember that you want to actually meet this person, so starting off with lies is probably a bad idea. Determine who you are and what you REALLY want, and I assure you, you will find what you’re looking for.