Whether you’re a celebrity, politician, professional athlete or a regular joe, we’re all looking for love (if we have yet to find it). And more and more, well known celebrities like Patti Stanger and Martha Stewart are using online dating sites to help them find just that. But how should a public figure approach online dating? How can they successfully maintain their privacy and avoid a potential media frenzy when they go online?
Here are four tips to get any public figure started on their online dating journey and help them to realize it’s possible to find love online, celebrity or not.
1. Post regular point-and-shoot photos but keep them hidden. When it comes to photos, avoid all professional, magazine quality photos. Grab your iphone and have a friend snap a few candid shots of yourself – smiling, laughing, riding your bike, playing tennis, walking your dog etc. Make sure one of these photos include a clear head shot. And when you upload these photos, mark them as ‘PRIVATE’. This will ensure they are not posted on your profile.
2. Use the Search feature to find a compatible match. Since you won’t have a photo attached to your profile, you are unlikely to receive many (if any) messages. Use the Advanced Search feature to search for singles that have qualities that are important to you. This is where you need to think about your deal breakers and your must haves. Choose 3 of each, no more. For example, if you know you would never date someone who smokes, or doesn’t own a car, remove these users from your search criteria to avoid wasting time on people you’re not interested in. If you have downtime on set or on the road, download a mobile dating app so you can search for singles easily and efficiently on the go.
3. Send photos privately in messages. Given the nature of online dating, you’re much more likely to get a reply from your message if you have a photo attached (or a public image on your profile of course). Sending several photos is even better. This strategy ensures that who won’t be bombarded with nonsense emails from fans but also ensures the people you reach out to can decide with adequate information, if they’re interested in you or not.
4. Be selective about who you message. As a well known personality, it’s important that you reduce the chances of your profile being leaked to the press. Therefore, it’s important to be selective about who you reveal yourself to. Read the users’ description, interests and values. Get as much information about the person in order to determine whether he or she may be a good fit for you. If there is still doubt, don’t attach your photo in the first message you send.
