When it comes to online dating, sending the first message can be a daunting task. You want to make a good impression, stand out from the crowd, and entice the other person to respond. With millions of users, Plenty of Fish (POF) is one of the most popular online dating platforms, and sending the right first message can make all the difference in getting more matches and dates. In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of sending the first message on POF and provide you with some valuable tips and tricks to increase your chances of getting a response.
Why The First Message Matters
The first message is your chance to make a first impression, and it can be a deal-breaker or a deal-maker. A good first message can spark curiosity, create intrigue, and make the recipient want to learn more about you. On the other hand, a bad first message can lead to instant rejection, and you may never hear back from the person.
Studies have shown that the first message has a significant impact on the response rate. According to a survey by the online dating platform, OkCupid, the first message can increase the response rate by up to 30%. Another study by the dating app, Hinge, found that the first message can influence the response rate by as much as 45%.
What Makes A Good First Message?
So, what makes a good first message on POF? Here are some key factors to consider:
Originality
Avoid using generic pickup lines or messages that can be easily copied and pasted. Instead, take the time to read the person’s profile and come up with something original that shows you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them.
Personalization
Personalize your message by mentioning something specific about the person’s profile. This could be a hobby, interest, or something that caught your attention. This shows that you’ve taken the time to read their profile and care about what they have to say.
Humor
Humor can be an effective way to break the ice and create a lighthearted tone. However, be careful not to overdo it, as humor can be subjective, and what one person finds funny, another might not.
Brevity
Keep your message brief and to the point. Avoid writing a novella or a long, rambling message that may overwhelm the recipient. Aim for a message that’s concise, yet still conveys your interest and personality.
What To Avoid In Your First Message
Just as important as what to include in your first message is what to avoid. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
Spammy Or Generic Messages
Avoid sending messages that can be easily copied and pasted, such as “Hey, how’s it going?” or “You’re so beautiful.” These messages come across as insincere and lack effort.
Overly Aggressive Or Sexual Messages
Refrain from sending messages that are overly aggressive or sexual. This can be off-putting and even offensive to the recipient. Remember, the goal is to get to know someone, not to objectify or harass them.
Negative Or Critical Messages
Avoid sending messages that are negative or critical, such as complaining about the dating scene or criticizing the person’s profile. This can create a bad impression and make the recipient unlikely to respond.
How To Craft The Perfect First Message On POF
Now that we’ve covered what makes a good first message and what to avoid, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect first message on POF.
Start With A Strong Opening Line
Your opening line should be attention-grabbing and creative. Avoid using pickup lines or messages that are too obvious or cheesy. Instead, try to come up with something that’s unique and shows your personality.
Keep It Light And Friendly
The tone of your message should be light and friendly. Avoid being too serious or aggressive, as this can come across as off-putting. Remember, the goal is to start a conversation, not to interview or interrogate the person.
Use Proper Grammar And Spelling
Make sure to use proper grammar and spelling in your message. This shows that you’re taking the time to craft a thoughtful message and care about the impression you’re making.
Incorporate Emojis And Humor
Emojis and humor can be an effective way to add personality to your message and make it more engaging. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too many emojis or jokes can come across as immature or insincere.
Keep It Brief And To The Point
Remember to keep your message brief and to the point. Aim for a message that’s around 100-150 words, max. This shows that you’re concise and respectful of the person’s time.
Proofread And Edit
Always proofread and edit your message before sending it. This ensures that you’re sending a well-written, error-free message that makes a good impression.
Example Of A Good First Message On POF
Here’s an example of a good first message on POF:
“Hey [Name], I saw that you’re into hiking and trying new craft beers. I’m a big fan of both myself! Have you tried the new brewery that just opened up downtown? Would love to hear about your favorite hiking trails and maybe even grab a beer together sometime?”
This message is personalized, light-hearted, and shows genuine interest in getting to know the person. It also includes a fun fact about the brewery, which can be a great conversation starter.
Conclusion
Sending the first message on POF can be a daunting task, but by following these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of getting a response and starting a meaningful conversation. Remember to be original, personalized, and brief, and to avoid common mistakes like spammy or overly aggressive messages. With a little creativity and effort, you can craft the perfect first message that will make a lasting impression and help you find your match.
What Makes A Good First Message On POF?
A good first message on POF is one that stands out from the crowd and shows the recipient that you’ve taken an interest in getting to know them. It should be personalized, creative, and concise, and should aim to spark a conversation rather than try to land a date or get a phone number.
A good first message should also be free of typos, grammatical errors, and overly flirtatious language. It’s also important to avoid generic messages that could be sent to anyone, and instead focus on something specific about the person’s profile that caught your attention.
How Long Should My First Message Be?
The ideal length of a first message on POF is a matter of debate, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for somewhere between 2-4 sentences. This length allows you to show your interest in the person, ask a question or make a comment, and leave room for them to respond without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, the goal of a first message is to start a conversation, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point, and let the conversation unfold naturally. And always proofread your message to make sure it’s free of errors before hitting send.
Should I Use Humor In My First Message?
Humor can be a great way to break the ice and make a good first impression, but use it sparingly and wisely. Avoid using jokes or one-liners that may fall flat or come across as cheesy. Instead, try to find a lighthearted way to comment on something in the person’s profile, or use self-deprecating humor to show your vulnerable side.
The key is to be authentic and genuine in your approach, and not try to be someone you’re not. If you’re naturally funny, let it shine through, but don’t force it if it’s not your thing. And always remember that humor is subjective, so what one person finds funny, another might not.
How Do I Personalize My First Message?
To personalize your first message, take the time to read through the person’s profile and find something that genuinely resonates with you. It could be a shared interest, a favorite hobby, or even a silly joke they made in their bio. Use this as a conversation starter, and make sure to reference it specifically in your message.
Avoid generic messages that could be sent to anyone, and instead focus on something unique about the person. This will show them that you’ve taken the time to get to know them, and that you’re not just sending out mass messages to anyone who will respond.
What Should I Avoid In My First Message?
There are several things you should avoid in your first message, including overly flirtatious language, generic pickup lines, and messages that are too long or too short. You should also avoid asking for personal contact information, such as phone numbers or social media handles, and refrain from making assumptions or getting too personal too quickly.
Remember, the goal of a first message is to start a conversation, not to land a date or get a commitment. Keep it light, friendly, and respectful, and let the conversation unfold naturally.
Should I Send A Message With Just “hi” Or “hello”?
No, you should not send a message with just “hi” or “hello” as the entirety of the message. This type of message is too generic and doesn’t show that you’ve taken an interest in getting to know the person. It’s also unlikely to spark a conversation, as the person may not feel motivated to respond.
Instead, try to add a personal touch to your message, even if it’s just a simple comment or question. This will show the person that you’ve taken the time to read their profile, and that you’re interested in getting to know them.
How Long Should I Wait For A Response To My First Message?
It’s hard to say exactly how long you should wait for a response to your first message, as everyone’s schedule and communication style is different. However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to wait at least 3-5 days before sending a follow-up message.
If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s probably safe to assume that the person isn’t interested, and you can move on to someone else. Remember, don’t take it personally, and don’t get discouraged if your first message doesn’t get a response. Keep trying, and eventually, you’ll find someone who is a good match for you.