Show don't tell. For example, it
is much more effective to use humor in your ad rather than just
saying "I have a sense of humor". Show that you are an
educated and intelligent person through interesting word choice, clear
ad structure, and colorful and creative descriptions.
Creativity counts. A
personal ad can take many forms. A poem, perhaps. One
amazing ad consisted entirely of titles -- one right after another -- of
popular motion pictures, carefully chosen and arranged to describe the
ad placer.
Show them what YOU would want to know.
Make a list of the most important things that you would like to
know about a person before responding to an ad. Chances are, others
would like to know the same about you. If you work, in what field?
Have you ever been married before? Do you have children? Are
you looking to make some new friends, or do you want find one special
person to settle down with for a lifetime? Keep in mind that
common goals are often more important in a relationship than individual
interests.
Age isn't everything, but...
It
is where a lot of people start. Be sure to include your age in the
ad; if you do not want to give your exact age, narrow the range:
"early twenties" or "mid forties" for example.
If you are fifty but feel thirty, say so? If you are looking
for someone outside your age range, give a range for the person you seek
as well. Keep in mind that some people will be suspicious of a range
that seems too wide -- such as "twenty to sixty", and this may
limit responses. Likewise, a range too narrow (one to two years) also
seems odd. Even those who fall in the narrow range might be
hesitant to respond. Stating your age, and avoiding ranges altogether,
is generally the best approach.
Describe yourself first. Be
careful to avoid creating an ad that is simply a mile-long list of
characteristics you seek in another, without saying much about yourself.
It is better to let the person reading the ad decide if they might
be a match. This does not mean that you should say nothing about
what you seek, just don't overdo it. You do not want to be too
picky.
Details, details. How many
times have you read a personal ad that states: "I enjoy
movies, music, and going out."? This sentence describes
millions of people! The idea is to make yourself stand out from
the rest! Instead, name a recent movie that you enjoyed.
List some of your favorite music styles, song titles, or artists.
If you enjoy going out to Italian restaurants, or line-dancing at
a country bar on Saturday nights, say so! Ironically, it is the
very details that are often overlooked as being insignificant or boring
which in fact add the color and depth necessary for a personal ad to be
truly effective.
Honesty is the best policy.
Above all, be honest when describing yourself. No matter who
you are, or what kind of person you are seeking, you have a better
chance of finding that person -- and with less disappointment along the
way -- if you are honest from the beginning.
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TIPS ON WRITING ADS 