You probably have heard about how the online dating industry is exploding in popularity. It’s not surprising when you think about the convenience and the low cost compared to other methods of meeting people. While some more traditional singles have approached online dating with somewhat of a wary attitude, the number of people using these websites continues to grow, day after day. If you have considered, are considering, or are using an online dating sites, here are three quick and easy tips to make sure your time is well spent and you make the best of this exciting opportunity to someone to share your life with.

Post a Real and Recent Photo. While most people with some form of common sense can understand the importance of posting a real and relatively recent photo, you might be surprised by the number of people who just don’t get it. The average person who is looking for romance online, and is serious about it, doesn’t want any surprises at the coffee shop when the first date takes place. It’s true, looks aren’t everything but it’s hard to deny that looks do in fact play a role. Maybe more important is the lack of honesty displayed by the person who posts an old photo where they were 20 pounds lighter or a photo of someone else. This is not a good way for starting any relationship. Also be sure to keep in mind that if you have posted a photo from your younger, leaner years, you might be in for a very awkward first date. Some people don’t take lightly being lied to or deceived and may not be all that nice about it when you meet.

Be Honest About Who You Are. Everyone wants to impress people and the best way to do so is through actions and not words. That’s why you should be yourself when communicating with potential dates before you ever sit down face to face for dinner. Besides, if you aren’t being yourself couldn’t you potentially be setting your new relationship up for failure? We all seem to know people who thought they married the person they knew only to find out their new husband or wife really isn’t who they thought they were. Even if it becomes the difference between walking away from the relationship, it’s much better to find someone who likes you for who you are from the start.

Be Careful About The Information You Give Out Online. It’s an unfortunate fact that we live in a world of violence and criminal behavior and the world of the Internet is no different. Would you give someone you just met on the street your home phone number and street address? Probably not. It’s also alarming how much information that can be found out about a person simply by knowing their email address. In any case, be very guarded about what you tell anyone you meet online about yourself and always take precautions when meeting someone. Some helpful ideas are to make sure your friends know when and where you are meeting your date and to have your date in a public area.

While online dating represents a great step forward for people who are looking to meet someone new and single, it does take some carefully planned steps to make your experience successful. Be patient and cautious and you will be sure to take advantage of this new technology.

Mike Wyman is co-owner of the singles dating site http://www.DateAGolfer.com, the perfect place for golf singles to find their golfmate. He also runs http://www.PuttingForPar.com, a site specializing in the sale of personalized golf ball markers which make a great golf gift.