Online dating has come a long way from the days when it was considered the territory of the nerdy and socially challenged. Today, internet dating sites are not only socially acceptable, but they’re also a very popular way for singles to connect with like-minded people. In fact, many singles today reserve time to search, browse and contact interesting candidates.

Thinking of joining the ranks of online daters? Go ahead – you’ve got nothing to lose. But if you’re going to online date seriously, do it right and keep to a few, key online dating rules. The following tips and online relationship advice should help you land a number of crush-worthy candidates:

Keep it recent and real

Posting an altered or outdated picture to your online dating profile only postpones the inevitable truth. No online dater wants to feel cheated when he or she shows up to meet you in person. To avoid dating failures, upload a wide selection of head and body shots that are recent (as in taken in the last six months) and real (as in accurately showing how you look).

Follow your gut

Chemistry is what makes or breaks a date. Don’t waste time communicating with someone you’re not connecting with on a romantic level. When you’re not feeling it, be polite and exit a chat or message thread as quickly and gracefully as you can. The sooner you’re able to confess to your feelings, the more grateful your counterpart will be that his or her time was considerately spared.

Keep it interesting

Be specific in your profile and describe the more quirky aspects of your personality – how you snuck backstage at a Pearl Jam concert, visited India on your own, wrote a guide on pot-holing. The key is to give readers a taste of your personality in between the posted details about your favourite TV shows, music, movies and books.

Pick a creative name

A clever username that captures your personality is ideal. Using usernames like ‘SwingDancer#1’, ‘FrenchandFriendly’, and “SurferGirl” mean potential suitors can get an idea of who you are or what you like without having to read your profile.

Light a spark

Witty conversation relaxes people and makes things fun. Ask your potential date mate unique, tongue-in-cheek questions to break the ice, such as: ‘If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?’ or ‘What power would you like to have as a superhero?’