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14 Ways a Man Can Stand Out and Score More Matches

Updated on June 2, 2025 by TMM Staff · Lifestyle

A man with short brown hair and a light-colored shirt is smiling while using a laptop at a table with plants nearby.
©iam hogir/Pexels.com

Think of your dating profile like the cover of a great book. It should reflect your vibe, not just your face. Use photos that show personality like travel shots, hobbies, or casual laughs with friends. Avoid overly filtered selfies or gym mirror pics. Your goal is to spark interest, not shout for attention.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Lead With One Strong Opener
  • Show, Don’t Sell
  • Skip the Group Shots
  • Update for the Season
  • Know Your App and Play to Its Strengths
  • Be Intentional With Prompts
  • Use Humor With Purpose
  • Don’t Swipe on Autopilot
  • Send More Than “Hey”
  • Mirror Energy, Don’t Chase It
  • Set a Time to Transition Off the App
  • Keep Expectations Real, Not Romanticized
  • Keep Your Profile Active and Honest
  • Your Value Isn’t Measured in Matches

Lead With One Strong Opener

A close-up of a hand holding a smartphone showing an Instagram profile.
©Brian Ramirez/Pexels.com

When it comes to bios, one line that shows self awareness and humor beats a paragraph of clichés. “I make a mean breakfast sandwich and always overpack for trips” says more than “Love to laugh.” Let your personality shine through a well crafted one liner. You want someone to read it and smile, not scroll past.

Show, Don’t Sell

Two hands holding a smartphone displaying a dating app profile.
©Juan Pablo Serrano/Pexels.com

Instead of saying you’re adventurous, post a photo from a recent hike or weekend road trip. Let your profile visually support your traits. Digital dating is visual first, so align your words with real world proof. It’s less about bragging and more about being relatable.

Skip the Group Shots

A young man with dark hair smiling and taking a selfie outdoors with a blue sky in the background.
©George Pak/Pexels.com

Nothing kills momentum faster than a potential match trying to figure out which guy you are. Avoid photos with groups, sunglasses in every shot, or low light party pics. Use clear, recent photos where your face and energy are easy to read. The less guessing, the better.

Update for the Season

A man taking a selfie with a scenic view of the ocean and a town in the background.
©Hassan OUAJBIR/Pexels.com

Still rocking that winter coat profile pic? Summer dating calls for a refresh. Change your photos to match the season think outdoor settings, natural light, and casual vibes. A seasonal update shows you’re active, current, and paying attention. Little tweaks go a long way.

Know Your App and Play to Its Strengths

A close-up shot of a man's hands holding a smartphone while using a dating app.A close-up shot of a man's hands holding a smartphone while using a dating app.
©Cottonbro Studio/Pexels.com

Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Raya all have different cultures. Take time to understand what each platform emphasizes. Bumble leans into personality and quick wit, while Hinge rewards thoughtful prompts. Tailor your tone and content accordingly to get better matches.

Be Intentional With Prompts

 Close-up of hands typing on a smartphone keyboard.
©freestocks.org/Pexels.com

If you’re using an app with prompts, skip the sarcasm or non answers. Use them to reveal values, quirks, or unexpected facts. A good response starts conversations, like “My love language? Road trip playlists and unplanned coffee stops.” Be playful and precise.

Use Humor With Purpose

Laughing couple sitting by a glass window in a cafe with a coffee cup on the table.
©Luiz Woellner Fotografia/Pexels.com

A little humor creates chemistry fast but it works best when it feels natural. Instead of trying to be a stand up comic, aim for charm and authenticity. A well placed joke or playful detail shows you’re confident but approachable. Laughter is often the quickest icebreaker.

Don’t Swipe on Autopilot

A man with glasses looking at his phone with a surprised or concerned expression.
©Helena Lopes/Pexels.com

Mindless swiping leads to burnout and shallow connections. Take time to actually read profiles and connect with intention. Thoughtful swiping sharpens your instincts and helps you find someone you’d actually enjoy meeting. Dating is not a numbers game, it’s a strategy.

Send More Than “Hey”

A person's hands typing on a smartphone.
©Vladislav Šmigelski/Pexels.com

If your first message is just “hey,” you’re already behind. Mention something specific from her profile, ask a fun question, or respond to a photo with curiosity. Openers that stand out often lead to real conversations. Effort up front sets the tone for everything that follows.

Mirror Energy, Don’t Chase It

A man with a unique hairstyle sitting on a park bench and using his smartphone.
©Keira Burton/Pexels.com

In early conversations, match the other person’s tone and pace. If they reply with enthusiasm, return it. If responses feel slow or short, don’t overextend yourself trying to win attention. Confident digital dating means recognizing mutual energy and letting go when it’s missing.

Set a Time to Transition Off the App

A man and a woman eating pizza slices outdoors in a city setting.
©MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.com

Once the vibe is good, don’t linger in the chat too long. Suggest a casual meetup or shift to a phone call. Momentum matters. Waiting too long can kill the spark and increase anxiety on both sides.

Keep Expectations Real, Not Romanticized

A man with curly hair and glasses sitting indoors, looking out of a window.
©Charise Pieterse/.pixels.com

Not every match turns into something major and that’s fine. Go in with curiosity, not pressure. The most relaxed daters tend to build better rapport. You’re not auditioning for forever, just looking for genuine compatibility.

Keep Your Profile Active and Honest

A man working on a laptop at a desk in a minimalist office setting.
©cottonbro studio/Pexels.com

Check in weekly to keep things fresh. If your interests or schedule change, reflect that in your profile. Digital dating rewards those who stay current and self aware. Authentic updates build trust and lead to better matches.

Your Value Isn’t Measured in Matches

A man with a beard walking outdoors with a shoulder bag and holding glasses.
©Arina Krasnikova/Pexels.com

The number of likes or messages doesn’t define your worth. Digital dating is full of noise, algorithms, and randomness. Focus on quality, not volume. A confident man knows who he is, whether he’s swiping or stepping away for a while.

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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