There was a time where you’d walk into a bar, meet a gorgeous stranger, and form an instant connection. While that does still happen, people don’t have the time (or just don’t want) to stick with tradition. Within the last decade, dating has evolved. Traditional methods are slowly replaced with technology. It’s a modern world and modern people want dating that’s convenient for them. Online dating fits the profile because it’s smart, effective, and safer than ever before. Of course, there is a major obstacle – finding a trusted dating website. So, how to find the best dating site for you?

Understand The Fundamentals of the Online Dating Scene

You love the idea of starting your search for Mr. or Mrs. Right online. It seems simple enough, but there’s a lot of misinterpretation, especially when it comes to success. Some newcomers – who have little to no experience in the online dating scene – believe they can sign up and meet someone within an hour. It is possible – however – that connection might never happen. So, it’s important to understand that while you could meet your perfect match online, it could take a while. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a match quickly; however, you might have unrealistic expectations.

Try the Basics

One of the easiest ways to find the best site, is to conduct a basic internet search. This will yield thousands of results – don’t be too overwhelmed – so, take a brief look around at the first few internet pages. Create a list of say 12 names of potential sites you like (it can be less or more, depending on how many platforms that catch your eye). This gives you a starting point to find the best online dating site, and from there, you can narrow the list down.
It is, however, important to remember that the ‘best’ doesn’t always mean the same to everyone; it’s about finding the best site for you.

Focus on Sites with the Right Dating Niche

There are many types of dating websites to choose from. Some caters to specific niches, such as fetishes and long-term dating. You do not want to waste hours trawling through dating sites that don’t cater to your specific relationship requirements. They won’t offer sufficient results and won’t be the best dating site for you either. So, think about the type of relationship you want. Do you want a one-time thing? Something casual? Have a long-term, committed relationship?

Embark on an affair? Or try a bit of everything?

Knowing the type of relationship you want, will allow you to narrow the search field down. For example, you want something casual with no strings – 100% fun. So, a platform that focuses on long-term partnerships wouldn’t be the best site for you. While the site’s reputation is excellent, most members are looking for a committed or serious relationship. On the other hand, if the site dealt exclusively in bringing singles looking for fun, it might make the short-list.

Take a Close Look at the WebsiteSometimes, you can develop a feel for a site just by the first glance.

For example, you click onto a dating site and are immediately presented with an overcluttered homepage. There are banner ads running across the top of the screen and other marketing messages keep popping up every two minutes. You see a few generic profiles and your first impressions leave a sour note. Sometimes, this can be enough to rule out a site. While you want to find the best dating site, you also want a platform you like and is user-friendly.

Scan the Member Profiles

A lot of people think looking at member profiles (before signing up) gives them the opportunity to scout the talent on the site and see if it’s worth their time. The reality is that you should be scouting for fake profiles. Remember, the fewer fake profiles on the site, the safer it could be. For instance, you’re looking to join a casual dating site. You have the option to look around the site without signing up. While you can’t get an in-depth picture of each member, you can get a sense of whether the profile is fake.

Of course, while you can’t always spot a fake profile, some are more obvious than others. If, however, your initial look around spots several fake profiles – and they’re pretty obvious – that’s a red flag. It could mean the site doesn’t have verification measures. This makes it tougher for fake profiles to slip through the net. Taking a brief look at a handful of profiles could help you determine if the site is, potentially, the best dating platform for you. If it isn’t, scratch it from the list and move on. It might help you determine the scale of active users too.

Check the Site’s Security

It’s crucial to take a moment to consider how much priority a site gives to their online security. While you don’t always think about security features, they’re a must-have to keep personal data safe. For example, a site doesn’t use any advanced security features. A hacker has easily overcome the security barriers and is able to see your payment information. It puts you at serious risk.

On the other hand, the site uses SSL encryption (along with several other security features). This helps keep your sensitive information safe. The best dating site should offer SSL encryption and maybe even email verification. It helps to verify you’re a genuine member; it may also prevent fake accounts and bots scamming members. These features are important, and the best site should offer decent security features for your privacy and safety.

Look for Simple Registration

Dating platforms vary considerably. Some can offer a great service and even ask a reasonable amount for their memberships. Unfortunately, when the registration process is too complicated – or lengthy – it can put you off. You want an easy sign-up process so that you can choose a membership plan, create a profile, and start your search for a mate. No-one should have to jump through a dozen hoops to join a dating site. The best dating sites should offer simple and fast registration.

Think About Membership Costs

Most dating sites will require members to sign up and pay a subscription fee. Structures can vary considerably, depending on the type of membership or plan chosen. It could be a monthly subscription, where you pay the same fee each month, or a 3 and 6-month plan. For these plans, you’d pay one price every 3 or 6-months. Some sites may also use a token credit system, so that while the initial subscription is free, to use various features – like send and receive messages – you have to pay using the tokens or coins. There are also free dating platforms. Of course, free dating sites are harder to come by.
When it comes to finding the best dating site, think about what you can afford to spend and what you’re logically willing to pay. The best site is the one that has an affordable membership with decent rewards.

Versatility Is Necessary

The best dating site should, ideally, offer a desktop version, along with a mobile app or mobile-friendly web version. You want versatility and the ability to access the site wherever, whenever. You don’t want to miss out on an important message just because the site isn’t responsive enough. Of course, a mobile app isn’t a necessity – especially when a site uses responsive web design – but it does help. Versatility is a crucial component in finding the best dating website.

It Should Be Reputable

Every dating website has negative points as much as positive points; you can’t please everyone. Some members will vent their fury because they didn’t find a match quick enough. Some will vent positively because they found exactly what they wanted. You’ll always find a mix of feedback. That, however, doesn’t mean to say you should disregard the reputation of a dating website. Reputable sites are more likely to be trustworthy than sites with poor reputations. So, when you’re searching for the best dating site, it’s crucial to ensure their reputation is outstanding.

It’s as much about your safety online as it is with safety offline. The best dating site shouldn’t really have 90% negative reviews. In honesty, you want to see 90% positive or higher.

Do You Feel Safe on the Site?

You want to find the best dating site, but if you don’t feel safe, it’s not the right choice. For example, you’ve found a website that has a decent reputation. The monthly subscription plan is affordable too. Unfortunately, the site lacks discretion and minimum-security features. While the site looks professional you just don’t feel your personal information would be safe. The site isn’t for you. It isn’t the best for you at this time. On the other hand, if you found a dating site that ticked all the boxes – and felt safe using – it might be the best platform to meet someone.

Find Your Next Chapter

No-one ever said dating was easy. It’s full of highs, low, and everything in-between. You could be lucky to find your partner early in life or in later life. Online dating has changed the game and it does have many good points – and a few negatives. Fortunately, many sites are taking steps to keep users safe. There are many things you can do too, and when you find the best dating site, you’re at less risk too since the site is trustworthy. Finding the best site takes time, but it’s easier than you think. So, find the best dating site, and enjoy meeting someone special.