E-mail Response - Getting started

So, you've found a profile that strikes your fancy and you'd like to make more than Eye Contact. How do you start an e-mail to someone new? How much information do you include? How can you increase the reply rate? These are all good questions - and easily answered.

1. Greeting: Address your e-mail with the member's Online Name.
2. What caught your eye? Was it their smile in the photo, the voice greeting, the fact you both work in sales or that you both have children? Let them know why you picked them.
3. Share a little information about yourself, but don't share your life story just yet. Share only enough information for the other person to determine if you possess the qualities they're looking for. Perhaps include your age, ethnic background, whether you have children, smoking and/or drinking habits.
4. What are you looking for? Are you looking for an e-mail pen-pal or a long-term relationship? Getting this important information out early on can head off disappointment later.
5. Tell them what you would like to happen next. Ask them to view your profile and reply. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
6. Avoid negatives. Now's not the time to divulge the sordid details of your divorce or that your last three relationships ended badly. There's plenty of time for that later. First, make contact and see if this person is interested.
7. Signing off. End your e-mail with some type of closing. Avoid Sincerely as it sounds business-like. Also, avoid anything too romantic, such as Yours Always. Try Take care or Hope to hear from you soon. At this point, you can divulge your first name only. Remember - NO last names!

Finally, if you still can't seem to get the words flowing, below is a sample e-mail that you can customize.

Hello [beachcomber],
Your profile caught my eye. I liked your picture. [I wonder which beach you were on when it was taken]. I, too [love the ocean. I try to get to the beach as much as possible].

Here's a little about me: I'm a [32] year old [divorced white woman]. I live in the [Heightlands] area. I'm looking for [friendship first and possibly a long-term relationship].

You can find more information and picture with my profile on [dating site.com]. My Online Name is [online name].

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Janet