As an Online Dating Coach, I read a lot of Internet personal ads that - quite frankly - surprise me! Some of the guys who write Online Personal Ads seem to be writing ads that are designed to sell used cars. And from the women? I often see personal ads that even low-end mail order catalogs would refuse.

Take a look at this example. This ad was designed by a woman in her early 40's -

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"I love to talk about books that have struck you bizarre or interesting. I do want someone to hang out with, and must enjoy talking about politics, books, places and wine. Must love chocolate!"

We can immediately see that this woman likes to communicate (and that's a good thing, yes?) and she also enjoys "talking about everything" - including "books that have struck you bizarre." (Are we talking about Stephen King novels here?) In addition to that, it would be great if you (as a guy) can talk about "politics, places, and wine" - but the main thing is that you love chocolate?

It's hard to imagine what sort of guy she'll attract with that ad!

Or - take a look at this online personal ad, from a 29-year-old guy who describes himself as a "Tattoo Teddy Bear" –

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"i just want a good girl that knows how to treat a man with respect."

Now that was an example of an Internet dating ad that doesn't mince words!

It's at moments like this when I can really understand why men and women just don't understand each other!

Which brings me to our first lesson of today: Always write your Online Dating ads like you're having a normal conversation with someone!

In other words, here's what NOT to do:

1. Don't write your Internet Dating Ads so they sound like magazine advertisements!

2. Don't "talk down" to your readers.

3. Don't write a one-sentence ad and expect to get many replies!

Follow these guidelines instead:

1. In your online dating ads, talk about yourself in such a way as to create an image of yourself as a real person in the mind of your reader. You might want to include some of your personal interests and hobbies - and what you enjoy doing on a date.

2. Using colorful, imaginative language, and paint a picture of how she or he will feel when you're together on a date. Use examples, anticipate questions, and be upbeat and optimistic. Give your reader a sense of what being with you is like - and describe that in some detail when writing your dating ad.

3. What are some of your best personality characteristics? What are some of the things that people really appreciate about you? Here's the place to really sell yourself by listing your intangible qualities.

4. Why should your reader respond to your ad right now? Here's the place to motivate them!

5. Finally - please remember to use a spell-checker on your ad before you click the "submit" button and have it published!

By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be on your way to a successful online dating campaign!