Writing a good personal ad can be the key to whether or not you ever get a date from your online profile or personal ad. Here are some tips for lesbians on how to write a good personal ad that will attract the kind of women you want to meet.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: half hour

Here's How:

1. Write a Catchy Title
   The title or headline is the first thing people will see when they scan the personals. Try to grab their attention. Use humor, but be positive. Don't: "No head games please!" Do: "I love Femmes!"
   
   

1. Post a Photo
   Let's face it, most of us are pretty visual. We want to see who we're reading about. When I read a book, I always look for the author's photo in the back. Internet ads with photos get more responses than those without. Don't be camera shy. Post a photo with your ad. If your ad sounds similar to others, a picture is a good way for them to remember you.
   
   
2. Be Honest
   Don't say you're a brain surgeon if you're not. Don't say you value honesty and then lie about your weight. Be honest, but don't list all your flaws right away. And don't tell them everything about yourself. Leave something to talk about on the first date. Don't post an ad unless you're ready to start dating and/or are not over your ex yet.
   
   
3. Be Positive
   Say the things you value and want in a relationship. Don't just make a list of everything that was wrong with your last relationship and say you don't want that. Good: "I want an active partner to ride Race Across Iowa and to hike the Grand Canyon." Bad: "No couch potatoes need apply."
   
   

1. Be Unique
   Most everyone likes walks on the beach and romantic candlelit dinners. Say something that's different about you. "I collect Xena action figures and make my own soap. Member of the Save Karina Lombard online committee."
   
   
2. Be Specific
   Try to be specific about what qualities you are looking for in a woman. Do children matter? Are you willing to travel? If you have requirements about drugs and alcohol state it. "Looking for middle-aged member of a 12-step program who likes dogs, but not cats."
   
   
3. Check for Errors
   Double check your ad for spelling and grammar mistakes. If you need to write it off line and spell check through your word processing program, do it!
   
   
4. Add a Personal Touch
   Studies show that ads that show personality attract more attention than those that are just lists of personal qualities or desires. Don't just rely on drop-down menus. When given the chance, add your own unique traits.
   
   
5. Invite a Response
   Pose questions or invite people to write to you. Put it out like an invitation that they will feel comfortable responding to. "What's your favorite book?" "What's the last movie you saw?"
   
   
6. Keep It Current
   Update your ad. Don't post an outdated photo or say "Let's go show shoeing," when it's the middle of July. And if you've met someone, for goodness sake, take your ad down!

Tips:

1. Most sites let you browse the ads. See which one suits your personality.
2. Ask your friends for feedback on your ad. They're probably less shy about touting your fabulous qualities.
3. Have fun, but don't set your expectations too high.