How to Make Effective Dating Posts in WWD Groups by Bonnie Drowningindoghair

We sometimes see members get frustrated that they don’t get many reactions or responses to their posts. Or, members don’t understand why their post or comments were removed from the group.

WWD admins and moderators often comment on members’ posts with advice on how to date in our groups (which is covered more fully in the featured posts that we always advise everyone to read, along with group posting rules).

We don’t do this to annoy you, or because we like to be broken records – we want you to find someone! Nothing makes us happier than success stories - even if you didn’t meet in our groups!

First, and foremost – BE POSITIVE! These are DATING groups, not grief support or complaint groups. Your posts and comments could be so many things - upbeat, fun, simple, casual, witty, charming, unusual, offbeat – almost anything, really; but should avoid being negative, disparaging, discouraging, or just generally sad – that’s what grief/support groups are for. We are all widowed, but we’re here because we’ve moved past the worst of our grief and we’re ready to find our next person.

Posting frequently - at least once a week - is the BEST way to get yourself seen by as many people as possible, and gives you your best chance at meeting your next person.

All members in a group are not all online at the same time, and many new people join every single day. As others post, your post gets moved down the feed and isn’t getting seen as much as those newer posts.

If you only post once every few months, once a year, etc, most members won’t know you’re looking, or that you’re even in the group. You’re missing TONS of people’s screens! Posting frequently gets you seen by more members; many of the success stories you see are from members that posted weekly, or even daily.

Include as much information about yourself as you can in your posts. Some members only post a picture, or simply say “my name is x, I’m x yrs old” – this is not enough to make any real connection!

You should always include basic information, such as: LOCATION, and whether you would be interested in a long distance relationship (ldr).

Listing your AGE, and age range you are seeking, is also helpful. While yes, you may feel “it is only a number”, there are many who have a specific idea of an age range they are looking for, so it is helpful in everyone’s search.

RELIGIOUS and/or POLITICAL affiliation, if you have preferences in your potential mate. Please be aware that as stated in the group rules, we don’t allow political discussion in the groups, only listing your affiliation (ie: conservative/liberal, republican/democrat) in dating posts.

Add more about yourself so other members with like interests have a reason to reach out to you. Whether you’re active, a homebody, fluent in sarcasm, a dedicated dad joke deliverer, etc; what activities you enjoy: hiking, reading, cooking, dancing, movie nights at home, relaxing by the pool, puzzling, animals, etc; or even things you want or need to avoid: cold/hot weather, animals, air travel, etc.

What’s important for you to have in a partner? Include that! Shared faith, similar sense of humor, love of music, animals, kids... If it’s important to you, let members know – it may be important to them, too.

Photos! Include recent, unfiltered, clear photos of yourself in your dating posts. Let’s face it – looks may not be everything, but we all have preferences and deal breakers. The photos are what will catch most people’s eye first, and get them to read your post. On any dating website or app, having no picture means little or no contact; Facebook is no different. Not having a picture in your post (doesn’t matter if there are pictures on your personal profile) means your post could easily go unnoticed as members scroll through the group feed. Dating doesn’t happen in dark rooms, or with bags over our heads!

A final suggestion: acknowledge & respond to the comments you receive on your posts in the groups. Members will see if you don’t react or respond to comments on your post - they may consider it rude, and/or not worth their time to react to, or comment on, your post. Also, although you may say in your post something like “message me to chat”, many members do not want to immediately message you (or have you message them) without some interaction in the groups.

WWD’s admins and moderators offer you these recommendations because they are proven to work in our groups, and we want them to work for YOU!