7 Tips For Scoring a Date on Tinder

If your thumb hurts from constantly browsing Tinder, the addictive dating app, you're not alone — it boasts of a membership of about 20 million.

The service is extremely simple. Cycle through potential partners, and click the green heart on profiles of those you're interested in. Otherwise, click a red "X," and you'll move on to the next profile. If you're a match with someone — meaning you both clicked green hearts on one another's profiles — Tinder will send you a notification and set you up in a private chat.

Online dating isn't as easy as it seems — there's an art to it. It's all about the first impression, mainly because people have little choice but to judge you by your photo and limited information listed in your profile.

Here are seven ways you can improve your chances of finding a match on Tinder — or any dating service, really.

1. No Animals

Photos with your horse, exotic lion or tiger may seem cool and impressive, but they have nothing to do with dating. When photo after photo shows you with animals, it sends the wrong message.

2. No Kids

This has a high probability of scaring off on-the-fence Tinder users. "Do not post any photos of you holding a baby," advises Talia Goldstein, the founder of the online dating site Three Day Rule. Such photos suggest you're ready to speed up the dating process, which could send potential matches running for the hills. "Posting a baby photo ensures they will move on to the next match," Goldstein says.

3. Be Honest

False advertising is a deal breaker. A recent online dating survey from My Life found 86% of respondents post outdated photos. Post a recent one of only you; it's confusing when every photo includes other people. It's hard to win either way: "If you include someone more attractive than you are, then you push the focus away," Goldstein advises. "If you put someone less attractive, then your matches may be turned off."

4. Don't Show Too Much Skin

"Guys get upset if you show off your practically naked body online and then in person you have gained 10 pounds," Goldstein says. "That's not what they signed up for." But that doesn't mean men can get away with shirtless selfies. This may send the impression he's more more into his own body than a potential partner's, according to Goldstein. Instead, to show off your body, Goldstein suggests using an action photo, like playing beach volleyball.

5. Post Real Photos

This may sound obvious, but if you have spent a significant amount of time online, this is not a no-brainer. But don't leave the photo category empty, either: Two-thirds of respondents to the My Life survey reported that they wouldn't date someone without any pictures.

6. Show Your Personality

Going from online flirting to meeting in real life is a big step. For girls, that could mean changing up your style, suggests Goldstein. Try posting one with straight hair, one with curly, one in jeans, one in a dress. For men, Goldstein also suggests mixing it up. Show yourself at work and play. "Girls want a fun and adventurous guy." she says. And don't be afraid to dress up. "Girls love a guy in a suit. Crop a photo from the last wedding you went to."

7. Smile

It takes 62 muscles to frown, but only 26 to smile. So go right ahead. "Girls are already weary of meeting a guy online so make her feel comfortable by posting a photo of you with a smile," Goldstein says.

Is there anything we missed? Share your online dating tips with us in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Alan Cleaver