Dating sites have revolutionized match making. With a dating site, you can meet someone even if you have a hectic schedule or live hundreds of miles apart. Over the years, many people have met, fallen in love, and married. If you seek a partner and have considered using a dating site, you need to familiarize yourself with the services that make a good dating site.

Compare the audience. For instance, dating services target a variety of audiences. Match, e-Harmony, and True target the general population. Jdate.com targets people of Jewish faith. Christian Cafe targets single Christians. Singles in Uniform.com focuses on military members. Whatever your denomination, interest, or profession, select a dating service that focuses on attracting people you are interested in.

Consider the evaluation tools. Many sites such as Match or e-Harmony have in-depth questionnaires that users must complete. These questionnaires help the software match profiles.

Evaluate online and real-world services. Many dating services offer real-world services for people in a city or region. For instance, Match Makers International offers match-making services in a variety of cities across the world. Others, like Singles.com, offer online dating services such as profile-matching or chat services in addition to real-world parties and social events.

Review the dating site’s safety information. For instance, quality dating services will have various methods in place to validate user identity. Online dating sites also provide reference information that details how to safely meet your date for the first time. Such safety tips should include meeting at a popular place, informing friends and family where you’re going and keeping online records of chat sessions.

Evaluate the quality of members. For instance, you should seek a dating service that has a broad pool of available singles. Additionally, beware of online “date bait.” Date bait consists of fake profiles using model-quality photographs. Dating sites use date bait to lure people to join. On the surface, a dating site might appear to have thousands of members. Once you register, however, no real profiles seem to exist. Additionally, beware of e-mails from extremely beautiful people who love your profile and seek someone just like you.

Consider the cost. High-quality dating services cost $20 to $50 per month. Such fees help keep people not serious about finding a partner from accessing information about potential matches. Avoid free sites. Free sites allow anyone to create a profile and have few validation systems in place. Sites that charge fees also help validate the identity of users through credit cards.

Look for a money-back guarantee. Money-back guarantees provide you the assurance that the company stands behind the product. Beware guarantees that offer 90 days or 180 days of additional free service. Such guarantees serve the dating sites and not you. 90 extra days of a worthless website isn’t a bargain.