When it comes to online dating, it may seem that all dating sites offer singles the same basic services. Nearly all dating sites provide users with a basic profile acting as a sort of personal ad, and almost all offer some level of search mechanism. But too many singles make the mistaken assumption that all dating websites are all the same, signing-up for the first one that appears in their search engine results without doing any homework at all.

Online dating sites are, to be sure, never the same, and when it comes to finding a compatible match you should put your eggs in the right basket. So, whether we’re talking about free dating sites or paid sites, let us help you sort out the average from the best so you can be on your way to finding romantic success.

Dating Site Design Matters

Dating Sites create a virtual space for an online community of singles. This is their first, most basic function. In the development of a space, the design influences the vibe of the space, and the user-interface influences the user-base. We have found the top dating websites to be those that have a clean, simple design which is easy for users to follow, which is well-organized, and which keeps the focus on the profiles. Sites with distracting ads, flashy games, broken links and poor, counter-intuitive organization can make it hard for singles to navigate their way around the site. Singles get lost, frustrated, and bored.

When looking for the best dating site, choose one whose overall design appeals to you. These websites will probably attract like-minded individuals who have a similar aesthetic eye and similar style. But, also, keep in mind that dating sites with the most basic, general design will typically attract the highest number of people of all types.

Matchmaking vs. Personals Search

Some online dating websites leave it to you to search for someone who strikes your fancy, while others do the searching and matchmaking for you. Those singles who prefer to take control of their dating, who know what they want and enjoy the search will most likely be more satisfied with basic online personals. Singles who are less specific in their search, or enjoy receiving match suggestions and more dating guidance will be more satisfied with a matchmaking service.

When looking for the best dating sites, we’ve found that those which accommodate both matchmaking and easy searches offer the best of both worlds. They provide users with the uplifting surprise of a full inbox each time they login, and also offer them the ability to browse, search and peruse profiles at their own leisure. They can also suggest some unexpectedly successful matches!

Communication Tools

Just as site design creates ambiance, online dating sites’ communication tools are what foster active communities. Some sites provide members with e-mail tools, others with IM, some have private/public chat options, and others go so far as video chat and phone-calls. In addition, certain dating services are known for their active forums which are helpful and lively, while still others are known for their great free blogging tools which provide singles with a way to express their personality and get to know others.

While all of these tools can be helpful, we have found that sites with the highest level of guided e-mails, secure phone-calls and easy-to-use IMs are the best. These sites provide suggestions for what to write in your first e-mail to someone who caught your eye, to help the timid and meek. We’ve found that video chat and group chat can be fun, but they usually distract from a real dating experience and lead to more casual and less intimate conversation. Blogs are a nice idea, but if they are poorly designed, they end up adding clutter to a site. And finally, we’ve found dating forums to be a great tool. The best dating sites ensure that their forums are well moderated, clean and easy to navigate.