Online dating has become one of the most popular uses for the internet’s constantly growing community for a number of years. With so many dating sites on the market these days however it can be difficult to choose the perfect one. With our considerable experience in reviewing dating sites, both generally and within this particular niche, this buying guide alongside our in-depth reviews for every site in this category, should help you make the right choice.
With the considerable growth in the number of online dating sites on the market these days, as well as a vast increase in the number of users taking to the internet to find love, numerous specialist sites aimed at specific groups of individuals have opened up to take advantage of the growing demand. Dating for ‘Single Parents’ is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin – these dating sites provide a comfortable and welcoming environment where single parents can meet each other for fun, friendship and perhaps even a long-term relationship. Although many of the tools on these sites are similar to those offered on general dating sites, in the most part the sites are built to provide all of the features a single parent would need to enjoy dating online, regardless of whether they have experienced it before in the past.
While every site in this category is different and offers users a different range of features, there are a number of common elements that are found on most dating sites and improve the overall user experience. To give our readers an idea of what to look out for when reading our reviews in this category (and surfing around the sites themselves) we have considered the most important of these features below:
1) Photo Profiles
Photo profiles are the basis of almost all online dating sites and offer users the opportunity to find out more about other users, as well as advertise what they have to offer to the wider online community. Profiles at many sites in this category can include as many photos as you like, as well as relatively unlimited amounts of information to help ‘sell’ yourself to other users. Although photo profiles are now standard on all online dating sites in this category, many sites now offer additional features, such as leaving a voice recording or video message on a user's profile in order to give other members a true idea of the sort of person you are and what you’re looking for.
2) Mail & Instant Messaging
Once you have found someone you would like to get to know a little better, sites in this category offer a range of different ways in which you can get in touch and start developing your relationship further. Mailbox features and an internal mail or email service is the most basic of these features, letting users send email to other members within the site without having to share email addresses or other contact details. Instant messaging features take this communication a little further, allowing members to have “real time” conversations in the same way as they can with other services such as AOL, GChat, MSN or Yahoo! Look out for sites that offer both of these features as standard.
3) Webcam Chat & Video Messaging
While instant messaging allows users to have real-time conversations without the need to exchange phone numbers or pay for expensive phone bills, users of some sites in this category can also enjoy a more advanced version of this feature by way of webcam and video chat. This allows users to chat in real-time with other users whilst also giving a more genuine impression of their personality and appearance. This feature is great, especially in the early stages of a relationship, as it helps members get to know each other better, in a casual and comfortable setting.
4) Forums, Chatrooms & Additional Features
As well as a number of features specifically devoted to helping members contact each other individually, users should also look out for sites that offer features that allow their members to socialize as a group and communicate with the community as a whole. Forums and chatrooms are both common to sites in this category and allow members to chat about a number of topics of interest and get to know each other in a ‘no pressure’ environment. As well as this, many sites also offer dating tips and advice, monthly newsletters or collections of articles or advice on other related issues, such as childcare. Look out for sites that offer similar features to enjoy a well-rounded online dating experience.
5) FAQs & Technical Support
Although most customers never experience problems while dating online, it is important for sites to provide customer service and technical support features to ensure that, in the event of any problems occurring, customers are helped to get back up-and-running as soon as possible. Look out for sites that offer extensive FAQs sections, technical support by phone or email and a range of other customer support features (to deal with issues in areas such as billing, for example) to ensure that your online dating experience is as problem-free as possible.
While the internet has opened up unparalleled opportunities to meet new people and enjoy new experiences online, it has also brought with it a range of new issues that users should be aware of. Although the vast majority of users will have a problem-free experience whilst dating online, there are occasionally users who experience issues – either with their interaction with other users or with the security of the profile or personal information. In order to remain safe online, users should refrain from sharing personal details with other users until you have gotten to know them well and avoid sharing sensitive information (such as bank details for example) with anyone you meet online. Most sites in this category employ various methods, including profile verification, to ensure that all users have a pleasant and safe experience at all times.
The pricing structure used at the sites in this category, as with most dating sites, varies considerably from site to site. While some sites only offer monthly recurring membership, others offer longer-term subscriptions that offer greater value for money. Generally speaking our readers should check out the features offered at each site and choose one that offers them the best value for money, within an appropriate budget. One of the sites in this category even offers access completely free of charge, giving users the opportunity to use this site instead of or alongside a subscription site for even better results. All sites in this category offer customers the chance to experience many of the features offered free of charge, so be sure to check out the site using one of these ‘trials’ before committing to a subscription package.
As with most things, choosing the perfect dating site is a matter of personal taste. Our readers should read the individual reviews in this category and use the information provide there, along with the advice contained in this buying guide to make an informed decision. Users should aim to find a site that offers all of the features listed above (and indeed many others besides), as well as a warm and friendly environment where they feel comfortable. Most importantly, as all sites offer trial membership, our readers should join the site and experience what it has to offer to find one that suits their needs and preferences.
