Having been around for eons, you would think this site gives you classic and perhaps old-school vibes, which are not what you are looking for. Albeit, the popularity of this site has given the admins motivation to give it more oomph. Not only do you get to say what you are looking for in a partner, but you also have the option to rate how relevant and important a particular trait is to you. This site is considerably pricier than other dating sites, especially those offering galore messaging options. That being said, the questionnaire in itself will take you over 20 minutes to complete. Having it duly completed will not leave you disappointed, though. According to stats, Match.com is responsible for more long-lasting relationships (including marriages), than any of its predecessors and competitors to date. So what makes it a one-stop platform for all things relationships?
With all dating sites, cheap or otherwise, some pros and cons need to be known before subscribe.
Overview
The site prides itself on being a true match-maker. Whether that’s true or not, it remains entirely up to you, the user. It benefits those looking for long-term relationships. Their site and app are dedicated systems to help people find a partner for a relationship. If you are seeking a simple hookup, this may not be the site for you. The platform has numerous options for you to communicate with others, including, of course, video communication. What promises to give you, and other members peace of mind is the verification process. At the initial registration stages, and while chatting with others, logging into your account may require more than a simple password. With upwards of twenty years in terms of providing dating and relationship services, this is as good as it gets in terms of professionalism and experience.
Features
The team at Match.com has taken time to have you spoilt for choice. There are several attractive and useful features for most members.
- Before we get into the basics of this site, there are Boost sessions available that increase exposure while on the site by almost three times
- You will receive messages notifying you that there is a match
- You also get a list of profiles matching your tastes
- There is also the ubiquitous option to sign in using one of your other social accounts like Facebook
- If that weren’t enough, you would receive a private number that you can use to call and message another member
- A nifty feature lets you look up people, and you may have encountered the site, perhaps in years past
Pricing
12-month subscription $20.99 6-month subscription $23.99 3-month subscription $27.99
As you can see, with all the features that the site offers, there is value for whichever package you choose.
Profile Quality
Members have the option to input as much detail as the feel comfortable sharing. You may be thrown off by the site’s variety of options for profiles and communication, but all these features have you, the user, in mind. When you have created yours, you may proceed to detail what you would expect of another user. Their hair, height, ethnicity, weight, hobbies, and even whether they are smokers or not. For free members, you can text, view pictures, and even send emoticons if you’d like. This free package is pretty useless if you want to get anything done, or are looking for a Google image search result. You cannot send messages to anyone on the platform unless you subscribe. All profiles are screened to limit spam and other annoying members (there are always a few!). Any malice is reported, and the related accounts are deleted.
Most Important Tips for Profile Making
These are paramount to you meeting the right person (or staying on the platform)
Connect while Mobile Using the App
For those of us who have limited time to sit and stare at a computer, the app offers the same conveniences. You will have access to photos, messaging, and updating information on the same. It is available for iPhones, as well as android systems on Playstore.
Testimonials
“I can honestly, I will not join another site for several reasons, including the fact that I have found someone compatible several times. After visiting bogus sites over the years, this is the closest I’ve come to finding marriage material. I met a few members from the onset, first online and later, on a date. I would recommend this to anyone tired of wasting time.”
—John, Salesman, 39
“I’m hoping to be married in the next year or so. That was my intent when joining this site. I know that sounds desperate but I really felt like I needed to settle down. This was my last attempt at online matchmaking. This site caters for black, Christian senior members so I was in luck. I have met someone only recently on here and I’m happy to say sparks are flying.”
—Reggie, Foreman, 40
“This was the experience I was looking for, albeit a bit pricey. Maybe I was accustomed to cheaper (free) sites, and maybe that’s why I was always disappointed. I have met six guys on here and been as meetups as well. I can honestly say the ball is in my court now as I decide who is worth my time. They all seem so compatible.”
—Susan, Secretary, 32
Costs and Prices
The cost of joining this site is relatively cheaper as you subscribe for a longer period. It is also costlier to visit on a free basis because you don’t get as much access as others. Prices are comparatively higher than other sites, but you get great value for money. It is a site run with dedicated security features and a customer-oriented team. The prices range from zero down to $30 a month for three months. It only makes sense (money wise) to subscribe for six months.
Special Features
The site has a few added features for your convenience.
- If you upload or link your Facebook to Match, you will receive a badge showing your prevalence socially. This same badge will appear if you verify your identity using phone options.
- There is the reverse, and mutual lookup features too. This compiles a group of possibly compatible people based on your personal data.
- Privacy features are available for users on a payment plan.
- The setup page has three sections for your profile – one to display your personal data, the other for interests as well as an open section known as In My Own Words.
Usability
It is simple to use for the older generation as well as those who are internet savvy.
There is always the option to download the application. This has advantages in various ways.
- The site may seem overwhelming for some who just need to click and date away. With the app, you simply click icons and proceed to the relevant activity you are interested in.
- The site has multiple search options. You also get to discover people based on location. Other factors like last activity and how many photos a member has uploaded, make it a joy to use for anyone.
- As you search for and filter people based on the options available, you can save those preferences for future use. This makes using the site easy in the long run.
Security
Part of the company’s policy is to ensure members are not experiencing or exhibiting any malicious behavior. Certain steps have been taken to provide a safe environment for all users. User credentials and the details that have been uploaded are scrutinized for explicit language and photos. There is also the application of cookies to help members log in with ease in subsequent sessions. This is only applicable to devices that one has used before. Before your account being activated, the details listed therein have to be checked to ensure they adhere to the site’s policies.
Premium Features
There are a few handy features that only those on subscription can enjoy
- MatchPhone – this feature lets you (premium subscriber) generate a unique number for communication. It can then be utilized to communicate with a second party privately and securely
- Offline events – these are only available for those on paid packages. You will get access to, and information on activities within your vicinity. These activities are usually also linked to your preferences in people
- As a paying member, you can follow up on all interactions in one place. As long as you have communicated with someone, you can always retrieve that chat and the member’s details later
Cancellation
To cancel your subscription, simply log into your account and navigate to the settings options. Here, you can choose to cancel a subscription. Incidentally, if you cancel in the middle of a running- subscription, you will be able to use it until it ends. Alternatively, you could also cancel via a phone call to the listed customer service line. Note to self- if you need to cancel the said, it has to be done forty-eight hours or more before it was scheduled to end.
How to Avoid Fake Profiles and Bots
Money – Any message asking for money or some sort of help is probably from a fake profile.
Shifty Pictures – Perform a reverse lookup on google images. If the photo doesn’t complement what the user claims, it is most likely a scam.
Refusal to meet – This site promotes and facilitates meetups more than anything else. Anyone who “joined” and doesn’t want to meet is a red flag.
Wavering – If the user doesn’t seem grounded and their communication seems to exhibit a disconnect, that is worth reporting and ignoring entirely.
Bots/Robots – When you get persistent claims for personal information or banking info with nothing warranting its use – ignore them.
Match Review for Guys
This site provides all the key ingredients needed to facilitate a fun date and possible relationship. For men, the platform will come in handy in more ways than one.
Women on the site are more than likely NOT going to have a fake profile, and if they do, it will be flagged and removed before you get the unfortunate chance of viewing it.
Due to the comprehensive list of details for every profile, men can pick from what they deem to be a perfect fit, as opposed to compromising on looks or traits.
It is one of the only sites that has been proven to bring people together, ending in marriage. For most men, this is a huge plus, especially if you are looking to settle down, as opposed to flings.
There are heartwarming stories related to this site- including people who met their Christian partners as well as gay lovers. It is a site for all orientations.
How to pick up on Match.com
Utilize the screening options to ensure you are linked to the right person.
If you are on a paid plan, you can view other profiles in silent/plane mode. This makes you invisible to other users as you peruse their details.
You can also use the unique code to generate a number for more intimate conversations over the phone.
Use the information you found on an individual’s profile to stir up a conversation. Any quirks or witty statement, in this case, can be used against them.
You can also chat via video, and if you have a social site linked to our page, add that to make sure your credit is intact.
Always be sure to only put valid and authentic information about yourself. This helps a great deal when meeting up for the first time. Communicating promptly and responding to messages without hesitation means you are not hiding anything.