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Here are a few general guidelines to follow 
that will help you write an ad that draws responses.

Love At First Sight
The headline of your ad is the first thing people see. Make it stand out from the rest. Read some ads yourself; notice which ones pull your attention, then find some way to say something that's different about you. Men: Avoid crude sexual references in your header. Sex is very important to a relationship, but most women won't respond to an ad that makes sex the basis for getting together. Emphasize your strongest character trait instead, or what you are looking for. Women: Avoid putting yourself down. Confidence is attractive. So is having fun, so don't emphasize your previous bad experiences, or sound fed up with men. Avoid neediness. Saying something ever so slightly sexy or naughty catches attention.

Don't Just Say It, Show It!
In creative writing courses you often hear the phrase "show, don't tell". Writing something funny is more effective than saying you have a good sense of humor. Show your intelligence, in your choice of words, your favourite books etc.  Are you sensitive? Reveal something that demonstrates it.

Give Examples
If you like dining out, say which restaurants or what types of food. Don't just say you like films or theatre, mention specific titles. Like dancing? Which clubs and what bands?

Be Honest
It can be tempting to give yourself qualities and characteristics you don't posses in order to attract a response, but if you want a relationship to get off the ground, you don't want to set up a disappointing meeting.

Say what you're looking for, but don't be too picky!
If you know you want someone who is tall, say so; but give a range. Don't list specifics that aren't that important to you, but don't be too general either. For instance if you say you are looking for someone between 18 and 60, you'll sound desperate. Choose to mention your preferences in areas that are important in their own right like having children or philosophical or religious outlook on life.

A Picture is Worth....
Most online personals and dating sites give you the option to display your photo. Ads that have photos draw far more responses that those that don't. Even if you don't look like a film star, it makes a difference. Do choose a recent photo though, remember not to set up disappointment!

Be Smart and Stay Safe!
These things may sound obvious, but bear mentioning. Most  of these precautions apply to women, but men should keep them in mind too. Don't give out your phone number, your address or your surname. Sign up for a web based email like Yahoo or Hotmail to use for responses. Arrange for first meetings to be in public places. Men: don't be in too big a hurry to meet in person. Get to know eachother awhile by email. This will build trust and show you are not desperate. Also don't bombard the person with emails; you don't want to seem like an internet "stalker". Wait for a response. Many people don't bother to remove their ads when they are no longer needed, so it may be that they won't ever respond. Sometimes no answer is an answer.

Increase Your Chances
Sign up with many services. Many sites are completely free, and most are free to join or offer trial periods so exploit the opportunities. Many sites will charge you if you want to respond, but not to place the ad. Wait until you find an ad you are sure you want to respond to before you pay to join.  Women: It is a fact that women get more responses than men, you may even be deluged if your profile is well done and attractive. Nonetheless it is good to use several sites. After all, finding the right man is worth a bit of sifting and sorting! And don't be afraid to respond to ads. You are always more attractive if you let it be known you are attracted to someone.  Men: you may have to sign up with more services than the ladies, but its worth it. Lets face it, there is a lot of competition out there, so invest some time and thought to your ads. And be prepared to spend some cash on a good dating/personals service. Spending money also says you are serious about finding a partner, and the fact that you have at least enough financial wherewithal to afford it is another plus in your favour.

Follow Through
You may want to keep experimenting with different approaches with different services, keep writing new ads, and checking the new profiles often. Use the completely free sites to respond to several profiles that interest you, and continually keep an eye out for new profiles.

When you actually have made contact, either through responding or receiving a response, take a gradual approach to getting to know something of the person. After all, so many relationships fail because sexual attraction was the only basis for getting together, and hormones win out over common sense. Take advantage of this new development in social courtship to find someone who will make you happy. Ask lots of questions about things that are important to you in life, and find out what is important to the other person. Be honest about what you think, don't try to say what you think the person wants to hear, it will only come back to haunt you if you actually get together. 

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