My 10 Rules for Winning the August Dating Game

Yep, a client posted this photo.....(i have permission to share)

Alright, let's get down to business. I'm Andrea McGinty, and if you know me, you know I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. You've heard all the fluffy dating advice before, so let's skip the small talk and get to the good stuff. Online dating isn't a fairy tale; it's a strategic sport, and August is your secret weapon.

Why August? Because while everyone else is still in vacation mode, a fresh wave of people with a "back to school" mentality are signing up. Especially men. They've had their fun, and now they're looking for something real. There are more people dating in August than in any other month, and this is your chance to stand out from the crowd and catch the best ones.

Here are 10 things you need to do on your profile right now to win the August dating game:

1. Your First Photo is Everything.

Your main picture is you, and only you. No blurry group shots, no fishing pictures, no sunglasses. We're in August—the prime month for outdoor photos. Get a friend to snap a great, recent shot of you smiling outside.  New.  Yes, new! Do not overthink this.

2. Ditch the Fish Photos.

I’ve seen more dead fish than a seafood market. Unless you’re a professional angler, put the fish away. It’s a tired cliché.

3. The "Why" Behind Your Bio.

Your bio isn't just a list of hobbies. It’s your opportunity to tell me why I should care. Instead of "I love to travel," write, "I'm thinking about my next trip to Peru or maybe an African safari.  You?" In August, this is a direct invitation for an adventure.

4. A Little Quirk Goes a Long Way.

Don't be afraid to show me what makes you unique. Got an embarrassing collection of 80s vinyl? Mention it! Baseball card collection?  One you just figured out is worth $10K?  Hey, that’s fun!  It gives me something to ask you about besides "How was your weekend?" The more specific you are, the easier it is for me to message you. Ohhh, I just thought of two pics that stand out in my mind from my clients:  one was a buttoned-up Wall Street kind of guy, well-dressed, juggling pomegranates in the financial district.  The other?  A woman sitting in a pile of pens—she has collected over 4,000 and loves to draw.   You think these two got messages back on these?

You betcha!

5. Leave Your Exes in the Past.

Your profile is not a place to vent about past relationships. It makes you sound bitter and like you’re not over them. August is for new beginnings, not old baggage.

6. Don't Be a Digital Pen Pal.

I’ve seen this a thousand times. You start a great conversation and it goes on for days. Stop it. The goal is to get a date, not a new texting buddy. After a few messages, ask her out. August is for action.   Please don’t make me write about that Stanford study again…….

7. Show Me Your Friends.

A picture of you laughing with your friends tells me you have a life. It shows me you're a good person to be around and that you're not a hermit. Just make sure you’re clearly identifiable.

8. Show Me Your Eyes.

I want to see your eyes. They're the windows to your soul. A photo of you in sunglasses says, "I'm hiding something." Take them off.

9. Don't Be a Gold Digger.

Don't lead with how much money you have. It makes you sound arrogant. Show me you’re successful through your hobbies and interests. In August, it’s about the experience, not the expense.

10. The Call to Action.

Your profile should end with a "call to action." Something that says, "I’m here to date, and I'm ready." Try something like, "If you're ready to grab a drink on an outdoor patio, send me a message." This shows you're not just Browsing—you're here to make things happen.

Now, stop reading this and go fix your profile. Or let me do it.  That’s what I’m supergood at and love doing! Coaching you. Helping you find the type of relationship you want. My batting average is .650 as in 65% success. (Yes, I love baseball).

 Your next date is waiting, and there are more of them than ever in August.