#1 Understand how online conversations work. 

 Think of this as the cardinal rule of online dating. Let’s admit it, the reason why some people fail in online conversations is because they have a very poor understanding why they’re there in the first place. 

– You’re using online dating to hook up with someone based on the assumption you want that person to like you and possibly go out with you.

– In order for that other person to like you, you need to be likeable. You need to make a good impression.

#2 Do some research. 

As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. As for online conversations, it means don’t judge a person by their profile photo. There is a wealth of information gathered by doing a little bit of mild stalking.

If you pay attention to what a girl puts in her profile, you gather ideas for what she does, her interests, and what kind of guy she likes. With this intel in your hands, you increase your chances of hooking up by anticipating how she will respond to you and gives you an idea of how to talk to her.

#3 Put up an appealing profile.

 Simply put, whatever you put in your profile information lends a hand to dating success or failure. If you’re checking a person’s profile, chances are others are checking yours out too. Basically, take advantage of presenting an ideal image of yourself. But take care not to overdo it. You don’t want to appear as a fraud. Make it idealistic, but realistic.

#4 Be polite and gentlemanly, aka don’t be a d*ck.

 It may sound preachy, but it is an important aspect of online conversations most people forget. Being shielded by partial anonymity doesn’t give you the right to be crass and uncouth especially when talking to a girl online.

If you’re only starting a conversation, keep that libidinous rage to yourself for the meantime. It is off-putting to begin spouting sexually-charged statements at the first click of the chat window. Try to be neutral and pleasant like a good boy. 

#5 Make a list of questions or topics for the conversation. 

Assuming you managed to sustain the conversation beyond the first reply, sooner or later you face the problem of the online version of awkward silence. To avoid this, keep a list of conversation topics handy, so you won’t run out of things to talk about. It may look and feel silly to be that organized, but being prepared never hurt.

Put your questions and topics into categories like interests, career, family, friends, hang outs, music, movies, etc. However, try not to make the conversation sound like an interview. Pick and choose whichever is appropriate for the flow of the conversation. 

#6 Pay attention to what she’s saying.

Girls love it when a man listens to her, so pay attention to what she tells you. Use them later on because they will be good hints in getting to know her. Avoid the embarrassment of asking the same question twice just because you weren’t paying attention. Try not to dominate the conversation by flooding her with paragraphs of text. You may come off as narcissistic.