Sign up with a reputable online dating community. These range in prices usually with different membership levels. A reputable company will charge a fee and will usually host a certain type of clientele - a group that can afford to pay because they are a working group or have money to spend. Free online dating sites usually are hosts to students, non-working clients and low-wage earners -none of which are bad, by the way. (This is in no way a discredit to free services. Actually, I applaud them for allowing people who do not have the money to spend to be able to join their online communities and meet others).

Use a dating service that caters to your needs. Are you looking for a service with Matchmaking capabilities, a Rewards program, a Shopping Mall? What about video chat and file sharing? A great matchmaking service should offer to email you when a match is found for you.

Join a community that gives you the opportunity to use recurring billing or not. The most preferred method for most members of online dating communities is to be billed once for a period of time, i.e. $20.00 for one month of service - because you should be in charge of your money at all times. Therefore, you should choose when your money is coming out of your checking or savings account. Recurring billing can be a hassle, especially to those wishing to cancel services immediately, or to those who may not use a service as often.

Most community sites offer relationships for all genders, i.e. gay, straight, transgender, etc. Make sure the site contains what you are looking for. I accidently joined a site that catered to women who love dominate men. There are all types of sites over the Internet. Some are outrageous, but they're what people want. A few online dating sites with a twist include those with disabilities, bald men, rich daddies for gays and straights, students, single moms, adult content, and some by race.

If the site you choose is a subscription service, get as much out of the trial membership period and find out if it is the type of site that pleases you. Most online dating community sites, in which you have to pay for service, will give you between 3 and 15 days for free so that you can try it out and hopefully enjoy your experience. Sometimes you are limited from sending members emails within the trial period, but if not that, you will find you are restricted to do something. But get the most out of it, anyway.