Looking for the right person on a sapphic dating app starts with a profile that’s clear, warm, and a little bit you.
Here’s the TLDR version: lead with strong photos (face, full body, a hobby, and a pet or social hangout shot), write a specific bio, answer prompts with mini-stories, be upfront about intent, show safety signals, add your location and availability, and end with an easy invite to say hi.
Quality images matter the most, and then your words lock in the vibe. Below, you’ll find exactly what to include so your profile attracts people who actually get you and want the same things.
HER profile photo essentials
Your main photo does most of the work. Market data shows 85% of women and 80% of men prioritize images first, and busy group shots turn off 38–42% of daters (see this market data on dating profiles). Translation: your pictures matter more than your perfectly crafted bio.
Essential Photo Tips:
- Recent
- Well-lit (natural light wins)
- Shoulders-up headshot
- Direct eye contact
- Relaxed smile
Skip the heavy filters, hats, and sunglasses. You want to look like you today to avoid any surprises down the road.
Headshot definition: shoulders-up, clear face, no distractions.
Quick wins:
- Stand near a window or go outside.
- Keep the background simple.
- No group photo as your main image. No one wants to play “which one is she tho?”
Strong, clear, warm. That’s the winning energy.
Clear full-body image
A full-body shot signals openness and sets expectations clearly. It also communicates confidence: even subtle confidence.
Choose something that reflects how you actually dress. If you’re a boots-and-jeans lesbian, show that. If you’re a soft cardigan-and-sneakers type, lean in.
Candid > stiff pose.
Friend snapping you mid-laugh > awkward tripod stare.
Full-body images also align with the push toward authenticity in profiles (as noted in the same market data source above).
Tips:
- Natural light again.
- Neutral background.
- Relaxed shoulders, comfortable stance.
You’re not modeling. You’re signaling “this is me in real life.”
Activity or hobby photo
This is where personality shows up.
Add a photo of you doing something you love like:
- Cooking
- Painting
- Hiking
- Thrifting
- Playing guitar
- At Pride
Apps increasingly reward varied content because it helps match based on interests (see this feature overview of dating app algorithms).
Small, everyday hobbies are perfect. You don’t need to be rock climbing in Patagonia, although if you’re doing that, that’s sick as hell and we do want those pics.
Conversation starters are built here:
- “Is that homemade pasta?”
- “Wait, what trail is that?”
- “You thrift too??”
Show, don’t tell.
Pet or social picture
Pet photos are powerful. Profiles with pets are preferred by 69% of daters, according to market data (see link above).
Dog. Cat. Snake. Gecko. Houseplant that you’re GOING to keep alive this time (we believe in you!). All are welcome and encouraged.
If you include a social photo:
- Keep it small.
- Make sure you’re clearly the focus.
- Avoid crowded party shots.
Social shot definition: small, easy-to-parse photo where you’re front and center with one or two friends.
Approachability is attractive. Goofy smiles count. We wanna see what lights you up.
Short and specific bio
Your bio should be tight. Like maybe one to three sentences. Specific beats generic every single time.
Tips for Crafting Your Bio
Instead of:
“Fun, loyal, love adventures.”
Try:
“Book-obsessed storm-watcher seeking someone who debates film endings and owns at least one oversized thrifted coat.”
Stay positive. Say what you want, not what you hate.
Updating your profile at least once a year can boost visibility and engagement in most apps (per the market data above).
If you need structure, classic dating profile advice consistently emphasizes clarity and authenticity over clichés.
Clarity converts to matches, and matches lead to dreams come true (or at least some dates).
Conversation-starting prompts
Prompts are your built-in icebreakers. Use them strategically.
Swap adjectives for anecdotes:
Instead of “I’m funny,” try:
“I once won a trivia round entirely because I knew too much about lesbian cinema.”
Formats that work:
- Two truths and a lie
- Guess my go-to karaoke song
- My Sunday ritual involves…
End at least one with a question:
“What queer book should I read next?”
“Best comfort movie: go!”
Make it easy to reply. Effortless > intimidating.
Clear relationship intent
This is where people get shy… and where you shouldn’t.
Survey and industry-wide findings show that transparent intent reduces mismatched expectations and confusion (supported by the market and platform stats referenced above).
Add a simple line:
- “Looking for something serious.”
- “Dates first, open to more.”
- “Queerplatonic connections welcome.”
- “Casual for now, but emotionally literate.”
Relationship intent definition: a quick signal of what you’re hoping this turns into.
Saying it upfront filters for alignment, and that cuts down on wasted time and conversations with folks who won’t gel with you.
Verification and safety signals
Trust matters: especially in queer dating spaces.
Recent app statistics show 70% of users say verification badges make them feel safer.
Safety Signals You can Use
Turn on:
- Photo verification
- ID badges (if available)
- Privacy controls like Incognito Mode
You can also normalize safety in your bio:
“First meet = public place + coffee.”
Verification badge definition: a small checkmark confirming your photo or ID was validated through the app.
Confidence + safety awareness = green flag. More tips in our Dating Safety Tips.
Location and availability details
Reduce friction and remove the complications so that folks can ease into a conversation with you without pressure, and make sure you’re in their neck of the woods (or somewhere they’d be willing to buy a plane ticket to at least).
Instead of just listing your city, add context:
“Based in Oakland: weekday evening coffee on College Ave.”
“Brooklyn, free Saturdays for chill hangs.”
Market data shows common first dates include:
- Dinner (30%)
- Coffee (24%)
- Outdoor activities (20%)
If you signal your preferred format, you make planning easy and lower the risk of folks flaking out on plans.
Engaging call to action
Close with an invite that makes it effortless to message you. A call to action is a direct prompt for others to say hi or share something about themselves.
Try:
- “Tell me your favorite plant’s name.”
- “Which queer book should I add to my nightstand?”
- “What’s your undefeated karaoke song?”
Profiles with obvious openers inspire more replies and help even the shy folks feel welcome.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How many photos should I include in my dating profile?
Include 4–6 diverse photos: a clear headshot, a full-body shot, an activity pic, and one pet or small social shot.
2. What makes a good conversation starter in prompts?
Make it playful, specific, and reply-friendly: a quirky question, mini-challenge, or a short story someone can jump on.
3. Why is stating relationship intent important?
It attracts people who want the same thing and cuts down on mismatches, confusion, and ghosting.
4. How can I show authenticity without oversharing?
Share one or two specific interests or mini-stories that show your vibe; skip deeply personal details until trust builds.
5. What safety features should I look for or include in my profile?
Enable verification badges, use privacy controls, and note a simple safety preference so matches know you care about security.
Resources for a Perfect Dating Profile
Complete Guide to Dating
Coolest Dating App Features
Dating App Statistics
Refresh Your Dating Profile
Downloaded HER? We have the best dating profile examples to help you get more queer matches
Crafting the Perfect Dating Profile: Tips From a Dating Coach
Tips For Better Dating Profile Bios
14 Online Dating Profile Tips to Help You Land the Relationship You Want
Which Photos Make The Best Dating Profile Pictures Ever
How to write a dating profile
