If you want the profile to work sooner, make the first few decisions in the right order instead of changing everything at once.
First, use your monthly coaching call if you have one. Bring the profile as it exists now, the kind of dates you want, and the specific part you keep second-guessing.
And again, book the coaching call. It matters if you want to get the most out of the membership.
FAQ:
What’s the difference between Done-For-You (DFY) and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) requests?
Done-For-You requests go to our real human image editors. Use this if you don’t want to build the photos yourself or your request is complicated. DFY also comes with unlimited revisions, so we keep working until it’s right.
Do-It-Yourself requests let you use the in-app image editing tool. The point is to edit the base image so it stays as close to you as possible, then faceswap yourself onto it.
What if the base image doesn’t look like me?
If you’re using DFY, leave your notes in the request and the editors will handle it.
If you’re using DIY, use the editing tools to adjust body type, skin color, and hair.
Why do you want me to choose from the Photo Bank?
Because those photos are very likely to work.
We spent years figuring out what gets women to match.
A good dating app photo has to hit a lot of things at once. Finding photos that do that takes time, and you need a sharp eye.
If you already know what you’re doing and you’re going on dates, fine. Do your own research.
But if dating apps are a struggle, the last thing you need is more frustration.
From building countless profiles, we’ve seen that guys who use what works instead of trying to be “unique” get results much faster than guys who worry too much about matching the photo to their real life.
That’s also why dating photographers miss the mark. They make you think better photo quality is enough to get matches.
With how competitive dating apps are, it goes way deeper than that.
You need to hit specific value levers.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting the guy in the photo to be the real you.
But there’s a reason the Photo Bank works.
We recommend getting results first so you learn what actually works and give your brain a chance to learn it.
Once you start getting matches and women are excited to talk to you, then you can customize your profile to make it more like you.
A lot of guys stop caring once the dates start coming in.
What if I want a special type of photo? (Guitar, Tennis, Improv, etc.)
You may think a photo concept is solid, but it often won’t work unless you know how to present it in a way women actually like.
If you’re already getting strong matches and you’re ready to make the profile more unique, go on Instagram, Pinterest, or Google and find an inspiration photo that shows the idea you want.
If you want it to look even less like the original, use the Variations tool in the app.
What kind of edits can I make or request?
Simple examples: body frame, skin tone, and outfit.
More complex examples: hairstyle, facial expression, and tattoos. Those are better handled by our human image editors through DFY.
Ideally, upload training photos that show you in the version you want your AI photos to present.
How does the variations tool work?
Upload your own photo or choose one from the photo bank, then hit “Generate Variations.”
You’ll get three different AI variations.
If you like the idea but want the face to look more like you, faceswap your face onto the image.
*The variation tool is for advanced users only. 99.99% of the variations will need an extra faceswap on top of the image. Don’t use this tool unless you already have lots of matches.
Are there any types of photos I should avoid submitting?
Avoid low-resolution photos and photos where your face is too small or too far away. Your face should take up a good amount of the image.
Photos
No matter what anyone says, women swipe on your photos first. Prompts and bios matter, but photos do about 95% of the work. A great prompt or bio can’t save bad photos.
Your photos need to answer two questions:
Am I showing value? Do women care about that value?
A lot of men miss the second question. They pick photos they think look cool, not photos women actually swipe on.
Getting good photos is hard, too. Most guys barely take photos in their lives, and the ones they have usually aren’t flattering.
Some men hire photographers because of that. The problem is, good photographers cost at least $3000 per photoshoot.
Cold Approach handles the photo problem for you. The Photo Bank gives you strong options to choose from, and a profile built with Cold Approach Photo Bank photos will get you much farther than trying to build everything from scratch.
You can do your own photo research, but if you’re stuck, stick with the Photo Bank.
A strong dating app photo needs to hit these value levers:
Candidness Status Social Proof Desirable Lifestyle Looks Fitness Physique
It’s hard to hit all of them in one photo, but the more you cover, the better.
That’s why we built the Photo Bank: so you don’t waste hours or days looking for decent photos.
Prompts & Bios
The job of the prompt and bio is to get her interested. Ideally, she’s interested enough that she opens you first.
Your goal is to write prompts and bios that make women want to send the first message.
Good prompts and bios are usually romantic, challenging, and polarizing.
You can use the prompt and bio tool inside the profile builder to get ready-to-use prompts and bios.
Test, Test, Test
Cold Approach gives you a big shortcut to a top profile, but that doesn’t mean every photo you choose is perfect for you, your archetype, and your personality.
You still need to keep testing photos until you’re getting the high-quality matches you want.
Read the Profile Optimization guide to learn how to test your profile, push it into the top 1%, and keep it there.
A lot of guys with top 1% profiles keep testing new photos and even videos so they stay current and don’t get passed by the competition.
Next Guide:
Finding Photos Inspiration Where to find the best photos, what works and what doesn't.