Starting an Internet Dating Service Business

Choose an Idea

There are already many Internet dating services out there, so to be competitive when starting an Internet dating service business you’ll need a good idea. Your company should focus on one or both of these things:

• Your dating approach. This means what you plan to offer customers. It could be a relatively new idea, such as requiring all members to have webcams so they can video chat with each other; or it could be taking an existing approach and doing it better. An example would be offering a questionnaire test like eHarmony does, maybe one you think would be more effective at matching people.

• Your target audience. Do you intend for all single people to use your site to find someone or do you have in mind that a certain group of people use your service?

By offering a new approach to online dating, you’ll attract customers who like your idea. If you service a target audience who is presently not served adequately, then you’ll have instant demand for your service. If you are able to cater to both sides of the equation, then you may have a good chance at being successful.

Specifics on Starting an Internet Dating Service Business

Dating Approach Ideas

Here are some approach ideas to get you started thinking.

• A unique questionnaire that members answer before being matched.
• Video dating
• Phone or Voice over IP (VOIP) dating
• Theme dating, where people interested in the same hobby, movie, TV show, etc. gather to meet and find a date

Target Audience

If you don’t intend that your service be for everyone, then you’ll need to decide who exactly you are marketing your service to. Some ideas include:

• Race
• Religion
• Sexual Orientation
• Location
• Professions/Careers
• Age

Getting Your Internet Dating Service Business Started

Once you have chosen a good idea, you next need to start implementing your plan.

Company Website

Your website is what every customer will see and how it looks will shape their opinion of your business. Hire a professional if you are unable to create a great looking site by yourself.

Make sure you include the following on your site:

• Explanation of how the dating company works
• The benefits of your service
• How much it costs
• An FAQ section
• Customer service contact information
• Terms and Conditions

Adequate Technology

Once your site begins to grow, you will need servers that can handle all of the traffic.

Payment Methods

Decide how customers can purchase your service. Pay Pal is the easiest, but many people like to use their credit cards. Check with your bank on how to setup credit card payments.

Customer Service

Your customers will have questions, so you need to provide a way for them to contact you. E-mail is good enough to start with, but you should try and offer phone support once your service is more established.

Legal

Check with an attorney regarding your liability. Eventually a couple that meets on your service will have a bad date, and they will most likely blame you for their bad experience.

Finances

You can probably start your company without obtaining any capitol. But once your company starts to grow, you may need to seek out financing. Besides traditional venture capital, also look into a corporate or non-profit arrangement, depending on the nature of your Internet dating service business.

Growing Your Business

The only way your business will succeed is if you attract customers. To do that, you need a good marketing plan. Use proper keyword placement on your website, and buy Internet ads if you can. Consider starting a blog to help promote your site. In the very beginning you may need to give your service away, free of charge. Once enough people are actively using your service to find someone, you will have reached a critical mass and can begin charging customers.