The first step in entering the world of online dating is to choose a dating website. Because Internet dating is a booming industry, there are many different types of dating sites.

First off, you need to decide whether you are willing to spend money to join a dating site, or whether you are going to try and find a free one. While there are free online dating sites, you have to be careful of scamming sites. Also, many free sites have limited capabilities and functions. Dating websites that cost money usually require a reasonable monthly fee.

To help you choose a site, you may want to choose a theme. For instance, there are dating websites solely for locating:

• Singles of certain religions, like JDate.com for Jewish singles and Relationships.com for Christian singles.
• Singles of certain races or ethnicities, like BlackSingles.com.
• Singles with certain political views
• Singles located in a specific geographic location
• Senior singles, like PrimeSingles.net.

These sites may make your search easier, as you can already factor in a quality you look for in a partner.

Another thing to consider is reputation. While a certain dating website might have an inexpensive fee, they might not have many members as one that is more well-known. Choose based on overall package and don't be stingy—this is the future of your love life.

After posting your online dating profile, you should add a picture. You can always hold off, but pictures will draw more viewers to your profile, as people are interested in looks, as well as personality.

There are some certain guidelines to follow in regards to posting a picture on an Internet dating site. Here are a few tips:

• If you don't have a recent photo, take one. Really old photos aren't truthful. If you plan to meet people offline, they're going to realize your hair is now gray or you've gained a few pounds.
• If you don't have access to a digital camera, you can ask a friend or relative. If not, you can always use a regular camera and have it developed onto a picture CD.
• Make it a casual picture. Pose in front of a plain background or a few of your beloved items. Wear something that shows your personality, but that isn't too flashy.
• Sexy isn't always good. A risqué picture may get you plenty of online responses, but it won't find you Mr. or Ms. Right. Instead you'll find people looking for one thing.
• Check the photo's background. Make sure personal information — like contact info, your address — isn't visible in the photo.

As if anything in life, it's important to be safe. The Internet is a great portal for meeting other singles, but you can't forget some basic safety issues. While online dating sites are very secure, you have to consider the information you share with people on these sites.

A primary thing to remember is to never share contact information with anyone. Someone you're communicating with online does not need to know your address or last name. Secondly, be selective when it comes to trusting people. Just because you've been messaging someone for a few months does not mean you know them very well.

If you decide to call someone that you've been speaking to online, get their phone number. Before calling them, check to see if the number seems legitimate. Then, block your number and call. If your online friend is leery of giving out their phone number, arrange to make a call from a public place.

Be aware of scams. The Internet allows scammers to scout out new victims and use new tactics. Your online dating website will never send you an email asking to re-enter your credit card or banking information. You will also never be asked for your social security number. And remember, no matter how much someone begs you for money, or how sad the story they tell you is, never give your credit card information to an online friend.

After all this information you might still be left with some questions. While a dating site offers support, it sometimes doesn't cover certain topics, like etiquette or knowing when you're ready to meet up with someone. Below you'll find some various bits of information that might answer those questions for you.

Knowing when you're ready to meet up with someone.

While it's different for everyone and you can't put a time limit on it, it's important to be 100 percent ready before meeting up with someone. A good way to tell is to consider your feelings for this person. Ask yourself:

• Do you like what you already know of their personality?
• Do you seem to have a lot to talk about?
• Could you imagine meeting up with them?
• Also, listen to your instincts. If you feel ready, you probably are and vice versa.

When to take down your profile

So you've met another single and started dating. So what do you do about your dating personal? The answer depends on a few things. First, you have to know whether or not the two of you are exclusive. If you didn't openly discuss it, you could have a miscommunication from not knowing. If you both agree to be exclusive, remove your profile immediately. If you decide you're not exclusive, it's fine to leave it up.

A profile lists your stats, interests, what you look for in a partner and various other bits of information. Profiles are considered dating personals which means other singles will browse your profile to see if they think the two of you are compatible. To catch someone's eye, you want to have a great profile.

To make a great online dating profile, remember a few things:

• Grammar and spelling matter. You want your profile to be presentable. Excessive typos and grammatical mistakes show a lack of effort.
• Don't write too much. Extreme amounts of copy will turn people off from your profile. No one wants to read through a novel to find out if they're interested in you.
• Include the basics. State your age, first name, location and gender. Include some of your hobbies and interests. Also, add what you look for in a partner.
• Be interesting. If you like to cook, state what types of food you like to cook. So, your profile will say "likes to bake homemade cheesecake" instead of "likes to bake." If you're "into sports" list those sports and maybe also your favorite pro teams.
• Be creative. Try to think of ways to make your profile stand out. For instance, you may want to show your sense of humor by adding some wit to your description.