How quickly should you expect a response to your online dating email?

Hi Annie, I'm an energetic entrepreneur from Down Under. I've been in the U.S. off and on for a few years now and am finally settling in. I am doing online dating and have continued to be frustrated that women do not return my emails or texts within 24 hours. It feels disrespectful. I don't treat anyone that way, either professionally or personally. I'm looking for the same respect in return: at a minimum. Should I keep my high standards or should I change my views? Thanks, Frustrated!

Online dating email strategy

Dear Frustrated, Online dating has a different type of etiquette than that of a business or friendship relationship.

Because you encounter a much larger cross-section of people online than you do almost anywhere else, you can't assume that others that you meet have similar values. Posting a profile is the only thing that all people using an online dating site have in common. It's up to you to discover the rest.

You may not be aware that people don't respond to most emails sent on dating sites. According to one study I read several years ago, the average man only receives replies to fifteen to twenty percent of his emails. Many never receive any response at all.

It may help if you pay attention to your response rate. Your expectations will be more realistic if you know how many emails you need to send out in order to get a reply.

Creative ways to get more responses to your emails

Use these tips to increase your odds of getting responses to your online emails.

1. Look at the "about my date" section in her profile to make sure that she is open to dating someone like you. For example, if you are forty-three, but she wants to date men who are between thirty and forty, she's unlikely to return your email.

2. If it's been more than twenty four hours since she's been online, you're less likely to hear from her.

3. Read her profile and note what is unique about her. Then, do your best to create a catchy subject line that will attract her attention and get her to open your email. It's a plus if you can also make her laugh.

4. Comment about something in her profile and ask her a question about it. This is likely to give her an easy way to start writing back.

5. Sign your first name at the bottom of your email.

These tips should increase your email response rate. But, until you have met someone in person, it's best not to take anything personally. Save your emotional energy for when you have gotten to know her a bit better.