If you've never written a personal ad before, read through quite a few. What would attract your attention? What makes you roll your eyes and say, "Boring"? Come on, doesn't everybody like movies and romantic walks on the beach? You can do better than that!
If you're a fun person (and of course, you are!), write a fun personal ad! A great way to tell if you've gotten it right is to read it out loud--that's how it will "sound" in the reader's head. Wait to write until you're having an upbeat day and feeling good about yourself. Happiness shows, and we all enjoy being around people who enjoy life.
Think about what delight you can bring to the potential friend or partner you seek, and the unique qualities that you'll be bringing to that person's life. Then, let them know! It's not bragging, it's advertising, and if you don't tell say it, how will anybody know? The whole point is to let people know why they should get to know you, after all. If you've posted a photo (and you really need to--it increases your response rate exponentially!), and you're attractive, that goes without saying, so spend your words on something that doesn't show, like your Ph.d. in marine biology, or your world-famous comic book collection, or whatever cool fact is going to stop your prey from clicking away.
Once you've written it, set it aside for a little while before posting it. Look at a few more from other people. Then, come back and look at your own again, as if seeing it through a stranger's eyes. Is it likeable? Believable? Does it make you smile? Then load it up, and have fun!
