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Dating Service

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From Concept to Connections: How to Start a Dating Service

Written by: Natalie Fell

Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on May 17, 2022 Updated on July 2, 2024

From Concept to Connections: How to Start a Dating Service

Investment range

$1,650 - $8,000

Revenue potential

$63,000 - $126,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 - 3 months

Profit potential

$57,000 - $94,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Here are the most important factors to consider when starting your dating service:

Choose a niche — Consider specializing in a niche to differentiate your service from mainstream dating apps and services. This could be based on age group, interests, religion, lifestyle, or other specific criteria that help users find a more tailored match.
Develop a website and app — Most dating services operate online, so having a user-friendly website and/or app is crucial. Invest in good design and user experience. Ensure that your platform is secure, easy to navigate, and responsive across all devices.
Security — Prioritize cybersecurity by using strong encryption for data storage and transmission, secure authentication processes, regular security audits, and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
Choose a business model — Decide if your business model will be a subscription-based service, a freemium model where basic features are free and premium features are paid, or a completely free service that relies on advertising.
Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your dating service today!

You May Also Wonder:

Is a dating service profitable?

Yes, dating services can be extremely profitable. However, it’s important to spend time differentiating yourself from the competition. Consider focusing on a specific niche market to see the most success.

Do I need any special certifications to get started?

No specific certification is required to start a dating service. However, if you are interested in offering dating coaching services, you may consider enrolling in programs offered by the Matchmaking Institute .

How can I offer a safe dating service?

To offer a safe dating service, prioritize user safety by implementing verification processes, moderating user profiles, protecting privacy, and providing reporting and blocking features. Educate users about online dating safety and provide resources to help them make informed decisions.

How do I attract a diverse and engaged user base to my dating platform?

To attract a diverse and engaged user base to your dating platform, use targeted marketing for specific demographics and create an appealing, easy-to-navigate site. Encourage interaction through chats and interest groups, promote inclusivity, and partner with influencers to broaden your reach.

What risks are there when using online dating services?

Risks associated with using online dating services include encountering fake profiles or scams, potential privacy breaches, and meeting individuals with dishonest intentions.

What are the different monetization strategies for a dating service?

Monetization strategies for a dating service can include subscription plans with different levels of access or features, offering premium add-ons or virtual gifts, displaying targeted advertisements, partnering with related businesses for promotional collaborations or sponsored content, or organizing paid events or dating experiences.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

It’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of starting a dating service before deciding whether to go all in:

Work From Anywhere – Run your dating service from your laptop
Rewarding – Help people find the perfect partner!
Good Money – Dating service profit margins are high
Member Turnover – Frequent sign ups and cancellations
Tech-dependent – Revenue can plummet with website or app issues

Dating Services industry trends

Industry size and growth.

Industry size and past growth – The US dating services industry is worth $5.9 billion after growing 11.3 % each of the last five years.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/dating-services-united-states/ ))
Growth forecast – The global online dating industry is expected to grow 6.9 % per year by 2028.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-online-dating-market ))
Number of businesses – In 2022, there were 594 dating services businesses operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/dating-services-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the dating services industry include

Many dating sites and apps are adding social media features, like interactive trivia games and picture sharing capabilities, to allow users to connect in a more meaningful way.
Niche dating services — such as Biker Planet and Farmersonly.com — are becoming more popular with singles.

Challenges in the dating services industry include

The rise of online dating is an opportunity for scammers, which means users have to be careful and has resulted in reduced trust of these services.
Dating services generally have a high rate of customer turnover. People tend to come and go as they find matches or tire of using the app.

Online dating site and app usage by age range

Here are the percentages of online dating service or app users by age range. (2020)

33-44 (10%)
65 and up (2%) (( https://financesonline.com/online-dating-statistics/ ))

How much does it cost to start a dating service?

Starting a dating service costs anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000. How much you spend will depend on the software and marketing budget. To compete with established players like Match.com and eHarmony, it’s important to spend on smart marketing to stand out from the competition.

To learn how to build and grow a successful dating service, websites like Udemy offer affordable online courses.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your dating service, including:

Dating services software
Logo and branding

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Licenses and permits	$100-$300	$200
Insurance	$100-$300	$200
Marketing and advertising	$1000-$5000	$3,000
Website	$150-$400	$275
Dating Services Software	$100-$1000	$550
Office Equipment	$200-$1000	$600
Total	$1,650 - $8,000	$4,825

How much can you earn from a dating service?

Dating service membership usually costs around $35 per month. If you offer coaching sessions or in-person events, you may be able to charge more. Most of your ongoing expenses will be related to marketing and technology, so expect around a 90% profit margin.

In your first year or two, your marketing efforts could generate 150 subscribers. At $35 each every month, this would mean $63,000 in annual revenue and a profit of about $57,000, assuming that 90% margin. As you build a reputation and gain referrals, you’ll likely need to hire staff, lowering your margin to around 75%. But with 300 subscribers you could expect annual revenue of $126,000 and an impressive profit of $94,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

One of the biggest challenges in the dating services industry is competition. Most of the market share is held by large companies, like Bumble, Match.com and Tinder.

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Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Explore Eric Leonhard’s innovative journey in modern dating coaching , from its challenges to triumphs.

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a dating service, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research dating services online and in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a dating service for the LGBT community or divorcees.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as a dating site specific to your city or for people with a certain interest, such as RVs or with children.

Read how Sam Moorcroft found a niche in Christian dating and gain valuable insights into this faith-based matchmaking platform.

What? Determine your services

When it comes to your dating service’s offerings, you have several options. You could offer all of the below, a combination, or just choose to focus on one.

Monthly membership to an exclusive app or website
1:1 matchmaking coaching
Hosting in-person mixers or speed dating events
Online courses to develop dating confidence

How much should you charge for dating services?

The average cost of a monthly membership on today’s popular dating websites and apps is $40. The amount you charge will depend on your offerings and subscriptions and other features. After factoring in technology and marketing costs, you should expect a profit margin of around 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your customers will be singles looking for a partner. This demographic is extremely varied, so it’s important to hone in on a specific niche. Decide on your audience first, as that will drive how you’ll find them. For example, if you’d like to work with older adult daters, chances are they’re on Facebook. Younger daters between the ages of 25 and 35 are more likely to hang out on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

Central location accessible via public transport
Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Dating Service Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
Including keywords, such as “online dating” or “match-maker”, boosts SEO
Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “DateMate App” over “Speed Dating Solutions”
A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 230 unique dating service business name ideas here. If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our dating service name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Find a Domain

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Dating Service Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

Executive Summary: A concise overview of the dating service business, highlighting key points such as its mission, target market, and financial projections.
Business Overview: A detailed description of the dating service, including its mission, vision, values, and the problem it aims to solve in the dating industry.
Product and Services: Clear delineation of the dating services offered, such as matchmaking algorithms, profile creation assistance, and event planning for singles.
Market Analysis: Examination of the dating industry, including trends, demographics, and potential growth areas, to identify the target market and assess market demand.
Competitive Analysis: Assessment of competitors in the dating service sector, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to formulate a competitive strategy.
Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling the dating services, encompassing online advertising, social media presence, and partnerships to attract and retain customers.
Management Team: Introduction of key personnel, their roles, and relevant experience in managing and growing a dating service business.
Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of the dating service, from customer onboarding to service delivery, ensuring efficiency and quality.
Financial Plan: Projections of the dating service’s financial performance, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts, to attract investors and guide financial decisions.
Appendix: Additional supporting documents, such as market research data, resumes of key team members, and any other relevant information that enhances the dating service business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to dating services.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your dating service will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities.
Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a dating service. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a dating service requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your dating service as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as WPDating , SkaDate , or iDateMedia to manage memberships, accept payments, and develop a dating app.

Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Professional Branding — Ensure your branding reflects trust, discretion, and connection, from your logo to your website and marketing materials.
Website & SEO — Develop a professional website that details your services and shares success stories. Use SEO strategies to enhance visibility for relevant dating service search terms.
Social Media Engagement — Leverage Instagram to post dating tips and success stories, Twitter for sharing industry trends, and YouTube for relationship advice videos.
Content Marketing — Maintain a blog focused on dating tips, relationship advice, and the latest trends. Highlight client success stories to build credibility.
Singles Events and Speed Dating — Organize events for singles to meet in a structured yet relaxed environment.
Personalized Matchmaking Services — Deliver tailored consultations to understand client preferences and ensure precise matches.
Ongoing Client Support and Coaching — Provide continuous guidance to help clients navigate their dating journeys effectively.
Targeted Digital Advertising — Use online advertising to reach potential clients actively seeking dating and relationship services.
Email Marketing — Implement a targeted email campaign to nurture leads, share valuable dating advice, and promote your services.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your dating service meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your dating service could be:

Where busy entrepreneurs go to find the perfect match
The best dating site for bi-curious singles
A stress-free way to meet soulmates over 60

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a dating website, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in the online dating industry for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in dating services. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. You might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a dating service include:

Software Developer: Build and manage your dating app, troubleshoot issues
Customer Service Associate: Onboard new members, answer inquiries
General Manager: Bookkeeping, event planning
Marketing Lead: Manage social media accounts, business development

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Dating Service – Start Making Money!

App dating has skyrocketed over the last decade, and it’s only continuing to grow. People of all ages and interests will always be searching for their better half, which means there’s great opportunity in this market. With your own dating service, you could help people meet their true love while carving out your own piece of the lucrative dating industry pie.

Now that you’ve done your homework, it’s time to put on your matchmaking hat and create your dream business!

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6 Essential Steps to Start Your Niche Online Dating Business

The online dating business industry is expanding year on year and offers a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to venture into niche dating. With one in four UK relationships starting online, and the demand for quality and targeting on the rise, there has never been a better time to start a dating site. Additionally, online dating technology offers scope for building community connections and friendships.

We understand that starting an online dating business can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture.

In this article, we will provide you with six essential steps to start up your niche online dating business, and outrank other websites in search engine results.

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

The first step in starting an online dating business is to identify your niche. You need to find a specific area of interest that you can cater to. This could be anything from age groups, sexual orientation, religion, or even specific hobbies. By identifying a niche, you can create a targeted marketing campaign that will attract your ideal customer.

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

Once you have identified your niche, you need to conduct thorough market research. This involves analyzing your target audience, understanding their needs, and identifying your competitors. You can use online tools such as Google Trends or SEMrush to get insights into the search behavior of your target audience.

Step 3: Build an Online Dating Website

Your website is the foundation of your online dating business, and it needs to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Make sure your website has a clear call-to-action and a user-friendly interface. You can use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to build your website, or hire a professional web developer.

Step 4: Create Compelling Content

Compelling content is essential for attracting and retaining customers. You need to create engaging and informative content that addresses the needs of your target audience. You can create blog posts, videos, or even infographics that provide value to your customers.

Step 5: Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your online dating business. You need to identify the social media platforms that your target audience uses and create a presence on those platforms. You can use social media to engage with your customers, promote your content, and build your brand.

Step 6: Implement SEO Strategies

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for ranking your website on search engine results pages. You need to optimize your website for relevant keywords, create high-quality backlinks, and ensure your website has a fast loading speed. You can also use paid advertising to drive traffic to your website.

Diagram of our six-step plan to start your online dating business:

Starting an online dating business requires dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. By following our six essential steps, you can create a successful niche online dating business that outranks other websites in search engine results. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and continuously optimize your website to keep up with the competition.

Good luck and contact Dating Pro to help you start your own online dating site and app!

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How To Write a Business Plan for Online Dating in 9 Steps: Checklist

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Do you have a brilliant business idea for an online dating platform? With the growing popularity of online dating, now is the perfect time to turn that idea into a successful reality. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps to write a comprehensive business plan for your online dating venture.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of writing a business plan, let's take a look at the current state of the industry. According to recent statistics, the online dating market is expected to reach a staggering $3.2 billion in revenue by 2025, with a projected annual growth rate of 9.3%. This indicates a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs like you to tap into this thriving market and carve out your own niche.

Now, let's get started on crafting your business plan!

Conduct market research to gain valuable insights into the online dating industry. Identify trends, analyze customer behaviors, and understand the competitive landscape.

Identify your target audience by considering factors such as age group, interests, location, and relationship goals. Tailoring your platform to meet the specific needs of your target audience is crucial for success.

Determine your competitors and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis will help you differentiate your platform and offer unique features that will attract users.

Define your unique selling proposition to clearly communicate to users why they should choose your platform over others. What sets you apart? Is it advanced matching algorithms, enhanced security measures, or a seamless user experience?

Develop a marketing and advertising strategy to reach your target audience and differentiate your platform from competitors. Consider online advertising, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and content marketing to maximize your reach.

Establish a pricing structure that aligns with your freemium business model. Determine what features will be free and what additional services or premium features will require payment. This strategy allows for a large user base while generating revenue from paid users.

Create a financial plan to outline your expected revenue streams, operating expenses, and profitability projections. This plan will help you attract investors and secure funding for your online dating venture.

Outline your operational strategies to ensure smooth functioning of your platform. Consider aspects such as user support, technical infrastructure, data security, and scalability as your user base grows.

Set measurable goals and objectives to gauge the success of your online dating venture. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user growth, user engagement, revenue targets, and customer satisfaction to track your progress.

With this 9-step checklist, you're well on your way to writing a comprehensive business plan for your online dating venture. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles where we'll dive deeper into each step to provide you with invaluable insights and tips!

Conduct Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is a crucial first step in creating a successful business plan for an online dating platform. Market research provides valuable insights into the target audience, competition, and current trends in the online dating industry. By gathering and analyzing data, you can make informed decisions about your business strategies and offerings.

Tips for conducting market research:

Identify your target market:, analyze competitors:, stay updated on industry trends:, survey potential users:, monitor social media and online forums:.

By conducting comprehensive market research, you can gather valuable information that will inform every aspect of your business plan for online dating. This knowledge will be instrumental in positioning your platform as a competitive player in the market and attracting a loyal user base.

Online Dating Financial Model Get Template

Identify Target Audience

Identifying the target audience is a crucial step in creating a successful online dating business plan. Understanding the demographics, interests, and preferences of your potential users will help you tailor your platform and marketing efforts to meet their needs. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Research the Market:

Segmentation:, address unmet needs:, use surveys and feedback:.

Identifying your target audience is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. Stay attentive to changing demographics, trends, and user feedback to refine your target audience and enhance your online dating business plan.

Determine Competitors

Identifying and understanding your competitors is a crucial step in developing a successful online dating business plan. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, you can gain valuable insights into the market, identify gaps or opportunities, and fine-tune your overall strategy.

When determining your competitors, consider both direct competitors, who offer similar services and target the same audience, as well as indirect competitors, who may not provide the exact same services but still compete for the attention and loyalty of your target market.

Direct competitors: These are the online dating platforms that directly compete with your business model, offering similar features and targeting the same audience. Research their online presence, user base, key selling points, and pricing structures. This will help you understand how to differentiate yourself and create a unique value proposition.
Indirect competitors: These are companies or platforms that may not offer online dating services specifically, but still target the same audience or provide similar solutions. For example, social media platforms, matchmaking agencies, or even offline dating services can be considered indirect competitors. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses to identify areas where you can stand out.

Tips for determining competitors:

Perform thorough online research to identify both direct and indirect competitors in the online dating industry. Look for keywords related to your target audience and compare the top results.
Take note of the market leaders and successful startups in the industry. Understand their strategies and research their customer feedback to gain insights into what works and what doesn't.
Utilize industry reports, market analysis, and case studies to gather information on competitors' market share, growth rates, and overall performance.
Engage in competitive analysis by using tools or conducting surveys. Assess and compare the features, user experience, and pricing structures of your competitors to find opportunities for improvement.
Stay updated on new entrants or emerging players in the market. Keep an eye on trends and innovations that could disrupt the industry and adjust your business plan accordingly.

Define Unique Selling Proposition

In order to stand out in a crowded online dating market, it is crucial to define your unique selling proposition (USP). What sets your online dating platform apart from the competition? This is the key question to answer when defining your USP. It is what will attract users to your platform and convince them to choose your services over others.

When determining your USP, consider the following:

Research the existing online dating platforms to identify what they are offering.
Identify any gaps or shortcomings in their services that you can address with your platform.

Once you have a clear understanding of the competition, it's time to highlight what makes your platform unique and distinctive. This could be a specific feature, a more personalized user experience, or a focus on a specific niche within the online dating market.

Conduct market research to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience.
Based on the research, identify the features or services that would be most appealing to your target audience.
Align your USP with these preferences to create a compelling value proposition.

Consider what unique benefits users will gain from using your platform. Is it a more efficient matching algorithm, a stronger focus on safety and security, or a highly engaging user interface? These unique aspects should be clearly communicated to potential users to differentiate your platform from the competition.

Ultimately, your USP should address a specific pain point or fulfill a specific desire within the online dating market. It should leave users with the feeling that your platform offers something truly valuable and different from what is currently available.

To summarize, defining your unique selling proposition involves understanding the competition, conducting market research, and identifying the key features or services that will make your platform stand out. By clearly communicating your USP to your target audience, you will attract and retain users who are seeking the benefits and advantages your platform offers.

Develop A Marketing And Advertising Strategy

Developing an effective marketing and advertising strategy is crucial to attract users to your online dating platform. It helps in creating brand awareness, reaching your target audience, and driving user engagement. Here are some important steps to create a successful strategy:

Identify your target audience: Understand who your ideal users are, their demographics, interests, and behaviors. This will help tailor your marketing messages and choose the right channels to reach them.
Define your unique selling proposition: Determine what sets your online dating platform apart from competitors. Highlight the benefits of using your platform such as advanced matching algorithms, user-friendly interface, or safety measures.
Choose effective marketing channels: Select the most suitable channels to promote your platform. Consider online advertising, social media platforms, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, influencer partnerships, or email marketing.
Create compelling content: Develop engaging and relevant content to attract potential users. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, or infographics that provide dating advice, success stories, or tips for finding love online.
Utilize social media: Leverage the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with your target audience, build a community, and run targeted ads.
Optimize for search engines: Implement SEO techniques to improve your platform's visibility in search engine results. Utilize keywords related to online dating and create optimized landing pages.
Monitor and analyze your marketing efforts regularly to measure their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
Consider partnerships with popular dating blogs or influencers in the dating niche to expand your reach and increase brand awareness.
Offer referral programs or incentives to encourage users to invite their friends to join your platform.

By implementing a well-planned marketing and advertising strategy, you can effectively promote your online dating platform to your target audience, attract a large user base, and ultimately generate revenue for your business.

Establish A Pricing Structure

When it comes to developing a successful online dating business, establishing a well-thought-out pricing structure is crucial. This not only helps determine the value of your services but also generates a steady stream of revenue to sustain and grow your business. Here are some essential steps to consider:

Analyze your competitors: Research pricing strategies adopted by other online dating platforms to gain insights into what users are willing to pay for similar services. This will enable you to position your pricing competitively.
Understand user expectations: Identify what features and benefits your target audience values the most. Conduct surveys or gather feedback to assess user preferences and use these insights to create pricing packages tailored to their needs.
Create tiered pricing: Consider implementing a tiered pricing structure that offers different levels of service at varying price points. This allows users to choose the level that meets their requirements and budget while maximizing your revenue potential.
Bundle additional services: Apart from the basic free features, offer premium services or additional perks that users can access by paying for a higher tier of membership. This enhances the value proposition for paid users and drives them to upgrade.
Offer discounts and promotions: Use limited-time promotional offers or discounts to incentivize users to upgrade or try out premium features. This strategy can help increase conversions and attract new users to your platform.
Consider subscription options: Implement subscription-based pricing models, such as monthly or yearly plans, to encourage long-term commitment from users. This provides a predictable revenue stream and improves user retention rates.
Regularly review and analyze your pricing structure to ensure it remains competitive and aligned with user expectations.
Monitor user feedback and adjust pricing packages based on demand and market trends.
Consider offering a free trial period to give users a taste of premium features and encourage them to subscribe.
Offer flexible payment options, such as one-time payments or monthly installments, to cater to different user preferences.
Continuously communicate the value and benefits of your premium features to convince users of their worth.

By carefully establishing a pricing structure that balances user expectations and revenue generation, you can position your online dating business for success in a competitive market.

Create A Financial Plan

Creating a solid financial plan is crucial for the success of your online dating business. This plan will outline your anticipated expenses, revenue projections, and help you understand how to allocate your resources effectively. Here are the key elements to consider:

Revenue Streams: Identify the different ways you will generate income, such as premium subscriptions, advertising partnerships, or affiliate marketing.
Monetization Strategy: Determine the pricing structure and packages for your premium services. Consider offering different tiers to appeal to a wider range of users.
Costs and Expenses: Estimate the expenses involved in operating your online dating platform, including technology infrastructure, marketing, customer support, and personnel costs.
Financial Projections: Forecast your revenue and expenses over a specific period, such as the first year or the next three years. This will help you assess the financial feasibility of your business and make informed decisions.
Break-Even Analysis: Calculate the point at which your revenue will cover all your expenses. This will give you an idea of when your business will start generating profit.
Funding Options: Determine if you will need external funding, such as loans or investors, to launch or scale your online dating business. Research different funding sources and understand their terms and conditions.
Consult with financial experts or hire an accountant to assist you in creating a comprehensive financial plan.
Regularly review and update your financial projections to ensure they align with the actual performance of your business.
Consider conducting A/B testing or market research to gauge user interest and willingness to pay for different pricing packages.
Keep an eye on the financial health of your competitors to assess market trends and adjust your pricing and monetization strategy accordingly.

A well-developed financial plan will not only help you make informed decisions but also attract potential investors or lenders. It demonstrates that you have a clear understanding of your business's financial viability and growth potential. Remember, your financial plan should be flexible and adaptable as your online dating business evolves.

Outline Operational Strategies

Operational strategies are essential for the smooth functioning of your online dating business. These strategies involve the practical aspects of running your platform and ensuring that it delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience for your users. Here are some key operational strategies to consider:

Choose a reliable platform: Selecting the right technology platform is crucial for the success of your online dating business. Ensure that your chosen platform has the necessary features and capabilities to support your freemium model and user needs.
Implement effective user verification: As an online dating platform, safety and trust are paramount. Develop robust verification processes to ensure that your users are genuine and their profiles are authentic. This helps create a secure environment and enhances user confidence.
Create user-friendly interface: A user-friendly interface is key to attracting and retaining users. Design your platform with intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and visually appealing graphics to enhance the overall user experience.
Offer comprehensive customer support: Prompt and efficient customer support is critical for building trust and resolving any issues that users may encounter. Set up multiple channels such as email, chat support, or a dedicated helpline to assist users with their queries and concerns.
Ensure data privacy and security: With online dating, privacy and security are major concerns. Implement robust data protection measures to safeguard user information, including secure payment processing and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
Regularly update and improve features: Stay ahead of the competition by continuously updating and improving the features and functionality of your online dating platform. Keep an eye on user feedback and market trends to identify areas for enhancement and implement necessary updates.

Tips for Operational Success:

Invest in reliable hosting and server infrastructure to ensure high performance and minimal downtime.
Monitor user activity and engagement on your platform to identify areas for improvement.
Establish partnerships with relevant businesses or influencers to expand your reach and attract new users.
Regularly review and optimize your operational processes to streamline efficiency and minimize costs.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technology advancements to remain competitive in the online dating market.

By outlining and implementing effective operational strategies, you can propel your online dating business towards success. Remember, a well-run and user-centric platform will not only attract more users but also retain them, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.

Set Measurable Goals And Objectives

When it comes to running a successful online dating business, setting measurable goals and objectives is essential. By having clear targets in place, you can track your progress, make informed decisions, and drive the growth of your company. Here are some key steps to help you set measurable goals and objectives for your online dating business:

1. Analyze your current performance: Before setting goals, it's important to understand where your business stands. Evaluate your current user base, revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and other relevant metrics. This analysis will serve as a baseline to measure your progress against.
2. Be specific and realistic: When setting goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, rather than setting a general goal like 'increase revenue,' aim for a specific percentage increase in revenue over a specific period of time.
3. Focus on key areas: Identify the key areas that align with your overall business objectives. These could be increasing user engagement, expanding your user base, improving customer satisfaction, or launching new features. Prioritize these areas and set goals accordingly.
4. Break goals into actionable steps: Break down each goal into smaller, actionable steps that will lead to its achievement. Assign responsibilities and deadlines for each step to ensure accountability and progress.
5. Track and measure progress: Implement tools and processes to track and measure progress towards your goals. Regularly review and analyze the collected data to identify areas of improvement or any required adjustments to your strategies.

Tips for Setting Measurable Goals and Objectives:

Regularly review and update your goals to adapt to market changes and evolving business needs.
Engage your team and seek their input when setting goals. Their insights and expertise can contribute to more well-rounded objectives.
Consider benchmarking against industry standards or competitors to gauge your performance and set ambitious yet attainable goals.
Celebrate milestones and achievements along the way to boost motivation and maintain momentum.
Revisit and revise your goals periodically to ensure they align with your long-term vision and reflect the changing dynamics of the online dating industry.

By setting measurable goals and objectives, you can keep your online dating business on track and ensure that you are continually working towards success. Remember to regularly review and assess your progress, adjust your strategies if needed, and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for online dating can be a comprehensive process involving several key steps. By conducting market research, identifying target audience, and determining competitors, you can gain valuable insights to guide your business strategy. Defining a unique selling proposition, developing a marketing and advertising strategy, and establishing a pricing structure will help differentiate your online dating platform.

Creating a financial plan, outlining operational strategies, and setting measurable goals and objectives will ensure the long-term success of your business. Lastly, a freemium model, similar to other successful online industries, can provide a sustainable revenue stream by offering basic features for free and additional premium services for payment.

By following this checklist and thoroughly planning your online dating business, you can increase your chances of attracting users and generating revenue in a competitive market.

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7 Steps to Starting a Successful Online Dating Site Tap these strategies to attract the right users and really click with them.

By Chris Porteous Edited by Dan Bova Oct 12, 2020

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

With advances in technology over the past decade, we've changed the way we live and behave. The internet is no longer just a source of information and entertainment — we spend more time in the cyber world now than ever before.

Online dating is one social activity that has grown dramatically. Today, there are many sites and apps for people who want to find their life partners from the comfort of their couch.

The increasing number of people who prefer to develop relationships through interactions on websites offers entrepreneurs an exciting business opportunity.

So, what do you need to do to start and build a successful online dating service? Let these strategies be your guide.

Choose the right business model

Do you want to charge a fee or offer complimentary membership and earn from advertisers?

You'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons as both options will attract different users. Not everyone wants to or can afford to pay a monthly subscription.

Although you'll attract more customers if there's no charge to join, many people are wary of free sites and may skip yours.

You'll need to provide more tools and better quality services for an exclusive clientele. It'll mean higher costs, but higher returns too.

Take care of legal matters

Although it's an online business, you may be required by law to register your enterprise in your state or country. Ensure you get the necessary permits so your website won't get shut down when your business is lucrative.

You'll also need professional advice on legal and taxation matters to stay out of trouble with the government and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) .

Find your niche

Before you jump right in and set up a website for your courting service, you'll have to do some homework.

The competition is fierce, so the first thing you need to do is to differentiate your business. Select a niche that narrows your focus. For example, instead of a general dating site for everyone, you could connect those aged 50 and above.

Start by researching what people are looking for when they search online for matchmaking services. Use a free keyword tool to get statistics on popular search words. That'll give you an idea of whether your idea is viable.

Choose a strong name

After you find your niche, it's time to come up with a name that clearly describes your site. Ideally, you should choose a title based on popular keywords so that it'll show up in search results.

Related: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Your Business

Set up shop

You can begin from scratch or you can buy an existing enterprise. The latter option may be advantageous as it saves you time because you'll be up and running almost instantly. Make sure to do your research, so you don't take on a non-profitable business.

If you're starting from zero, first you'll need to buy a domain — your internet address. Then, you'll need to host your site. The registration fee will cost you about $10 a year while hosting will set you back anywhere from $2.95 onwards per month.

Master your marketing

Marketing is essential for every company. You'll need to stand out from your competitors to be successful. The best way to reach prospective customers is through social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can also place ads on high traffic websites visited by your potential clients. Another way to get noticed is by providing useful information relating to dating on blogs and forums. Establish yourself as an expert to build credibility and gain trust.

Related: 6 Must-Do's for Effective Social Media Marketing

Attract a crowd

It's a dating site, so you should make it a place where everyone wants to hang out. The more people that are available, the more likely it is for a person to meet someone compatible.

Provide incentives to get people to become members. In addition to offering exciting features, ensure that your customer service is excellent. Answering questions via live chat is essential to gaining and keeping a client.

Related: 6 Innovative Ways to Attract New Customers

You're ready to begin

Just like any business, the amount of money you can earn from your service depends on the value you provide to your customers and the effort you put in.

Remember that it takes time to build and develop a membership website. Set realistic goals and your hard work will pay off in the end.

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How to start an online dating business: 5 simple steps

Our experts, written and reviewed by:.

These are the basic steps you need to know to start a dating business we cover below:

Find a niche market
Create a welcoming environment
Understand the importance of software
Don’t expect everyone to pay
Join the trade association

Recent figures from the office of national statistics show that 51% of people in England and Wales are single. Combine this with an online dating industry that, according to Mintel, will be worth £165m by 2019 and you could have a perfect business match.

However, you won’t be alone. The dating market is becoming increasingly crowded. Thanks to market-leader Tinder – and new entrants like Dragon-backed Double – a whole host of dating apps have sprung up and the industry is undergoing a drastic shift from the more traditional monthly paid subscription sites to freemium apps.

With a busy market you’ll need a clear USP and a realistic revenue model. Plus, due to the obvious sensitive nature of dating, huge emphasis must be placed on a professional, secure and transparent product. But, if you’ve think you’ve got an idea that could take the modern dating world by storm, there’s still plenty of opportunities to set up a successful online dating site. Read our five simple steps to start your love affair with online dating now.

1. Find a niche market

One of the most important elements in any successful business is identifying your target market. With an array of established market leaders, it’s incredibly important that you offer a unique service that sets you apart from competitors. Setting up a site for specific tastes or fetishes is a good way of establishing a target audience and finding a gap in the market.

For example, Tastebuds matches users on their music tastes while Uniform Singles is tailored for people who work in the military or emergency services.

Obviously, it’s essential you carry out market research so that you make sure your perfect niche hasn’t already been done. A simple google search or even word-on-the-street vox pop can be very useful.

2. Create a welcoming environment

Regardless of the dating preferences of your site’s visitors, it’s important to remember its members are all human beings with feelings and emotions. While no doubt people’s profiles will show them in a confident light, many might be nervous first-time users or people hurt from previous bad experiences.

Create a welcoming, user-friendly environment that makes online dating a fun experience. Allow people to express themselves and don’t judge. Word-of-mouth will be crucial for attracting members so it’s important to create an app or site that people will want to encourage their friends to join.

3. Understand the importance of software

While all you physically need is a computer, understanding software and website building (or working with someone who does) is paramount to the success of the business.

In truth, the construction of the website or app will probably require support from an experienced web builder and you may also need to outsource core functions such as e-commerce, instant messaging, moderation and spam detection. An amateur looking site will not attract many users and may also instil a sense of distrust among potential members.

4. Don’t expect everyone to pay

If you’re planning to charge a monthly subscription, it’s worth offering a free trial for the first few users. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation, because no-one will want to use the site if there aren’t people on there (but it will be difficult to attract paid users initially). Throughout your website’s lifespan, it’s also important to roll out limited time offers and discounts to grow your membership base. For example, members of match.com receive a month’s free membership if they haven’t “found love” within six months while new subscribers to dating direct receive three days’ unlimited membership for free. Furthermore, with website design fees being quite expensive and the potential of high traffic early on quite low, you will probably have to wait quite a while for a significant return on your investment.

Naturally, the amount you’ll be able to charge will depend on the demographic of your target audience. For example, if your site is your older professionals you may be able to charge a higher fee than one targeted towards a younger age.

If you do give access to your app or site for free – you’ll need to think about other ways to make money. If users don’t need to pay to join, what add-ons or extras might they be enticed to pay for? Or is there affiliate partnerships or advertising revenue you can go after?

5. Join the trade association

While not compulsory, it would be advantageous to join the Association of British Introduction Agencies (ABIA). It can help provide you with support and advice and your membership will give your clients confidence. To be a member of the ABIA you need to adhere to a strict code of practice. The code details what is expected of both client and agency (in terms of data handling, advertising and complaints) so everyone is fully informed from the beginning.

For more detail, see our full guide on how to start an online dating business .

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Business Plans

Dating App Business Plan

The dating app market is extremely competitive. Securing investor funding to get your dating app off the ground can be difficult. If you’re going to impress investors, you’ll need an amazing dating app business plan.

Three Important Tips for Dating App Business Plans

Writing a mobile app business plan is drastically different than doing so for other types of businesses. There are many considerations that need to be made and the overall business plan format may differ as well.

Furthermore, dating apps have complexities that are not found in other software categories. At ThinkLions, our business plan writers have developed dozens of plans for successful dating app startups.

There are three major factors that must be considered when writing a dating app business plan.

Making Accurate Metric Assumptions

Dating applications operate much differently than other types of apps. Although free dating apps often generate a large number of downloads, they also have low retention rates. The average retention rate for dating apps is fractional when compared to other app categories – such as social media.

A successful dating app business plan must showcase realistic assumptions, from the duration spent on these apps by customers each day to the price that they are willing to pay to use it.

Defining A Competitive Advantage

In order to gain the attention of investors, your dating app plan needs to show how your app is different from the hundreds of other dating apps on the market.

Apps like Tinder and Bumble already have millions of users. What is it about your app that will make singles want to use it for their dating experience instead of the solutions they are already used to?

Competitive advantage is key to a successful dating app plan and will be the main component that drives the startup’s overall strategy.

Financial Modeling

Proper financial modeling uses real data to make educated assumptions about user behavior. Modeling a dating app can be challenging since many dating apps attract a wide demographic – and customers behave differently. Some people use dating apps to go on dates multiple times per week, while others download the app and never meet a single person.

Proper research is key to effectively producing a dating app financial model. Many dating apps have experienced problems when seeking to monetize. Showcasing a well-researched monetization strategy through a financial model can give your dating app an advantage when meeting with potential investors.

Need A Dating App Business Plan?

If you need help writing your startup plan, our expert team of business plan writers is here to help. We are the country’s leading experts in developing successful app business plans and pitch decks, and our clients have raised millions. Contact us today to speak with one of our dating app business plan consultants!

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How to Start an Online Dating Consulting Business

An online dating consultant helps people navigate the complicated online dating world. A dating consultant doesn't have to be strictly used for finding a spouse. They may fill a variety of needs from serious to casual. Consultants create unions that strengthen neighborhoods with positive relationships. In addition to helping to create a better community, children of well-matched couples tend to be more responsible members of society.

You may also be interested in additional online business ideas .

Learn how to start your own Online Dating Consulting Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start an online dating consulting business by following these 10 steps:

Plan your Online Dating Consulting Business
Form your Online Dating Consulting Business into a Legal Entity
Register your Online Dating Consulting Business for Taxes
Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Set up Accounting for your Online Dating Consulting Business
Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Online Dating Consulting Business
Get Online Dating Consulting Business Insurance
Define your Online Dating Consulting Business Brand
Create your Online Dating Consulting Business Website
Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your online dating consulting business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

What are the startup and ongoing costs?
Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Online Dating Consulting Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

Your state's business records
Federal and state trademark records
Social media platforms
Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your online dating consulting business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening an online dating consulting business.

Costs can be relatively low to start. You likely won't need any other supplies besides a computer. You can have an office, but it works just as well to meet your clients in a public location like a coffee shop. A website can be started on a service like Squarespace for just $150 a year, and social media platforms are entirely free. You may want to invest any of your start-up costs with paid advertising on social media to help get the word out though. Facebook pay-per-click ads can be expensive, depending on your area and competition.

What are the ongoing expenses for an online dating consulting business?

Dating consultants will have the following ongoing expenses:

Website maintenance
General supplies (paper, pens, smartphones, laptop)
Advertising costs

Who is the target market?

Dating consultants choose their own target market. Typically, the ideal person is a busy professional who may not understand the rules or tricks behind creating a dating profile. Most consultants then choose a specific niche that accounts for the area they serve. For example, a young person in Denver may be more likely to want a spouse and children, while an older person in NYC may just be looking for companionship. However, if you feel strongly toward one demographic or another, you can likely carve out a client base regardless of where you are with the help of your expertise and passion.

How does an online dating consulting business make money?

Online dating consultants will generally charge for their time. A professional company (as opposed to an independent consultant) may charge by the week for access to their full team. More often though, consultants will charge a package rate that includes a specific level of service for a designated amount of time.

Costs vary depending on the service you offer. A quick profile revamp may cost as little as $50, while a full-scale service can charge up to $2,000 a week for VIPs. A consultant should determine how much they want to make an hour, and then determine how long it takes for her to service an average client. They should also check what similar services are charging in their area to avoid pricing themselves out of the market.

How much profit can an online dating consulting business make?

Profits can be considerable. Depending on how much you spend on advertising, you could potentially be making close to 95% profit on your services or even more.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Dating consultants may want to offer classes about online dating to attract more people at a lower rate. They may also consider doing group sessions where people can vent about their experiences and get advice about how to make online dating go more smoothly.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your online dating consulting business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a online dating consulting business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Online dating consulting businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership.

Informed Consent Agreement

It is recommended to provide clients with informed consent agreements to decrease legal liability and encourage transparency.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Online Dating Consulting Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Online Dating Consulting Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an online dating consulting business

Brag about your stats! This is the best way to let people know that you get results. Even if you're just starting off, let people know your personal numbers. If you had 75% of potential partners to respond to your first email, then that's a truly incredible stat that others will want to know about. If you've successfully played matchmaker in the past, talk about how many of the couples are still together. Start conversations with people on a social media page by asking specific questions about the dating culture (e.g., what's your favorite dating platform and why?). If your target demographic is on the younger side, then pay-per-click advertising on social media may bring a considerable ROI.

How to keep customers coming back

The best thing a dating consultant can do is hope for recommendations from their customers. Being personal and professional will help, but dating consultants should also go the extra mile. It's like a concierge service in that the consultant should think of what their client needs before they realize they need it.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is excellent for someone who genuinely cares about what it means to interact with another person both online and in-person. Those who are most successful took a long, hard look at how they handled their own relationships before moving forward with their an actual business. Once they felt they had a good handle on their approach, they could go out and help others develop their own style.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an online dating consulting business?

A dating consultant may have the following to-do list:

Meeting with clients
Writing/editing dating profiles
Crafting written responses
Taking profile pictures
Advertising/social media strategies

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful online dating consulting business?

This business calls for someone who can understand what people want without their even having to say it. Many people find it difficult to identify what they're looking for in a partner. They may say they want one type of person while pursuing another type of person. Dating consultants aren't there to judge but are there to make it easier to meet the client's needs. Consultants should be friendly, personable, and able to plan ahead. They should also be extremely organized to juggle everything they may need to do in a given day.

What is the growth potential for an online dating consulting business?

Growth potential is excellent for those who have a knack for matching people. Online dating is one of the top ways people meet others, as bars and other anonymous social scenes become less and less appealing. There are plenty of people who don't know or don't have time to write a profile, and who are looking for someone to make it a bit easier.

Not sure if an online dating consulting business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an online dating consulting business?

Those who are familiar with this business say that it was their passion that led them to success. They didn't have to be told to go out and get the answers, they were finding out how to navigate the online dating world on their own. It takes a lot of time to understand the ins and outs of why certain profiles and people do well online while others can't seem to catch a break. Once the consultant found their own soulmate, they wanted to help others do the same.

Ideally, dating consultants need to go beyond what people can find online, and give them real advice they can use. If the client isn't interested in putting in the effort, then the dating consultant can do it for them. Also, always have a contract with your clients. Let them know that you'll do everything you can, but that true love can never be guaranteed. This type of informed consent will set up reasonable expectations and avoid potential lawsuits.

How and when to build a team

There is little need to build a team unless you want to start a large business. If you do want employees, you'll want to wait to build a steady client base before you branch out.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

Discover more Consulting based Business Ideas
Learn about more Online Business Ideas

Real World Examples

Personal Dating Assistant--New York City, NY
Virtual Dating Assistant--New York City, NY

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Dating Matchmaking Service Business Plan

Start your own dating matchmaking service business plan

Executive Summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. It describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">

CompuDate is a new company that offers Denver area singles computer-based matchmaking services. CompuDate has purchased the assets of Date MatchMaker and is a sole proprietorship owned by Suzie Butterfly.

The Market CompuDate will target two distinct market segments, 20-35 year olds, and 36-60 year olds. CompuDate’s services must appear hip and cool in order to be popular with the younger age group which has a 9% annual growth rate and 54,000 potential customers. CompuDate’s services must appear to be effective to appeal to the older age group which has a 11% growth rate and 64,000 possible customers. Having two distinct large groups that CompuDate can market its services to indicates an exciting market opportunity.

Keys to Success CompuDate has identified three keys to success which will be closely monitored. The first is to know the market. CompuDate is compiling extensive market research to provide it with accurate information regarding its target market. The second is to pick right matches. If CompuDate does not pick the right people, the business will not progress. The last is to ensure sustainable profits. CompuDate will be run with a long-term vision.

Management CompuDate will be lead by a seasoned manager, Suzie Butterfly. Suzie’s first job was with Yahoo! working as a project manager for their search engine department. This position provided Suzie with invaluable skills for managing a variety of different projects. After three years Suzie moved over to the Yahoo! Personals division where she got direct experience for the matchmaking industry which gave Suzie the insight and confidence in developing her own company to compete within this industry.

CompuDate has conservatively forecasted sales for year two, rising in year three. CompuDate will obtain pleasant profit margins for years two and three respectively. CompuDate is an exciting opportunity for a local company to leverage professional computer matchmaking software with seasoned industry management into a sustainable company.

1.1 Keys to Success

Know our market.
Pick the right dates (matches).
Ensure sustainable profits.

1.2 Objectives

Become Denver’s premier dating service.
Achieve a 45% success rate in placing clients in long-term relationships.
Realize the efficiencies and accuracies gained with computer-assisted matchmaking services.

1.3 Mission

It is CompuDate’s mission to provide the finest matchmaking services. This will be achieved through reasonable pricing, outstanding customer service, and the most predictive matchmaking services available.

Dating matchmaking service business plan, executive summary chart image

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

CompuDate is a new company that has purchased the assets of an existing company called Date MatchMaker. Date MatchMaker is a traditional matchmaking service that existed for seven years but never made much money for a variety of reasons. CompuDate will use Date MatchMaker’s existing client files to quickly build an active client base.

The old company was sold because the former owner had a diminished desire to continue with the business. Receiving income from the business became less and less important, in part due to revenue from other sources. Additionally, the business was just not fun anymore. The previous owner (name omitted) therefore decided to sell the business and move on to other activities that he derived enjoyment out of. The business was purchased for $25,000. The purchase price was not directly related to the value of the business. Because the former owner did not have financial constraints, they were interested in getting some cash out of the business, in this case fairly quickly, but did not need to arrive at the exact value that the business was worth. This type of transaction is atypical, generally the business is valued at a multitude of factors including future revenue.

2.1 Company Ownership

CompuDate is a Colorado based “C” corporation owned by Suzie Butterfly.

2.2 Company History

CompuDate is the name of a new computer-based matchmaker service that has purchased the assets of Date MatchMaker. Date MatchMaker was an existing matchmaking service that existed for many years but was never really profitable. CompuDate decided that for a small amount of money it could purchase the assets of the former company and make a go of it. By far the most valuable asset was the customer list. The former company was unsuccessful because it was not good at matchmaking, consequently, it has an existing client base that is still in need of matchmaker services. This makes its customer list valuable for CompuDate.

Dating matchmaking service business plan, company summary chart image

Past Performance
	2000	2001	2002
Sales	$37,990	$35,998	$32,332
Gross Margin	$4,001	$3,566	$3,321
Gross Margin %	10.53%	9.91%	10.27%
Operating Expenses	$0	$0	$0

Balance Sheet
	2000	2001	2002

Current Assets
Cash	$19,008	$16,554	$14,554
Other Current Assets	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Total Current Assets	$21,008	$18,554	$16,554

Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets	$0	$0	$0
Accumulated Depreciation	$0	$0	$0
Total Long-term Assets	$0	$0	$0

Total Assets	$21,008	$18,554	$16,554

Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	$10,000	$8,000	$6,000
Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
Other Current Liabilities (interest free)	$0	$0	$0
Total Current Liabilities	$10,000	$8,000	$6,000

Long-term Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Total Liabilities	$10,000	$8,000	$6,000

Paid-in Capital	$0	$0	$0
Retained Earnings	$11,008	$10,554	$10,554
Earnings	$0	$0	$0
Total Capital	$11,008	$10,554	$10,554

Total Capital and Liabilities	$21,008	$18,554	$16,554

Other Inputs
Payment Days	0	0	0

CompuDate offers computer based matchmaking services. Customers fill out a comprehensive questionnaire/survey and the computer, by making logical connections with people’s characteristics and likes and dislikes, makes an estimate as to who might be a good match for this person. The value of the computer is that once a relevant survey has been developed the computer can quickly and accurately make comparisons between applicants and is accurate in its predictive ability, at least from the level of the information provided by the applicants, choose a good date for the person. The following information is some of the information captured by the survey (please note that this is not an exhaustive list):

Activities enjoyed
Religious preferences

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

CompuDate has identified two distinct market segments. These segments are identified by age, 20-35 year olds and 36-60 year olds. Recognizing that each group has different goals in a matchmaking service and respond differently to marketing messages, CompuDate will target each group distinctly. In terms of potential customers, the elder group contains more potential customers.

CompuDate is competing against three styles of competitors. The first style of online personal classified such as Yahoo! Personals. The second group is similar to the first however it is not Internet-based, it relies on newspaper ads as the medium form. The last type of competitor is the traditional matchmaker services like the Date MatchMaker that relies on an agency to capture information regarding the applicants and then makes the matches on their own.

4.1 Market Segmentation

CompuDate has segmented their market into two distinct segments. These segments are identified by their age. Demographic and assorted details include:

20-35 year olds:

Incomes of $35,000- $85,000.
53% have at least some college education.
23% have a graduate degree.
Enjoy spending time with friends.
Have friends but have difficulty in meeting interesting single people.
Would prefer not to meet people in bar environments, the typical place people of this age group meet others.

36-60 year olds:

Incomes of $55,000- $100,000.
65% of the people have a college degree.
41% have been married once.
As they grow older they have had increased difficulty finding others their age.
Have a tried a multitude of methods for meeting people, generally unsuccessful.
Take the position that it cannot hurt to try new methods of meeting people.

Dating matchmaking service business plan, market analysis summary chart image

Market Analysis
		2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Potential Customers	Growth						CAGR
20-35 year olds	9%	54,996	59,946	65,341	71,222	77,632	9.00%
36-60 year olds	11%	64,009	71,050	78,866	87,541	97,171	11.00%
Total	10.09%	119,005	130,996	144,207	158,763	174,803	10.09%

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

4.3 Service Business Analysis

The matchmaking industry had been fairly stagnant for a number of years, but within the last three years, with the proliferation of online dating services such as Yahoo! Personals, the entire industry has gotten a new breath of life. More and more people are considering dating services as a viable and exciting option. It is not totally clear as to why the online services would have such a positive impact on the entire industry as opposed to just their segment. Industry experts believe that the online services served as a way of legitimizing the industry as a whole as an effective way of meeting quality people.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Online services: The competitors in this segment are kiss.com and Yahoo! Personals. These services took the business model of the paper-based system and moved it online to reach a broader audience and generate economies of scale.
Newspaper-based personals: These competitors have a personal classified system where people write a little ad about themselves and/or who they are looking for and people respond accordingly.
Traditional matchmaker services: This would be CompuDate’s closest competitor, however they do not use a computer for the predictive choices. Questionnaires are filled out and the workers of the company then determine what matches to make.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

CompuDate’s strategy will be the emphasis on its matchmaking system that is more predictive than other systems by analyzing a host of different variables to come up with the most likely candidate. Other systems rely too much on shallow variables such as appearance. While appearance is important, when it is the primary variable, the matchmaking is often temporary. In order to develop a stronger long-term relationship, the other variables must be taken into account. Focus groups indicate that although most people primarily gravitate toward aesthetic considerations, they do so recognizing that this is less than ideal. For whatever reason, when the variables are not longer chosen by the individual themselves but by a service, there is a sense of trust or comfort because it is based on a host of things beyond appearance. Oddly, if people could recognize this and act on their own volition, they would be more predictive themselves in choosing the right people. But as we all know, someone might know what is right but not be able to act appropriately.

5.1 Competitive Edge

CompuDate’s competitive edge is its sophisticated computer analysis program that is quite accurate, in choosing matches for people once the requisite information is entered. Having the right information to make the analysis is imperative in coming up with the right choice. Without the right information to analyze, there is no way to expect the computer to make the right match. This competitive edge is a sustainable competitive advantage because of the proprietary programming that was involved to allow the system to make the appropriate analysis. It is believed that this proprietary technology will give CompuDate better results than its competitors.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

As mentioned before, it is imperative that CompuDate market itself distinctively to the two different market segments. For the younger segment the service must be viewed as the hip choice. CompuDate will use advertisements to increase awareness of CompuDate’s offered services. These ads will give off the impression that cool people use CompuDate, that it is not a last resort for singles, but a fun, helpful service to link up with like-minded people. The magazines that will be used for the advertisements will be hip, cool magazines, the trendy rags.

To appeal to the older crowd, CompuDate must come off as a logically rationed, effective system for choosing mates. CompuDate will emphasize the accuracy of their computer system. It will highlight the detailed information that is collected from the applicants, needed to make an informed choice. It will also be vocal about its success rate which is benchmarked at 45% for long-term relationships, well above the industry average.

5.3 Sales Strategy

CompuDate’s sales strategy will be based on capturing a large number of first time users of this service. This is the goal because CompuDate is confident that it will be much easier (and less expensive) to grow the user base from existing clients than to build it from people that have no connection to CompuDate. This belief is held for two reasons, customers that try CompuDate will be impressed by the effectiveness, regardless if their first experience is a long-term relationship or not, they will see how the computer chooses the matches and that there is an underlying commonality between the choices. Additionally, if CompuDate is as effective as they believe it will be, the current customers will be quite vocal in telling their friends about CompuDate and that will be a strong source of referrals. Incentives for first time customers will at times be given out, applying this previously mentioned philosophy.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

Although CompuDate will be purchasing the assets from a pre-existing company, it believes that the first few months of operation will be relatively slow. This will be a function of the need to generate awareness about CompuDate and the fact that this takes time. Profitability will be reached by month 10 with splendiferous sales by year three.

Dating matchmaking service business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

Sales Forecast
	2003	2004	2005
Sales
20-35	$26,924	$65,907	$84,379
36-60	$43,363	$75,755	$96,987
Total Sales	$70,287	$141,662	$181,366

Direct Cost of Sales	2003	2004	2005
20-35	$1,885	$4,613	$5,907
36-60	$3,035	$5,303	$6,789
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales	$4,920	$9,916	$12,696

5.4 Milestones

Business plan completion
First 100 customers
Profitability
Sustainable revenue

Milestones

Milestone	Start Date	End Date	Budget	Manager	Department
Business plan completion	1/1/2003	2/1/2003	$200	Suzie	Operations
First 100 customers	1/1/2003	5/1/2003	$0	Suzie	Sales
Profitability	1/1/2003	10/1/2003	$0	Suzie	Accounting
Sustainable revenue	1/1/2003	4/1/2004	$0	Suzie	Operations
Totals			$200

Web Plan Summary

Although CompuDate will be actively using computers for the choosing the matches, its use of computers for the website will fairly limited. The website will be used primarily for informational purposes. Users will not have the option of signing up or filling out the survey online, that all must be done in person at CompuDate’s offices.

6.1 Website Marketing Strategy

CompuDate will rely on two methods of generating increased traffic of visitors to its website. The first method is simply the inclusion of the Web address on all forms of literature that CompuDate may hand out. Having the address on these printed forms will certainly encourage more people to check out the website. The second method is the submission of the website and keywords to popular search engines. This is useful because as users type in CompuDate’s name or a related keyword the CompuDate site will come up.

6.2 Development Requirements

CompuDate will utilize a knowledgeable Internet development consultant to complete the site.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Suzie Butterfly received her Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College. Upon graduation she moved out to the West Coast where she went to work at Yahoo! as employee number 234.

Initially she went to work in their search engine division as a project manager. Suzie spent three years in this department, increasing sales by 333%.

After two years with Yahoo! personals she was beginning to get burnt out. She wanted to take some time off and then start her own business, being her own boss.

Feeling comfortable financially (a result of stock options exercised), Suzie left Yahoo! and traveled for eight months. Upon returning Suzie settled in Denver hoping to start her own matchmaking business.

Having spent a while in Yahoo! Personals, she saw the market opportunity and thought that she could make a go of it on her own. Upon her return she began writing a business plan to verify what she believed intuitively, that this could be a profitable (and enjoyable) venture.

7.1 Personnel Plan

The personnel plan is forecasted to have Suzie working exclusively for the first several months, after which she will hire a part-time worker to help with administrative duties.

She will employ a consultant to develop and maintain the website. Suzie will be responsible for operational activities, marketing activities, and some of the accounting. In terms of the operational activities, she will be responsible for vendors relations, customer service, and business development. Suzie will also undertake the marketing activities.

In addition to the marketing activities mentioned in section 5.2, Suzie will make a point to participate in guerrilla marketing which is a grass roots style of marketing where she will be out mingling with perspective customers, “talking up” the services that CompuDate has to offer.

Suzie will also set up the accounting system on QuickBooks Pro. While she will do some of the accounting, much of the general data entry or bookkeeping with be accomplished by the part-time employee.

The employee will be responsible for a wide range of odds and ends activities such as the bookkeeping, customer support, and much of the clerical activities. The leveraging of the part-time employee and consulting assistance will be based on the philosophy that Suzie should only be participating in value-added activities and that she should have a lower paid employee taking care of responsibilities that do not require Suzie’s skills or attention to detail.

Personnel Plan
	2003	2004	2005
Suzie	$30,000	$40,000	$50,000
Part time employee	$21,000	$36,000	$36,000
Total People	3	3	3

Total Payroll	$51,000	$76,000	$86,000

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections will outline important financial information.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The following table details important financial assumptions.

General Assumptions
	2003	2004	2005
Plan Month	1	2	3
Current Interest Rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Long-term Interest Rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Tax Rate	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Other	0	0	0

8.2 Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis indicates what is needed in monthly revenue to reach the break-even point.

Dating matchmaking service business plan, financial plan chart image

Break-even Analysis


Monthly Revenue Break-even	$7,236

Assumptions:
Average Percent Variable Cost	7%
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost	$6,729

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table and charts present the Projected Profit and Loss.

Pro Forma Profit and Loss
	2003	2004	2005
Sales	$70,287	$141,662	$181,366
Direct Cost of Sales	$4,920	$9,916	$12,696
Other Costs of Sales	$0	$0	$0
Total Cost of Sales	$4,920	$9,916	$12,696

Gross Margin	$65,367	$131,746	$168,670
Gross Margin %	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%


Expenses
Payroll	$51,000	$76,000	$86,000
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses	$3,600	$4,000	$4,500
Depreciation	$0	$0	$0
Rent	$6,600	$6,600	$6,600
Utilities	$2,400	$2,400	$2,400
Insurance	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500
Payroll Taxes	$7,650	$11,400	$12,900
Website development/maintenance	$8,000	$2,000	$3,000

Total Operating Expenses	$80,750	$103,900	$116,900

Profit Before Interest and Taxes	($15,383)	$27,846	$51,770
EBITDA	($15,383)	$27,846	$51,770
Interest Expense	$7,000	$7,000	$7,000
Taxes Incurred	$0	$6,254	$13,431

Net Profit	($22,383)	$14,592	$31,339
Net Profit/Sales	-31.85%	10.30%	17.28%

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following table and chart will indicate Projected Cash Flow. Please note that during the month of January there was a cash infusion. This was an investment that Suzie made into the business. Please also note that there was an increase of long-term liabilities. This can be broken down into the purchase of the existing business and needed start-up equipment.

Pro Forma Cash Flow
	2003	2004	2005
Cash Received

Cash from Operations
Cash Sales	$70,287	$141,662	$181,366
Subtotal Cash from Operations	$70,287	$141,662	$181,366

Additional Cash Received
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received	$0	$0	$0
New Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
New Other Liabilities (interest-free)	$0	$0	$0
New Long-term Liabilities	$70,000	$0	$0
Sales of Other Current Assets	$0	$0	$0
Sales of Long-term Assets	$0	$0	$0
New Investment Received	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Cash Received	$140,287	$141,662	$181,366

Expenditures	2003	2004	2005

Expenditures from Operations
Cash Spending	$51,000	$76,000	$86,000
Bill Payments	$44,445	$50,097	$62,962
Subtotal Spent on Operations	$95,445	$126,097	$148,962

Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out	$0	$0	$0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment	$0	$0	$0
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Other Current Assets	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Long-term Assets	$40,000	$0	$0
Dividends	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Cash Spent	$135,445	$126,097	$148,962

Net Cash Flow	$4,842	$15,564	$32,404
Cash Balance	$19,396	$34,960	$67,364

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table will indicate the Projected Balance Sheet.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet
	2003	2004	2005
Assets

Current Assets
Cash	$19,396	$34,960	$67,364
Other Current Assets	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Total Current Assets	$21,396	$36,960	$69,364

Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000
Accumulated Depreciation	$0	$0	$0
Total Long-term Assets	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000
Total Assets	$61,396	$76,960	$109,364

Liabilities and Capital	2003	2004	2005

Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	$3,225	$4,198	$5,262
Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
Other Current Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Current Liabilities	$3,225	$4,198	$5,262

Long-term Liabilities	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000
Total Liabilities	$73,225	$74,198	$75,262

Paid-in Capital	$0	$0	$0
Retained Earnings	$10,554	($11,829)	$2,763
Earnings	($22,383)	$14,592	$31,339
Total Capital	($11,829)	$2,763	$34,102
Total Liabilities and Capital	$61,396	$76,960	$109,364

Net Worth	($11,829)	$2,763	$34,102

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table details common business ratios of this business as well as the Personal Services Industry, NAICS code 812990. Please note that the variance of current assets of this company and the industry can be explained that the bulk of CompuDate’s value is in its software and that it is not in need of many other assets.

Ratio Analysis
	2003	2004	2005	Industry Profile
Sales Growth	117.39%	101.55%	28.03%	9.31%

Percent of Total Assets
Other Current Assets	3.26%	2.60%	1.83%	51.05%
Total Current Assets	34.85%	48.03%	63.43%	68.55%
Long-term Assets	65.15%	51.97%	36.57%	31.45%
Total Assets	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Current Liabilities	5.25%	5.45%	4.81%	27.03%
Long-term Liabilities	114.01%	90.96%	64.01%	35.17%
Total Liabilities	119.27%	96.41%	68.82%	62.20%
Net Worth	-19.27%	3.59%	31.18%	37.80%

Percent of Sales
Sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross Margin	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	49.13%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses	124.85%	82.70%	75.72%	25.78%
Advertising Expenses	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.18%
Profit Before Interest and Taxes	-21.89%	19.66%	28.54%	4.34%

Main Ratios
Current	6.63	8.81	13.18	1.85
Quick	6.63	8.81	13.18	1.42
Total Debt to Total Assets	119.27%	96.41%	68.82%	66.03%
Pre-tax Return on Net Worth	189.22%	754.48%	131.28%	6.63%
Pre-tax Return on Assets	-36.46%	27.09%	40.94%	19.52%

Additional Ratios	2003	2004	2005
Net Profit Margin	-31.85%	10.30%	17.28%	n.a
Return on Equity	0.00%	528.14%	91.90%	n.a

Activity Ratios
Accounts Payable Turnover	12.92	12.17	12.17	n.a
Payment Days	31	27	27	n.a
Total Asset Turnover	1.14	1.84	1.66	n.a

Debt Ratios
Debt to Net Worth	0.00	26.86	2.21	n.a
Current Liab. to Liab.	0.04	0.06	0.07	n.a

Liquidity Ratios
Net Working Capital	$18,171	$32,763	$64,102	n.a
Interest Coverage	-2.20	3.98	7.40	n.a

Additional Ratios
Assets to Sales	0.87	0.54	0.60	n.a
Current Debt/Total Assets	5%	5%	5%	n.a
Acid Test	6.63	8.81	13.18	n.a
Sales/Net Worth	0.00	51.27	5.32	n.a
Dividend Payout	0.00	0.00	0.00	n.a

Sales Forecast
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sales
20-35	0%	$0	$174	$308	$1,072	$2,893	$3,189	$2,432	$2,788	$3,212	$3,434	$3,545	$3,878
36-60	0%	$0	$200	$354	$1,232	$3,325	$3,665	$4,556	$4,989	$5,545	$6,054	$6,565	$6,878
Total Sales		$0	$374	$662	$2,304	$6,218	$6,854	$6,988	$7,777	$8,757	$9,488	$10,110	$10,756

Direct Cost of Sales		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
20-35		$0	$12	$22	$75	$202	$223	$170	$195	$225	$240	$248	$271
36-60		$0	$14	$25	$86	$233	$257	$319	$349	$388	$424	$460	$481
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales		$0	$26	$46	$161	$435	$480	$489	$544	$613	$664	$708	$753

Personnel Plan
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Suzie	0%	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$2,500
Part time employee	0%	$0	$0	$0	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$1,500	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
Total People		1	1	1	2	2	2	2	3	3	3	3	3

Total Payroll		$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500

General Assumptions
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plan Month	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Current Interest Rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Long-term Interest Rate	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Tax Rate	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Pro Forma Profit and Loss
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sales		$0	$374	$662	$2,304	$6,218	$6,854	$6,988	$7,777	$8,757	$9,488	$10,110	$10,756
Direct Cost of Sales		$0	$26	$46	$161	$435	$480	$489	$544	$613	$664	$708	$753
Other Costs of Sales		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total Cost of Sales		$0	$26	$46	$161	$435	$480	$489	$544	$613	$664	$708	$753

Gross Margin		$0	$348	$616	$2,143	$5,783	$6,374	$6,499	$7,233	$8,144	$8,824	$9,402	$10,003
Gross Margin %		0.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%


Expenses
Payroll		$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses		$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300	$300
Depreciation		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Rent		$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550	$550
Utilities		$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200	$200
Insurance		$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125	$125
Payroll Taxes	15%	$375	$375	$375	$600	$600	$600	$600	$825	$825	$825	$825	$825
Website development/maintenance		$4,000	$3,000	$0	$0	$0	$500	$0	$0	$0	$0	$500	$0

Total Operating Expenses		$8,050	$7,050	$4,050	$5,775	$5,775	$6,275	$5,775	$7,500	$7,500	$7,500	$8,000	$7,500

Profit Before Interest and Taxes		($8,050)	($6,702)	($3,434)	($3,632)	$8	$99	$724	($267)	$644	$1,324	$1,402	$2,503
EBITDA		($8,050)	($6,702)	($3,434)	($3,632)	$8	$99	$724	($267)	$644	$1,324	$1,402	$2,503
Interest Expense		$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583	$583
Taxes Incurred		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0

Net Profit		($8,633)	($7,286)	($4,018)	($4,216)	($576)	($485)	$141	($851)	$61	$741	$819	$1,920
Net Profit/Sales		0.00%	-1948.00%	-606.92%	-182.99%	-9.26%	-7.07%	2.01%	-10.94%	0.69%	7.80%	8.10%	17.85%

Pro Forma Cash Flow
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cash Received

Cash from Operations
Cash Sales		$0	$374	$662	$2,304	$6,218	$6,854	$6,988	$7,777	$8,757	$9,488	$10,110	$10,756
Subtotal Cash from Operations		$0	$374	$662	$2,304	$6,218	$6,854	$6,988	$7,777	$8,757	$9,488	$10,110	$10,756

Additional Cash Received
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received	0.00%	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
New Current Borrowing		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
New Other Liabilities (interest-free)		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
New Long-term Liabilities		$70,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Sales of Other Current Assets		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Sales of Long-term Assets		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
New Investment Received		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Cash Received		$70,000	$374	$662	$2,304	$6,218	$6,854	$6,988	$7,777	$8,757	$9,488	$10,110	$10,756

Expenditures		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Expenditures from Operations
Cash Spending		$2,500	$2,500	$2,500	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$4,000	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500	$5,500
Bill Payments		$6,204	$6,101	$5,060	$2,191	$2,529	$2,812	$3,322	$2,857	$3,130	$3,198	$3,266	$3,776
Subtotal Spent on Operations		$8,704	$8,601	$7,560	$6,191	$6,529	$6,812	$7,322	$8,357	$8,630	$8,698	$8,766	$9,276

Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Other Current Assets		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Long-term Assets		$40,000	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Dividends		$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Cash Spent		$48,704	$8,601	$7,560	$6,191	$6,529	$6,812	$7,322	$8,357	$8,630	$8,698	$8,766	$9,276

Net Cash Flow		$21,296	($8,227)	($6,898)	($3,887)	($311)	$42	($334)	($580)	$127	$790	$1,344	$1,480
Cash Balance		$35,850	$27,623	$20,724	$16,837	$16,526	$16,568	$16,234	$15,655	$15,782	$16,572	$17,916	$19,396

Pro Forma Balance Sheet
		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Assets	Starting Balances

Current Assets
Cash	$14,554	$35,850	$27,623	$20,724	$16,837	$16,526	$16,568	$16,234	$15,655	$15,782	$16,572	$17,916	$19,396
Other Current Assets	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000	$2,000
Total Current Assets	$16,554	$37,850	$29,623	$22,724	$18,837	$18,526	$18,568	$18,234	$17,655	$17,782	$18,572	$19,916	$21,396

Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets	$0	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000
Accumulated Depreciation	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total Long-term Assets	$0	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000	$40,000
Total Assets	$16,554	$77,850	$69,623	$62,724	$58,837	$58,526	$58,568	$58,234	$57,655	$57,782	$58,572	$59,916	$61,396

Liabilities and Capital		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	$6,000	$5,929	$4,988	$2,107	$2,436	$2,700	$3,227	$2,753	$3,023	$3,090	$3,139	$3,665	$3,225
Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Other Current Liabilities	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Subtotal Current Liabilities	$6,000	$5,929	$4,988	$2,107	$2,436	$2,700	$3,227	$2,753	$3,023	$3,090	$3,139	$3,665	$3,225

Long-term Liabilities	$0	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000
Total Liabilities	$6,000	$75,929	$74,988	$72,107	$72,436	$72,700	$73,227	$72,753	$73,023	$73,090	$73,139	$73,665	$73,225

Paid-in Capital	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Retained Earnings	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554	$10,554
Earnings	$0	($8,633)	($15,919)	($19,937)	($24,152)	($24,728)	($25,213)	($25,072)	($25,923)	($25,862)	($25,122)	($24,303)	($22,383)
Total Capital	$10,554	$1,921	($5,365)	($9,383)	($13,598)	($14,174)	($14,659)	($14,518)	($15,369)	($15,308)	($14,568)	($13,749)	($11,829)
Total Liabilities and Capital	$16,554	$77,850	$69,623	$62,724	$58,837	$58,526	$58,568	$58,234	$57,655	$57,782	$58,572	$59,916	$61,396

Net Worth	$10,554	$1,921	($5,365)	($9,383)	($13,598)	($14,174)	($14,659)	($14,518)	($15,369)	($15,308)	($14,568)	($13,749)	($11,829)

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6 Successful Strategies for Online Dating Business

Online dating business.

Online dating is one of the most lucrative industries with a current estimated value of almost 9 billion USD. With these figures in mind, starting an online dating business seems like a no-brainer. But hold your horses, going into any business without planning is a sure way to fail woefully. You need to set a clear target and develop a strategy towards obtaining that goal. Will the business focus only on Latina and Asian brides , or will its services extend to other countries? Answering these questions is the first step in developing a strategy. Let’s check out some other successful strategies for your online dating business.

Start with a clear business model

The business is only as strong as the plan. If you decide to ‘wing’ it, you are going to fail 100%! Find a blank sheet or board and start the planning from the very beginning. Answer the following questions:

What is our direction?
What is the product?

Launch a targeted campaign

Now that you have specified a target audience, launch a marketing campaign.

Since most users of online dating services are young people between 20 and 35, your campaign should focus on social media platforms — Facebook and Instagram. Don’t bother about television ads; young people barely watch TV these days.

Hire influencers to endorse your product, and compensate them handsomely. This will cost you more, but it is always worth it. You always want to create an excellent precedent as a new business.

Backup all the talk with quality

But what’s the essence of an aggressive marketing campaign if the product does not deliver?

Before going public with your service, ensure that whatever you are selling is ready to launch.

For example, if you have a dating app or website, it should be finalized and tested before launch. You cannot half-ass a dating service and expect it to compete against the best.

Hire the best designers and developers with experience in the dating industry to work on your services. These pros understand user experience and will deliver quality.

Moreover, security is part of the quality expected from your services. Users want to make sure that this new product is not a scam. As a result, they will check reviews and user testimonials before signing up.

Stand out of the pile

Well, it might seem that there are no unique ideas for online dating services. But the truth is that there is always room for innovation. You can use AI to assist people that want to find an Asian bride.

Also, you also include advanced communication features. Users definitely love a Facetime app that works like Tinder. There is an idea for you.

Engage the customers

Talking to your customers and potential clients will increase your conversion rates . When a user buys a service from your site or app, that is a conversion. Now, your next task is to keep that customer engaged and satisfied.

Forums will help you gather information about user concerns. You can also use them to share how to get an Asian bride using your services.

Analyze and make adjustments

Always analyze the business’s progress to find out possible rooms for adjustment. Don’t worry; we all make mistakes at the start. Correcting those mistakes will streamline your business and help it run like a well-oiled machine.

You can use services like Google Analytics to monitor traffic and other user data on your Asian wives’ site. If you need more in-depth analysis, hire an analyst.

Ultimately, any business can only run smoothly with a coherent plan. Implement these different strategies to ensure your online dating business stands the test of time. Remember to stay in contact with your customers and increase conversion.

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Dating Services Business Plan Sample

Published Aug.28, 2013

Updated Apr.22, 2024

By: Noor Muhammad

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Do you want to start a Dating services business plan?

Do you want to start a dating services business? The business is a great choice as the demand for dating services doesn’t go away. You also don’t need to worry about any specializations or qualifications for starting this business. You can start the business on a small scale by following a comprehensiv e business plan for an internet dating service.

Even though this business is straightforward, you will still need to organize everything to learn how to start a dating agency business. The best thing for managing everything is to write up a business plan. For this, you can take help from business plan experts , or you can look at other business plans such as online retailer business plan Here, we have provided all the necessary details of Connect.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Connect will be a dating service startup owned and started by Gillian Flynn. The service will be aimed at the single community of the New Orleans area. It will offer various services ranging from socialization events to specific data-based matches to its clients.

2.2 Management of Dating Services Company

To make sure that your business is properly managed, you need a well-thought-out business business plan for a dating service In your online dating business plan, you should consider all the resources that you possess and how to utilize them to start an online dating service business. This will help you in maintaining your business and preventing loss.

In this mobile startup business plan, we are detailing everything needed to organize and start a business. You can use this business plan as a reference or something similar like an online shopping site business plan .

2.3 Customers of Dating Services Company

Connect will cater to all types of social circles and ethnicities. Its customers will belong to different types of work domains. However, some of the primary customer groups are as follows:

Bachelors and Bachelorettes
Divorced People
Widows/Widowers

2.4 Business Target

The target of Connect is to become a safe and reliable way for people to meet each other, so they don’t have to face any issues.

The financial targets the business wants to achieve within the first four years are demonstrated below:

Dating Services - 3 Years Profit Forecast

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Gillian Flynn will be the owner and manager of Connect. He finished his bachelor’s three years ago, after which he climbed the management ladder of a social service business. However, he also wanted to start his own business. So, he decided to use his experience to start the dating service Connect.

3.2 Why the Dating services company is being started

Gillian noticed that there were not a lot of safe options for people to meet each other. And whatever options there were, they were all very sparse. There, he saw the potential to solve the problem. So he decided to bring innovation to the field and develop an app and a service for this purpose. The result of the effort was Connect, designed to make dating easier.

3.3 How the Dating services company will be started

Step1: Plan Everything

The first step to initiating a dating services company is going through a dating website business model in detail. After research, draft a business plan for your startup as per your specifics.

Gillian developed a thorough management plan for starting an online dating service . You can follow this business plan if you want to learn how to make your own dating website. You can also look at other samples, such as a business plan for SaaS . Creating a dating website isn’t easy, so you should take help from wherever you can to understand the management requirements of the business.

Step2: Define the Brand

The next step is to promote your business and its services. You can do this through marketing and sales plans. The best way to highlight your business and gain a competitive advantage over your competitors is to highlight your values and your benefits in comparison to the market.

Step3: Establish Your Corporate Office

Gillian decided to rent out an office in a commercial building in New Orleans to start his business. He will now form a team to manage the business and develop the website and the application.

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

The main focus of the business is on a mobile application and a website. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an online presence and reach out to as many people as possible. Increasing online presence for the business will help keep the business afloat and make it more profitable.

Step5: Promote and Market

The last thing to do now is complete the marketing plan and promote the business by following it.


Legal	$143,500
Consultants	$0
Insurance	$23,000
Rent	$34,300
Research and Development	$10,000
Expensed Equipment	$56,000
Signs	$3,400

Start-up Assets	$288,400
Cash Required	$243,000
Start-up Inventory	$39,000
Other Current Assets	$240,000
Long-term Assets	$287,000



Start-up Expenses to Fund	$270,200
Start-up Assets to Fund	$1,097,400

Assets
Non-cash Assets from Start-up	$1,424,800
Cash Requirements from Start-up	$162,000
Additional Cash Raised	$50,000
Cash Balance on Starting Date	$35,000

Liabilities and Capital
Liabilities	$18,000
Current Borrowing	$0
Long-term Liabilities	$0
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)	$54,300
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)	$0

Capital
Planned Investment	$1,367,600
Investor 1	$0
Investor 2	$0
Other	$0
Additional Investment Requirement	$0

Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)	$231,900

Before starting a dating service business, you need to filter out the services you will provide to your customers in the beginning. That way, you can plan everything accordingly in your online dating website business plan

You can follow this business plan guide if you are wondering how to start an online dating service business You can also use small business cyber security plan to get started.

All dating business ideas are different from each other. However, as Gillian decided to offer many different services, you can use this plan to know how to open a dating website

Below are the services that Connect will provide.

Application (Ad revenue)

Connect is an app-based business. Therefore, we will have a high quality and interactive app where users can:

Add their details
Find prospective matches around them
Look at the details of people they are interested in
Chat with interested people
Website (Ad revenue)

Connect will also have a website with almost the same features as the application. This is so that people don’t have to download the app to meet other people. Our customers can date without burdening their phones.

Socialization Events (Direct revenue)

We’ll also provide engagement and socialization events in different locations across New Orleans for people who prefer meeting people face to face. This service will cater to our older clients who don’t prefer technology all too much.

Screening Services (Direct revenue)

Our last service will be the screening service. Our users will be matched with each other on the website or app through a strict screening process. It will ensure both safety and privacy of our clients.

While the last two services will be directly paid by users, for the first two services, we’ll be generating our revenue from the ads displayed to the users.

Marketing Analysis of Dating Services Company

To start dating service business, you should have excellent knowledge about your target market and competitors. The best way to learn this knowledge is to do an in-depth marketing analysis when opening your dating agency services.

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Your marketing analysis to open dating service should include details like current, past, and future market trends. This information will help you analyze your company’s expenditures and set service prices. In addition, it will guide you in how to create an online dating service and how to manage it as well.

You can use this document if you don’t know what to include in your marketing plan or how to start a dating service company As Gillian has a versatile target market, you can use this marketing plan to learn how to start graphic design business

Below, we have provided marketing details relevant to Connect.

5.1 Market Trends

According to PRNewswire, the online dating application market is growing at a rate of 5.6%, and it is expected to reach a market size of 11 billion in 2028. This shows that the demand for dating services is slowing anytime soon. However, in general, more people require these services. Therefore, it is good to start a dating service application as it is expected to have a good market for profitability.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The potential customers of Connect are divided into the following groups:

Dating Services - Marketing Segmentation

Immigration business plan

5.2.1 bachelors and bachelorettes.

Our primary customers will be the bachelors and bachelorettes living in and around New Orleans. They are expected to be in the age group 20-35, and they’re expected to utilize our services the most.

5.2.2 Divorced People

Our second target customer base will be divorced people looking to connect with people again. They can use our screening services to find other divorced people or any one of their choices.

5.2.3 Widow/Widower

This will be our third target group of customers. They are also expected to use our application and website to find relevant matches regularly. These people are expected to be between the ages of 40-60, and they will find our socialization events most attractive.

5.2.4 Investors

Lastly, we will also cater to investors looking to invest in a profitable startup. We will be posting our financial statements on our websites for investors to go through. That way, they can see if the business is something they would be interested in investing in.



Bachelors	40%	43,900	52,680	63,216	75,859	91,031	10.00%
Divorcees	30%	34,800	41,760	50,112	60,134	72,161	10.00%
Widows	25%	21,700	26,040	31,248	37,498	44,997	10.00%
Investors	5%	21,300	25,560	30,672	36,806	44,168	11.00%
							10%

5.3 Business Target

To become a secure and reliable dating service in New Orleans
To expand our offerings to other nearby locations as well
To earn a net profit margin of $50k per month by the end of the third year
To achieve and maintain a customer satisfaction score above 97%

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices will be much lower as compared to other dating services present in New Orleans. And we will also provide added benefits like networking events.

Marketing Strategy

When starting a online dating service, you need to be mindful of the fact that a lot of businesses offer dating services. So, you need to offer several competitive advantages to your customers to attract them.

To market a dating service company, you can develop a marketing strategy. This will guide you in how to start a dating service online And it will also help highlight you so that more and more people recognize your company.

In this business plan, we are providing the marketing strategies of Connect. You can use this as a guide to including a marketing plan in your internet business plan as well.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

We have a swift customer support service. Our customers can contact our helpline at any time for any queries or issues.
We have a website and a mobile app so our customers can use our services however they like.
We will implement a strict screening process to ensure the safety and privacy of our customers.
We will also hold networking sessions for older customers who are not comfortable using technology to meet new people.

6.2 Sales Strategy

We will advertise our services through social media, TV, and posters.
We will offer specialized services to our returning users.
We will also offer a money-back guarantee to our customers in case of an issue.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

Online business depends a lot on the efficiency of the support staff available. Gillian understood the importance of competent support services. So, he included a list of personnel needed for the smooth running of the business in his dating service business plan

If you want to learn how to start dating service business, you can take help from this business plan.

7.1 Company Staff

1 Service Manager
8 Customer Support Employees
1 IT Technician to upkeep the computers
1 Web Developer to manage online sites
1 Application Developer to manage the App
2 Sales Executives to organize and promote sales
1 Accountant

7.2 Average Salary of Employees



Service Manager	$33,000	$36,300	$39,930
Customer Support	$210,000	$231,000	$254,100
IT Technician	$24,000	$26,400	$29,040
Web Developer	$24,000	$26,400	$29,040
App Devloper	$26,000	$28,600	$31,460
Sales Executives	$24,000	$26,400	$29,040
Accountant	$25,000	$27,500	$30,250

Financial Plan

Your business won’t be successful just because you have users. The success of a business depends on a lot more factors. Managing a business, especially an online one, can quickly become complex. To make things easier, you should include a financial plan as a part of your dating service business plan It will ensure that you utilize your resources efficiently and do not go into a loss.

A financial plan should consider all your expenses and your investments to figure out the cost of services you will offer. In this business plan, we are describing what is a dating service business. We also include all management details like marketing and finance plans.

8.1 Important Assumptions



Plan Month	1	2	3
Current Interest Rate	8.12%	8.20%	8.26%
Long-term Interest Rate	8.40%	8.44%	8.47%
Tax Rate	24.03%	24.21%	24.60%
Other	0	0	0

8.2 Break-even Analysis


Monthly Units Break-even	5340
Monthly Revenue Break-even	$132,500
Assumptions:
Average Per-Unit Revenue	$231.00
Average Per-Unit Variable Cost	$0.62
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost	$163,800

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss





Other	$0	$0	$0
TOTAL COST OF SALES


Expenses
Payroll	$366,000	$402,600	$442,860
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses	$145,000	$148,000	$156,000
Depreciation	$2,300	$2,350	$2,500
Leased Equipment	$0	$0	$0
Utilities	$2,900	$3,000	$3,100
Insurance	$2,100	$2,100	$2,100
Rent	$2,900	$3,000	$3,200
Payroll Taxes	$24,000	$25,000	$27,000
Other	$0	$0	$0

Profit Before Interest and Taxes	$179,300	$334,878	$559,920
EBITDA	$179,300	$334,878	$559,920
Interest Expense	$0	$0	$0
Taxes Incurred	$35,860	$66,976	$111,984
Net Profit	$143,440	$267,902	$447,936
Net Profit/Sales	11.98%	18.19%	24.74%

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow


Cash Received
Cash from Operations
Cash Sales	$51,000	$55,080	$59,486
Cash from Receivables	$22,000	$23,760	$25,661
SUBTOTAL CASH FROM OPERATIONS
Additional Cash Received
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received	$0	$0	$0
New Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
New Other Liabilities (interest-free)	$0	$0	$0
New Long-term Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
Sales of Other Current Assets	$0	$0	$0
Sales of Long-term Assets	$0	$0	$0
New Investment Received	$0	$0	$0
SUBTOTAL CASH RECEIVED
Expenditures	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Expenditures from Operations
Cash Spending	$42,000	$42,000	$45,000
Bill Payments	$27,000	$28,000	$31,000
SUBTOTAL SPENT ON OPERATIONS
Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out	$0	$0	$0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment	$0	$0	$0
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Other Current Assets	$0	$0	$0
Purchase Long-term Assets	$0	$0	$0
Dividends	$0	$0	$0
SUBTOTAL CASH SPENT
Net Cash Flow	$21,000	$23,000	$25,000
Cash Balance	$27,000	$30,000	$33,000

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet


Assets
Current Assets
Cash	$275,000	$308,000	$338,800
Accounts Receivable	$24,000	$26,880	$30,213
Inventory	$4,300	$4,816	$4,900
Other Current Assets	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets	$10,000	$10,000	$10,000
Accumulated Depreciation	$19,400	$21,728	$24,444
TOTAL LONG-TERM ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
Liabilities and Capital	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable	$18,700	$20,944	$23,541
Current Borrowing	$0	$0	$0
Other Current Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
SUBTOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term Liabilities	$0	$0	$0
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Paid-in Capital	$30,000	$30,000	$31,000
Retained Earnings	$53,000	$57,770	$63,547
Earnings	$193,400	$210,806	$231,887
TOTAL CAPITAL
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Net Worth	$293,400	$319,806	$351,787

8.6 Business Ratios



Sales Growth	7.25%	8.03%	8.90%	3.00%
Percent of Total Assets
Accounts Receivable	9.21%	10.20%	11.31%	9.80%
Inventory	5.39%	5.97%	6.62%	9.90%
Other Current Assets	2.11%	2.34%	2.59%	2.40%
Total Current Assets	149.80%	151.00%	152.00%	158.00%
Long-term Assets	11.55%	11.60%	11.64%	12.00%
TOTAL ASSETS
Current Liabilities	4.90%	4.94%	4.98%	4.34%
Long-term Liabilities	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Total Liabilities	7.59%	7.65%	7.72%	7.38%
NET WORTH
Percent of Sales
Sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross Margin	94.60%	97.15%	99.87%	99.00%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses	93.56%	96.09%	98.78%	97.80%
Advertising Expenses	1.52%	1.56%	1.60%	1.40%
Profit Before Interest and Taxes	41.50%	42.62%	43.81%	33.90%
Main Ratios
Current	34	35	36	32
Quick	33	33.8	34.645	33
Total Debt to Total Assets	0.18%	0.18%	0.17%	0.40%
Pre-tax Return on Net Worth	74.08%	74.89%	75.00%	75.00%
Pre-tax Return on Assets	96.30%	101.12%	106.17%	111.30%
Additional Ratios	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3
Net Profit Margin	33.56%	34.60%	35.67%	N.A.
Return on Equity	55.80%	57.53%	59.31%	N.A.
Activity Ratios
Accounts Receivable Turnover	7.7	7.8	7.8	N.A.
Collection Days	100	100	100	N.A.
Inventory Turnover	32.4	34.02	35	N.A.
Accounts Payable Turnover	15.6	16	16.3	N.A.
Payment Days	27	27	27	N.A.
Total Asset Turnover	2.5	2.5	2.6	N.A.
Debt Ratios
Debt to Net Worth	-0.04	-0.03	-0.04	N.A.
Current Liab. to Liab.	1	1	1	N.A.
Liquidity Ratios
Net Working Capital	$244,000	$257,664	$272,093	N.A.
Interest Coverage	0	0	0	N.A.
Additional Ratios
Assets to Sales	0.85	0.87	0.89	N.A.
Current Debt/Total Assets	1%	0%	0%	N.A.
Acid Test	29	29.12	29.16	N.A.
Sales/Net Worth	2.1	2.2	2.2	N.A.
Dividend Payout	0	0	0	N.A.

1. How do I start my own dating agency?

You can start your dating agency by developing a good dating service business plan

2. Is a dating website profitable?

The profitability of your dating site depends on a lot of factors like how much you earn, what your expenses are, and what your target market is like.

3. How much do dating apps make?

To learn how much a dating app might make, you must develop a financial plan. This is usually a part of your business plan.

4. What is the most successful dating site?

You can understand the success of a dating site through its business plan.

Download Dating Services Business Plan Sample in pdf

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Dating App Business Plan Template & Guidebook

How to write a dating app business plan in 7 steps:, 1. describe the purpose of your dating app business., 2. products & services offered by your dating app business., 3. build a creative marketing stratgey., target market, customer base , product or service description, competitive analysis, marketing channels, form an llc in your state, 4. write your operational plan., what equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a dating app business, 5. management & organization of your dating app business., 6. dating app business startup expenses & captial needed., 7. financial plan & projections, frequently asked questions about dating app business plans:, why do you need a business plan for a dating app business, who should you ask for help with your dating app business plan, can you write a dating app business plan yourself, related business plans, home inventory business plan template & guidebook, home inspection business plan template & guidebook, home decor business plan template & guidebook, health and wellness business plan template & guidebook, hauling business plan template & guidebook, hardware business plan template & guidebook, handyman business plan template & guidebook, hair extension business plan template & guidebook, handbag business plan template & guidebook.

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Dating and Matchmaking Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Are you about starting a dating & matchmaking company ? If YES, here is a detailed sample matchmaking business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

Aside from making money, the major essence of starting a business should be to solve a problem in the society. As an aspiring entrepreneur in the United States of America, one of the many problems in the society that you can solve is that of singlehood and you can solve the problem by starting your own dating & matchmaking company.

A dating & matchmaking company provides a reliable platform where eligible bachelors and spinsters network to find their life partners.

Usually, they run a website where clients display their pictures, profiles and their intentions. Dating & matchmaking service is classified under the dating services industry, and the industry is indeed huge in the united states of America.

Just like most business, the service is open for as many people that are interested as long as you have what it takes to run the business.

Even if you don’t have the finance and other requirements for starting a standard dating & matchmaking company, you can come into the industry by starting out as a small business creating platforms where singles in your immediate community can network and connect.

If you have decided to start a dating & matchmaking services company, then you must make sure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey.

This will enable you properly locate the business in a community or city with the right demography (a city with loads of eligible bachelors and spinsters); a location that can readily accept your services and adequately reward you for it.

Below is a sample dating & matchmaking business plan template that will help you successfully write yours without much stress.

A Sample Dating & Matchmaking Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Dating and matchmaking services company is part of the dating services industry and the industry is made up of companies that provide services that allow eligible singles to meet with other eligible singles, usually with the intent of pursuing romantic relationships.

Matchmaking services can be provided via phone, internet, magazine and newspaper. It is important to state that organizations that specialize in singles events, such as speed dating et al are part of the dating services industry, but social networking sites that are not strictly dating sites are not part of the industry.

The industry to a large extent has performed pretty well over the years as a growing number of eligible singles turn to the internet looking for mates and love. The proliferation of broadband internet connection and greater legitimacy surrounding online dating has helped the industry outpace the overall economy and capture a rising share of the consumer dollar.

Going forward, the percentage of households with access to the internet is projected to continue rising throughout the period, which will in turn help expand the consumer market for online dating services.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 6,747 registered and licensed dating/matchmaking services responsible for directly employing about 9,592 people and the industry rakes in about $3 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 5.3 percent annual growth within 2012 and 2017. It is important to state that eHarmony and Match Group are the leaders in the industry.

A recent report published by IBISWorld shows that the regions with the greatest concentration of industry establishments are the Southeast, West, Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes. The report shows that the distribution of industry establishments is largely based on the share of the population within a given region as well as the age structure of that population.

The report further stated that dating service companies situate themselves near large population centers to increase the size of their client base.

The Southeast is home to 25.6 percent of the US population, and has the greatest share of industry establishments, estimated at 29.3 percent. Florida alone has one of the highest concentrations of industry establishments at 14.1 percent of the total. Population density in the South has grown in the past decade, according to US Census data.

The dating services industry will continue to blossom because more and more eligible bachelors and spinsters will emerge and realize that somehow, they would need the services of matchmaking services to help them connect with other eligible singles.

From all available statistics, it is safer to say the dating services industry is growing steadily despite the competitive nature of the industry.

One thing is certain if you are well positioned (both online and offline), you have the required business skills, networks and you have a robust assemblage of eligible spinsters and bachelors under your network, you are likely not going to struggle to compete in the dating services industry.

Other factors that encourage entrepreneurs to start their own dating and matchmaking company could be that the business is easy to set up and the startup capital is indeed affordable; you can actually start your own dating and matchmaking services company from the comfort of your house.

All you need to do is to create an office somewhere in your house and have a functional and user-friendly dating website. People usually pay you for the services you render.

2. Executive Summary

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is a professional and licensed dating and matchmaking firm that allows eligible singles to meet with each other, usually with the intent of pursuing romantic relationships. We will provide our dating and matchmaking services via phone, internet, magazine and newspaper and also specialize in organizing single’s events, such as speed dating et al.

Our business will be located between a well – populated residential estate and a campus community in in Colorado Springs – Colorado, United States of America.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is a client-focused and result driven dating and matchmaking services that provides broad – based dating and matchmaking approaches at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.

At Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc., our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics especially as it relates to confidentiality.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a dating and matchmaking service, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely.

Our overall business goal is to position our dating and matchmaking service to become the leading brand in the industry in the whole of Colorado Springs – Colorado, United States of America, and also to be amongst the top 3 dating and matchmaking services business in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are confident that Colorado Springs is the right place to launch our dating and matchmaking business.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is founded by Dr. Trina Capello and she will run the business with Dr. Daniela McCook. Dr. Trina Capello is a certified and renowned relationship expert and counselor. They are both members of Certified and Professional Matchmaker Network, Certified Matchmaker (CMM), Certified Professional Matchmaker and Licensed Bashert Matchmaker – NLP™ Clarity. She has over 20 years’ experience in the industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Our intention of starting our dating and matchmaking business is to help our clients overcome their dating challenges, achieve their relationship goals and improve their romance life and of course to also make profits. Our service offerings are listed below;

Providing online personal introductory services
Providing specialist print media introductory services
Providing cell phone introductory services
Organizing singles events
Relationship counseling and therapy
Retailing of relationship books and materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective dating and matchmaking business that will become the number one choice for everyone who desires a date or relationship in and around Colorado Springs – Colorado and the whole of the United States of America.
Our mission is to provide affordable, professional and highly effective dating and matchmaking services to a wide range of clients that cuts across different divides. We want to position Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. to become one of the leading dating services in the industry, and also to be amongst the top 3 dating firms in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operation.

Our Business Structure

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc., is a dating and matchmaking firm that intend starting small in Colorado Springs – Colorado, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading firms in the industry.

At Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc., we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, passionate, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff/partners and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer
Relationship Expert, and Counselors

Office and Web Administrator

Marketing Executives

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Principal Partner / Chief Executive Officer:

Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
Responsible for providing direction for the business
Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
Evaluates the success of the organization

Relationship Expert, and Counselor

In charge of relationship counseling and therapy
Handle any other duty as assigned by the Principal Partner / CEO.
Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the organization’s website and social media handles
Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc.
Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
Carrying out induction for new team members
Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments

Marketing Executive

Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
Responsible for administering payrolls
Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
Manages administrative duties assigned by the principal partners in an effective and timely manner
Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured dating and matchmaking business that can favorably compete in the industry.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc.;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in dating and matchmaking services business. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

A notable weakness that we might be coming into the industry with is the fact that we may not have enough money to budget for massive online and offline promotion and advertising.

Opportunities:

Come to think of it, there are loads of eligible singles who are finding it difficult to date or meet the right partner hence the need to pick membership in dating and matchmaking sites. As a standard dating and matchmaking services organization, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion whatever effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a dating and matchmaking services operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect business such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending/purchasing power.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Trends

The trend in the dating and matchmaking industry shows that in the last half decade, the industry has grown consistently. Dating and matchmaking services are needed regardless of economic conditions, which insulate the industry from economic fluctuations.

Going forward, as people continue to be employed and regain a steady income, membership fee for dating and matchmaking will become more affordable, prompting consumers to seek dating and matchmaking services when needed.

One thing is certain, the trend in the dating and matchmaking industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to acquire as much certifications as possible and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients. The truth is that if your clients experienced huge difference in their romance life using the services of your organization, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization.

Another notable trend in this industry is the influence of technology; the advent of technology is responsible for the increase in income generated by dating and matchmaking services firms all over the world. With technology, it is now easier for dating firms to work with clients that are thousands of kilometers away from them.

Tools like video calling / Skype, YouTube, live chat and Webcast et al are being used by dating and matchmaking firms to match make people in different parts of the world.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard dating and matchmaking services organization, Link Up© Matchmaking Services are well trained and equipped to service a wide range of clients who are single or who desire a date and romantic relationship. Our target market as a dating and matchmaking services firm cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life.

We are coming into the dating and matchmaking industry with a business concept and company’s profile that will enable us work with clients from different backgrounds and status. Below is a list of the clients that we have specifically designed our dating and matchmaking services for;

College students

Our Competitive Advantage

The dating and matchmaking services industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can help them overcome their dating challenges. It is the practice for relationship experts to acquire as much certifications as it relates to their area of specialization; it is part of what will make them stay competitive in the industry

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the dating and matchmaking industry means that you should be able to help your members connect and date their desired partner and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. might be a new dating and matchmaking services firm in Colorado Springs – Colorado, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry. They are highly qualified relationship experts that can help their clients overcome their dating challenges.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our relationship experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us counsel clients in different parts of the world from our online portals.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions amongst dating and matchmaking firms in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to meet their targets and the overall goal of Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. We will also ensure that our clients overcome their dating challenges in record time.

Our goal is to grow Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. to become one of the top 3 dating and matchmaking services in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Colorado Springs – Colorado but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

Introduce our dating and matchmaking services firm by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, religious organizations, colleges and key stake holders in Colorado Springs – Colorado.
Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
Use friends and family to spread word about our dating firm
Post information about our dating and matchmaking services firm on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our dating and matchmaking services firm
Advertise our dating and matchmaking services firm in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations
Engage direct marketing approach
Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients.

Sources of Income

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the dating and matchmaking industry and we are going to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. will generate income by offering the following dating and matchmaking services;

10. Sales Forecast

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Colorado Springs – Colorado and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six months of operation and grow our dating and matchmaking business and our clientele base.

We have been able to examine the private counseling market, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below are the sales projections for Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc., it is based on the location of our dating and matchmaking services company;

First Fiscal Year: $250,000
Second Fiscal Year: $400,000
Third Fiscal Year: $650,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for clients in the whole of Colorado Springs – Colorado which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our business.

Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
Install our Billboards in strategic locations all around Colorado Springs – Colorado.
Engage in roadshow from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
List our dating and matchmaking services firm in local directories / yellow pages
Advertise our life dating and matchmaking services firm in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organizations’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special clients on hourly basis. At Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. we will keep our membership fees below the average market rate by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our clients at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some clients that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Payment via bank transfer
Payment via online bank transfer
Payment via mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for dating and matchmaking services without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Setting up a dating and matchmaking services is cost effective since you are not expected to invest in expensive gadgets or machines except for the money needed to rent and equip a standard office facility and of course pay your employees and bills.

However, this is what it would cost us to start a standard dating and matchmaking service in the United States of America;

Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
Equipping the office (computers, internet facility, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
The cost for accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ($3,500).
Launching an official website will cost – $500
Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set up a medium scale but standard dating and matchmaking firm in the United States of America.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is a partnership business that will be owned by Dr. Trina Capello and she will run the business with Dr. Daniela McCook. They are the only financiers of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our dating and matchmaking services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Link Up© Matchmaking Services Company, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

Business Name Availability Check : Completed
Business Incorporation: Completed
Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
Application for business license and permit: Completed
Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
Writing of Business Plan: Completed
Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
Design of Logo for the school: Completed
Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
Recruitment of employees: In Progress
Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
Creating awareness for the business in Colorado Springs – Colorado: In Progress
Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress.

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Getting Started with Your Dating Plan

Imagine if dating was like launching a startup – meticulous, strategic, and results-oriented.

As with any solid plan, your dating plan should be dynamic—adaptable, open to shifts and revisions.

Writing this plan down isn’t just a formality, but a call to deliberate, strategize, and crystallize your dating approach. As you step onto this exciting path of strategic dating, let’s delve into key elements that will shape your journey:

Mission Statement: Your dating goals.
Executive Summary: What sets you apart.
Budget & Time: Your available resources.
Marketing Strategy: How you present yourself.
Execution: Your dating actions.

This five-part dating plan guide is a supplement to our original article on entrepreneur dating titled: ‘ How to Find Love While You Chase Your Passion ‘ — which provides 10 actionable dating strategies for entrepreneurs and career-focused professionals to achieve a successful dating life when they’re busy.

How to use this guide:

The intent of this guide is to get you set up with a customized dating plan template you can use going forward.

Begin by opening a blank document, such as Google Docs . Create five sections titled ‘ Mission Statement ,’ ‘ Executive Summary ’, ‘ Dating Budget ’ and Marketing Strategy . As you go through each section, write down your answers to any questions or fill-in-the-blanks.

Add your own notes to tailor your dating plan.

OKAY–Let’s dive in:

PART I: MISSION STATEMENT

Defining your dating goals and objectives is crucial – without a clear vision, how will you find what you’re looking for?

Think about it like this – entrepreneurs have a clear picture of their target audience. In fact, they usually begin with a marketing plan . This allows them to cater to their customers’ needs. This same approach can be beneficial in your dating journey.

Start by populating the following dating goal statement (fill in the blanks):

“I want to share my life with someone who is __[describe your dream partner]__, which allows me to live a life that __[describe what your dream life looks like]__. I won’t tolerate __[describe your deal breaker(s)]__.”

This isn’t about perfection, but about understanding your desires.

Now, further define your goal statement by writing down basic attributes, preferences, and considerations that are important to you in a partner: ___________________

Personality
Physical Attributes
Sexual orientation
Political/Social Views
Health Habits
Family/Children

Now, indicate the importance level:

Deal-breaker
Nice-to-have

If you’re unsure, classify it as a ‘ nice to have ‘. For those marked as ‘necessities,’ write down why it’s important to you.

Image of Five-Part Dating Plan Guide, Dating Template & Planner | From Natfluence

After this exercise, return to your initial goal statement. Refine it based on your newfound clarity. This will serve as your dating mission statement.

PART II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Your dating executive summary is your snapshot. It encapsulates you, showing potential partners what to expect. This summary must be honest and reflective of you, aligning with your mission statement.

Brainstorm a list of your ‘features’ and ‘benefits’ as described below:

YOUR DATING FEATURES

‘ Features ‘ are your attributes – they paint a picture of you.

Here are some examples:

Passions & Interests
Lifestyle & Hobbies
Work & Side Hustles
Personality Type

YOUR DATING BENEFITS

While “features” relate more to relevant facts and descriptors about you, “benefits” relate more to the value you offer a potential partner.

This value is subjective, varying from person to person. Be honest – this authenticity will attract the right partner for you.

Top achievements and accomplishments
What you’re complimented on
What you’ve created or built
How you make people feel

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

For context, look at this ad for Rowdy Energy Drinks . Its features are that it’s plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free. But the benefit? It gives you more energy and hydration.

Using this as a reference, write down your features and benefits. Next, translate each feature into a benefit in the context of dating.

Here’s a basic example:

Feature	Description	Benefit in Dating Context
Good listener	I’m patient, understanding, and empathetic	I can understand and empathize with my partner’s feelings and experiences
Adventurous	I enjoy trying new activities and experiences	I can bring excitement and novelty to the relationship
Career-oriented	I’m ambitious and driven in my career	I can provide stability and ambition to the relationship
Healthy lifestyle	I exercise regularly and eat healthily	I can encourage and inspire a healthy lifestyle in a partner

To go deeper with defining your personal dating brand, leverage the Natfluence personal branding worksheet for ideas.

DRAFT YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

Next, use the exercise above to craft your tagline or personal brand pitch .

Distill your features and benefits into 1-3 captivating sentences that reflect what you care about and accurately describe you. Have different versions of these ‘dating pitch’ sentences handy for various situations.

Dating Pitch 1:

Innovative tech entrepreneur with a penchant for high-stakes poker games and Michelin-star dining experiences. My world is a thrilling spin of disruptive technologies and weekend escapes to the serene vineyards.

Key Dating Benefit: Offers a partner excitement in the world of tech, luxury dining experiences, and romantic escapes to tranquil vineyards.

Dating Pitch 2:

Human rights lawyer turned wildlife conservationist, I navigate with equal ease between the intensity of courtroom battles and the wild, untamed beauty of African landscapes. My existence is a tapestry of advocating justice, savouring the perfect brew of coffee, and discovering beauty in the unexpected.

Key Dating Benefit: Provides a partner with a thrilling balance of passion for justice, adventurous spirit, and shared quiet moments over a perfect cup of coffee.

Dating Pitch 3:

As a doctor, I heal; as a jazz musician, I inspire. My life oscillates between caring for others and creating soul-stirring melodies. I cherish profound conversations, impromptu travel, and tranquil evenings engrossed in a compelling narrative.

Key Dating Benefit: Promises a partner a compassionate companion, shared soulful music, stimulating discussions, spontaneous trips, and cozy evenings immersed in captivating stories.

By completing the exercise above, you’ve crafted an engaging dating pitch. Now you’re set to make a great impression, whether during a chat or on your dating profile

PART III: BUDGET AND TIME

In dating, like in any venture, you need the right resources. Two key ones are time and money.

Image of Dating Budget Planner from Natfluence Five-Part Dating Plan Guide, Dating Template

Having a defined budget will help you to determine what you can reasonably spend money on in your journey to finding your partner. It’s also a useful exercise for identifying the “ hidden costs ” associated with dating.

Examples of potential costs include monthly dues or subscriptions fees for dating apps, costs associated with going on dates (transportation, meals, drinks, clothes, grooming), professional services, photo shoots, dating coaches, and events you might attend.

To determine your budget, you need to first identify what you have to work with. To do this, e stimate your monthly income , and then estimate your monthly spending . From what’s left, allocate a percentage of this to dating expenses, and monitor this budget closely.

Image of Dating Budget Planner Template from the "A Five-Part Dating Plan: How to Date Like it’s Your Business" article

Looking for more specific guidance on how to determine an appropriate budget for dating?

Check out our Dating Budget Planner , an editable template that you can download and use to create, manage and monitor your dating spending.

For budget-friendly first date ideas, see the Natfluence Entrepreneur Dating Guide .

Time is precious and limited. To make the most of it, establish your availability and set clear goals.

Dedicate a specific portion of your week to dating activities, and set realistic targets for what you want to accomplish in the short term (e.g., 1 month) and long term (e.g., 3 months, 6 months).

A tentative timeline can serve as your roadmap. It keeps you focused, holds you accountable, and propels you towards your targets.

For additional guidance on managing your time and setting up a dating schedule, see our our Dating Plan Execution Framework guide.

PART IV: MARKETING STRATEGY

Market research.

The above steps helped to define your ideal partner, now it’s time to increase your chances of encountering them.

Let’s get creative. Where might you find your perfect match? How can you reach them?

Jot down where your dream partner might hang out, what activities they might enjoy, and who could introduce you. Ask yourself the following questions:

Where might they be on weekdays, weekends, or evenings?
What events might they attend that align with their interests?
Who in my network might know someone who fits my ideal partner’s description?

No, this isn’t about stalking.

It’s about making yourself available, exploring new experiences, and improving your chances of finding a compatible match.

Above all, take steps towards your dating goal, but let things unfold naturally and enjoy the process.

FIELD RESEARCH

So far, steps 1 – 3 have helped you map out your desires and visualize your goals. Now, it’s time to flip the script.

While planning is key, there’s no teacher like experience. Let’s put your ideas to the test.

Here’s how to dive in:

When opportunities to try new things or meet new people come up, if your gut reaction is ‘no,’ switch it to a bold ‘YES.’
Write a list of activities you’d usually decline and commit to giving them a go.

Include these action steps in your dating plan and keep a record of your discoveries. As you venture into new territory, stay open-minded.

Avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias or self-fulfilling prophecies. This is your chance to broaden your horizons and truly understand what you’re looking for.

PITCH DECK / MEDIA KIT

We’ve all heard the advice: “ Just. Be. Yourself. ”

Yes, authenticity is crucial. But don’t mistake this for a free pass from effort. When it comes to showcasing who you are in a brief moment, it’s all about spotlighting your most relevant and compelling traits.

So, let’s reframe those three words: Be. Your. Best. Self.

This mantra should guide you in crafting your dating media kit. You’ve already focused on:

Mission Statement (your dating goals)
Executive Summary (a snapshot of you and your essence)
Benefit Statement (your personal elevator pitch)

Now it’s time to refine, embellish, and strategically repurpose these elements, creating a buzz around your personal brand.

This could involve professionally-taken photos or different versions of your dating profiles, both of which can significantly enhance your online dating success. Consider preparing introductory and response message templates to aid in kick-starting and sustaining conversations.

This media kit, a carefully curated showcase of your best self, will enable you to stand out and communicate effectively in the dating arena

MARKETING CHANNELS

Armed with your media kit and a clear image of your dream partner, it’s time to propel your profile into the dating universe.

Consider all the platforms and methods you can leverage for exposure. These should be noted in the execution plan section of your dating plan.

Here are some channels you might utilize:

Dating Websites / Apps
Matchmakers

Here’s an example of how you might approach this in your Google Doc:

Image of Five-Part Dating Plan Guide, Dating Template & Planner, Marketing Strategy Example | From Natfluence

Customize your approach for each channel, but remember, the goal is to identify potential sources that will help you get exposure.

PART V: EXECUTION

At this point, you’ve laid the groundwork for:

Your dating goal and objectives (mission statement)
What makes you unique and desirable (executive summary)
Budget and time considerations (resources)
How you will present yourself and reach your audience (marketing strategy)

Now, it’s time to leap into action. Your execution strategy is your roadmap, guiding your journey towards your relationship objectives.

This stage is all about detailing your action plan and turning your strategy into practical steps.

Let’s have a look:

DATING PLAN ACTION ITEMS

Your action plan comprises the critical tasks propelling you towards your dating goals.

Use an organized structure to streamline your list of potential activities.

Begin broadly, outlining the significant areas for action. Then, drill down, detailing specific steps within these areas.

Consider the following framework for organizing dating activities, inspired by seven business-themed dating aspects for the entrepreneurially inclined:

Development: (e.g., dating mindset and energy)
Research: (e.g., dating information gathering
Education : (e.g., dating knowledge accumulation)
Media Kit: (e.g., dating profile content)
Marketing: (e.g., dating channels and other outlets)
Budgeting : (e.g., dating resources)
Operations: (e.g., dating interactions)

ACTION ITEMS EXAMPLE

Here are examples of dating activities for each of these categories:

Category	Activities
Development	• Practice mindfulness and positive affirmations daily. • Allocate time for self-care and personal development.
Research	• Study dating trends, read dating advice books, watch dating-themed videos. • Follow relationship experts on social media.
Education	• Attend dating seminars or workshops. • Read books or articles on relationships and communication.
Media Kit	• Update your dating profile bi-weekly or monthly. • Conduct a photo shoot for updated profile pictures.
Marketing Channels	• Utilize dating apps and websites. • Ask friends and family if they know anyone who aligns with your ideal partner.
Budgeting	• Allocate funds for dating-related expenses. • Track and review your dating expenses monthly.
Operations	• Go on at least two dates per month. • Practice open and honest communication on all dates.

ACTION PLAN EXAMPLE

If you were to run with organizing your dating activities around these seven categories, your action plan might look something like this:

Image of Project Plan Example from the Natfluence Dating Plan Guide and Template

For further guidance on implementing the above framework check out our Dating Plan Execution Framework guide.

Review the Dating Plan Execution Framework guide for inspiration, then let your creativity loose on your own ideas. Remember, these categories are flexible – adapt them to fit your needs

FINAL THOUGHT: How to use your dating plan

Dating is more than just an adventure – it’s an investment in you, your happiness, and your future. As you’ve mastered the art of strategic thinking in your professional pursuits, apply that same methodology to navigate your love life.

Your custom dating plan is your compass, each step and experience drawing you closer to achieving your dating goals. Using this guide, along with the bonus resources below, explore dating as a business venture – one requiring a clear vision, a meticulously crafted plan, and consistent action.

Dating plan bonus resources

Entrepreneur Dating Guide : Actionable strategies for anyone with a career-focused lifestyle – or those who feel they are “too busy to date”.
Dating Plan Execution Framework Guide : A seven-part walk through of how to structure a project plan for dating from the perspective of running a business.
The Dating Infographics Bundle Packet : Four full-length, high resolution infographics breaking down everything from why dating is so hard to 10 innovative strategies for getting better dating results.
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Start an Online Dating Consulting Business

Harness Your Inner Cupid: Winning at Online Dating Consultancy

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ONLINE DATING CONSULTING BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, online dating consulting mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, building expertise:, marketing and customer acquisition:, service delivery:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if the business is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples on ways to make money, step 2: name the business, tips on choosing a name, tips on registering the business, step 3: create a business plan, outline of business plan components, tips on writing a business plan, step 4: obtain licenses and permits, licenses and permits required, tips on obtaining licenses and permits, step 5: find a location, tips on choosing a location, tips on setting up a home office, step 6: market your business, tips on creating a website, tips on advertising and promoting your business, step 7: hire employees, tips on hiring employees, tips on training employees, step 8: set financial goals, tips on setting financial goals, tips on creating a budget, step 9: monitor your business, tips on monitoring your business, tips on making adjustments, explore more categories, take the next steps.

COMMENTS

How to Start a Profitable Online Dating Business [11 Steps]
2. Draft a online dating business plan. 3. Develop a online dating brand. 4. Formalize your business registration. 5. Acquire necessary licenses and permits for online dating. 6. Open a business bank account and secure funding as needed. 7. Set pricing for online dating services. 8. Acquire online dating equipment and supplies. 9.
The #1 Online Dating Business Plan Template & Guidebook
How to Write a Online Dating Business Plan in 7 Steps: 1. Describe the Purpose of Your Online Dating Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your online dating business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers.
Turning Matchmaking into a Business: Starting a Dating Service
Step 3: Brainstorm a Dating Service Name. Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name: Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out. Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better. Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings.
How to Start a Profitable Dating App Business [11 Steps]
4. Formalize your business registration. Once you've crafted your business plan and secured funding, the next crucial step is to formalize your business registration. This will legitimize your dating app as an official business entity, protect your personal assets, and help in dealing with taxes and legal matters.
[2023] 6 Steps to Start Your Online Dating Business
Conversion into paying members #3.6 First messages. Customer engagement and retention #3.7 Communications. Online and offline. Upselling and cross-selling #4.1. Market your dating site and apps #4.1.1 Ideas #4.2 Analytics. Trends. #4.2 Cost savings COGS #4.2 How-to guides. Want to start a profitable online dating business? Follow these 6 ...
Master the Art of Online Dating: Your 9-Step Business Plan!
Determine Competitors. Identifying and understanding your competitors is a crucial step in developing a successful online dating business plan. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, you can gain valuable insights into the market, identify gaps or opportunities, and fine-tune your overall strategy.
How to start an online dating business
Key functions. The cornerstone of an online dating site is the search facility, whereby users key in a range of search criteria - including age, income, physical characteristics and geographical location - and the site brings up a list of people based on those preferences. The initial search is often provided free of charge; according to a ...
7 Steps to Starting a Successful Online Dating Site
The competition is fierce, so the first thing you need to do is to differentiate your business. Select a niche that narrows your focus. For example, instead of a general dating site for everyone ...
Online Dating Business Plan
Pro Business Plans is a team of professional researchers, writers, designers, and financial. analysts. Speak with an advisor today. GET QUOTE. Speak with Sales (646) 866-7619. This article provides information on what is included in a Online Dating business plan and how it is typically structured.
How to Start a Dating Service
Start a dating service by following these 10 steps: Plan your Dating Service. Form your Dating Service into a Legal Entity. Register your Dating Service for Taxes. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card. Set up Accounting for your Dating Service. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dating Service. Get Dating Service Insurance.
How to start an online dating business: 5 simple steps
Create a welcoming, user-friendly environment that makes online dating a fun experience. Allow people to express themselves and don't judge. Word-of-mouth will be crucial for attracting members so it's important to create an app or site that people will want to encourage their friends to join. 3. Understand the importance of software.
PDF Dating Mobile App Business Plan Example
The U.S. online dating market is valued at $2bn with an annual growth rate of 5% and is considered to keep growing as internet and mobile usage rise, according to a Dating Services Market Research report done by ibisworld.com. To unlock help try Upmetrics! To unlock help try Upmetrics! [YEAR] Business Plan | Dating Mobile App 16 / 31
How to Create a Dating App Business Plan
Securing investor funding to get your dating app off the ground can be difficult. If you're going to impress investors, you'll need an amazing dating app business plan. Three Important Tips for Dating App Business Plans. Writing a mobile app business plan is drastically different than doing so for other types of businesses. There are many ...
Dating App Business Plan: Guide & Template (2024)
If you are planning to start a new mobile dating app business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our Lynder - dating app business plan example created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.. Before you start writing your business plan for your new dating application, spend as much time as you can reading through some ...
How to Start an Online Dating Consulting Business
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card. Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection. When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued.
How to Start a Dating Service
DATING MINI BUSINESS PLAN. This a quick reality check to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business concept before you dive in. Expected Percent Margin: Gross Margin: 60-80%; Net Profit Margin: 20-30%. Earnings Expectations: Daily Earnings: $100 - $500;
Dating Matchmaking Service Business Plan Example
Executive Summary. CompuDate is a new company that offers Denver area singles computer-based matchmaking services. CompuDate has purchased the assets of Date MatchMaker and is a sole proprietorship owned by Suzie Butterfly. The Market. CompuDate will target two distinct market segments, 20-35 year olds, and 36-60 year olds.
6 Successful Strategies for Online Dating Business
Since most users of online dating services are young people between 20 and 35, your campaign should focus on social media platforms — Facebook and Instagram. Don't bother about television ads; young people barely watch TV these days. Hire influencers to endorse your product, and compensate them handsomely. This will cost you more, but it is ...
Dating Services Business Plan Sample 2024
Step1: Plan Everything. The first step to initiating a dating services company is going through a dating website business model in detail. After research, draft a business plan for your startup as per your specifics. Gillian developed a thorough management plan for starting an online dating service.
The #1 Dating App Business Plan Template & Guidebook
You've come to the right place. The #1 Dating App Business Plan Template & Guidebook is here to help you develop a comprehensive, professional plan that will define your roadmap to success. This guidebook will provide all the necessary steps needed to launch your dream into reality, from conducting market research and outlining a detailed ...
Dating and Matchmaking Business Plan [Sample Template]
A Sample Dating & Matchmaking Business Plan Template 1. Industry Overview. Dating and matchmaking services company is part of the dating services industry and the industry is made up of companies that provide services that allow eligible singles to meet with other eligible singles, usually with the intent of pursuing romantic relationships.
A Five-Part Dating Plan: How to Date Like it's Your Business
Begin by opening a blank document, such as Google Docs. Create five sections titled ' Mission Statement ,' ' Executive Summary ', ' Dating Budget ' and Marketing Strategy. As you go through each section, write down your answers to any questions or fill-in-the-blanks. Add your own notes to tailor your dating plan.
How to Start an Online Dating Consulting Business
ONLINE DATING CONSULTING MINI BUSINESS PLAN. This a quick reality check to help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business concept before you dive in. Expected Percent Margin: Gross Margin: 70-85%; Net Profit Margin: 30-50%. Earnings Expectations: Daily Earnings: $80 - $250; Weekly Earnings: $560 - $1,750; Monthly Earnings ...
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Keep your business connected on every device with unlimited business plans from T-Mobile. Power your business' tablets, hotspots, and wearables with our 5G network. ... Tablet Plan: Postpaid only. $35 device connection charge due at sale. Credit approval & deposit may be required. Taxes and fees additional (including $0.15/line Monthly ...

From Concept to Connections: How to Start a Dating Service

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Dating Services industry trends

Trends and challenges

Online dating site and app usage by age range

How much does it cost to start a dating service?

How much can you earn from a dating service?

What barriers to entry are there?

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Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Why? Identify an opportunity

What? Determine your services

How much should you charge for dating services?

Who? Identify your target market

Where? Choose your business premises

Step 3: Brainstorm a Dating Service Name

Step 4: Create a Dating Service Business Plan

Step 5: Register Your Business

Choose where to register your company

Choose your business structure

Form Your LLC

Step 6: Register for Taxes

Step 7: Fund your Business

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

Essential software and tools

Develop your website

Focus on USPs

Step 12: Build Your Team

Step 13: Run a Dating Service – Start Making Money!

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6 Essential Steps to Start Your Niche Online Dating Business

Step 1: Identify Your Niche

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

Step 3: Build an Online Dating Website

Step 4: Create Compelling Content

Step 5: Leverage Social Media

Step 6: Implement SEO Strategies

Diagram of our six-step plan to start your online dating business:

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Conduct Market Research

Tips for conducting market research:

Identify Target Audience

Research the Market:

Determine Competitors

Tips for determining competitors:

Define Unique Selling Proposition

Develop A Marketing And Advertising Strategy

Establish A Pricing Structure

Create A Financial Plan

Outline Operational Strategies

Tips for Operational Success:

Set Measurable Goals And Objectives

Tips for Setting Measurable Goals and Objectives:

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7 Steps to Starting a Successful Online Dating Site Tap these strategies to attract the right users and really click with them.

Choose the right business model

Take care of legal matters

Find your niche