Fish, gym selfies and 'not my kids' - oh my!

Are you tired of generic dating advice telling you to 'use better pics' and 'write ya bio'? I'm here to deliver you something better. Good Swipes of Melbourne is a funny and useful workshop that aims to give you practical dating app advice that works. The goal? To help you get more matches, have better conversations and meet more people. It’s inspiring, it’s funny and most importantly - it’s useful.

My name is Ali and I read dozens of local dating stories every day as creator of Bad Dates of Melbourne. I've had nine years’ experience using dating apps and sites. I'm known in the media as 'The Ultimate Tinder Addict' and I'm an internationally published dating journalist. My recommendations on dating apps and websites have seen me credited with creating multiple long-term relationships, including a marriage and an engagement. I am not affiliated with any dating app. This is my honest, unfiltered advice.

Things we’ll cover:

'Hey' is for horses: how to start a conversation when you have no idea what to say

Move over Kendall: advice for non-models on what type of photos grab attention

Swipelangelo: paint a perfect bio

How many flag emojis is too many? A look at your profile and how to improve it

Secrets of a dating app addict: the sneaky secrets that I think get your profile displayed more

Dodge alert: spotting shady dates and suss characters

An investigation: Why are fish photos so damn popular?

Things to remember:

Bring your smartphone (remember to charge it)

Dress nice – we might snap some casual (not professional) pics for your profile

A sense of humour

The Work-Shop is BYO so if you’d like to bring something special to drink, please go ahead

Things I’ll provide:

Pens - but it's better to have your phone handy

A workbook for you to take home so you can relive the excitement of the workshop at home, every night, for the rest of your life

This workshop is capped at 12 participants. It needs to be small so you can learn and I can answer your questions. It goes for two hours and then we'll take a short walk to a bar and have an hour of questions and socialising. It formally wraps up at 9.30 but we might kick on if the group is keen. Drinks are not included.

This workshop is for everyone, whether you are confident or a little shyer. I’m a friendly person and will do my best to make you feel comfortable - don’t be afraid to come solo.

Most importantly, Good Swipes of Melbourne is set to be a LOT of fun. If you want to pimp your profile, hopefully find some dates and don't take life too seriously - this is the workshop for you.

I can’t wait to see you there.

x Ali