Is it necessary to get a professionally done photo for your online profile? No. Is it important to put your best face forward? Hell yeah. This is not only true for online dating profiles on Match.com and eHarmony but don't forget about Myspace and Friendster – not only do people hook up through these sites, but you better believe that your date will research you in advance. So what kind of picture will help you score more?

1. Other women should not be in the picture. I mean literally in the picture. It does not make you look macho that you have your arm around some hot babe, even if she's your sister. Women are jealous of other women. One time a guy sent me a picture of him walking another woman down the aisle. He wasn't the groom, only a best man, but there are just as many women that get freaked out by wedding bells as men.

2. Other men should not be in your picture. There's a 50/50 chance that she'll find the other man in the picture more attractive than you -- even if it's your dad. If a woman thinks the other guy is more attractive, she won't give you a chance because most women live in fantasy-man-land.

3. Take off the glasses, remove the hat and step out from behind the tree. So maybe when you took the picture it was a sunny and windy day and you were hiding from the cops. Note: women are inherently paranoid. She sees sunglasses, she thinks lazy eye. She sees hat, she thinks balding. She sees you hiding behind a tree, she thinks you're concealing half of your body mass. She may well be attracted to lazy eyed, balding, fat men, BUT women aren't into dating insecure guys that hide their features.

4. Do be yourself. If you're into skiing, obsessed with your dog or a huge Red Sox fan, show it! Using a picture other than your mugshot is a great way to show your true personality and fun side without having to write it out.

5. Do not make any references, justifications, explanations or excuses about the picture, just attach it. If you don't feel it's your best picture, take another one. Adding a disclaimer to your photo will not magically make it more attractive in her eyes. If you're her 'type' she'll be able to tell, even if you just rolled out of bed with a massive head cold.