How big of a region do I start my searches in?

The main thing to decide before you even hop online and start searching through Dating Sites is this: how far am I willing to travel to find a date online? If you're willing to jump on a plane from New York to Hawaii or London to New York, your quest will provide MANY more compatible matches from the various dating sites for you. Conversely, if you broaden your search to be a national/international one, you can pretty much count on two things:

1. You will have fewer dates.

2. You will spend longer to get to the point where you find someone compatible.

That said, the best approach is generally to start searching the Dating Sites be selecting your own area/region, then broaden your searches as needed. In most cases, you'll find a great number of potential singles matches right in your own area. That said, it becomes a question of how far are you willing to drive/bike/bus/train to get to your date? That's one of the nice thing about Dating Sites, though, the limits are really only those you impose.

Consider starting with a 25-30 mile search range. This seems to provide a practical balance for more people between availability of dates and traveling time. (Remember, it's not just you, but the people you meet at the dating websites to consider.) Sure, most single online are ultimately looking for "Mr Right" or "Ms Right", but as your budding relationship grows will that two hour travel time begin to wear thin on you both? Probably so. Again, this means utilizing the tools the dating sites provide by beginning your singles search for dates in your own region.

Next things to decide are things how important are things like ethnicity, religious compatibility, education, hobbies, and physical appearance? Good sites let you search and/or filter based on a limitless number of combinations of these. Also consider whether or not you or your matches have or want children, again good sites will encourage their members to include these items in their members' online personal ads. Only you know what you're looking for and what's important to you there. A thought: try being VERY specific at first and broadening your searches as you go. In most cases on the popular dating sites, you'll find an ample number of matches.