In order to write a great response to an ad, you must know what they want and how who you are will mesh with their hopes, desires, and personality.   You should take a self survey of yourself before answering or placing and ad.   Don't be hasty in writing a letter.   Take your time and write a winner.   Long letters are better than short letter unless you are writing to people in foreign lands.   Remember to tell a lot about yourself and how you are compatible with their needs and wants in life.

Sample Letter

Dear Miss

I received your name and address from (give name of publication, club, or service) and you sound like the kind of person that I want to know.   I found your description very interesting (tell what liked and found interesting).   We have several interests in common (state interests), and from these commonalities I hope that we can develop a serious relationship that can possibly lead to marriage.   Allow me to tell you a little about myself, I am __ years old, and I am (fill in occupation), and I am interested in (fill in hobbies and interests).   (Talk about one of your hobbies or tell about a recent event, such as a vacation or a trip.)   I hope that you found my letter and myself interesting.   If you wish to write me my email address is:

name@free-account.com

or if using snail mail

Name
Address (P.O. Box preferred)
City, State ZIP

Hoping to here from you soon.   Wishing you the best of health.

Yours,

Guidelines

1. Download their profile with their photo(s).   Print it out so that you can refer to it as you write your reply.   Writing a reply should be done with care and thought.   Don't quickly reply right away at the site when you see their ad.
2. Start out with your intentions.   Tell why they attracted you.   Tell what you have in common.   Include a complement about the other person.   Include a photo of yourself, but not a large file size picture - in some places they have to pay by the kilobyte.
3. Tell them something about yourself that is interesting and will reveal your inner self to the reader.
4. Fill them in on the general stuff (age, education, type of job(not where you work), # of children, marital status, physical description).
5. Be pleasant and upbeat in your letters.
6. Check the spelling of your letter.   You many be judged not suitable if your letter is filled with misspelled words.
7. Don't brag or misrepresent yourself.
8. Express yourself.   Let your letters reflect your personality and your philosophies.
9. Use your nickname or your middle name, never give out your real world address, your real e-mail address or phone number in your letter of introduction

Additionally, if you are corresponding via snail mail:

1. Use your nickname or your middle name, never give out your real address or phone number in your letter of introduction
2. Always get a Post Office Box and use it for all correspondence.
3. Always include in your introductory letter your mailing address, in addition to placing it on the envelope.   In addition to the above, it is a good idea to include a recent photo of yourself.   This will greatly increase your response rate.
4. Always use quality stationery, never use loose leaf or lined paper.   The better the quality of the paper, the better will be the perception of you by the recipient, and the greater will be your replies.