MARK BROOKS – The Global Love Conference happened last week in New York. I spoke at it and gave an overview of the Internet dating industry. 160 matchmakers and associated professionals attended it. Record attendance.
Here’s the top 5 things I learned…
- Dating App Takeovers – I met 3 companies that specialize in ‘dating app takeovers.’ Dating app users can pay $2k a month for someone to pose as them on a couple of dating apps to reel in and line up dates.
- New Client Referrals – The matchmaking industry is now working together more than ever. If a matchmaker is not a fit for a client, they will refer to another matchmaker and get a 20% commission on a sale.
- Search is Key – Another way matchmakers are working together is with ‘search.’ Matchmakers will often put out a $250-$500 bounty for a date for a client. Often, this is in a private WhatsApp or Facebook group with their trusted collaborator matchmakers. Other matchmakers will search their client and non-client databases to fulfill a date and receive the bounty.
- Super-Search Companies Are Springing Up – I met one company that runs super-searches on LinkedIn and beyond to reel in tough-to-find matches for matchmakers. They receive from $1500 to as much as $3500 per match candidate.
- Niche Matchmakers – I met numerous niche matchmakers. One orange-haired matchmaker serves Silicon Valley billionaires. Another serves Ivy League. Another served Eastern European women. The matchmaking industry is fragmented and is collaborating more than ever.
Typically, matchmakers seem to be charging $20k-$60k now. Lower-end services start at $6k for short-term contracts.
Another thing I learned is that coaches are advising their clients to ask more questions and come to their dates with an open mind. This is very much in line with what our client, Dating Through Curiosity, is doing for dating apps. Email me at mark@courtlandbrooks.com if you’d like to learn more about Dating Through Curiosity facilitated training for dating app users, or about Courtland Brooks‘ services for dating apps.