by Randy B. Hecht

Maybe you're ready for a real relationship. Maybe you just want to get out there and meet some new people. Whatever your romantic goals, the great thing about online dating is that singles aren't just "out there" — they're right here in your PC, just waiting for you to take notice. Intrigued, but not quite sure how it all works? Follow these eight steps to find a date on  Match.com:

1. Sign up Signing up gives you access to exclusive member benefits. Pick a memorable username that's uniquely "you" and then look around to see what other special singles live in your community.

2. Search for singles in Alaska  As a Match.com member, you have full access to search for other singles in a wide variety of ways. And once you post your profile, you'll be on your way to using their exclusive Advanced Matching^TM options.

3. Post your free profile
Now give those singles a chance to check you out. Pick a headline and give potential matches a good idea of who you are, what makes you tick and why you'd be a great date or sweetheart. Be communicative, funny, flirty — whatever best expresses your personality.

4. Add a photo  Adding photos is free, too — and a critical step: Profiles with photos get up to 15 times more attention! Choose photos that are in focus, current and flattering. That picture of you in SCUBA gear or on the ski slopes can be a great second image, but make sure your primary headshot doesn't conceal your face; your photos should help your dates to recognize you when you first meet.

5. Subscribe today Once you post your profile and photo, subscribers who want to get to know you better can start to say hello. They can contact you, but you won't be able to reply to or initiate contact with them until you subscribe.

6. Start a conversation & contact other members
The possibilities of connecting are endless. Contact someone by email, instant messaging, voicemail… and it's all done anonymously. We protect your identity until you're ready to reveal it, so you can take as much time as you like to get acquainted with prospective dates.

7. Make a date  Once you've gotten comfortable with someone who shares your interests and makes your heart flutter, you can move on to a phone conversation or an offline face-to-face. When you get together for the first time, be sure to observe some basics — take care of your own transportation, meet in a public place, and don't rush into anything. There'll be plenty of time to get better acquainted.

8. Get ready … to answer your friends' questions about how you jumpstarted your social life — or how you met your new honey.

Ready? Set? Find romance right around the corner!