# Coach, matchmaker or profile service

Lesson 1 of [Dating coach or matchmaker: the basics for buyers](https://datingcoaches.fyi/academy/coach-or-matchmaker-basics.md), 11 minutes.

A dating coach teaches you skills. These include profile help, messaging, approach and confidence work, and feedback after dates. A matchmaker screens candidates and introduces you to partners. Some businesses do both.

## Three kinds of help

This directory sorts listings into three categories.

- **Dating coaches**: one-to-one coaches who teach dating skills. Most also coach by video call.
- **Matchmakers**: services that interview you, screen candidates and introduce you to partners. Their listings show prices such as a registry fee, a consultation fee or a membership.
- **Dating profile services**: specialists who write or manage dating-app profiles and take profile photos, without ongoing coaching.

A listing can hold more than one category. A business can also offer more than one service. A listing names four services: dating coaching, matchmaking, profile writing and dating profile photos.

## Match the help to your goal

Write your goal in one sentence. 'I want to feel at ease on a first date' points to coaching. 'I want to be introduced to people who want a partner' points to matchmaking. 'I want a profile that shows who I am' points to profile help.

The free tool 'Which kind of dating help do I need?' on this site asks about your goal, your budget and how you like to work. It suggests a kind of help. It does not suggest a person.

## No promises

No coach or matchmaker can promise you a relationship. Be careful with any business that does.

## Sources

- Dating Coaches Directory, category descriptions
- Dating Coaches Directory guide, How to choose a dating coach or matchmaker (updated 2026-10-20)
- Dating Coaches Directory tool, Which kind of dating help do I need?

Also on the [web page](https://datingcoaches.fyi/academy/coach-or-matchmaker-basics/coach-or-matchmaker).