Bumble’s head of brand, Alex Williamson, shares her top five tips for making moves in 2018.
By Saba Ghaffari, Photos by Kristin Kilpatrick
In recent years, the dating scene has changed dramatically because of the growing popularity of apps like Bumble, OkCupid and Tinder, as well as newly emerging practices such as ghosting (the act of someone abruptly ending a relationship by ceasing all communication without an explanation), making finding your match more daunting than ever. But Alex Williamson, head of brand at Bumble, isn’t phased and believes today’s women are finally in a position to own their power and take control in all aspects of their lives, including dating.
Bumble launched in 2014, and Williamson was the company’s third hire. Having worked at e-commerce startup Accessory Concierge in Dallas prior to joining Bumble, she was equipped with many of the tools needed to handle the startup life. Williamson began her role at the company managing its social media and working to create the brand’s voice, and within three weeks, her three-month contract was extended to a full-time position.
Today, Williamson feels incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to build something with a team of people who have become integral parts of her life, and to work for a company that prioritizes female empowerment.
One characteristic that sets Bumble apart is the fact women must make the first move on the dating app.
“What we’re trying to accomplish at Bumble (and what we’ve been trying to accomplish at Bumble for three and half years now) is giving women confidence and empowering them to go after what they want in life,” Williamson says.
From the beginning, Bumble’s mission has been to provide a platform through which women and men feel safe and comfortable connecting. As head of brand, Williamson executes creative initiatives that align with the company’s mission, including writing copy, being involved in community operation meetings and overseeing user experience.
“There’s many ways Bumble can help people, and my role is figuring out ways to convey that message,” Williamson says.
Alex Williamson’s Top Dating Tips
- Don’t fall in love with the idea of a person.
“[The] best advice I can ever give anybody getting into a relationship: Fall in love with who that person is, not who they are on Instagram, not who their friends say they are, not who they’re telling you who they are. Get to know somebody for who they are versus all that you’re hearing about them.”
- Show up as yourself on a date.
“When you show up on a date, show up as you. Don’t play a game. Don’t pretend to be somebody you aren’t. Don’t show up and order a salad because you think that’s what you need to order. Be yourself and the right person will come into your life based on that. … People’s true colors always come out, so show yours and trust that [it’s] enough and the right person will come along.”
- Use current and approachable photos on your dating profile.
“Show the person who will be sitting around on a Saturday watching Netflix, but also who will kick it and have a beer at the dog park. Be who you are in your dating profile instead of putting forth an image of who you are.”
- Show interest in the other person’s profile.
“When you’re making the first move [on Bumble], it’s tough. Look at their photos, look at their bio and then go off of that. Ask them a personal question, ask them about something that’s taking place in their life and furthermore, piggybacking on that, use Bumble as a first date. Ask all the questions you would feel like you’d have to ask on a first date so you can get that out of the way and feel like you’re going on a date with somebody you already know.”
- Watch out for red flags.
“Always heed your red flags in dating. If you feel like you need to have a Facetime date with somebody before you go on a date with them, do it. Get to know that person so you feel safe going out with them. But also, in relationships, if something feels wrong to you, trust that.”