CBSNEWS -- Jan 27 -- As they face cutthroat competition several top sites have overhauled their online dating experience, and up-and-coming companies are wooing people like the marriage-minded, the security-conscious, and the religious. All in all, the changes may be turning online dating into a friendlier world. Video and audio links offer singles the opportunity to see and hear one another before the traditional coffee date. Compatibility surveys aim to match people who have similar outlooks on life and love. From the beginning of 2001 to the end of 2003, customer spending on the sites rocketed from $8 million to $117 million. But in Q2 2004 spending was stagnant at $114 million.
Mark Brooks: A typical date costs $50-$100. Most online dating companies charge $20 a month. Money is being left on the table. Expect to see more innovation, premium service offerings and overall improvements in the online dating user experience. The focus needs to be on saving time and improving the quality of matches.
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