I met mine online and also met a couple of nice blokes before this one for a date or two but didn’t go on to see them again due to busy schedules, lack of chemistry etc
Like anything, it needs a bit of planning to work well. I’ll tell you how I went about it, but obviously you’ll have your own deal breakers and must haves.
Try not to be too specific about what you’re looking for (ie does his height matter that much? When it asks if he has kids, it doesn’t necessarily say how old or how often he spends time with them so maybe be flexible on that etc)
First of all, I hid my profile (had to wait 25 hours on Plenty of Fish to do this, but it saves you being contacted by frisky 20 year olds who will message anyone!). As fresh meat you will get a flurry of chancers when you first sign up. Be flattered but also realistic, most of them haven’t even read your profile! That’s why I prefer to be hidden and make the first move myself (just liking/favouriting someone’s profile will notify them and then they can choose to contact you).
I set my search parameters to someone reasonably close (as a single mum I don’t have time to travel for hours for dates so I wanted someone local). Be mindful of distance if that’s a factor for you. If every date means driving for two hours and having to stay over things won’t move at a natural pace.
I said a bit about myself, likes and dislikes etc (including gym bunnies need not apply! As I’m not into sporty types either) but let’s be honest it’s mainly about the photos. ( No snapchat dog ear filters! ). You want to have something to talk about when you meet so don’t give it all away up front. You might find you get into new hobbies if you meet someone you like, so it’s not the most important thing.
I set the age bracket at about 5 years younger to 15 years older. (DP just snuck in at 4 years younger!).
Anyone who messaged “hi sexy” or “how’s you?” Anything that didn’t reference my profile or anything personal, or used any type of text speak ... delete!
Anyone with very young DCs, nope!
Smokers, nope
Photos with a bunch of lads at the pub - nope!
Long walks and drinking wine on the sofa - nope - be a bit more original!
Any profile starting “here we go again” or “I’m back here” (as if anyone has been missing them) 
or moaning on about being messed around “just looking for someone normal, no bunny boilers” etc big swerve.
Basically, they will tell you who they are pretty quickly if you listen!
Don’t waste too much time chatting online. Have a quick message back and forth and plan to meet for coffee soon to save you getting over invested before you’ve even met.
Keep the first date short and sweet in case they’re awful! It’s just a pre-date to see if you actually want to go on a date.
DP and I haven’t had the easiest ride over the past 6 years as life with two separate families isn’t straight forward but despite everything I love the bones of him and I know I’d never have bumped into him in real life so online dating was the only way we were ever going to meet.
It’s definitely worth a try. You need a thick skin as people are flaky, let you down, lead you on and ghost you. Or you could meet your soul mate.