I don't use online for trying to find local women. I use it exclusively for women that don't live in the country, or at least in other states that I might want to visit. I don't use it locally, because like rudebwoy stated, I get out and see and interact with local people. Of course, it can be a way to get at women that you might not be lucky enough to run into, but I would recommend trying to escalate quickly - get the number, get on Skype, get the meet-up. If it looks like there's going to be too much back-and-forth on whatever site you're using, terminate. Chicks have a way of taking forever to respond to a simple message, dragging the interaction out. Don't do that.
"The best kind of pride is that which compels a man to do his best when no one is watching."