I am fairly new to online dating apps, like tinder or hot or not.

Since I am used to meeting girls in person, it's pretty easy to calibrate interest and follow up with text messages.

Online dating is different. Although the sites I use only match you with interested persons, I feel that the beginning conversations are a bit awkward. Its as if I pulling a conversation out of thin air.

I have never been a big texter. I am pretty direct and just use texting to set up a date or follow up. I keep flirting and banter to a minimum. Additionally, these are girls that I have already seen, and who have some investment in me.

As far as online dating goes:
-should I be direct from the start, and try to set up a meeting. More or less keeping my casual intent to meet up very transparent?
-or should I be flirting around and talking for awhile before setting up a meeting. Also, whats a good way to transition from this type of conversation?

I have landed a few lays, and even a threesome, but my number of closes is far from what it should be given the number of matches I get.

I employ a constant model with tinder game, it's simple and highly effective:
1. Joke around, flirt, banter, make her laugh, tease her. This builds attraction.
2. Ask a few logistical questions. I.e., "what area are you from? Do you have roommates? What do you do for work?" this type of conversation will build comfort, and show that you're a regular person. The logistical questions will facilitate your date strategy.
3. Get her off the app. At a high point in the conversation, say "text me, it's easier XXX-XXXX"
4. Plan the meet up as soon as possible. tonight is better than next week. Sometimes I'll use a line like "hey this might seem very forward, but you seem cool and I'd like to meet you. What are you up to tonight?"
Other times I will use "ok I'm going to get straight to the point here. You + Me = drinks tonight in (X location)" You have to gauge this based on the girl. The more invested she is, the more direct and commanding you should be.
When you meet up with her, treat it like a brand new interaction. Pretend that none of the texting ever went down and game her from start to finish

_________________
My #1 MONEY line to pull sets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkHjnZgCP18 (0:25)

Stop being "perfect." It's time to evolve.

Solid, thanks for the tips.

I have strong texting and phone skills. Generally found to be quite confident in all mediums and even more so in person, as well as articulate. This plays to my favor when transitioning from the app to text/phone the real world as it means I can afford more time to pass before meeting them and still maintain or even increase comfort and attraction in the meantime. That said, I like getting the girls off apps/online as fast as possible. 5 messages online and around the same maybe a max of ten little exchanges on Tinder before I get the number. Tinder has changed a lot. Used to be guaranteed that if you matched you were going tog get a number but now you have to actually open well and then close and get the number. I agree no matter your strategy to get her off the app at a high point.