Friday, August 13, 2010

"Staying Power" in the BBW Niche

For tonight's post I'm going to delve into how you as a model can have "staying power" in the adult BBW niche. It's a really super simple concept, you just have to trust me on this. First off, this industry can chew you up and spit you out overnight. I can't tell you how many models I have seen come and go over the years on all sorts of sites. The mistake I think a lot of women make is that this is some kind of "get rich quick" operation. The idea of "Hey, if I just get naked on the internet I'll rake it in hand over fist." can only lead to a flash in the pan career.

So here's all you have to do . . . enjoy what you produce. That's it! Now, you can't enter into this business lightly, because let's be honest it's not for everyone, or even most. The money will ebb and flow, that's a guarantee, and I think a lot of models who don't see a paycheck of $2,000/month just up a quit. Sorry ladies, it just does NOT work that way. The key here to "enjoying what you do" will translate to potential members and help you retain the current ones you have. Think about it, if you're putting content out that looks like you'd rather be cleaning up after your dog than posing for the camera, would you blame guys for not clicking that Join button?

Look I may not update my site as often as I "should" but when I do post new content it's typically been thought out, planned for, set up properly, and I really like it. My very first sets were pretty lame, and I can admit that but I still have them up for my members so they can see how my work has grown over the years. More than anything for me, my work is my art, a creative outlet if you will. So in summery do what turns YOU on, do what excites YOU, do what makes YOU happy and your fans/admirers will enjoy what you show them that much more.

One last topic . . . As I mentioned in a previous post, when I first started in this industry I didn't have anyone to hand hold me through the business. I've had to figure out the majority of what I do and run on my own. I have the privilege of knowing a select few models/webmasters that are or have been extremely successful, and when I need them, they are there. Unfortunately, more often than not you'll run into those in the biz that see their knowledge as a "trade secret". I have seen advice and opinion turn into a full blown war amongst models and webmasters and it's not pretty. I can't help but read those situations and think (in the immortal words of Mr. Rodney King) "Can't we all just get along?".

I have been working in this industry for nine years and I will freely admit that I don't know everything there is to know, and I may not be the "best" out there, however, I AM experienced and I'm making myself available to models or potential models to ask questions. I personally believe that the more educated you are about a subject the better you'll be at doing and understanding that particular thing. I remember where I started from and at times it was tough, frustrating, costly, annoying, frightening, and nerve racking. Not having someone who could relate and give me a point of view from someone who had "been there" was rough.

So for my part in "paying it forward" I have started creating tutorials for my models that range from how to advertise yourself and best posting practices all the way to simple photo editing techniques and where you can get great deals on outfits and shoes for shoots. Competition is healthy because it makes us strive to be better and raise the bar. So to those of you ladies out there reading this that are stuck or seeking some friendly advise, feel free to ask.

Keep on keepin' on!
-Gwen-

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You couldn;t have been more on the mark with this!! I have looked upto you and the s/o over the years and hence even why I worked with ya. I have been at this jstu over 5 years and have seen exacltyl what your talking about with the come/go girls and it is frustrating a bit.

I have my "not fab" sets up too but I think that is whqt keeps
people coming...see the evoloution.

Keep up the good work!