A large number of potential traffic opportunities await the hard-working webmaster, including TGPs, link directories, link trades, feeder sites, traffic buys, search engine optimization, email newsletters, direct advertising, and other creative methods. Before we cruise into the differences between each type of site, we have to make a pit stop and discuss ethics and staying out of trouble.
One thing the unscrupulous webmaster will find out about very quickly is the concept of a blacklist. The blacklist is exactly what the name conjures up in your mind. Being on this list bars you (and, in extreme cases, your server or ISP) from posting additional submissions to a site or network of sites. You don’t want to end up here, so listen up.
Staying Out Of Trouble
Keeping your nose clean in the adult webmaster world is as simple as watching out for three main areas: Honesty, Communication, and Reputation. If one of the three areas began with a vowel, we could make a nifty acronym. Instead, we’ll address each individually by name.
Honesty. This should be a simple concept for most people. By now, you know the difference between telling the truth and telling a lie. Webmasters have a keen nose for bullshit. If you’re new to the industry, you reek of inexperience. Don’t try to pretend you know it all, and don’t puff yourself up to be bigger than you are. Don’t promise things like 10,000 visitors to a traffic partner if you can only deliver 1000, or even 100. Keeping your word also matters. If you promise something, go out of your way to keep that commitment. If you’re labeled as a liar and a cheat, your income potential will shrink dramatically.
Communication. Effective communication is at the heart of any good relationship. When you’re dealing with the owners of TGPs, link directories, and the like, you have to keep in mind that they receive dozens if not hundreds of emails a day from webmasters just like you. It’s unlikely any of them will have the time or the inclination to hold your hand. Do your learning before you reach out and make contact. Having all of your ducks in a row will go a long way to getting approved for a link or being sent to the trash.
Reputation. This is a lesson I personally learned the hard way. In the mid 90’s, the adult frontier was a lot like the Old West. We were lawless gunslingers who were just out to make a buck and have a good time. Many webmasters would lie, cheat and steal their way to almost unimaginable wealth by today’s standards. I personally crossed the line a couple of times, pushing the boundaries of my relationships and contacts in the industry. Sure, I made money. But the group of events still haunt me to this day, ensuring that I show up at almost no conventions, and now operate under a different company name entirely. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way. Protect your reputation at all costs. You’ll thank me for it later.
Traffic Methods Explained
In the next few weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at the sources of traffic available to the adult webmaster, and how best to leverage these methods.
Stay tuned!