educational

Marketing is Still a Must

Since starting in the adult industry we have found that there are many things from a marketing point of view that, although they work in mainstream do not necessarily work in adult. For example, we all know how easy it is to buy a domain name, get some content, and put our first site up on a free host – however, now we have the site online and we’re lacking the fundamentals – whether that be traffic or that certain style of marketing that only works in adult.

Just because we work all day on 'porn,' the old adage that 'sex sells' isn’t really true – sex does sell some of the time, for instance when the surfer is already horny and knows what they are looking for but, but for the most part sex doesn’t sell, our marketing technique does.

This is where research and co-ordination come into effect. Take a look at the sites that are already out there on the Web; see what they are doing wrong, and right, and then improve upon those points whilst ensuring that you keep the basics of the particular niche you are working on intact.

Of course there is more to becoming an adult Webmaster than getting your site marketing figured out: You also need to know how the machinations of the adult industry as a whole work – this includes the other Webmasters, sponsor programs, and much more importantly, YOUR surfer. Of course you are not going to know everything about the surfer or Webmaster – after all you will only find out as much 'real' information as they will give you – but every little bit that you can learn helps out, as they say.

The one major factor that every Webmaster (regardless of how long they have been in the industry) needs to take into consideration is that doing this as a 'hobby' will certainly get you some pocket change – but that’s all it will be. Think of your online ventures as a real business, and you will inevitably have a long-term, high-profit operation which will not only make your bank manager smile, but your wallet too!

The adult industry requires a learning curve of longevity; from choosing the right host, the right content providers, sponsors and so on, and so forth – but with every other adult Webmaster all working towards the same goal as you, how do you get this right?

It’s quite simple really: you need to ask for help! Like it or not, if you don’t help yourself, you won’t get anywhere. Use the resources that your sponsor makes available to you, forge new friendships, forge new business alliances, but most of all, realize that just because someone is making $10k a year while you are only making $5, this doesn’t mean they will push you to the side, and not provide you with the help that you need.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Breaking Down HB 805 and How it Affects the Adult Industry

North Carolina House Bill 805 was enacted July 29, after the state legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto. The provisions that relate to the adult industry, imposing requirements for age verification, consent and content removal, are scheduled to become effective Dec. 1. Platforms have until then to update their policies and systems to comply with the new regulations.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Staying Compliant With Payment Standards Across Europe and Australia

So, you’ve got your eye on international growth. Smart move. No matter where adult-industry merchants operate, however, one requirement remains consistent: regulatory compliance. This isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s a critical component of keeping payments flowing and business operations intact.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

How to Avoid Copyright Pitfalls When Using Music in Adult Content

When creating an adult video, bringing your vision to life often means assembling just the right ingredients — including the right music. However, adding music to adult content can raise complex legal and ethical issues.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

New Visa Rules Adult Merchants Need to Know

In December 2024, I shared an update on the upcoming rollout of Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program, also known as VAMP. The final version went into effect in June, and enforcement will begin in October. With just a month to go, now is the time to review what’s changing and how to stay compliant.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
Show More