It’s a little-known fact that successful cam models earn more income the further along they are in their careers. But what does it take to ensure that your career gets to that level?
Like with any career, it takes some effort and planning to guarantee your long-term success. Think of your career like a business. As in any business, customers want to see that you are consistent and here to stay, a brand they can grow to love and trust. Once you have done this, there is no age limit on your career — unlike in fashion modeling. You will find your customers are incredibly loyal, and will spend more on you over time.
The first step to longevity is: Do things that you can stand to do for a very long time.
Here are some tips to help make it happen:
Do What You Are Comfortable With
The first step to longevity is: Do things that you can stand to do for a very long time. Set boundaries and expectations. If you are doing things that make you miserable for low prices now, you will be doing those same things for those same prices later, until you can’t take it anymore.
Make it Fun
If you are having fun, your customers are having fun. It is a stage performance. Do you want to watch a bored, depressed performer or a fun, lively performer? You have set boundaries against the things that turn you off, so do the things that turn you on. When you are genuine, customers know, and pay more.
Diversify Your Social Media Platforms
If Instagram shuts you down tomorrow, will you still have a business? Pair acceptable — and only acceptable — content with each social media platform where you want to maintain a presence. Review their terms of service very carefully, to make sure you are posting content that is allowable on each one.
Stay Active on All of Those Social Media Channels
I recommend using Hootsuite or a social media scheduler like it, since it will save you valuable time and energy. Also, attend trade show events, like XBIZ. If you work hard and earn well for the right cam site, you might even get paid to go. If you network with adult product brands, they also might pay you to attend. After all, you are an influencer!
Manage Your Time
Sit down and plan out what you’ll do each day. This includes camming consistently, at the same times, on the same days, each week. Remember, you are a consistent, reliable brand! Most cam sites, like CAM4, will include a scheduling tool so you can let your fans know when you will be online. Include social media management time, admin work, video/custom clip filming and time allocated for self-care.
Take Care of Yourself
You cannot pour from an empty cup. This is about longevity, not working 150-hour weeks one month and burning out the next month. Take time to indulge your interests, whether that means working out, going to school, spending time with friends and family or pampering yourself.
Build Up Multiple, Numerous Passive-Income Channels
Selling videos, running fan clubs, selling premium Snapchat and sexting are all examples of ways you can earn money even when you are offline.
Do Not Date Jealous, Possessive People
This is the most common, if unspoken, reason that cam models quit the industry. Being jealous and possessive has nothing to do with you — it is all about your partner’s insecurity, and desire for overbearing control. Ask yourself, “Is my new partner coming to the table with a straightforward path to making a six-figure income?”
Get Paperwork From Everyone You Ever Film With, No Matter Who They Are
The fastest way to lose a bunch of content is to film with somebody who hasn’t signed a waiver and all the necessary 2257 paperwork, who later demands that you remove your shared content. Performers constantly film with their “friends,” don’t get the right paperwork, and later lose a piece of their passive income.
Buy the Highest-Quality Equipment You Can, as Soon as Possible
At a minimum, you’ll need a good HD webcam. Logitech C920 is a great start. Also, one LED ring light; Neewer is one of the many affordable brands. It will cost less than $250 for both of these on Amazon, and it will help you establish your business more quickly and produce higher-quality content over time.
Save Money, and Roll With the Punches
Until you find your niche and establish your brand and your income, January through April will typically be slow months for business. That's fine — we’ve all suffered through it. Just remember to put back some money in the Fall; that will do a lot to help you tough out the winter. Remember that having a down winter doesn’t mean you’re failing, and is not a reason to quit.
Remember: Every career path has challenges. Every newcomer to every industry has a long road ahead. But try following these tips and, in five years, you’ll find yourself getting paid to sit on a beach, rather than swimming in a sea of cubicles.
Sammy Shayne is a cam model and content creator who can be followed on SammyStrips.com and @SammyStrips on Twitter.
