Using a new name for your business feels a lot like starting over, but it can be greatly beneficial to remake yourself under a new brand. It is not something to choose willy-nilly and requires a lot of forethought for the road to come; in some respects, it feels very much like losing a part of yourself as you’re aware of the time and dedication you put into the former name. At the same time, a fresh start can open the door to limitless opportunities.
Models change their brands for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it can be as simple as not wanting to have numbers attached to your stage name anymore (“BrandName69”) or perhaps your current name is too similar to that of another model, in which case you might end up inadvertently gifting traffic to your competitor. Also, the more generic the name, the more likely it will have been used on other sites and interfere with organic traffic that might otherwise elevate you.
A good starting point is doing a bit of search engine sleuthing to check if your potential new name brings up other performers with closely-related brands.
Maybe you just want to revamp yourself because life is a wild card, and after putting so much of yourself into what you do (literally baring it all) you’d like a clean slate for a new beginning.
When I first started, I used the name Dawn Willow. Then I joined a new platform, which became my main business home, and I rebranded to “Innocent,” and then back to Dawn Willow again. Since Twitter was still in its early years, I was able to make the switch back and forth while still reserving Dawn Willow, buying the corresponding site domain and working with a social media rep who offered to migrate my followers to the new account.
Now, eight years later, I’m jumping into a rebrand again, this time with the name Sally Fae. Here are some considerations if you too want a change.
RESEARCH YOUR POTENTIAL NAME
A good starting point is doing a bit of search engine sleuthing to check if your potential new name brings up other performers with closely related brands. It’s also good to check how many search results are returned overall for your chosen name. Ideally, you want one that returns very few search engine results, sounds professional within the adult industry and isn’t too difficult to understand (while still being unique enough to stand out). Fitting all those criteria can be challenging to achieve, and it may take some time while bouncing ideas off the wall.
RESERVE YOUR NEW NAME AND PRESERVE THE OLD ONE
Once you’ve deliberated and decided to move forward, the challenge then becomes a matter of making the transition in full (and smoothly).
Before announcing the change, make sure to reserve your new name on each social media platform you plan to use. Some sites may not have the features needed for migrating your user base or easily changing a handle, though Twitter allows rebrands at any time, hassle-free. I also recommend reserving the old name on another account beforehand, in case you later decide this isn’t the direction you’d like to take. That way, there is no fear of losing followers or everything that previously was built and advertised.
GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT YOUR REBRAND
When you are sure that this is the path you want to follow, let your fans and friends know. For extra incentives, maybe offer a small prize for people that help to get the word out. Working with other models to receive a retweet now and then will also go a long way towards getting more visibility for your new brand.
Think of this as a second chance to stick out and make an impression. Changing your name allows you to gain new fans and feel closer to those you already have, as they will be eager to start this new journey by your side. Also, try not to get mad at users for saying the new name incorrectly, as it may take some time for everyone to adjust.
While making the switch, you can opt for a soft transition or a hard one, by letting everyone know if it is happening gradually over time or immediately. Leave links to each social media page in clear view to make it simple for your customers to locate them. If you plan to go the hard way, you may have to edit your content, replace your watermark or even re-shoot it from scratch with different stage settings. The same applies to cam models.
Ensure you are upfront about these upcoming or current changes because they can be time-consuming and even frustrating. Network with other models, and be sure to look up when the conventions in your area are running to get maximum exposure. In the current environment, digital industry events can significantly boost your visibility from the comfort of your home.
CONSIDER CHANGING YOUR AESTHETIC AND STYLE
When you rebrand, you may also want to invest in buying items to express that transformation. Dress the way you want your fans to see you, and post pictures that present you as the kind of new model you want to be. This is especially important if you plan to rebrand into a specific niche of content.
Consider commissioning new graphics and imagery to promote yourself accordingly, while offering up older content for a discounted price if you do not plan to erase it permanently.
There are many ways to make this shift, but I can only speak from my personal experience with two successful changes. The second rebrand has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make after so many years using the former name. It has brought serenity in my life, though, to replace my old brand with a new one that does not carry any relation with the former professional me. I desperately wanted a new beginning in my field and, after seeing it finalized, I have never felt more sure about a decision.
Sally Fae, formerly known as Dawn Willow, is a multi-award-winning content creator and cam model, as well as a Blisss.Company ambassador. She can be followed @sally_fae on Twitter
