Anyone can have small internalized habits which they might not realize are bad, and even the most experienced models can sometimes make mistakes during their streams. After all, there is no official guide on how to be the perfect cam girl. But there is a list of “don’ts” that I’ve put together so that you know what to avoid when it comes to cam modeling.
BEING A COPYCAT
Imagine that a new member enters your room and you’re looking at your phone, bored. Those five seconds you have to make an impression are ruined already.
It’s always positive to look for model inspiration, especially when starting your camming journey. However, don’t fall into the fallacy that you should copy other models in everything they do. If those models are successful, it’s because they have something unique about themselves or their streams.
You must set yourself apart from other cam girls and find your own formula. At the end of the day, having your own personality is what will make you stand out from the rest. Ask yourself the same question that viewers would ask themselves: Why would I watch a copycat when I can actually watch the original one?
OVERPROMISING AND UNDERDELIVERING
If you make a promise, you must strive to keep it. That’s the cam girl code of conduct. Otherwise, you may come off as a scammer and will lose customers. Make sure you don’t promise anything you’re not able or willing to deliver, or else it may damage your reputation.
Sometimes you might miss a request in the chat, but try to pay as close attention as possible to all the activity happening in your room. This is especially for people streaming from several cam sites; it can be understandably hard to keep up with everything going on in every platform. That’s why it’s often advisable to stream from only one at a time, to ensure the best performance possible.
If something unavoidable does come up or you just need a break from the grind, at least try to let your fans know there might be a delay or that you may not be able to fulfill your commitment.
BEGGING FOR TIPS
It can be tempting for frustrated models to say things like “More tips guys, come on” or “No tips, no show,” but begging for tips is a bad habit that can turn away fans or project desperation. Just imagine you’re in a club (remember those days? yeah, me neither) and someone keeps coming to talk to you, begging to be your friend. If you were initially not interested, that needy behavior will only reinforce your stance. So, the same principle applies to your members.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot ask for tips at all. But just remember not to cross the line of being too demanding and asking for tips right after someone enters your room. That being said, if it’s an off day and you’re not feeling it, just log off and try again later.
BEING ON YOUR PHONE
Just like in any other job, you wouldn’t pull out your phone to chat or play during working hours, so you should try not to do it in your chat room. Imagine that a new member enters your room and you’re looking at your phone, bored. Those five seconds you have to make an impression (that’s the average time users spend in each room when room-hopping) are ruined already.
EXAGGERATING GESTURES AND MOANS
Camming is about creating true desire and crafting a fantasy that users genuinely feel connected to, even if there is often an element of pretend (which they understand). You should always strive for authenticity or fans may be pulled out of the moment and thrust into reality because of exaggerated moans or gestures that don’t seem sincere. Try not to go too over the top, and hey, if you’re having a really good time, your fans will too.
TRASH-TALKING OTHER MODELS
Most cam site users are visiting to forget about their problems and have a good time, not to listen to anyone’s drama. Plus, nobody likes cruelty or trash-talking about another model in your stream. That will just say more about you than it says about them. It also creates a negative vibe that doesn’t belong on cam and doesn’t align with the spirit of the industry. Keep it positive!
FORGETTING TO SAY NO
Just because someone sends you tokens doesn’t entitle them to ask for anything they want from you – tip menus exist for a reason. One of the greatest things about camming is that you’re in full control, so if there’s something you’re not comfortable doing, just don’t do it. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Even if the user already sent you tips to request it, you can tell them “no” in a polite manner and offer them something else instead. And this should go without saying, but: Don’t accept any threats or rude behavior in your room. Block whomever you have to block, but don’t allow anyone to cross the boundaries.
Eva is a passionate insider with industry experience whose mission is to pave the way for performers to make money on their own terms. When she’s not writing a blog post, poking around online or networking, she is practicing yoga or doing Netflix marathons. She’s addicted to coffee, which is what keeps her going through the day. Contact her at eva@stripchat.com.
