General help question

[vivalagreg14]

I'm soon to be starting a reality porn site. I'm a little low on start up funds, but i'm overall at an advantage because I've been professionally designing websites for several years now. Anyway, I was curious of the best way to find talent to use. And would it be a good idea to find a pornography ring to request to join, (ex. reality kings or bangbros) if possible.

Any feedback would be much appreciated.


- Peace,
Greg

[Toby]

Step 1: Check the calendar. If it says 1998 then, and only then, proceed to step 2...

.

.

.

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The point being, the biz has changed a great deal since 1998. You have to be able to drive traffic to your pay site, and unless you already have an established network of sites to provide a good portion of that traffic you need money to buy traffic, buy ad spots, etc. If you don't already have a source for "talent" I'd suggest doing something else with your design skills.

[vivalagreg14]

I appreciate the feedback. I can come up with the money if I have to, that's not a big deal I was just hoping I could do it on my own steam. If need be I will get the money together. About how much money would you suggest it is gonna set me back? I also can generate the traffic via other websites i've become affiliated with. But if i could get a pricing estimate on a worst case and best case scenario that'd be great.

[Toby]

Originally Posted by vivalagreg14

I appreciate the feedback. I can come up with the money if I have to, that's not a big deal I was just hoping I could do it on my own steam. If need be I will get the money together. About how much money would you suggest it is gonna set me back? I also can generate the traffic via other websites i've become affiliated with. But if i could get a pricing estimate on a worst case and best case scenario that'd be great.

You'll need enough funds initially to shoot all the content that will be on the site when it launches (you can't have an almost empty member area), plus enough content for a minimum of 6 months of updates. You'll then need enough funds to buy traffic and ads to bring in traffic until you're selling enough memberships to be self-supporting. The more you spend per month initially on promotion the shorter that time period should be, provided you've purchased productive traffic and ad promos. There are too many variables for me to make an accurate estimate on how much will be needed for your specific situation, but I think you can see that it will likely be somewhere in the five figure neighborhood.

If you treat it like a business, run it like a business, you have chance of doing well.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by Toby

You'll need enough funds initially to shoot all the content that will be on the site when it launches (you can't have an almost empty member area), plus enough content for a minimum of 6 months of updates. You'll then need enough funds to buy traffic and ads to bring in traffic until you're selling enough memberships to be self-supporting. The more you spend per month initially on promotion the shorter that time period should be, provided you've purchased productive traffic and ad promos. There are too many variables for me to make an accurate estimate on how much will be needed for your specific situation, but I think you can see that it will likely be somewhere in the five figure neighborhood.

If you treat it like a business, run it like a business, you have chance of doing well.

Solid advice!

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by vivalagreg14

I'm soon to be starting a reality porn site. I'm a little low on start up funds, but i'm overall at an advantage because I've been professionally designing websites for several years now. Anyway, I was curious of the best way to find talent to use. And would it be a good idea to find a pornography ring to request to join, (ex. reality kings or bangbros) if possible.

Any feedback would be much appreciated.


- Peace,
Greg

IF you've got design skills, apprentice yourself to someone who is already doing it, learn a little bit, then see if you still want to try it on your own.

It's not easy to start from scratch unless you have a really deep bank roll.

[vivalagreg14]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

IF you've got design skills, apprentice yourself to someone who is already doing it, learn a little bit, then see if you still want to try it on your own.

It's not easy to start from scratch unless you have a really deep bank roll.

That's actually a really good suggestion. Unfortunately i would have to cold turkey apply since i don't know anyone in that field.

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by vivalagreg14

That's actually a really good suggestion. Unfortunately i would have to cold turkey apply since i don't know anyone in that field.

You now know 2 of us.

[vivalagreg14]

would you guys mind if i e-mailed u a copy of my resume?

[gonzo]

Originally Posted by vivalagreg14

would you guys mind if i e-mailed u a copy of my resume?

gonzo@oprano.com

If we cant work out something I can certainly make sure it gets circulated to the right people.

[pornlaw]

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish...

Most of my new clients are trying to shoot their own exclusive content. From a legal standpoint as well as being noobs I tell them to hire or contract for content from an experienced shooter in LA. There are plenty available at a reasonable price and this is where all the talent is. As a new site you will want to use established names in the industry to drive traffic through search engines.

I would also recommend launching with no less than 50 scenes ($1,000 to $2,000 per) spread across at least 3 niche sites. Do NOT try to compete with the big boys and pay for sign ups or rev share at first. Hold off on the affiliate program until you have cash flow. Start a couple of blogs to help drive potential members, buy some traffic as well.

As for pricing, the lower the better - $9.95 to no more than $14.95. With a scant 50 scenes you cant charge $29.99 since you dont have the content. Also you want rebills to build cash flow. You can raise prices later.

I tell my new clients to start with no less than $75,000 and much better is $125,000. Dont expect positive cash flow for a year and dump all your money back into content production as fast as you make it.

It aint easy money anymore, but it can be done.

Oh yeah, get a solid lawyer and accountant first. That will save you some cash in the long run.

Good-luck.

Michael

http://www.adultbizlaw.com

[KevinG]

I agree 99% with everything that was said. It is all excellent advice.

Michael, you gave some real good specifics too.

Originally Posted by pornlaw

I tell them to hire or contract for content from an experienced shooter in LA. There are plenty available at a reasonable price and this is where all the talent is.

Much talent is in LA, but a lot of professional shooting goes on in Florida too. I can make a couple of recommendations for established producers here if needed.

[gonzo]

Lots more solid advice here Greg.
Still looking for that resume but Id prefer to see a portfolio of your work.

[rhetorical]

Depending on what skills you bring to the table, I usually tell people you can do it for 10 to 20K. How shrewd and skillful you are with that money is what will make it or break it. Talent is easy to find when you have the money. One model place can be a good resource. You have to be professional when you approach talent or you will sink yourself before you even pull the trigger on your new Nikon. You should decide if you are going to do a personality based or fetish based site. That will determine the variety of talent you will need to hire. My advice.....stay well clear of any kind of revshare deal. Spend the money and have full control of the product. Remember model releases are critical.

I believe if you have a good gag, you can launch with 15 to 20 photo sets and some short videos. Of course, as mentioned previously, you should have six months of weekly updates in the can. If you can get business at that level, it will indicate interest by potential customers. Do traffic trades if you can. Like a previous poster said, stay well clear of affiliate marketing until you learn to market yourself. It is too expensive and unnecessary. If you can't sell your own product, then perhaps no one else can.

Its not easy, but its also not difficult if you have the right attitude and skills. You can expect to see a decent return in a few months.