Great Pics of my Girl... - Page 2 - GoFuckYourself.com

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RATBOY

Poll your members. If they say yes, put the hardcore section on a separate page. Maybe make it available a few days a month. Keeps members checking the site for updates, you'll get a little more retention (in theory).

It's a thought. However, the site recurrs well... People like the fact that it doesn't stick everything in their face. I get emails and comments to that effect all the time, often from people who have been members for a year straight.

In the end, I'll go back to what Sykko said.. I don't just do this for the money. I make each set the best set I can, and I make it fit the vision I have for my photos. Sometimes, that means no spread pussy shots and so-forth. It is working for me. Conversions are good, traffic is my problem.

mailman · 08-13-2002, 08:41 AM

Oh okay my bad sorry i thought you did this for money and not the love of Photography and for providing a quality artistic picture to your members...

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mailman
Oh okay my bad sorry i thought you did this for money and not the love of Photography and for providing a quality artistic picture to your members...

I like and need the money, but I don't let it rule me. I make the pictures that I think are best, and then I try to sell them. If I just made what everyone thought would sell the best, would I stand out from hundreds of other photographers? I don't think so. It is my artistic vision that sets me apart. It may not be much, but it's something.

mailman · 08-13-2002, 08:47 AM

my point exactly.... if it is art can you not host them at geocities?

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mailman
my point exactly.... if it is art can you not host them at geocities?

I don't think GeoCities likes it when you're pushing 50 gigs a month.

Let me put it this way...

Can you see a difference between:

1. I make what I think is worth making, and then try and sell it.
and
2. Making stuff *because* it will sell a little better.

?

Personally, I do not like the idea of showing something exreme, hardcore, or explicit just because it will sell. I don't mind showing it, but only if its what we feel like producing. I want what I show people to be real... I have models who would do hardcore, but I only shoot hardcore if it is *real* and would happen off camera. Maybe I'm weird.

I'll run my business my way, and you run yours your way. I am always hoping to learn more about how to do better, but I will only work within my own principles. If you want to see my girlfriend's snatch, there are plenty of photos of that in the members area. It just didn't make sense as part of this set:

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 08:57 AM

Lay of GothWeb. I wish I could make money without showing pink.

Gothweb, good site, no improvements needed if you don't want to make any, haters can be haters but they should leave you alone.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RATBOY
Lay of GothWeb. I wish I could make money without showing pink.

Gothweb, good site, no improvements needed if you don't want to make any, haters can be haters but they should leave you alone.

Oh, the site needs plenty of improvements! ;) I know hardly anything about how to make the sale, or how to promote the site to get good traffic. I just think that while I should always work to improve the quality of my photos, the focus of them is where I like it.

Anyhow, I am glad you like the pics as they are. It means a lot to me to get praise on this board, since it's not exactly known for its friendliness sometimes. ;)

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb

Oh, the site needs plenty of improvements! ;) I know hardly anything about how to make the sale, or how to promote the site to get good traffic. I just think that while I should always work to improve the quality of my photos, the focus of them is where I like it.

Anyhow, I am glad you like the pics as they are. It means a lot to me to get praise on this board, since it's not exactly known for its friendliness sometimes. ;)

Honestly, design-wise your site is not really lacking. Traffic build-up of your site has little to do with your site as it does the actual promotion of it.

For the record, this board IS renouwned (sp) for assholes. The atmosphere of the place is overwhelmingly loaded with them. Just cause everyone else is doesn't mean I haveta be.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RATBOY

Honestly, design-wise your site is not really lacking. Traffic build-up of your site has little to do with your site as it does the actual promotion of it.

For the record, this board IS renouwned (sp) for assholes. The atmosphere of the place is overwhelmingly loaded with them. Just cause everyone else is doesn't mean I haveta be.

There are plenty of decent people. It has taken me a while to realize that there aren't actually a lot of assholes here, just a few very vocal ones. Luckily, there are a lot of quiet people who are quite nice, and even a few very nice vocal types.

As for the site... Thanks. If I can work out the promotion side of things, maybe I can pay off my credit card and so forth. I work a lot at it, but it seems to be pretty much at a plateau. Wish I knew what to do to get some good traffic.

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 09:26 AM

Do you have an affiliate program yet?

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RATBOY
Do you have an affiliate program yet?

Yes. We have an affiliate program, where most people can make 50%. I provide content to promote us with, and can even provide hosting and so forth. The details are on http://www.gothicamateur.com/referral.html . The best way to get involved is to drop me a line, once you've read what's on that page.

I know something about how to promote a site. I know very little about how to promote a referral program...

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 09:50 AM

Purchase ad space on boards and websites for newbies like this one.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RATBOY
Purchase ad space on boards and websites for newbies like this one.

Look at the page for the program, though... I can explain it fine in person, but have no idea how to sell it on a website. An ad doesn't do me any good until it sends people to a convincing page.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb

Look at the page for the program, though... I can explain it fine in person, but have no idea how to sell it on a website. An ad doesn't do me any good until it sends people to a convincing page.

I think it is time for me to work on my affiliate program a little. I think the setup needs tweaking, but mostly, I think the page that explains it needs work to draw people in. Can anyone offer some advice?

http://www.gothicamateur.com/referral.html

What is most appealing about using this program?
What is least appealing, most worrying?
What could I do to make it more appealing?

Here are my thoughts so far... Just braindstorming in here, since the topic came up... Maybe somebody will have some advice on what angle to take.

I should start by outlining the highlights of the program:

Linked Program: Two chances to make a sale, because our sites are linked.

Long-term cookie: Currently, the cookie lasts three months. I intend to extend that somewhat. The thing about this is that our sites create loyal fans, and as long as they sign up eventually, you get paid. Also, we offer non-recurring options... but with this program, your cookie lasts even after your first sale, so if they sign up again-- which many people do-- you still get credit.

Good % Flexible Partnership rate, generally 50%. Making 50% of sales to a unique site like this is pretty good. Plus, since we can work out a personal setup for each affiliate, we can offer even higher rates for great promotion ideas.

Free Content: I offer my affiliates content to promote our sites with. How much is tailored to the individual site, but I can offer quite a lot to work with.

Free Hosting: I even offer free hosting for sites that are solely designed to promote our sites. So you can set up a FPA, tour, gallery, or whatever, and we can host it. That means you don't have to invest anything in promoting us.

Unique Sites: There just aren't other sites like this out there to promote. Very few personal erotica sites have real partner programs, and there aren't many gothic sites out there, either. The combination really works, and it's not like there's a lot of competition.

Promote how you want: Want to build your own tour, and link right to our join page? Cool. Want to build galleries and post them on hundreds of TGPs? Cool. Want to build an AVS site that upsells to our sites? Let me help you out. You get the idea.

Then, I think I should have an area outlining the various ways of promoting our sites... A detailed set of examples, so people can see how flexible I am, and just how many options are available.

What should I be concentrating on? A simple page? Only a few of the big features of the program? Or should I go for the detail?

fiveyes · 08-13-2002, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb

... If I can work out the promotion side of things, maybe I can pay off my credit card and so forth...

Don't kid yourself- if your income doubled next year, you'd find that your credit limit has not only tripled, but is somehow maxed out as well. Credit cards get paid off only when you remove all automatic billing from them, cut them in two and resist the temptation to fall back into the revolving credit trap.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 10:15 AM

I am very new to the whole credit card thing. So far, I don't abuse it too badly.. but I agree. I look forward to getting rid of ours as soon as I can.

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb
I am very new to the whole credit card thing. So far, I don't abuse it too badly.. but I agree. I look forward to getting rid of ours as soon as I can.

I would like to offer you more advice on your affiliate program, but since I don't have one and never had, I think I am gonna stay away from leading you wrong.

As a person who looks for programs here is what I CAN tell you...

1. I have very little time to read fluff. Get straight to the point, make it really really really easy to read.

2. I don't care about the artistic side of a affilate join page. Basic business style text does wonders on me. It subconciously makes me think the person I am dealing with is a professional underneath.

3. A few pictures of the content you provide that really shows the theme of the website(s) you are promoting works. A goth site with chicks in July 4th bikinis is fucking confusing me. Is it a goth site or a site with models in black lipstick??? (I know you do good work, just making a point).

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 11:25 AM

Thank you. Advice like that is very, very helpful. Three very simple but useful points, that should really keep me focused as I work on this. Hopefully, something good will come of it. Thanks for the advice.

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb
Thank you. Advice like that is very, very helpful. Three very simple but useful points, that should really keep me focused as I work on this. Hopefully, something good will come of it. Thanks for the advice.

You should start a new thread on this topic, it may get you more advice than I have to offer.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 11:55 AM

Good point.

I have created a new thread for advice for the affiliate program.

So, back to the topic of this thread...

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gothweb
Good point.

I have created a new thread for advice for the affiliate program.

So, back to the topic of this thread...

HOTTIE

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 12:42 PM

I have just one more thought about the hardcore side of this thread...

I would love to see how hardcore would look the way YOU photograph. Not much artsy hardcore around...

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 02:18 PM

For that very reason, we do indeed do a little bit of hardcore. As I said, we do it when we think there is a reason to-- besides "more money". We recently did a cool bondage shoot with Vail. The second in the series is coming to our site soon, and is heavy on the toys... We also have a very old D/s sex set in our members archives that a lot of people really love. In the future, we may do a little more.

RATBOY · 08-13-2002, 02:25 PM

O cool.

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 04:40 PM

Early on, the site was about us, a couple. It moved to being about Vail, with a few appearances by me. Before long, we had a second model, our friend Bianca, and I let myself phade out of the spotlight. With that, came a move away from hardcore photos. We won't show two people having sex who wouldn't normally have sex, basically. We do show some solo stuff with Vail, especially on cam.

The one fan I have ever had, a nice girl who still visits the site, loved the D/s sex set. A lot of people seem to agree. They like how real and personal it is, yet still artistic and sexy. Hard to get all of that in one go, and I'm glad we managed it. Looking back, though, the set could have been a lot better.

faytl · 08-13-2002, 06:02 PM

gothweb,

whats your email/icq ?

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by faytl
gothweb,

whats your email/icq ?

My email is webmaster [at] gothicamateur [dot] com ;)

My ICQ is 155863658

chodadog · 08-13-2002, 07:29 PM

She's gorgeous. You're a lucky man

gothweb · 08-13-2002, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chodadog
She's gorgeous. You're a lucky man

I'll feel luckier when she comes home on Saturday! ;)

gothweb · 08-14-2002, 07:59 AM

At least it looks like I will be busy until then... Pub night tonight, after I get some work done. Tons to do tomorrow and Friday, with the affiliate program and getting reigtered for school. Then a model arriving Friday night. Should pass like the breeze.

08-13-2002, 10:15 AM	#66
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	I am very new to the whole credit card thing. So far, I don't abuse it too badly.. but I agree. I look forward to getting rid of ours as soon as I can. __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best.

08-13-2002, 11:25 AM	#68
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	Thank you. Advice like that is very, very helpful. Three very simple but useful points, that should really keep me focused as I work on this. Hopefully, something good will come of it. Thanks for the advice. __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best.

08-13-2002, 11:55 AM	#70
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	Good point. I have created a new thread for advice for the affiliate program. So, back to the topic of this thread... __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best. Last edited by gothweb; 08-13-2002 at 12:06 PM..

08-13-2002, 02:18 PM	#73
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	For that very reason, we do indeed do a little bit of hardcore. As I said, we do it when we think there is a reason to-- besides "more money". We recently did a cool bondage shoot with Vail. The second in the series is coming to our site soon, and is heavy on the toys... We also have a very old D/s sex set in our members archives that a lot of people really love. In the future, we may do a little more. __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best.

08-13-2002, 04:40 PM	#75
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	Early on, the site was about us, a couple. It moved to being about Vail, with a few appearances by me. Before long, we had a second model, our friend Bianca, and I let myself phade out of the spotlight. With that, came a move away from hardcore photos. We won't show two people having sex who wouldn't normally have sex, basically. We do show some solo stuff with Vail, especially on cam. The one fan I have ever had, a nice girl who still visits the site, loved the D/s sex set. A lot of people seem to agree. They like how real and personal it is, yet still artistic and sexy. Hard to get all of that in one go, and I'm glad we managed it. Looking back, though, the set could have been a lot better. __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best.

08-13-2002, 08:41 AM	#52
mailman Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,311	Oh okay my bad sorry i thought you did this for money and not the love of Photography and for providing a quality artistic picture to your members...

08-13-2002, 08:47 AM	#54
mailman Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,311	my point exactly.... if it is art can you not host them at geocities?

08-13-2002, 08:57 AM	#56
RATBOY Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,592	Lay of GothWeb. I wish I could make money without showing pink. Gothweb, good site, no improvements needed if you don't want to make any, haters can be haters but they should leave you alone.

08-13-2002, 09:26 AM	#60
RATBOY Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,592	Do you have an affiliate program yet?

08-13-2002, 09:50 AM	#62
RATBOY Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,592	Purchase ad space on boards and websites for newbies like this one.

08-13-2002, 12:42 PM	#72
RATBOY Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,592	I have just one more thought about the hardcore side of this thread... I would love to see how hardcore would look the way YOU photograph. Not much artsy hardcore around...

08-13-2002, 02:25 PM	#74
RATBOY Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,592	O cool.

08-13-2002, 06:02 PM	#76
faytl Confirmed User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 121	gothweb, whats your email/icq ?

08-13-2002, 07:29 PM	#78
chodadog Confirmed User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 9,736	She's gorgeous. You're a lucky man

08-14-2002, 07:59 AM	#80
gothweb Confirmed User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Back in the USSA Posts: 8,849	At least it looks like I will be busy until then... Pub night tonight, after I get some work done. Tons to do tomorrow and Friday, with the affiliate program and getting reigtered for school. Then a model arriving Friday night. Should pass like the breeze. __________________ Photos by Ian X.: Distinctive photos of goth babes. Blood Money:Your traffic, my sites, our money. MojoHost: Still the best.