So you've signed up as a cam model, how to start? Here are my tips getting prepared to begin your exciting new journey on cam.
Welcome to the exciting world of cam modeling! Congratulations on making the leap and signing up!
You’re on the brink of an incredible journey where you can explore your sexuality, express your personality, be part of a supportive community and earn a substantial income.
But what happens next? How to transition from a hopeful newbie to a successful cam model?
Here are the next steps.
KNOW YOUR PLATFORM
Familiarise yourself with the cam platform you've chosen. Each site has its own rules, features and ways to earn.
Spend time exploring the interface. Learn how to utilise the tipping features and watch how the successful models interact and make money.
A lot can be gained by observing and paying attention to what works. Adding all available tipping features to your profile offers viewers many options of how to engage and spend money with you.
KNOW HOW TO SPOT MEMBERS
Find out in advance of starting how you can distinguish the members who have funds, or have the potential to add funds; from the free users who do not have funds.
Look into how you can identify those who have the greater spending potential as these are often the "big fish" including the "whales" that move around cam sites.
These type of members will have their regular models, but typically they are active in many different chat rooms.
They are always keen to meet the new models and if they see one they take a shine to, they will rinse considerable funds on that model.
Find out from your site's model support how you can spot the bigger tippers based on how their usernames are presented. Usually there is a colour or star system but this varies depending on the platform.
Knowing what to look for to determine member type and spending ability will enable you to be attentive when these guys visit you. Be sharp because if you snooze, they'll quickly leave the room and move onto the next model!
CREATE PERFORMANCE STYLE
What is your comfort level on cam? You'll need to determine this before you start.
If you look around the platform you've signed up to you'll see models doing a wide variety of different shows. Some will be fully naked going "all out," others will be fully dressed not doing or showing much.
You can do on cam whatever you're comfortable doing, so don't feel under pressure to do the same things the high level cam girls (some of whom will also be porn stars)- do.
Give thought to what you'll be comfortable with going in your live public chat room versus what you'll prefer doing in private shows. You can distinguish these things on your profile, for example on your bio and/or in your tip menu.
Depending on the site you are with, in the profile setup features there may be a section where you can type in what you do in private and what you do in public.
If you cannot see where to type in your preferences, ask your model support or studio/agency how to do this.
SET RIGHT PRICING
Look into the private show options and charging scales. Many sites have a cam to cam options, a spy/voyeur cam option, a recorded private options, for example. Usually these will be on a price per minute basis (ppm), or tokens per minute.
Set appropriate pricing suited to your level of experience. If you're a complete newbie to online sex work, I do not advise setting high price per minute pricing as this will deter members from going private.
Ideally start on lower pricing to encourage members to go private so you can build your experience quicker. You can always raise the pricing at a later stage once you are comfortable and competent with all the actions required of you in private shows.
Cam models with considerable experience can justify charging higher prices for their shows. For the top ppm rates, the expectation on the model is always very high as members always expect to receive professional quality shows for their money.
SET UP EQUIPMENT
Having the correct equipment will start you off with greater confidence and a professional appearance. You'll need to invest in a good quality laptop, HD webcam and good quality lighting so show you in the best light.
I have some articles that go into detail about the correct tech setup along with understanding use of lighting and lighting options. Please have a read so you understand why these things are so important and how you can obtain the right equipment in order to successfully work on cam.
Make sure before you do your first cam show that you have all of this organised, and correctly set up in a manner which feels comfortable and easy to operate.
The lighting, cam, position which you'll be situated within the camera framing, and accessibility to your computer/laptop should be within reach and organised so you feel you can relax with it.
Keep the lighting at a sensible distance from you so you don't feel it's glaring, over exposing, causing excessive shadowing or straining your eyes. Play around with this until it feels comfortable.
I recommend placing the webcam directly on top of the laptop or computer so you can give your viewers direct eye contact at all times and not be looking in another direction to read and respond to their chat.
Directly facing them and giving them eye contact will increase engagement significantly as they'll feel they can properly connect with you.
CHOOSE DRESS STYLE
Your style and dress should be fixed depending on the type of fans you wish to attract. This is because fans will chose their favourite models and gravitate to the ones who come across as their "type."
As a general rule, high end high quality attracts high end fans, and casual, dressed down or low budget attracts the same calibre of fans.
Fans will come with a level of expectation based on what they are presented with, so give some careful thought to your personal dress style as this will ultimately form a major element of your reputation.
I wrote an article with more detail about choosing what to wear along with some suggestions based on how you can shape the right style for you. That's here.
You don't need a full wardrobe of exotic clothing to start on cam. You can build your collection over time. However before you start your first cam show, make sure you have one or two outfits ready that you feel sexy and confident in.
First impressions are everything so dress with the intention to rock your style and make that impact!
SET YOUR SCHEDULE
Consistency is everything in the camming world. Fix a streaming schedule that suits you and stick to it. Type this on your profile so all who visit you on your first few sessions can follow you and know when to see you again.
Seeing a schedule is very important as it helps to quickly build a dedicated fan base and encourages you to manage your time effectively.
Cam models who stream consistently to a schedule find they gain more regulars and better loyalty and retention of those regulars. This is due to the fact there is a mutual effort on both sides to show up and enjoy time together on a regular basis (hence the term "regulars").
Promote your schedule on any social media accounts you have. Show to the followers you gain that you take your camming seriously and they will take you seriously.
GO LIVE
Once you're dressed and ready, correctly configured with your profile and equipment all set... it's time to go live!
This is the super exciting part as this is the moment from which you start to build you experience as a cam model, be part of a community, gain your fans, grow your income and make your impact in the world of webcam!
If I could say just one thing to you at the point you're about to click that button and go live it's this: smile, chat and be friendly!
Be welcoming and personable. This is appealing and makes viewers want to stick around and engage.
Once members warm to models they want to get to know them better. After which time, they start to become fans and monetize models' time.
ALWAYS keep your eyes sharp on the chat to notice potential new fans entering your room. Not paying attention will see them to leave the room before you've even had the change to engage them and show them how fabulous you are.
If you've already done the groundwork learning about how to indentify the members who have tokens, (which I strongly recommend you do before going live), focus mostly on those guys.
Greet the viewers by their usernames and introduce yourself. Invite them to look around your profile and show them where they can see your monetising options such as the tip menu and games.
Tell your viewers what they can do with you in private shows and let them know how much this will cost them per minute.
Ask them to follow you on your cam model profile and let them know about ways they can get to know you further; such as via Snapchat or social media platforms like X/Instagram if you use these.
ENGAGE YOUR VIEWERS
Interaction is the lifeblood of the camming community. Viewers appreciate direct engagement with models. Make sure to respond to all comments, ask questions and create a friendly atmosphere in your chat.
Effective interaction is a game-changer in cam modeling. Engaging with your audience can turn a daunting experience where viewers sit and stare into something dynamic and rewarding where they are encouraged to chat and tip.
As a basic ice-breaker...
Introduce yourself - when members join your chat room, greet them and ask open-ended questions. Be sure to look out for and respond to viewer comments as this encourages further interaction from them, along with spending.
Chat about whatever you feel at ease chatting about. It doesn't have to be naughty. For sure your viewers will be keen for the naughtier chat, but this will come in time once you get used to chatting and using your voice to engage your audience.
The more you chat and, the more natural it will start to feel. In a little time, your sessions on cam transform into into hot exciting exchanges that keep viewers coming back for more.
Chatting means showing off your personality. This is motivating to viewers and can encourage event the quietest members to participate.
Chat using your voice to bring your chat room to life and create an atmosphere. I don't recommend text typing as this leaves the atmosphere flat and members are less likely to stick around.
We have seen models who vocally chat get an average of 70% more engagement that models who text type. They make considerably more money on live chat sites.
If you're stuck for ideas what to chat about, think about doing some games, polls or discussions about a topic you've brainstormed prior to going live. You can always make some notes and bullet points. Even jot down some questions to encourage members to be forthcoming and help you create your shows with their input.
For example, ask your audience what they’d like to see or initiate some fun "truth or date" type games as these type of initiatives can encourage them to get involved.
Engaged viewers always tip more, so work on your engagement skills and you're setting yourself up for success on cam!
This article here offers more pointers on how to chat and create engagement in order to make money on cam.
STALLING AND NEED CONFIDENCE?
If you're brand new to the industry or returning to the industry after a long break, it is natural to feel nervous about taking the plunge.
Take the view that it is an exciting opportunity that can turn into something life-changing if you run with the others from the starting line and jump over that first hurdle!
A number of high achieving cam models I am personally connected with started very hesitant and lacking initial confidence.
Some are females who deal with mental health such issues as anxiety or PTSD, or neurodivergences such as ADHD, Aspergers or dyslexia. Some have more than one of these issues. They do not let this hold them back from cracking on to best they can be in their chosen profession as cam models.
These determined models have needed help to get into their flow with camming. They have had to learn how to self-discipline and self-motivate.
Their courage has been inspiring and with some careful guidance they have transformed into happy, thriving, profitable cam models. You can read the thoughts and tips of one of our neurodiverse success story models here.
Whatever you're up against, if you have the genuine intention to be a successful cam model, you will make this happen without any excuses! But you do need a good support network.
EMBRACE YOUR COMMUNITY
Find your community support network online so you can chat with other cam models as this will definitely help you feel ready to fire.
Gain tips from experienced models, connect with other newbies to encourage each other and watch the big earners live to see how they operate.
Lack of knowledge is the biggest stumbling block we find which knocks confidence for new starters. So be armed with the insight and you can hit the ground running to get quickly into your flow.
Focus on being part of a new and exciting community and enjoy the ride. Your community is what supports you and keeps you motivated, especially during the early days and weeks.
We have built a solid community with LVE Models. Our community is the high achieving cam models and timid-turned-empowered newbies who support their peers. Our community is also the cam site regulars who support many of our models mutually as they love how badass and committed they are.
If you're struggling to get started or find your way, and would love to be part of this empowered community, you can sign up to join us here.
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The info on everything for new cam models is here. This is the most comprehensive guide to starting this work I've ever seen. Big props to you Annabelle