Become Independent Web Cam Model

In the three years I’ve been an independent camgirl I’ve seen a lot of faces come and go in this independent niche of the cam world. However, there is a core group of independent camgirls who have figured out how to be successful in this niche of the industry, and they (we) all share one quality in common, the ability to wear ‘multiple hats’ and successfully negotiate multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Independent camming is tough work and has a high dropout rate. I really think the main reason for this is that many women enter the niche of independent camming without fully understanding what the job entails, and what is required of us in order to be successful. I think many women are initially attracted to independent camming because independent camgirls do not have to give a high percentage of our earnings to a cam site, but there’s a conceptual disconnect among many regarding exactly what those cam sites do in order to ‘earn’ their percentage. On a cam site, the site is responsible for ongoing promotion, marketing, payment processing, tech support and web design. Essentially, that’s what camgirls are paying for on a regular cam site. When making the step into independent camming, it’s important for women to recognize that we are responsible for every single aspect of our careers. It’s not just about throwing up an ad or three, logging in, greeting our customers and doing amazing cam shows ☺

I used to think of myself as a cam girl, specifically an independent camgirl, but as time goes by I recognize that being a cam girl is only one aspect amongst many of my job description. In truth, I’m a webmaster, a designer, a promoter and marketer AND an independent camgirl. If I omitted any one of those tasks I wouldn’t have any cam shows to perform, or customers to share them with.

That conceptual understanding of independent camgirls as equal parts webmasters, marketers and camgirls marks the difference between those who succeed and those who struggle in this camming niche, and I appreciate that it is a difficult transition for some. In truth, I spend far more time doing work related to camming as an independent than I ever did on a cam site. I spend far more time working on my site, networking and promoting than I ever did sitting in free chat. I say that not as a complaint or an attempt to scare women away from independent camming, rather as an illustration of what is required from us in order to be successfully independent. I love independent camming, but it’s not for those who aren’t prepared to invest the ongoing effort required in order to succeed.

Making the jump into independent camming is not simply about changing one’s style of camming, it requires of us a fundamental change in how we perceive ourselves and our roles as independent camgirls. To be successfully independent we need to understand we’re responsible for every aspect of our business. If we don’t do the work required, no one else will. Personally I love that feeling of being in control of my own career. That feeling makes the work worth it, and ultimately that much more rewarding. For camgirls interested in reading more, feel free to check out my Tips for Skype Camgirls

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My name is Renee and I am an independent, fetish-oriented webcam model who enjoys every aspect of hedonism that it is possible to come into contact with. You can find me in my online home at http://sadeianvixen.com. I’m a Mistress in the dungeon and a strong-willed, ambitious libertine when I’m not.

My site not only offers sexy,independent webcam shows customized to fulfill your desires, it also offers intellectual as well as aesthetic stimulation. I firmly believe that intellect and sexuality were meant to be fused together, creating the epitome of perfection. I’m the vixen who enjoys fusing intellectualism with sexuality whenever possible. The goal of my website is to fulfill that enjoyment for everyone. Whether it’s a rousing discussion about Plato’s Republic or a steamy, hot camshow–vanilla or fetish— I want you to leave with all senses and synapses satisfied.

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read thus far and are interested in purchasing a show, then please visit my website, subscribe to my blog, and start a conversation with a woman the Marquis de Sade himself would be proud to know.

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This guest post was provided by Mark from CamModelDirectory – a great way to advertise your independent webcam modeling services for FREE.

There are thousands of adult cam sites on the web where cam models offer their services, but experienced sex cam enthusiasts know that if you want a truly private and personalized experience, finding a model who performs cam to cam with freely available tools such as Skype is the way to go. Many sex cam performers are abandoning the traditional business model of working on a large sex cam site such as Streamate and instead are working independently. Today’s technology makes it easy for both models and viewers to engage in a truly private video session where the model and viewer can do as they please. This allows the models to focus on their client without being bothered by other viewers, and it allows the client the be sure no one else is spying in on the show. Plus, since the model doesn’t have to give up 50% or more of her earnings to the site operators, she is able to charge less and still make the same or more money for each show. Clearly this is a win-win situation for models and viewers.

The number of cam models who are working independently is growing quickly. The terms Skype sex, Yahoo sex and MSN sex have even been introduced into the lexicon to describe interactions between people engaging in virtual sex using these online tools. Today’s independent sex cam providers have many options for video chat including Skype, MSN, Yahoo, Oovoo, Facetime and many others. And with advances in camera technology and bandwidth, viewers can receive a great show without the need to join one of the large adult chat sites. Many viewers prefer this type of engagement because they can get a great, personalized show without having to listen to beggars and other obnoxious viewers in public chat rooms.

Of course being an independent cam model has its challenges, primarily building a client base. Without the marketing resources of a large adult chat operator bringing in viewers, independent models have to find other outlets to promote themselves. This is one reason that we decided to create CamModelDirectory. As fans of independent cam models ourselves, we often find it difficult to locate models. There are few directories dedicated exclusively to adult cam models. CamModelDirectory is designed to provide an outlet where models can advertise their services, and viewers can browse or search for performers. Models should also take advantage of sites such as Twitter and Facebook to promote their business, but we at CamModelDirectory are dedicated to making our site THE place where models and viewers meet.

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These days it is getting more difficult to find the right payment processors for your own independent webcam business with the increasing stance against adult industry and the high fees that Visa is now charging for “high risk” businesses.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for the right payment processing option for your business is the percentage and payment turn around they are offering. Some of the companies out there take as much as 30% of your income, which negates the entire reason you started your own independent webcam business to begin with. The goal being that you keep as much of your hard earned cash for yourself as possible instead of shelling it out to others.

Another important thing to consider is the track record of the Company you want to give your business to. How long have they been around? Are they known for their integrity or are there a lot of complaints against them from merchants and customers? A little Goggle Search and some posts on related Adult Webmaster Forum Boards will bring you the necessary information.

Next of course you need to take into consideration what type of services you are offering. Are you trying to sell Webcam Shows only? In that case you need a company that deals in “block charges” or pay per minute charges. Are you looking for a Membership option? Again you need to make sure this is available with the provider. For those who wish to sell goods (used panties, hardcopy videos etc) along the way the options become even more narrowed down, since many of the online adult billing providers don’t cater to this but are opting for digital transfers only. Always make sure to read their fine print! I know this seems obvious, but most people overlook it. When running your own business, especially in the Adult Entertainment Industry, you can’t afford not to look at every part of any contractual agreement you sign.

Recently, within the last 6 to 8 months, the credit card companies have added higher fees and requirements again, which translates to higher “credit card acceptance fees” via some of the better billing providers out there.

Be prepared to have to pay a $500 to $700 annual fee to accept Visa in some cases. Again read the agreements carefully since in some cases it is waved if you make over a certain amount a month and don’t have any chargebacks.

A few of the companies you may want to check into are CCBill, Verotel, and Zombaio. Each of these three Companies have a good track record and have been around for a while now.

You can check into Partykey.com as well if you are opening a Membership Site or want to accept Tributes. Be aware that their percentage is high so and they pay out only once a month after you have reached a minimum payout goal.

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