Two models per week

[arsby]

Abby's making me crazy showing us all of these new potential models.
I want to see more of them so bad it hurts. I'd love to see two new models a week.
I feel sort of helpless because I really can't help with Abby's most frequent request, which is "refer more subscribers".
About all I can do is find out if there's anything else I can do to help the cause.
Here is an outline of the problem and possible solutions:

Given:
1) Two new models per week is more expensive than one, 'cause you gotta pay them.
2) Abby is just about breaking even now, with one model per week.
3) Abby and VM deserve at least a token income, so you can't take that away to pay the models.

Ways to increase revenue:
1) More subscribers.
2) Increase fees.

How to get more subscribers:
1) Word of mouth. This is iffy because guys usually don't have other guys with whom they discuss these things.
2) Posting to newsgroups. Can't figure out why Abby hasn't done more of this.
3) Submitting to x-rated search engines. Someone else suggested this, I don't know much about it. Sounds like a great idea.
4) Mass mailing to existing customers asking how they found Abbywinters.com. It seems only a few of us post to the discussion groups, a mass mailing (with option to hit "reply") might get a better response.
5) Mass mailing to purchased mailing list. Something like "Hi, I'm Abby. Cum see me and my cute friends at the dorm..." Ahem, I mean, "Please visit my site. We feature large, clear pictures of attractive Australian girls you haven't seen before, with no pop-ups, etc."

Increasing fees:
Ask existing subscribers, either through a e-mailing or an online questionnaire, whether they'd like more models for more cash.

Unknown (and admittedly none of my business):
Is there an advertising budget?
What percentage of subscribers usually respond to questionnaires on the members' page?
What's the return on investment for a purchased mass mailing.

[sybiandude]

I agree with the newsgroup thing Arsby. I'm a regular surfer of Usenet, but I've hardly ever come across any AbbyWinters pictures. Controlled postings to newsgroups, in my humble opinion, could make all the difference.

I seem to remember Abby saying a few weeks back that she's already spent her advertising budget about threefold this year. Doh!

[Abby]

Hi Guys

Firstly, I'd like to say, I appreciate your concern.

I post to news when I get a chance, which lately has not been so often. I have a "normal" fullt ime job, and the site takes up the rest of the time. I guess I need to prioritize better, but I just don't get a chance to post to news as often as I would like. And, more and more groups are introducing rules that stipulate pics posted must be complete series, with no URL's, and so on.

However. If you have time and the desire to post to news, I'd be glad if you did, with the following conditions:

o Never post ever pic of a model, a max of 30
o Never ask for fills - I don't want to encourage ex-customers to post my entire site!
o Never post images you may have altered

If you do post to news on my behalf, please let me know, so I can pay closer attention to the stats. Please let me know (either here, or by email) what group(s) you posted to, what nym you used, and what date. Thanks.

Arsby, I'll respond to the other issues in your post later today. I have an appointment to shoot a model, now.

Abby

[Abby]

Hullo, back again

(did some great shoots, BTW, check out the models topic for samples!)

There was an advertising budget, but I have spent it, and twice over, on banner ads at some busy sites. They did OK, but nothing special. Did not seem to make their money back (it's hard to tell cos a lot of new members seem to skip the questionnaire that asks where they found out about the site, grr).

The percentage of members who respond to surveys is about 25% - 30% depending on the question I ask, and if it has an obvious easy answer. For example, many more people responded to "do you want to see more hardcore stuff?", than, "do you want to pay more to see more GG shoots?".

No idea what the return on investment for a mass mailing list (ie, spam), but I am pretty sure I don't want to do that. I HATE spam with a passion, and cannot bring myself to do it - honestly. That's one of the reasons I started the site in the first place, cos so many sites out there are SO goddamn BAD. More banner ads than pictures, consoles, blind links, and so on. Even pay sites that are reputedly "good" have this stuff. Seems crazy to me, to drive people away like that, yet they seem to be doing ok, so maybe that really IS the way to do things?! (if you can't beat 'em, join 'em?).

I have not yet asked the question in a survey, "would you be willing to pay more to see more?" (in so many words, tho have asked similar questions), but I will on Wednesday, and we'll see what the response is. Care to have a guess? http://www.abbywinters.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif

The big problem I see with going to two new models a week is that once I do it, I have to stick to it. No one is going to want to sign up to get two new models a week, only to have it drop back to one new model a week a month later. So I need to be sure of my position before I make this decision. I don't want to go out of business due to a rash decision.

The problem with submitting to X-Rated search engines is that they don't really work. We have listed with dozens, and we get more hits from Google (the general search engine) than we have from all the "reputable" adult search engines put together.

We used to list regularly with TNG sites (Thumbnail Galleries) like The Hun, and Persian Kitty, and so on (they link to web pages that have free pis on them). All these did was generate massive amounts of hits and traffic delivered (which costs me money), and a barely noticeable spike in memberships.

The biggest spike we ever had was when we were listed with Jane's Guide (www.janesguide.com). We got a great review there, and got many members from there. We have had favorable reviews from other review sites, but none seem to be as popular as Jane's Guide (tho we do get both hits and sign-ups from them occasionally). If you know of a review site that you think would suit this site, PLEASE let me know.

Many review sites, and all link sites require huge, ugly banner links to their site, and insist on sending them hundreds of hits a day before they consider "reviewing" us. That's bullshit. I am not interested in being a "feeder" for another site, or any kind of multi-level-marketing at all. That's not what the site is about.

I have done several mass-mailings to past and current members, and had poor responses (you've seen the ones I have done, more than likely). Most people do not answer such an email, but those that have responded, said they subscribed due to posts to newsgroups, but for reasons outlined in the post preceding this, I have not done much new posting lately. (consider also that ppl who are active on newsgroups are more likely to fill in a survey, than those that are not, so that skews the result - only about 35% of people who have subscribed have filled in the "where did you hear about the site?" questionnaire).

One other issue I did not touch upon was that if I post images from my website to newsgroups, it's called spam, but if you do it, it's good posting. I cannot win there, but you can go wild (within the guidelines I mention in the other post, tho, please)!

I hope that answers some questions. Pleae feel free to respond - I am open to your suggestions.

I never know how many ppl read these posts on the 'boards, so I will raise some of the more salient points on the member's page in Wednesday's update.

abby

[arsby]

So much to respond to, but first about committing yourself to 2 models per week.

You're right. Right now you have a glut of models, but what happens when things get slow? (There are only so many pretty young women in Australia, after all.)

So don't commit yourself to 2 models per week. But, on the other hand, don't limit yourself to exactly 1 model per week. If revenues get better, and your forum posters are particularly clever and effusive, toss us a second model every once in awhile. A "Bonus Model" so to speak.

And on your cover page, don't say "2 new models per week." Instead, how about "At least 1 new model per week."

Hey, Abby, I'm tryin'. I'm tryin' real hard.

[arsby]

I followed Abby's guidelines in her post in the "Two models per week" thread, and did some small posts as follows:

4 Ann and 4 Donna to A.B.P.E.Breasts.Small

4 Ally and 4 Charlie to A.B.Nospam.Teenfem and A.B.P.Chimera

5 Allanah and 4 Jasmin to A.B.P.E.Female.Toys

For you newbies out there, A.B.P.E. stands for alt.binaries.pictures.erotica.

I used PowerPost 2000, which I think is free, and I know is hard to find. (look for NNTP PowerPost in your search engine.)

It was my first ever binary post to anything other than alt.binaries.test.

There was a little bit of a learning curve... I used the default subject on some of the posts.

So, what do you think?
How can I make it better?
Should I post more?
Did I do anything wrong?

Please let me know.

[Abby]

Hi Arsby

Thanks a lot for making the effort. Unfortunately, the thing with news is that becuse most groups that have that kinda content in them are very busy, so posts get "pushed off" in a matter of days. I post now and then, when I have time, but what it needs is a constant onslaught. If you are comitted enough to do that, fantastic, I'll give you a free account to the site for your troubles.

If you cannot, well, whenever you have time to post, that'd be great. Every bit helps, even if it is just keeping the name in people's minds, you know?

Be careful in groups like ABNT, tho, last time I looked they had VERY stringent rules regarding posting of images that had URL's on them. Not sure if they still exist, or if they are enforced.

Memberships AE up a little over the past 24 hours, but I often get spikes like this for no apparent reason, so while it may be due to your posts, it also may not be.

Sorry to be so down, but that seems to be the truth of it. Thanks again for making the effort, I hope you can find the time and inclination to keep going!

abby

[arsby]

Well, I can't promise a "constant onslaught", but I can probably manage a few posts every few days... more, if I can figure out the scheduling function of the software.

But I'm wondering if you can give me a some guidance.

Subject line: Wonderful site (1 of 4 filename.jpg)
- should I put "AbbyWinters" in the subject line?

Attachments: Each post has 2 girls, 4 asst pics per girl, and I give the actual file name (when they see Ann093.jpg they know to expect at least 93 pics on the site.) Does that sound right to you. Do you want me to change the file names, or have more pics per girl, or more girls per post? Are there specific pics you think I should post?

I start with a "0/4" text message that says something like
"Our site features original pictures and videos of pretty Australian girls.
There are no pop-ups, banners or frames.
We also have a responsive owner/photographer who will listen to your suggestions in the discussion groups and by email.
Please visit www.abbywinters.com and see if you like it."
Can you come up with something with a little more punch?

All the from and to email addresses are abby@abbywinters.com (mailto:abby@abbywinters.com).
Posted by Arsby.
Organization is "Friends of Abby Winters".

Abby, please give me some direction on this. You da boss. http://www.abbywinters.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif

Others, have you looked at my posts (scan for Arsby)? Do you have any suggestions?

[arsby]

I posted a couple more sets this morning. Well, morning here, about Thurs 21:00 Sydney time.
This time the subject line had:
Toys at AbbyWinters.com
Small Breasts at AbbyWinters.com
Per your advice, I didn't post to any nospam groups.
I'm getting pretty good. Once I decide which attachments to include, it takes me about 3 minutes to set up each post.

I have this concept in mind where I select one portrait (nude from waist up) of each of your 40-some models, and post them 6 at a time in various groups, encouraging people to put together a full set of 40. I figure it would
1) generate interest,
2) appeal to their collector instinct,
3) give folks an idea of the range of models they can find here... Do you have any idea how few sites can put together a set of 40 of their models who are all original and all young and pretty?
It would involve renaming the pics -- e.g., gabby079 would become AW_p1_gabby. ("p1" for "first set of portraits". Later I can post a close-up set starting with AW_c1 to A.B.P.E.Close-ups.) There would initially be 7 sets, 6 each, from AW_p1 through AW_p7.

Any reaction?

[Blackgoat]

Abby, ever think of setting up a donation system for yourself through amazon.com? They have something called the Honor System which allows visitors to your site to make volunatry payments of any dollar amount. Maybe for those that could afford an extra few bucks could give it to you that way to help out.

http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/subst/fx/home.html/ref=gw_m_b_jhs/107-8757151-3051744
This is a link (long as it may be) to their page describing the Honor System.

Might be an alternative to your money woes.

[billdcat]

[B]So don't commit yourself to 2 models per week. But, on the other hand, don't limit yourself to exactly 1 model per week. If revenues get better, and your forum posters are particularly clever and effusive, toss us a second model every once in awhile. A "Bonus Model" so to speak.

And on your cover page, don't say "2 new models per week." Instead, how about "At least 1 new model per week."

I'm guessing that Abby's got a back-log of update material because of the imbalance of updates: (new models get two updates, old models get one) I agree with the "at least" idea. Perhaps daily updates? (be it a new model, extension on a new model or updating an old model) That might bring back old customers. I know my one beef is that with the current updating, if I don't particularly care for the model that's being featured, then I'm stuck for a whole week gambling on who's next week.

[Abby]

Hi BlackGoat

Unfortunately, that Amazon thing is only open to Americans (CC and bank and checquing accounts), so that pretty much rules me out. However, as several people have suggested this kinda thing to me (thanks!) I am going to look at getting a merchant account and the relevant software, so I can bill people's credit cards for things like this (and many others).

Abby

[Abby]

Hi Billdcat

We only changed to three updates a week a few months ago, you gotta give us a break! http://www.abbywinters.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif Gawd, an update a day? *sigh* so much work (seems so now, anyway). That may be what we'd do when we go to two new models a week, I think.

ACk on your concerns with not liking a model, stuck with her for a week, but the only thing that is going to save that is having two new models a week, right?

The survey is up and running for that, if you have responded yet, please do. I'll leave it up until this Friday. It's really to early to tell what the results mean yet, but as soon as it is clear, I will post the results for all to discuss.

abby

[arsby]

I've been thinking about it, and maybe I should retract my "Yes, I'll pay more" vote. If I'm paying $22/mo (which I imagine would translate to $60/3 mo, $110/6 mo, something like that) I'll absolutely *require* Abby to post 2 models per week. She may have to scramble for those two models; will the quality be compromised? Don't know if I want to find out.

Also, that $22/mo is putting Abby in direct competition with some of those really big sites. Well, they're impersonal, and the quality is sorta iffy, but they've got *scads* of series to choose from, and there are a few gems in there. The question is, for the same amount of money do I want 90% gems out of a few models, or 5% gems out of a bazillion models. Honestly, it's sort of a tossup.

At $15/mo. it's easy -- I'll take Abby's site, no hesitation. I've been thinking really hard about buying myself a little present... that $75/6 mo. plan looks nice, even if Abby stays with 1 new model per week. I'm not sure I would consider $110/6 mo. even with 2 models per week.

[Abby]

Hi

Yup, I think the price is a bit much, but that's what I'd need to charge if I went to two new models a week now, or int he near future. After that, well, it depends on the number of new members.

And, to be honest, if I went to two models a week, I would indeed post one "good" model, and one "not so good" model. I have to get rid of them somehow. As it is, I'll just sit on the sets I have that I shot and regretted later. Maybe I will spare you all, and never release them? http://www.abbywinters.com/discus/clipart/happy.gif

Unfortunately, there were more from this recent session in Adelaide. Two shoots out of 24 were bad. *sigh*

abby

[arsby]

Only two out of 24 were bad?
There were 22 good shoots?
Isn't that a good thing?

Can't wait till you post some of the new ones to the Models discussion area.

I really wanna see what you consider the bad ones. Can't you throw together a "rejects" page for all of us perverts who think that variety rules?

[Abby]

well, 22 good shoots out of 24 is a good thing, sure, but 24 out of 24 would be better, you know? The bad shoots cost just as much as good ones.

As for what I consider the bad ones, well, ok. I'll make up a page, that'll be members only access, and preface it with, "well, you asked for it!".

When time allows, I will, anyway.

abby

[zean]

I'll admit, I'm a stereotypical "starving college student." But I frequent newsgroups and occasionally see some material from a site which interests me enough to subscribe. Most of the time, it turns out to be a site that has a few of their own models and a bunch of material they have trawled off newsgroups/websites themselves and are (probably) posting illegally. I don't subscribe to these for very long because they don't have consistently good material.

When I came across some pics from abbywinters.com, I was stunned. I quickly surfed to the website and within a few minutes had subscribed. Now that I see the "coming soon" material, I'm glad that I did and I don't plan on cancelling my membership any time soon.

I really feel the only effective way to advertise an adult website is to put your money where your mouth is, tip your cards a little, and let people see what you've got. A banner is a banner is a banner no matter how many girls you put on it and no matter how many times it pops up. People are programmed to ignore them. Bulk email just infuriates people -- plus, they have no idea if you're posting quality original pictures/video or just the same old stuff stolen from some German magazine.

Posting on usenet lets people 1. see how good your models are, 2. see how good your photography is, and 3. realize that you ARE different from the other websites. That gets people hooked initially -- the website sells itself after that.

Now, as to the "more models per week" thing: a higher price is psychologically disruptive to the purchasing process. I mean, over here in the States we have the .99 "trick" for prices, which I'm sure they had in Australia before dropping .01 denomination currency. Making your price *seem* as insiginificant as possible makes people not think twice when they've been surfing Usenet (and are therefore a bit horny) and are interested in seeing your pictures.

Even if they subscribe on the spur of the moment, most people will see how high quality abbywinters.com is and decide to stick with it, if only to see that next model that they've got a crush on. If they unsubscribe right away, they probably weren't going to stick around long on any adult site -- but enough of these floaters and you've got a recurring revenue stream.

I say keep the pricing the same, keep the pace and volume of updates the same, keep the excellent quality, and advertise like hell.

[Abby]

hi, Cezano

Thanks for your ideas. I am pretty confident that I have a good website, but I get a HELLUVA lot of hits from people who are obviously not members, so i guess not everyone feels that signing up was worth it.

A prime example is ppl who come to my site from places like The Hun, or Pesian Kitty, and so on. For those not familiar with those sites, they collate links to websites that have free pics on them. The theory runs that any hits are good, cos chances are, some of them will signup.

Unfortunately, the math does not work out. The traffic that my website has to deliver to these people costs more than the megre signups they pay for. Sure, I get a lot of exposure, but generally, those people are not likely to pay for ANYTHING The fact they are looking for free pics is a give-away.

I don;t do any of the traffic sharing stuff, whihc is why there is only ONE banner on my website (on the video page, a banner that links to Dionysian Archives, run by a friend of mine, with similar content to this site - check it out!).

News does seem to be the answer, for sure. I plan to start a more organised approach soon, select a specific news group, and post 12 - 15 pics a day to it, for a month, try to establish a following, etc. Cannot hurt, right?

Thanks for your feedback and ideas!

abby

What you say about banners, I agree with. People ignore them, for sure. However, there are few alternatives. I have a fair bit of free stuff on the site as it is. Two pics of each model, that's 88 free pics. All the samples are full size, which very few sites seem to do (not sure why - seems like a sensible thing to do, to me).