Enter the world of camming: Getting Started

What are the basics and what do you need to know when you first become interested in webcam modelling? And what is it, that you are actually interested in doing? (This does not have to be one thing and it might change over time. For example: Public shows--more into community and crowds etc, Prvt shows, Videos or Independent Shows--Not working for any site and finding your own clients.)

Promotion and Education

First of all--self-promotion is IMO extremely important no matter what route you take, and the earlier you start the better! Make yourself a twitter, tumblr, camgirl directories, social network profiles and start to put your self out there, give yourself a name and allow people to start to recognize your look. Basically Build a following.

Become familiar with popular tube sites, like xhamster or xtube or motherless etc. Many of these have camming or video features. They can be your worst enemy or your best friend.

Check out forums that are directed for the adult industry, or camgirls. (I have left out the links because I do not want to break any rules..but directed to a number of sites, including this one. Don't be afraid to ask questions--but also take a look around the forums and to become familiar with them, many of your questions will be answered just by looking at popular or recent threads.

The sites with the most traffic, and which in my experience girls have had the most luck with are MyFreeCams.com, Streamate.com, Chaturbate.com.

Most popular for videos are Clips4Sale.com, MyGirlfund.com

There are 100s more for both. Remember when checking these sites out to fully read the contracts you will be signing, along with all the rules--each site is very different. Some sites might list rules that they simply do not enforce (like mfc with public penetration) but its important to be aware of them.

Fully develop your profile and promote it a bit BEFORE actually going live on cam. This will give those followers you have been developing on social networking sites to "follow" or put you in there favorites, or friends list etc.

Watch other cammodels. You are going to want to find a style that you are comfy with. This might take a while, or you might already know. I am not suggesting copying other girls, but it's important to know who your competition is...not only because they are your competition... because they also might soon be your friends...and the only people who 100% get you.

Also--It's important to know how the site works. You can read about it all you want, but until you can actually try it out and use the features yourself--not everything is clear. Being aware of the little things like "new model" status on mfc and how it last 10 hours is important.

Know your audience. For example, I am a BBW, I am a Redhead, I am loud and opinionated, I like crowds and I cater to certain fetish's (hair, nose, feet, freckles). What do you cater to? What do you enjoy sexually. Who knows, through camming you could find a kink you were unaware you were interested in. Do not let your appearance limit you, but it is without a doubt important to take into account. Especially since many sites have tags, that allow potential clients to find you easier. Play to your strengths!

Know your RIGHTS!

Read up on DMCA and understand what your rights are--and what you can/need to do to protect yourself.

Setting Up/Equipment

Where are you camming? Do you have a prvt space? A place where you can be in peace? Do you have a roommate or family you are living with? What kind of cam do you intend are using? How is your mic/sound? What is the lighting like? Play with the settings on everything--find what is best. Make sure your space is clean and you are comfy whether you are sitting, standing, laying down etc. How is your connection? Become aware of all the programs you can use, and decide if they are best for you.

Keep track of your earnings. Not only amount but how much is coming from what. This will help you know what is working and how to capitalize how that. I really only suggest working for a studio if you have no other choice (you do not have a place or computer/internet connection). If you do, make sure to read and understand the contact completely.

Expectations

This is not easy money. You are not going to just sit in your computer chair, show your boobies and make 3k a day. It simply does not work like that. It is still a job, and is still work. It still takes hours and time and energy. Not every site works for every girl. I suggest trying out a couple sites, not only will it help you build an audience, but it will give you a chance to see which ones work best for you, and which one you do best on. You have to give it a decent amount of time. If one thing is not working, then try something else! Camming is not for everyone. If you have given it a good shot, and it is simply not working out, it might not be for you. If you are dead set on being in the Adult Industry perhaps there are other avenues that you can explore.

Implications

You have to realize when you enter the Adult Industry in generally and most certainly the camming world that there are implications. You need to take into account that your friends, family and future family might find out. In fact depending on your location etc it is more likely that they will know then not know. Remember that many people do not look kindly on the adult world. This includes future jobs that you might try to get. If you are interested in fields on education etc---then perhaps you need to look elsewhere.

Also--People are going to record you. People might take those recordings and post them on various places on the internet. People might not even give you credit. There are some methods you can do to cut down on this. But it's impossible to cut down on it completely. Camming might change you. Just like any job or something you spend a lot of time on--it will influence you dramatically. This has good and bad points, but it will more than likely happen.

Working from home can have it's down sides. If you live alone etc don't allow yourself to be one of those people who sit at home in the dark with cheesedoodles in hair, staring at a glowing computer screen.

You need thick skin. No matter what your size, shape, coloring, location, language, accent, creed, people are going to have negative things to say to you at some point. Some call it trolling. Just know..you will have to deal with it.

Have Fun

I am a firm supporter that this industry is only for those who really want to be in it. Make sure you are having fun. Of course, you are not going to have the best day everyday. And the the truth is some days you will feel like a pile of poop. But, over all you really should be having a good time. Don't do things you don't want to. If you hate anal. Don't do it. Know your limits! They might change over the years---but know them.