March 3, 2019
Think like a marketer
Race Bannon READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Recently a friend was bemoaning that he wasn't getting the amount of sex he wanted. For a host of reasons, he felt that it was difficult to connect. I often hear this same sentiment from others.
Why is it difficult for some to find erotic connections? I've talked to a lot of kinksters about this and a discussion point comes up repeatedly; the role online life has in finding play partners.
Being someone who's created marketing campaigns and sales collateral for much of my professional life, I thought I'd put on my marketing hat and offer what I hope is useful insight.
The reality of modern kinky life is that while we regularly socialize in groups large and small, many (most?) of our sexual connections are enabled through our online presence.
Online hookup and cruising sites add another layer of communication between us and the object of our attentions. Whereas in the past we might frequently encounter people face-to-face and size them up quickly through visual and verbal cues, now we often shop for sex and relationships much as we shop for stuff online.
At the risk of it seeming like pursuing sex and relationships is a cold, calculating process, I think it's wise for all of us to think like marketers.
When creating a profile, whether it's to find hookup sex, a regular play partner, or an ongoing relationship, there are tactics that improve your chances.
Imagery is a big part of marketing. In the case of online profiles, that means photos.
I shouldn't have to say this, but your photos should not be 15 years old. Keep them current. In the age of the smartphone, having old photos isn't acceptable. It's false advertising.
If you choose to not show your face, realize you're reducing the odds of connecting. We all like to see the face of the person we're cruising or sizing up for a date. If your profile does not include your face, then become comfortable that it's going to make connecting more difficult.
Photos should be clear and shot from direct angles. Cleverly angled shots might seem artistic to you, but the viewer might assume you're hiding something. Whether it's a photo of your face, body or private parts, the less forthright the photo appears, the fewer chances of a good response.
When it comes to profile text, do not write a tome. Effective marketing writing is concise. Your profile is you marketing yourself. Keep it short and pithy.
