Being in the perfect position to address the topic of review sites, it’s probably about time I did so!
Paysite review sites are consumer guides that outline (with varying detail) what’s available with a site membership. A review typically assigns a score, which determines where in the review listings one’s site will fall; the higher a site’s listing, the more traffic it is likely to receive.
It’s important to keep in mind that paysite reviews are conducted from the point of view of the end user. What may be obvious or fabulous from a webmaster's perspective is not necessarily so to the consumer.
All review sites don’t follow exactly the same criteria when assigning a score, but here are some guidelines to follow when developing a paysite. They should not only assist in improving your paysite’s review scores, but also your popularity with consumers.
Content
Exclusivity: Adult consumers, as well as reviewers, are increasingly unwilling to look at the same content over and over again. Add fresh, exclusive content for your users on a consistent basis. There are some great content plug-ins out there that users genuinely enjoy, but it’s what every other site doesn’t have that will catch a reviewer’s attention and keep your members coming back for more.
Quantity: Everyone loves to have lots of stuff to play with. If necessary, use good third-party plug-ins to bulk-up your website and keep your users entertained.
Quality: There was a time, not so very long ago, when the words “quality” and “porn” couldn’t possibly co-exist (unless preceded by “bad”). However, consumer expectation has evolved as rapidly as technology. Provide large, sharp images; and videos that are clear and colorful and have good audio quality.
Entertainment Value:Try to look at your site from a user’s point of view. Is it entertaining? Can it be more so? Does it grab your attention? Does it keep you amused? Fun, interesting content; user interactivity; and even a little humor can go far in keeping both consumers and reviewers amused. Take a step back and make sure that what you’ve built is as entertaining as possible.
Updates: Make sure you consistently update your website. This should be done at least once every week. Websites can grow stale awfully fast, which will not amuse your users. Make it clear how often updates happen and when to expect the next one. This not only makes it clear and easy for reviewers (and reviewers love things to be clear and easy), but also for new members who may not be willing to sit around waiting to see what happens next.
Downloads:There’s something about seeing the word “buffering” right before you come all over your keyboard (in unison with Johnny Hazzard and a muscular mechanic) that doesn’t particularly appeal to the average adult consumer. To prevent such a tragic waste of fluids, many users prefer to download content to their own hard drives in order to maintain the integrity of the experience. Offer your members multiple sizes and formats of downloadable videos, as well as streams and zip files of bulk images. While you’re at it, do make sure to stamp your website URL on those downloads whether you’re using DRM or not; it can be a very effective marketing tool.
Design
Navigation: It’s not a good idea to frustrate a horny person without their consent. Users must be able to find their way around your website with ease. A good first step is to map out your site on paper before you build it. Keep a primary navigation menu on every page and any sub-category navigation simple. It’s also a great idea to add a sitemap, this can provide assistance with navigation and also improve your search engine traffic.
Layout: A messy site is a confusing site. Keep your layout clean, compelling, and easy to browse, with well-organized, detailed galleries and minimal advertising. A plethora of consoles, up-sells and other annoying features will only serve to alienate users and make reviewers write nasty things about you.
Graphics:Unless you’ve chosen to do otherwise intentionally, make sure your website is professionally designed, with attractive graphics that are appropriate for the theme of the site.
Value-for-Money
One of the key factors in determining a review score is the membership price and relative value of a website. You could build the coolest site online, but if it's also a really great deal, users will remain users longer and you'll get a better review score.
To win with review sites, as well as adult consumers, keep your focus on good, exclusive content; professional, user-friendly design; and great value for money. This may seem rather obvious, but it's remarkable how many webmasters are missing the mark.
Aly Drummond, a prominent and candid online adult industry veteran, is head of Webmaster Relations at online consumer guide, TheBestPorn.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
