Subscriptions are a great way for content creators to build steady income—but they’re only the beginning. Platforms like fanspicy, Fansly, and others offer additional tools to maximize your earning potential through pay-per-view (PPV) content and direct messaging (DMs). Mastering these strategies can significantly boost your revenue and enhance how you connect with your audience.
If you’re ready to explore the full income potential of your platform, this guide will share actionable strategies for pricing PPV content, building relationships through DMs, and upselling to fans. With the right approach, anyone can unlock these powerful revenue streams—here’s how.
Why PPV and DMs Should Be Part of Your Strategy
Pay-per-view content and direct messaging go hand-in-hand with subscription-based models. While subscriptions provide recurring income, PPV and DMs offer the flexibility to sell premium, high-value content directly to fans. These methods offer several key benefits:
- Exclusivity: Fans are more likely to pay for content they perceive as unique or personalized.
- Scalability: You can create one piece of content but charge multiple fans individually.
- Engagement: DMs allow for more direct and personal interaction, helping to build stronger relationships with fans.
By combining these tools with smart strategies, you’ll be able to balance consistent income streams with one-time earnings that boost your overall revenue.
Mastering Pay-Per-View (PPV) Content
What is PPV Content?
PPV content refers to photos, videos, or text posts that fans can unlock for a one-time fee. Unlike subscription-based content, this model targets fans who want access to premium, exclusive material.
Common examples of PPV content include:
- Behind-the-scenes clips.
- Custom photosets.
- Exclusive tutorials or Q&A sessions.
Strategies for Pricing PPV Content
Getting your pricing right is essential to maximise earnings without alienating your audience. Here’s how to set competitive prices:
- Understand the Value of Your Content
- Gauge your content’s exclusivity and desirability. Does it involve extra effort, or is it personal? Higher uniqueness justifies a higher price point.
- Example: A personalised video message might be priced higher than a general video clip shared with multiple fans.
- Start With Competitive Rates
- Research what other creators in your niche are charging for similar content.
- Start slightly lower than the competition and adjust your prices as demand grows.
- Offer Tiered Pricing
- Cater to different budgets by creating pricing tiers:
- £5-£10 for basic content like highlight clips or short videos.
- £20+ for high-value items, such as custom videos or extended content bundles.
Creating Bundles and Deals
Bundles can increase the perceived value of your content. For example:
- Sell a curated collection of 5 photos alongside a short behind-the-scenes video.
- Offer discounts on bundles during special events like holidays or anniversaries.
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “limited time” or “exclusive bundle offer” to create urgency and encourage fans to make a purchase.
Engaging in Direct Messaging (DMs) to Drive Sales
Building Strong Fan Relationships
Direct messaging is not just about promoting your content—it’s about building meaningful relationships with your audience. Here’s how to engage effectively:
- Make Messages Personal
- Avoid generic, copy-paste messages. Refer to fans by their username and personalise your messages based on their previous interactions with your content.
- Example Message: “Hi [Name]! Thanks for supporting me! I’ve just released something I think you’ll love—a behind-the-scenes video from my latest shoot. Want to check it out?”
- Engage Consistently
- Stay active in your inbox. Quick, thoughtful replies can improve trust and encourage fans to spend more.
- Create a schedule for checking and replying to DMs to maintain efficiency.
- Use Automation Thoughtfully
- Set up automated welcome messages for new fans introducing your offers. Combine automation with personal follow-ups to avoid feeling impersonal.
Driving Sales Through DMs
Use direct messaging as a platform to introduce your premium offerings. For example:
- Share teasers or previews of your PPV content alongside a link to purchase.
- Offer exclusive discounts to fans who respond to your messages quickly.
- Use storytelling to explain why specific content is special and worth their investment.
Pro Tip: Use clear and friendly call-to-actions (CTAs) like “Unlock now!” or “Experience it today for just £15”—this keeps your communication direct and action-oriented.
Upselling Techniques to Maximize Income
What is Upselling?
Upselling involves encouraging fans to increase their purchase value by offering additional products or services. Think of it as adding value after the initial sale.
Techniques to Upsell Effectively
- Exclusive Add-Ons
- Offer customisations for an additional fee. For example:
- “Want a shoutout in the video? Add £5!”
- “Upgrade to HD resolution for an extra £5!”
- Recommend Related Content
- If a fan buys a video, suggest related photos, bundles, or behind-the-scenes content to enhance the experience.
- Use Limited-Time Offers
- Encourage fans to act quickly by introducing offers like:
- “Buy this video before midnight and get a free bonus photo set!”
- Show Social Proof
- Highlight reviews or positive feedback from other fans. This reassures potential buyers of the value you’re offering.
Building a Sales Funnel
An effective sales funnel guides fans from free or low-cost content to premium offerings. Here’s an example:
- Step 1: Offer a free teaser or behind-the-scenes preview.
- Step 2: Follow-up with a low-cost PPV item (£5-£10).
- Step 3: Encourage investing in a higher-tier bundle (£20+), offering added exclusivity and bonuses.
By creating clear paths from one purchase to another, you’ll create consistent opportunities for upselling.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While PPV and DMs can be lucrative, they also pose some challenges. Here’s how to handle them:
- Overpricing Content
- Remember, less is more when you’re starting out—test price points and adjust based on fan feedback.
- Message Spam
- Fans appreciate authenticity. Avoid bombarding them with repetitive messages that feel sales-y.
- Tracking Results
- Keep track of which content performs best and which fans are your most engaged buyers. Use these insights to refine your strategy.
Wrapping Up
PPV and direct messaging are powerful tools for scaling your income and building deeper connections with your fans. By mastering pricing strategies, engaging thoughtfully in DMs, and developing effective upselling techniques, you can significantly boost your earnings while offering real value to your audience.
Now it’s your turn—start experimenting with these tactics and see what works best for your audience. Have a success story or favourite strategy? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!