I'm working to fix the problem with the warning screen now. Thank you all for your patience.

In any case you are relatively unknown and in a very small market. $300 may be a lot for an African American to charge in a small midwest market. Indiana is not NYC or Las Vegas.  Get another few reviews and drop rate to $200 and your business will go up. BP is dog poop.

I don't use BP to find providers, but I don't hold that fact that a provider does use it against her.  Many gals I do see use BP and they see it as a necessary evil.

I suppose some hobbyists do get turned off by it, and that is unfortunate, but my suggestion is to try using BP and see what happens.  If your business increases then fine.  If not, then at least now you know.

Whatever negative effects occur will be temporary.

When I click on your website, I the typical warning message about adult material, and blah, blah, blah, flash up, and I can't move past it. It like blocks me out from your information. Don't know if anyone else is having that problem.

So, I have been a Provider for about 2 months now. I have taken advice from well respected and reputable providers AND hobbyists alike about the way I should go about approaching the hobby. I've learned a lot and have not had to go through a lot of changes because of the valuable information and advice I've received. There is, however, one thing that plagues me. When it comes to advertising, things turn dead. I advertise here, P411, Eros (PRICEY AS SHIT!!!!!), and a few other forums, but even with a great review here and a couple great ones on other sites, I seem to hit an invisible wall. I've reached out to more Providers concerning this issue, and it really all comes back to the same thing: BACKPAGE. It seems that while BP is frowned upon because of LE, weirdos, and bait and switch, it is also relied upon by providers who are trying to break into the hobby. Now, I myself have NEVER posted on BP because of the reasons listed above, and I had HONESTLY planned to never do so. But, what is a girl to do when she has great reviews, participates actively in discussion forums, and advertises her ass off only to get little to no results? I don't want to get placed in the cesspool of trashy providers and have to deal with a lot of jerks, but I also want things to pick up for me. Do I tough it out and HOPE that gentlemen will start to show more interest? Is there any way to pick things up for myself and NOT have to post on BP? If I did post on BP, how would that affect my reputation? Do hobbyists tend to think/feel differently about providers who post on BP, even if the provider has a great reputation? HELP!!!!!! I'm so confused!

Please note: I didn't post under an alias because I have nothing to hide. I really wwould like some genuine help and advice about what route I should take. If you don't have anything to say that would be at least a LITTLE insightful, please, refrain from saying anything at all. DELIBERATE NEGATIVITY IS NOT WELCOMED. Thanks in advance you all!

Even as a well established lady.. Times are tough and this time of year has it's ups and downs. You have to spend money sometimes to make money and it takes work, practice and trial and error. Save your pennies, work your ass off and Be patient..

You will get out of it what you put into it..
I know this is not the answer you want.. but this is the truth....
define if you want quick and easy( easy come and easy go)  or if you want quality.... the choice is yours..

Be safe

In my experience, BP (or Cityvibe...plug for advertisers) does seem to be the life blood of the midwest (excluding large cities like Chicago), and I wouldn't run for the hills if a provider had a BP ad along with P411 and Eros and  website and TER reviews.  If she only has a BP add with no reviews, I'm not going to touch it with a 10 foot pole (I'm not a TOFTT type guy).

I've seen plenty of BP only girls with reviews and not thought twice about it.

My $0.02, BP only doesn't build a reputation, but a BP add with reviews and P411, etc. wouldn't hurt your reputation either.

Hi Elle-speaking as a Midwest client, my suggestion to you would be to travel to some more hobby-active cities in your area such as Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids.  Also, I don't think the $300 for the first hour is the problem, but I would give a good discount for 2, 3 and 4 hour dates.  That's the best way to build a loyal client list, and you can raise your rates as you become more successful.  Hope this helps.

.... she might not necessarily be pricey for a black girl (tsk tsk tsk)  but you might be right she could be a little pricey for such a small market.... she MIGHT be.  Some spots like Indiana  BP is the best they have, there are other places where most business is BP. BP isn't created equal everywhere.

even the lower cost ones.  I have nothing against any of them.  There are great providers & also scammers on every one of them.  Link to your good reviews in your ads.  
If you are priced too high now, run specials to reduce the cost.  There are quite a few well reviewed providers in the 200 bracket in my market.  Some at 250 also.  At 300 I would not feel compelled.  
H

With you price you should consider touring. Otherwise I recommend that you drop your price for you local market. Also you need to get on a site like date-check, not everyone uses p411. P411 requires that you have to pay member fees every year where as date-check has a lifetime membership.

One thing to remember is that your state and the midwest in general is infested with LE.

I suggest that you tour Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Minneapolis, DC, Northern Virginia, Boston, Northern NJ, NYC, and Baltimore area to get the price that you want.

It depends on th quality of the local BP site.  Also, many touring providers with good reps and reviews use  BP.  It's all about whether you've done your homework or not.  I wouldn't touch an unreviewed BP girl with a ten-foot pole, either.  But a touring provider with good reviews is fine.

.........many gentlemen cannot access this site, Eros, P411, etc from their office computer, but they can access BP.  I have met several delightful gentlemen, who have no problem with my screening process, or the fact that I do not have reviews.  Simply do not want, or need them, and I have been successful for many years.

  I would suggest that you continue to advertise on the sites of your choosing, but do not drop off of them, unless they are not generating business.  Otherwise, it will look like you do not take your profession seriously.  Hang in there!

Hugs and Kisses

I too cringed at the remark about being pricey for a black girl. LOL. I'd make him pay by seeing that I'm worth every cent! I find that most of the men that I date are married to the gorgeous non-black girls. They LOVE my exotic and curvy beauty! Girlee, play up your ass-ets!
Unfortunately business is all LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! In my home state of RI, where we have the second highest unemployment in the nation, I try to keep my prices fair. I do run specials. But also, it doesn't cost me anything to work from home.
When touring, I charge the same as my competitors. I use the prevailing wage. I do also try to factor in my review score etc. But you do have to pay: transportation, hotel fees, and housekeeping staff. And I loathe the chore of moving daily or every other day!
As the other provider said, it takes money to make money. Invest in a rental car, pay a hotel fee, and hit the road jack! In addition to building revenue, you'll get more reviews this way! That will help you at home! And moreover, when the guys in your hometown see that you travel, they'll be sure to rush to see you when you make it home!
Kisses and Good Luck,
KK
p.s. you all know that I love BP so...

Yes that is a major issue without any clues that you need to press enter to continue, a lot of guys on TER will just pass you by. Also TER brings you some national attention but there is no indication in your review or on your site if you have a home base, your calendar marks places your visiting but is that the only time and place your working. Your website, from my point of view, instead of bringing you clients is driving them away.
If you have a home city get it on your website and submit a problem report to have your profile here fixed.
As far as BP goes that is your call, in smaller markets a lot of guys will use BP along with TER to find providers, but yes you will also gather a lot of unwanted responses also.

Site seems like it is stuck in refresh mode.  And there is no place on the warning sign to say 'ok', or 'I agree', in order to move into the site.

Swim

there is a warning, but there is an "OK" button on th elower right that i can click. then there is free access to the site. if folks are missing the 'OK' button that might be a problem. consider an "Enter" and a "Leave" button. the more your site resembles others in this way, the less confusion.

i agree that in your market advertising on BP or CV is not a deal killer. some yours ago some DC area TER ladies would also advertise on BP, sometimes at a reduced rate and sometimes under a different name. now that BP has become the new CL that has dried up.

forget about the "you're too expensive for a black girl" thing. in your home market you may be too expensive period, i don't know. check what others are charging. occasionally run specials and see if that picks things up for you. eventually you will find the right price point.

the only comment i have on your website involves your pictures. i note that it says new pics are coming soon. use that opportunity to make sure that when someone clicks on a pic that it enlarges substantially. the enlargement of the thumbnails is just too small except for one pic. the problem with that one is that it is not in color. color pics that enlarge generously are a definite improvement, i think.

....for your input. There are a few things that I want to comment on, but life is pulling me elsewhere. I will definitely get on this as SOON as I have a chance. Thanks everyone, again!

you should be OK. I scan Backpage regularly, and I find it fairly easy to skip over the scams and skanks and focus on the few worthwhile providers.

Just don't try to compete with all the desperate, screaming headlines, and their "specials", etc. Let your pics and reputation speak for themselves to set yourself apart from the crowd and attract more desirable inquiries.

If you give your email only and not your phone for initial contact, that will cut down on your responses but especially the ones you don't want to deal with. Same for stating your screening requirements.

My view when I go to the site doesn't show an "OK" button. The warning runs off the screen and there is no bar to scroll over.

the warning isn't coded properly so it shows up regardless of display size.

on my display the warning does not run off screen and the OK button is visible. that should narrow down the search for the defect.

Thanks, your post let me know to hit "enter" and I was able to see the site. I guess guys more computer savvy than I would have known that. Without the discussion here though I would have moved on. I'm sure many others are doing the same.

I also agree with the poster that said make the photos large when you click on them. It's very frustrating to click on a photo expecting to be able to see it and it is only slightly or none bigger. That's when I say moving on.

I Actually Get Way Better Business From Backpage The Amount Of Calls Are Consistant & If You Can Weed Out The Wierdos & LE ...Then Your Fine & Dont Think Because You Dont Post On Backpage Your Safe From Wierdos & LE Its A Part Of The Job .... Also Your A New Provider && When You Post On Boards Clients Want Reviews Of Your Past & Present So They Can Verify Your Safety & Photos and Will Tend Not To See New Providers Until She Has A Few Good Reviews Up!!! Im Black & Polish and I Have No Problem With Finding Clientele And To Get Them To Give Me The Gifts I Most Desire!!!! Like They Say In Hollywood "No Such Thing As Bad Publicity" You Might Want To Try BP From Time To Time To Get Your Face Out There

Best Of Luck To You Babe Your A Beautiful Girl

Your advice may well be good for some providers but I have to tell you that i stay away from traveling girls.  A traveling lady usually means high volume (and often higher prices) and that does not appeal to me.  IMHO there is no need for a good provider to travel as she will have plenty of business right at home.  If she goes on the road she has to have a high turnover and/or higher prices just to cover expenses.  Don't you think guys know that?

that the code for the warning screen needs to be rewritten so that it sizes correctly to fit the display at the user end. that is where the bug is. i'm using a honking huge video card with a 26" HD display. somebody with a small hobby laptop, it might not show up so well, they might not see the "OK" button.

when you think you have it fixed, test it on a smaller computer display than the one you usually use to make sure. you may also wish to test it from a mobile device like an iPhone.

I advertised on BP in NYC - and I get alot of response.  when you advertise on BP you have to separate yourself for the rest.. meaning your text has to be well written and make sure you put your rates and tell them that you cater to upscale clientele only.. I have gotten some few regulars on BP and yes they pay from 350 and up no problem, but I have a web site and I am well reviewed... so go for it.

BP is not going to hurt your reputation.  A lot of girls advertised on eros, cityvibe, and also BP..

I wouldn't worry so much about the guys who claim to not see bp girls.  How would a guy who doesn't use bp know if a girl advertises there?  Are hobbyists checking bp for the sole purpose of placing the advertisers in their own personal "do not see" list?  I doubt it.  If a hobbyists checks bp then he'll see a girl from bp (no matter what he claims otherwise).  And if he never checks bp then he won't know if you advertise there or not.

If you want the best of both world (ie the visibility and publicity of bp without the weirdos) I'd do the following:

1.  Don't post your email address or phone number in your bp ad.  Instead post a link to your website with a message that says "see my website for booking, rates, services and contact info" or something along those lines.  It's not fool proof but it's the first step in weeding out the weirdos.

2.  Put the phrase "well reviewed" in your ad along with your datecheck, p411 and TER IDs.  Also put the phrase "light screening required" in it.  The fact that you belong to a verification site will catch the eye of the more discerning gentlemen (a good thing) and the fact that you require a certain level of screening will turn away the time wasters and jackasses (an even better thing).

3.  Either lower your rates or offer shorter time increments for a smaller donation (like 150/half hour or 100/fifteen minutes) and put "rates start at 100" in your ad.  I don't think your rates are too high for a black girl (what a dumb fucking comment) but I do think they're a bit high for a new girl with very few reviews.  A client needs some assurance that he's getting what he's paying for before dropping 300 but would be more willing to "take a chance" with a 100 donation.  I can't speak for other hobbyists but I personally spend the least amount for the shortest period of time when seeing a new lady who has few reviews because, quite frankly, I have no idea what the service will be like and I ain't about to spend 300 to find out.  However, if we hit it off I will repeat for a longer time increment at a higher rate.

4.  When you do see guys and things go well ask them to review you.  It doesn't have to be some grand production just say "I'm fairly new to this and trying to get my name out there.  Would you mind posting a review?"  I can't imagine anyone saying no.

5.  Add more info to your site.  Clients want to know 4 basic things: (1) what you look like, (2) what you offer, (3) how much you charge and (4) what  other clients have to say, which means your site should contain, at a minimum, a photo section, a donation section, a "services offered" section and a section with links to your reviews.  I saw (1) and (3) but not (2) or (4).  On the reviews section you should add links to every site where you have reviews posted.  Also I'd add a FAQ section.

6.  Tour.  I would add Tallahassee, Florida to your list of cities.  Okay, it's not a big market but I live here and I wanna see you LOL.  But seriously, I'd start touring the larger cities in your state and eventually the larger cities in neighboring states and beyond.  

and that's my 2 cents.

I live in a small state. LOL. I live in THE smallest state. I travel to make more because I'm naturally going to have a smaller demographic to date!
In addition, I travel because I WANT to see America! I never go "on tour" without TOURING! Even when traveling 45 miles away, I shop and go on commercial operated tours! (LOL. I'm the best thing for economies since Clinton!)
Moreover, I remain "low volume" on tours. I only need one date to cover expenses! Its a wrong generalization to ASS-U-me that all traveling girls are in it for the money! I'm plotting a "Leave No Dock Behind: 50 State in Six Months Tour" because I want to see EVERY national park. I'm not in it for the money. You're silly if you think that I am! It costs more to travel than you realize!

What? MOST yes MOST good providers travel lol. .... I don't see more traveling in a day than I would at home (and I do like my rest and time for my body to recuperate), sure some not all (it's about even), not even most ladies raise their rates but usually that is to help with covering expenses. But don't think she's seeing 6 a day vs 2or 3 to make her money back + profit that's silly.  You have to tell me who gave you the info on the turnover rate of the avg traveling lady  because I must my mouth & vagina or hotel room door isn't an all day f*uck factory.

@ Ms. Mocha. All day "Fuck factory" I love it!
I typically book multi-hour sessions so seeing more than two guys a day
wouldn't make a lot of sense for me. As for $300 being too pricey for a black girl,
that's downright hilarious. I do very well in the Carolina with my $400 for 90 minute minimum
and I'm as black as one can get lol. Welp! There goes that theory . Good day yall!

Well said!!!

Mr. Pickles

They would love her in Chicago, NYC, Philly, DC, dont forget Boston...They love black women there..LOL and yes you will get 300 or more in the big cities..Seattle, Denver Colorado...

I hit up BP, but will always check to see if there are reviews.  Learned my lesson (multiple times) back on CL.

...as for the poster.  Nothing is wrong with your ad babes.  If I was in one of the cities you tour I might call you.  But here are the reasons why I might not:

- The price.  $300 is a lot.  Looks like you speak untranslated, so you are providing that service which often comes at a premium.  So not knocking you on the amount, just chances are I won't spend that much.  

- I know of several providers that provide a similar level of service for less, and are also fun, attractive, sexy, etc.

- For $300, I am looking for a porn star body to go along with the PSE.  Again, this is relative.  You look like a porn star and are sexy, but I am talking my personal taste.  Tig ol' bitties.

- Your one review.  I don't know why but I am getting a freaky vibe from it.  I would want to see at least one more review.  I play very conservative with the hobby, and I don't pull the trigger unless there are no warning flags in my mind.

- I do outcalls mostly.  So the added charge is definitely an appointment killer for me.

...long story short, I think you're a bit pricey.  $300 is probably OK once you have more glowing reviews.  $250 is probably fair.  $200 you are priced just right for me, and I am calling you all the time!

Another thing to consider is maybe the multiple hour session that offers a nice discount.  I don't know, but there is something about advertising a 2 hour session that is double the 1 hour session that just annoys me.  

Just some thoughts!  Peace.