Where do we start with Bryci? She's worked in every aspect of the adult industry, from behind the camera to in front of it. She's a top-50 pornstar who never signed with an agency. She's a webmaster, marketer, coder, and all-around boss.
When somebody with a portfolio that impressive wants to talk about how she got to where she is today, you listen.
Don't let her humble tone dissuade you from the facts - Bryci is one of the most powerful people in porn today, and she's gonna tell you how she did it:
You’ve had an inspiring and unusual career arc – you started behind-the-scenes then transitioned to on-camera work, which is the opposite of what many people do. Can you tell us about your journey, how you got started, and what made you interested in performing?
I started in adult as a webmaster and affiliate marketer. My husband James and myself built up a network of pay-sites that we ran, and I built and maintained other websites with the main purpose only to promote other peoples pay-sites. After working with a few girls on their websites and seeing how much fun they were having, James and I decided to try it out ourselves and we really haven’t looked back. We still build and maintain pay-sites with other girls and couples that we work with along with our own pay site, Bryci.com.
You started in the industry as a webmaster and affiliate marketer for a network of amateur sites. What was that experience like?
It was like all the pieces of my life puzzle fell together, as hokey as that sounds! I grew up in a computer oriented family, taught myself coding in my spare time, and have always enjoyed helping other people. So to put it all together, and in something as fun as adult, it’s just been a really fun ride.
Did you make enough money to get by doing those things?
We did yes, through a lot of work and long hours. Isn’t there a saying, “The harder you work, the luckier you get?” That seems pretty appropriate! Like any new business, you’re going to work a lot of hours for peanuts. But if you keep going, month after month, year after year, the paycheques get bigger.
Do you have any advice for people who are interested in working behind-the-scenes in the adult industry? Whether that’s on the digital side or in production.
A lot of people think that adult always equals easy money. It’s still a business, and though it might be easier to make money starting an adult business compared to a cupcake shop downtown, it’s still going to take a lot of effort. You’ll have an easier time if you approach it like any other industry, any other brand new business or brand.
Because the adult industry is more hush-hush than others, it’s tougher to place ads for help wanted. If you’re a graphic designer, coder, webmaster or anything inbetween, reach out to companies and let them know what you can do for them and their company. Toss your hat in the ring. Even if they don’t need your help right then, you’ll be on their short list of who to contact when they do need help. Otherwise, take the bull by the horns and start your own venture using your skills - that way you can control your own ceiling.
Same question, but for models and performers – what advice do you have for models who are just starting out?
Create, upload, repeat. This is a big stumbling block I’ve seen creators have. The more content you create, the more people will subscribe, or follow, or retweet.. the list goes on.
Don’t overthink it. Figure out your workflow, and do it as often as possible.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else's middle. To create beautiful videos or photos, it’s taken them a lot of trial and error, and you’ll need to do the same. I see a lot of models comparing their unedited content to other people's edited (but not noticably edited) content and getting discouraged.
Be the best version of you, that’s the ace in your pocket. There is no one else that can be a better you than you can! Create what you’re passionate about, it’ll show, and you’ll find your fanbase. If you try to create what you think will sell or is popular, but you don’t enjoy it, get ready for a quick burn out.
Figure out what your comfort levels are, and stick to them (until you’re comfortable changing them, if you ever are). Take care of yourself and your mental health, because adult can be a whirlwind mentally sometimes.
You’re ranked in the top 50 pornstars on Pornhub. What factors do you think contributed to your success in that ranking?
I think there must have been a glitch in your software. [Laughs] Honestly though, I started in adult behind the scenes because I battle self-confidence - I think there are SO many gorgeous people and amazing entertainers in adult, and on Pornhub. I think my secret sauce is my passion, because I film with my husband and only film what we enjoy - I think it's infectious.
Your content and photos look great. Are you willing to share your camera/equipment setup?
Thank you! Our gear is changing constantly, James loves all the new tech equipment. James will often show off the new tech equipment we get for shooting on our YouTube channel, or he'll mention if something ends up being shit in a vlog.
James: Sony A7R III (mainly for photos, but also 4K video) + Canon 80D (for video only) are the cameras. For lenses we use several ranging from Sony 24-70GM F2.8, Zeiss 55mm F1.8 and others and then for Canon.. Canon 10-14mm F4.5 is the primary we use.
When was Bryci.com launched?
February of 2009, we’re almost 10 years old! I was working in adult behind the scenes for 3 years before that.
What do you wish you had known when you were first setting up your website?
That people are going to think shit things about me no matter if I was “just” a nude model, or if I was filming my sex life. So going back, I wish I had taken the hardcore leap way back when I started, because porn makes nice money. :)
What has brought in the most revenue for you between clip-selling sites (like Modelhub), tube sites (like Pornhub), and your own website?
By far my website, Bryci.com. I think this will be different for every different person's situation though. A website is a brand new entity that needs constant promotion. A clipsite already has the traffic, so does Pornhub. They’re all different animals, choose whichever one suits your needs better, or try them all to see what you enjoy the most.
Your YouTube channel is super informative, and you’ve got almost 100k subscribers. What tactics have you used to build a following on YouTube?
T&A. Hey, just being honest! We use our YouTube channel to connect with our fans, but also to promote our pay stuff to a brand new audience. YouTube is super strict and tricky to navigate if you have the mindset of “but I saw this other youtuber do it”. With every site you’re going to participate on, read the TOS.
Can you give us a brief overview of your marketing strategy for your content?
I actually started my website as a blog, long before I turned it into a paysite. Having years of traffic already going to my site because of my blog was great. If you have a website, you need a free blog, and to learn how to utilize it for traffic.
For social, do something every day. It doesn’t have to be advertising every single day, and it shouldn’t because you’ll be annoying and lose people. Invite people into your life, let them fall in love with you, and then tell them where to watch your porn. The internet moves fast - if you aren’t active often, you’ll be forgotten quickly.
Use hashtags and tags (on social, and Pornhub, and blogging) to your fullest ability. Max out that description. Write a title that your target customer is going to be Googling for.
You’ve mentioned wanting to do more cosplay. What characters will we see next from you?
I really couldn’t say as I let my fans decide! I often will ask what they want to see, and I’ve gotten some cool not-so-well-known character ideas this way.
What’s something aspiring models can do to take their content from “average” to “spectacular”?
Pornhub is great for research! Use it to watch the top content, most viewed, and so on. Try to find similarities. Maybe you’ll find a new blowjob technique, or a fantastic angle for the camera during sex that you hadn’t thought about.
Any upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?
Yes, James and I are starting a podcast! We’ll be recording them and putting them on our YouTube channel as well as everywhere you can get podcasts, and we’re doing 2 a week!
One will be a Sex Talk focused podcast, the other will be a general chat. If you grab the Anchor app you can search “ourbellalife” and leave us a voicemail that we can play on air!
I hope that helps anyone out there. James and I love seeing people enjoy their sex life and be in control of their future. If anyone has any questions feel free to hit us up!
Thanks again to Bryci for taking the time to talk with us. We're not worthy. Make sure to check her out on Pornhub, Modelhub, Bryci.com, and YouTube.
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