Before you join a platform, there are a few things to consider so that you can protect your information and be safe in the long run as you diversify your brand. From my years as a developer and multi-founder in the adult industry, I want to share with creators the elements and risks I assess when checking out new platforms. As the old saying goes, don’t put your eggs in one basket; diversifying your brand is so important. However, be vigilant when finding a new home for your content and keep this checklist in mind when you are shopping.

Review the Payment Methods

The first thing you should do when joining a platform is to have a look at its payment method options. Be sure you can be paid in the country you live in and that you are comfortable with the fees. Confirm whether they have multiple payment methods for your location, as payment processors may come and go during your experience with the platform. Cashing out in a secure and reliable way is always a priority to keep your hard-earned wages in your pockets.

Verify the Terms of Service

When joining a platform, have a look at its terms of service. Skim through and see if you agree with the rules, and the rules they also apply to fans. The terms for chargebacks, harassment and off-site promotion may all have an impact on your earnings and experience. Additionally, compare the site’s terms of service and upload rules to those of your favorite reputable sites. Take into account red flags such as lenient upload rules, signing up with a lack of identity verification and website bugs. These can all be indicators of lax security and processes that may not be up to industry standards. Those with experience dealing with payment processors have strong terms of service and vetting processes. You want to be sure that the platform you are joining will be here long-term and is ahead of the game.

Get to Know the Team

Reach out and get to know the faces behind the platform. Chat with the support team and get a feel for them. When you eventually run into tricky situations, you want to be sure someone is on the other side of that support system and that you get replies to concerns in a timely manner. Go above and beyond and video call with a sales representative or an outreach coordinator. Schedule a sit-down to find out more about their team’s history in the industry and to see if their values align with yours. Your experience with any team member should always leave you feeling good after a conversation. Getting to know those who will help you in the times to come will not only make your experience more pleasant, but is an indicator of how well they will stand the test of time with healthy communication.

Ask How the Platform Stores Your Private Information

Your legal name, your address and your private information are sacred. Don’t be shy and ask important questions. If they use a third party to store your private data, go ahead and find out more about that third party. If they store their data within their servers, ask what steps they take to be sure your private information isn’t susceptible to breaches and which team members have access. You have the right to know how your data is stored and who may have access to it, so you can make an informed decision on what platform has your privacy top-of-mind.

Limit Your Personal Information

When signing up, be sure to avoid giving information to a platform until you are completely comfortable with your choice. Not all platforms are secure and they may be open to outside attacks, putting your data at risk. We say it time and time again, but use a unique and secure password. This data is some of the most leaked and shared on the web, and may put your other accounts at risk. On top of this, create a temporary email just for signing up before changing it to the one you use regularly, especially if you use a personal email. To avoid disclosing your location, use a VPN and only provide your ID and payment information if you are certain you want to stay with the platform permanently. No platform is ever safe from outside attacks and breaches; the less information you provide the safer you will be.

These tips are not the be-all and end-all, but hopefully they can make diversifying your brand to new platforms safer. Look out for risks and red flags so your future with the platform can be focused on growing your brand, connecting with fans and creating great content.