I know this is a little out there for HN, but I've been here and discussed my business several times and now for the first time feel comfortable asking for help.<p>A bit about me: I'm 23, this is my 4th "real" business, I've received angel investment for this project and one prior to this. The previous company was acquired for a small sum but I was ready to get out and everyone was happy.<p>I'm usually quite good at growing a business, but I'm not used to the restrictions imposed to "adult" businesses. I'm stuck.<p>About our situation: over 100k has been invested and spent, mostly on promotions and tech (a lot of backend management stuff). I'm the sole founder, but have had a team of 3 the whole time. I recently had to lay those people off and now it's just me. Our sales are stagnant and barely enough to pay for necessities... and I've been going at it for about 16 months now.<p>What would you do in this situation?<p>Link: http://myticklespot.com
I think it's a promising business actually. Have you decided who should be your customers? Women who see your ads and buy it directly, or men who buy it for their girlfriends/spouses? Since G. Ads seem to be expensive for you, then you'll need to switch to guerilla marketing and try to go viral. Hire a few local kids and film a sexy+funny sketch, post it on YT/FB/Vimeo, etc.; link to HN and ask for help with your site ('check'); promote it as a better gift for mother's day/birthdays/etc. Post on wedding registry sites to target bachelorette parties -- in fact, generate a bachelorette party package with free tiaras and pink bags; don't think about dildos, think about a fun accessory that will improve your customer's sex life...
A little more information:<p>I'm really struggling to make anything happen. I'm hustling daily in every way possible, but it seems I'm really spinning my wheels up against companies who (reportedly) spend upwards of $40,000 a day in Google ads...<p>Everywhere I turn, I'm being banned, removed, and not permitted to really speak about anything just because I offer products that are specifically for grownups. I mean, I can't even advertise in the GoneWild Reddit... despite the fact that it is 99% porn and naked people... I don't even sell porn and you won't find a single naked person on our website... its totally bazarre.<p>I'd be very, very open to any and all suggestions for growth.
Being "adult" may not be the problem. You may want to think of the problem as a "niche market" problem. Retail companies
that succeed in niche markets do so by branding themselves better than everyone else. You might look for a different
"niche" to market like adding hair trimmers, body washes, etc to attract a different clientele and market the higher margin toys as a website afterthought.
What makes your site different from the 10,000 other sites selling sex toys on the internet? Why would a customer buy from you and not a more trusted/bigger brand?