Should I portray myself as a women for a certain niche.

14 years ago

Personally, I say go for it, just don't mispresent the product/service itself (as you say, you've not used it). An alternative (or just adjunct) would be to get many of these women to write testimonials for you.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mgkimsal

Personally, I say go for it, just don't mispresent the product/service itself (as you say, you've not used it). An alternative (or just adjunct) would be to get many of these women to write testimonials for you.

I have already created a free 20 page handbook on fitness and health during pregnancy I give away for an optin. I think all my promotions in my autoresponder will be either decent CPA offers or products I develop myself. So there will be no misrepresenting other than my actual pen name.

Good idea on the testimonials.

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SquidBoy

14 years ago

I agree, theres nothing wrong with this as long as the information is accurate and you don't tell porkies!

Also remember you may get asked very personal questions from women that want more information so take that into consideration.

You might also consider thinking about doing a JV with a female partner to help with this niche? Just a thought.

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Jill Carpenter

14 years ago

If you know your stuff, why would you so foolishly do that?

If you are serious about the niche and going to really pursue it, there is no reason.

Are you afraid to brand your own name as an authority? Women go to men gynocologists, and like men as fitness trainers.

I think you are shooting yourself in the foot. Especially if you are going to go on forums and represent yourself as a woman.

This stuff has been known to come back to bite people.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by avenuegirl

If you know your stuff, why would you so foolishly do that?

If you are serious about the niche and going to really pursue it, there is no reason.

Are you afraid to brand your own name as an authority? Women go to men gynocologists, and like men as fitness trainers.

I think you are shooting yourself in the foot. Especially if you are going to go on forums and represent yourself as a woman.

This stuff has been known to come back to bite people.

also points I'm considering avenuegirl...im actually glad you replied. I see your posts a lot and agree with you on many things. I was hoping to get your insight.

I have worked as a personal trainer for over 10 years now. Throughout this tenure, I have had quite a few pregnant clients. It's twice as hard for me to develop a relationship as it would be a female trainer with half the knowledge. I've seen it quite a few times actually. Im sure I could build a good relationship using my real name, but I'm wanting this to be more of a way to get viewers quicker. I could also post using my real name as well on the same forums. Not so much having a conversation with myself but answering multiple questions just to see which one pulls more conversions.

I don't want this to end up biting me in the foot like you said.

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butters

14 years ago

Originally Posted by avenuegirl

If you know your stuff, why would you so foolishly do that?

If you are serious about the niche and going to really pursue it, there is no reason.

Are you afraid to brand your own name as an authority? Women go to men gynocologists, and like men as fitness trainers.

I think you are shooting yourself in the foot. Especially if you are going to go on forums and represent yourself as a woman.

This stuff has been known to come back to bite people.

Women connect easier with other women thats why most people put a womens identity on their site. Personally I just don't tell them my name and I just write good content, im sure women don't mind if a guy writes it or not aslong as it is good content.

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KristiDaniels

14 years ago

Do you really think you can pretend to be a woman and your female prospects won't be able to tell?

Think about it the other way around. Could you tell a women posing as a guy?

A man can't possibly speak with the voice of a woman who has been pregnant.

Good luck if you want to try.

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trilogy09

14 years ago

hey Petelta,
I have to agree, presenting yourself as a woman may very well make you more trustworthy and a better source. The only problem with that is that might then be asked questions about the info and products from personal experience and you don't have any lol. It is worth a shot though, women do usually look better upon other women's thoughts in certain areas, this being 1. So I would go for it.
Good Luck

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theemperor

14 years ago

Since you are on forums perhaps you could have a name that doesn't reveal if you are a man or woman and let them assume you are a woman, such as "fitnessguru".

Or you could ask one or more of your women clients to write an article for you, using their own name.

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Joe Dalton

14 years ago

Yeah, just don't do audio or video. Loads of people create personas for products in other niches, even the big players - it increases sales. I say do it.

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petelta

14 years ago

Kristi, your right. That's what I'm trying to think about when posting. But when it comes to pregnancy especially, women either want advice from other women or a doctor. Not some random man, even though I've worked with hundreds of pregnant women as well as taught multiple fitness and nutrition pregnancy classes over the years. Even when they know this, they still relate easier with a women with no answers.

This is just a small niche site I've developed to be part of my larger fitness and nutrition hub. So Im not going to be involved with the readers for a long period of time on the forums. I'm looking more to grab some focused traffic to sign up for the newsletter early while I'm still developing organic traffic...from that point on its pretty much on autopilot.

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Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by petelta

I have worked with hundreds of pregnant women with fitness so I know my information i'm giving out is accurate and helpful.

If you have the expertise, why hide it?

Consider what would happen if a TV morning show wanted you to come on and do a short demo?

Or, and something that could be more likely, what if a women's blogging network contacted you and wanted you to do a demo at a bloggers' meetup or convention?

Either of those could be great opportunities for exposure for your site or products, yet it would be difficult to take advantage of either of them if they think you're a woman.

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MissTerraK

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

If you have the expertise, why hide it?

Consider what would happen if a TV morning show wanted you to come on and do a short demo?

Or, and something that could be more likely, what if a women's blogging network contacted you and wanted you to do a demo at a bloggers' meetup or convention?

Either of those could be great opportunities for exposure for your site or products, yet it would be difficult to take advantage of either of them if they think you're a woman.

To add to Dan's insights...have you ever tried on women's clothing such as high heels or panty hose... could be quite painful!

I say stay yourself as you sound very intelligent in your area of expertise, and well, quite frankly, nobody likes or appreciates fakes!

If I were one of your devoted followers and later found out you were male, I personally would drop you like a hot potato, feeling decieved, and wondering what "true motives" were!
Just my humble opinion, hope it helps!
MissTerraK

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rosetrees 14 years ago

Do you have a sister, girlfriend, colleague, cousin or female friend who would consider helping you?

If you do, she could join the forum(s) and start posting about your work as a way of "introducing" you to the forum. Then you can start posting as yourself, after she has built up your reputation for you.
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HomeComputerGames 14 years ago

Originally Posted by MissTerraK

I say stay yourself as you sound very intelligent in your area of expertise, and well, quite frankly, nobody likes or appreciates fakes!

MissTerraK

Andy Kaufman did pretty well with the fakes
But I agree, if found out there could be some sort of scandal talk so it would probably be best to have a female backup if you decide to try changing your gender and something goes wrong.
In this world it seems people tend to remember the bad, so preventing it is most likely best.

I have a similiar situation on a personal project I am beginning and this post is helping.
crankybitch dot com

I can be pretty cranky at times so I have that part covered. It's the other part that concerns me and has me considering someone that fits the part. (wonder what my ex is up to?) :rolleyes:

I'm sure either way you go you will do fine.
Thanks for bringing up the subject.

Best of Luck to you!
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sbucciarel

Banned 14 years ago

Go for it if you can pull it off. I would not take pregnancy advice from a man or give it any credence at all unless he were a gynecologist.

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petelta 14 years ago

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

I would not take pregnancy advice from a man or give it any credence at all unless he were a gynecologist.

Exactly, I've had clients turn me away for a female trainer that was brand new out of school and had no idea about fitness for a pregnant woman. This was even after I stated my experience and how I've already helped many before her.
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petelta

14 years ago

Since this small niche site is networked with my main hub of fitness and nutrition, my real name is thrown around everywhere throughout the network. Any product throughout the system has my name attached, but I have different pen names on some articles.

I've already made accounts on the top forums with my real name. I will continue to interact with that name, but may start a new account with eithe r neutral name or female name just to test conversions.

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fm1234

14 years ago

I frequently use pseudonyms, sometimes female. There is certainly no harm in it, and if you are not trying to build authority for yourself but for a company/site then it is actually counterproductive to use your own name (ie. if you are like myself and work across multiple niches then there is often good reason to separate nyms by niche.)

This is a very common and uncontroversial practice in marketing and other fields which has been discussed here many times; I'm suprised at some of the negative feedback above frankly.

Frank

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Fun to Write

14 years ago

Your post is almost kind of funny - it makes me chuckle.

On a serious note, I find the idea of you posing as a woman to generate "trust" disingenuous.

It's one thing to use a female pen name when you're writing articles. It's totally another thing to pose as someone you're not when interacting with people. Not being a woman, there are probably little things that you can't relate to.

One day, you'll slip up and cause suspicion because you don't know any better. And another thought occurs to me about this idea . . .

The reason why you even THINK you have to pose as a female is because you think that women won't trust your friendship and advice as a man.

Well, I think this isn't true. Have you heard of Dr. Phil?

Dr. Oz?

Women do listen to men if they come from a place of genuine understanding - is that where you're coming from?

Or, are you just trying to dupe these women so you can make a quick buck?

I think if you sincerely enjoy helping pregnant women in this niche, then go on the forums as yourself. Admit upfront that you're a guy and you feel a little out of place, but that you really do want to be helpful.

I'm pretty sure you won't get kicked in the groin or anything.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Fun to Write

Well, I think this isn't true. Have you heard of Dr. Phil?

Dr. Oz?

Exactly! Dr.!!! as stated above, pregnant women don't want to hear from someone who isn't a woman or doctor. I mean some do, but Im trying to reach the biggest % possible.

I'm trying to build my list up as quickly as possible. That's the point of this. Being portrayed as a man causes trust to take longer to be built. I don't want to get massively involved in this niche either. Its more a mini site focused on a small portion of fitness.

i'm not so much trying to make a quick buck off these women...I mean they would definitely benefit off anything I recommend, I don't recommend it other wise...but also, I do this to make a living, not to cater to others. If one color works better than the other to give me more sales, I use that color.

When I use a female pen name, Im not planning on changing anything I say or how I come across. i just won't claim Im a man. All my posts will be more informative in nature giving straight answers to the problems related to my articles.

I think the best approach may be to just use a neutral name and don't specify my sex unless asked.

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Kay King 14 years ago

I use both male and female pen names depending on what works best in a niche. Some posting here in dismay might be surprised how many marketers do that.

However, this is a gender specific niche and it depends on what info you are offering them.

The neutral name is a good idea as using "Pat" or "Sandy", etc allows the reader to form her own conclusion.
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rconejr

14 years ago

I say be yourself. I don't think women automatically trust other women. I've had four kids and needed to lose major weight to get back into pre-pregnancy shape. Many women fitness experts have never had kids. Or maybe they've had one child. Their advice in my situation would've been just as applicable as if it had come from a man.

Personally, because of this when I needed to get back into shape, I looked at men's magazine and male fitness sites for serious training with science behind it and not simply a woman fitness expert thinking she can relate because she's a woman.

Also, if you can throw in a little sensitivity it might actually work in your favor and endear these women to you.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by rconejr

I say be yourself. I don't think women automatically trust other women. I've had four kids and needed to lose major weight to get back into pre-pregnancy shape. Many women fitness experts have never had kids. Or maybe they've had one child. Their advice in my situation would've been just as applicable as if it had come from a man.

Personally, because of this when I needed to get back into shape, I looked at men's magazine and male fitness sites for serious training with science behind it and not simply a woman fitness expert thinking she can relate because she's a woman.

Also, if you can throw in a little sensitivity it might actually work in your favor and endear these women to you.

I've actually split the niche into two sides...one is fitness during pregnancy and the other is fitness/weight loss after pregnancy. In my after pregnancy articles, i definitely portray myself as...well...myself.

im going to test out what works best. i will use my real name on a couple forums and a neutral name on a few.

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Dan C. Rinnert 14 years ago

Years ago, we had a client that was a seller/distributor for cosmetics. I don't remember if it was Mary Kay or Avon, but one of those or something along those lines. She said that one of the top salespeople in her downline was a man. And the reason she gave was that when a man suggested that this or that product would make a woman look good, that was more credible than hearing a similar line from another woman.

Just something to think about.
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Alexa Smith Banned 14 years ago

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- aakayb 14 years ago
  
  Was flicking through new posts when I saw the title for this thread, had to read it twice
  
  Why not use a unisex name and let your readers read into it, as they wish and play it by ear.
  
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mr2monster

14 years ago

I branded myself as a woman in the infidelity niche... and it didn't work out very well... that's the last time I'll do that.. It's just so much easier to be honest and represent what you really are.

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mr2monster

14 years ago

Besides, in my experience, women don't necessarily trust women more... in fact, a lot of the time, it's completely opposite and they trust a man first.

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dsmpublishing

14 years ago

Hi guys

i would go under a female pen name as you will find it easier for people to chat to you especially on the forums.

As someone that is a mother i would find it easier to talk to a woman than a man.

kind regards

sam
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TelegramSam

14 years ago

Many famous authors used opposite sex pen names.

Just be careful you don't mix up your thoughts.

Like for pregnant women having a tough time, you may want to avoid recommending this:

"When things get really tough and you are feeling stressed, put your feet up, grab yourself a beer and watch the game".

They may smell a rat if you do...

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J Bold

14 years ago

Well, unless you want to get on TV like someone said, what's the problem?

People use pen names for internet marketing all time. And the prospect of being asked to be on a TV show is probably pretty low for most so I think they don't care about that, ha ha.

However, it may or may not be more effective to use a woman over a man. This is not something I really can comment on, but I guess get a poll of women to learn who they would trust more. I bet you are right, though, a woman would work better.

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thatgirlJ

14 years ago

I went back and forth on what I think about this. It sickens me when people try to market to pregnant women and don't know what they are talking about.

BUT -- you do

Many people use pen names (as others have stated), with the opposite sex.

As long as the advice is solid (and it has to be 100% solid if you're targeting pregnant women), it doesn't bother me as much.

In fact, it's many times better to be a man posing as a woman who knows what he is talking about, then it is to be a woman marketing to pregnant women who has no idea what they are talking about.

Just please, please keep at the top of your mind that pregnancy and exercise (and how much, what is okay to do, etc.) is a debated topic anyway, so all advice needs to be legit a million times over. You don't want to get yourself into hot water or advise something that might cause harm to a woman or baby.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Jenn Dize

I went back and forth on what I think about this. It sickens me when people try to market to pregnant women and don't know what they are talking about.

BUT -- you do

Many people use pen names (as others have stated), with the opposite sex.

As long as the advice is solid (and it has to be 100% solid if you're targeting pregnant women), it doesn't bother me as much.

In fact, it's many times better to be a man posing as a woman who knows what he is talking about, then it is to be a woman marketing to pregnant women who has no idea what they are talking about.

Just please, please keep at the top of your mind that pregnancy and exercise (and how much, what is okay to do, etc.) is a debated topic anyway, so all advice needs to be legit a million times over. You don't want to get yourself into hot water or advise something that might cause harm to a woman or baby.

Of course, even though I mentioned earlier in the post that i do this to make a living, I never put anyone in harm when making a product, or a post. People buy my offline services because I get results and the safest way possible.

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goliathseo

14 years ago

Thank you all for your wonderful information, This has helped me out tremendously. I myself am getting into the post pregnancy weight loss niche as I have a product I am developing that will assist both sexes with weight loss. I know because I have seen results from using the technique I will be presenting. I was trying to get a similar thread like this going a few days ago as I have done the research and have seen the need for this product. Thank you all for your help and in this case I will just go under these accounts as myself with a bit of help from a female friend that is already in many of these forums.

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redfoxseo

14 years ago

I think go as yourself and build the trust. Women don't trust other women in my opinion.

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Mr. Enthusiastic

14 years ago

Travis, how about this:

Start with a testimonial from a woman you helped. Have her talk a bit about the problem and your solution, maybe even how surprised she was that a male fitness trainer could make a suggestion.

If you could get a doctor to endorse the safety of your approach this could come next.

Then introduce yourself and your program. Alternate between you explaining what you offer, and more testimonials from satisfied women.

Close with something like, "I'll never know exactly what this hurt and discomfort feels like, but I do know that I've helped over 3,500 women find total relief using my physical training techniques." Then the guarantee, and "here's how to order" section.

Chris

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Mr. Enthusiastic

Travis, how about this:

Start with a testimonial from a woman you helped. Have her talk a bit about the problem and your solution, maybe even how surprised she was that a male fitness trainer could make a suggestion.

If you could get a doctor to endorse the safety of your approach this could come next.

Then introduce yourself and your program. Alternate between you explaining what you offer, and more testimonials from satisfied women.

Close with something like, "I'll never know exactly what this hurt and discomfort feels like, but I do know that I've helped over 3,500 women find total relief using my physical training techniques." Then the guarantee, and "here's how to order" section.

Chris

Yea thats all good and well on a sales page. I will be using my real name on my products. But when it comes to building a relationship on forums, I'm considering the female name

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Mr. Enthusiastic

14 years ago

Originally Posted by petelta

Yea thats all good and well on a sales page. I will be using my real name on my products. But when it comes to building a relationship on forums, I'm considering the female name

So you'll make up a fictional female character praising your program? Not only is it bad-karma scenario - which might not matter to you - but it's also downright illegal fraud, playing with fire with huge risks to you. Given those risks, I don't comprehend why you'd choose to go there. I believe there are plenty of women who would buy a program that helped them, even if it came from a man! You and I simply have different opinions about what women might believe.

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Mr. Enthusiastic

So you'll make up a fictional female character praising your program? Not only is it bad-karma scenario - which might not matter to you - but it's also downright illegal fraud, playing with fire with huge risks to you. Given those risks, I don't comprehend why you'd choose to go there. I believe there are plenty of women who would buy a program that helped them, even if it came from a man! You and I simply have different opinions about what women might believe.

I think you are misunderstanding what Im saying or you haven't read the posts all the way through. Im not praising any of my products as a false character. I was thinking of making a female user name for my forums and interact with the women giving useful information for their questions. All while having a sig link to my squeeze page as well as maybe linking to articles I've written when appropriate, which all lead to squeeze page.

I don't even promote a $1 CPA until 12-15 emails into my autoresponders.

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Mr. Enthusiastic 14 years ago

Originally Posted by petelta

I think you are misunderstanding what Im saying or you haven't read the posts all the way through.

I think I did catch all your posts. It is possible that I misunderstood.

Im not praising any of my products as a false character. I was thinking of making a female user name for my forums

I'm really confused how a man "making up a female user name" is different than using "a false character." Can you please help me understand this distinction? They seem to me to be exactly the same thing.
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Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by petelta

Yea thats all good and well on a sales page. I will be using my real name on my products. But when it comes to building a relationship on forums, I'm considering the female name

A pen name is one thing. A book is largely one-way. And, generally, the content matters more than the gender (or real gender) of the author.

But, when you're interacting with people, that's a more questionable behavior. How do you build trust with other people when the basis of your interaction is a lie? That's the sort of thing that can come back and bite you. Hard.

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DeniseLorraine 14 years ago

If I was your customer, I would be offended if I ever found out you had deceived me.

I say be yourself.

Denise
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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

A pen name is one thing. A book is largely one-way. And, generally, the content matters more than the gender (or real gender) of the author.

But, when you're interacting with people, that's a more questionable behavior. How do you build trust with other people when the basis of your interaction is a lie? That's the sort of thing that can come back and bite you. Hard.

Yes the female pen name would only be for interacting with the ladies through forums. I thought at first maybe articles as well, but if I get them to the article my job is done. That's traffic. I have found forums to be my way of building a list with focused traffic.

Until now, I have chosen niches where a male role is ideal to promote the products. Things like body building, football, etc. I've found male vs. female trainer for general fat loss is about equal. But now, I've come to a niche that is something only a woman can experience. Due to that, I think the MAJORITY of women will relate to another woman easier and quicker than a man.

I am trying to build this list as quick as possible for free because I'm launching 4 small niche sites all related to fitness back to back. I'm almost finished with the pregnancy site and my autoresponder sequence is already set and ready to go. I'm talking with a couple other warriors right now about doing a few JVs which I hope will help each list.

But back to the subject at hand, my products will always be in my name. I definitely brand my name as much as possible, the change of username would only relate to the relationship Im trying to build from forums. I don't even have to say I write the newsletter.

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goliathseo

14 years ago

Im personally going to just be myself, because I know what I have to offer GETS results. Not to mention several other benefits and will not hurt the mother or her baby because I am specifically targeting those that have already gone through labor.

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Hyaku_Man 14 years ago

I do it. I think it's fine, as long as you're not misrepresenting your knowledge of the subject and you know you are responsible to your readers.
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1960Texan

14 years ago

Originally Posted by petelta

I have worked with hundreds of pregnant women with fitness so I know my information i'm giving out is accurate and helpful.

There's your answer. Tout your experience and be yourself.

Will

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Chris W. Sutton

14 years ago

First off, I would make absolutely sure I knew what I was talking about before I gave any kind of advice to pregnant women regarding fitness, exercise and losing weight. Having said that, I would keep my own name and brand myself as a fitness expert who knew what they were talking about. Your being male is not that important in that case.

But then, what do I know... I'm only 7 years old!

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omrid1

14 years ago

In My Opinion You Should Definitely Go For It. Some Markets Are For Mostly Women (such as dieting and Acne treatments), if you set up a review site it would make sense to present yourself as a woman.

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Toby Lewis 14 years ago

Why not!

I suspect a few Warriors use the forums under female pen names in the hope it'll help them. They're probably right.

Just don't get caught
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catherine ford

14 years ago

As a woman I would not give a damn what gender or sex you were if you knew your subject. However if I found out you were lying I would not trust you an inch. The reason I am saying this is the fact that there are psychological gender issues and they cannot be hissen or masked by a female pen name. In other words thinks carefully bewfore you do it is my advise
Catherine

Originally Posted by petelta

I am dabbling in a niche with fitness for pregnant women. I am wondering if I should consider going under a female pen name on the forums and my articles so that i can more easily build up a relationship.

I have worked with hundreds of pregnant women with fitness so I know my information i'm giving out is accurate and helpful. The problem I'm thinking is as a man, they may not respond to me as well on the forums and through my newsletter. I won't go as far as saying I've tried products or gone through any of the experiences, but just the appearance of being a woman may help with the relationship building.

I'm wondering what you guys think...is this wrong to do?

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petelta

14 years ago

Originally Posted by catherine ford

As a woman I would not give a damn what gender or sex you were if you knew your subject. However if I found out you were lying I would not trust you an inch. The reason I am saying this is the fact that there are psychological gender issues and they cannot be hissen or masked by a female pen name. In other words thinks carefully bewfore you do it is my advise
Catherine

Thanks Catherine for the advice. That is the one issue I have been going over in my head. I don't want to come off as a liar...I am going there to help women as much as possible. But also, I want to get more people to view my content. I know they will like it if they are searching for that stuff.

Thats why I think I'm going to go with a neutral name like "Pat". Someone mentioned that above...sorry can't remember who said that. I won't ever say I'm a woman or say I've been pregnant. I will just answer questions with informative answers. Maybe post a decently long post about exercising correctly during pregnancy. And interact like that but keep my gender for them to decide.

I am interacting on 6 forums right now in the niche. Half I've going with my name and half I'm going with Pat. I'll keep track of my sign ups.

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Jared Alberghini 14 years ago

This immediately came to mind when I read this thread title...

Pen name: "Pat"...

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.
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- petelta 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Jared Alberghini
  
  This immediately came to mind when I read this thread title...
  
  Pen name: "Pat"...
  
  Thats exactly what I was thinking when i saw someone mention Pat, haha.
  
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Should I portray myself as a women for a certain niche.

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