From Pandemic Boom to Strategic Growth: Stephanie Herela’s Journey Through Content Creation and OnlyFans

For those who aren’t familiar with OnlyFans, could you explain how it works? How do fans find and pay for content on the platform, and what different levels of payment are involved?

OnlyFans operates similarly to other social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Creators post content and need to stay consistent to keep their audience engaged. However, to view this content, fans must subscribe, which involves a monthly fee.

The subscription fee varies by creator. For example, my standard rate is $15 per month, but it can range from $5 to $100 depending on the creator’s strategy. Currently, I’m offering a promotion where the first month is just $3, with the regular rate of $15 applying afterward.

With a subscription, fans gain access to my regular content and can interact with me through chat. If they want additional personalized content, such as specific photos or videos, that can be arranged through individual negotiations and may involve extra fees.

How often do you post new content on OnlyFans? Is it daily, weekly, or on another schedule?

I usually post new content two times a week, but if I’m particularly productive, I might create enough to post more frequently. I used to be quite disorganized with my posting schedule, but I’m now focusing on a more professional approach. Ideally, you should post daily—whether it’s a photo or another update—to keep your subscribers engaged. Each subscriber comes to OnlyFans with specific expectations, so addressing those needs effectively can be very lucrative.

How long do subscribers typically stay subscribed to your content?

Subscriber patterns can vary widely. Some people are looking for very specific types of content, and each creator has their own limits. For instance, on OnlyFans, you’ll find creators who push boundaries further than others. In my case, there are subscribers who might request content beyond my comfort zone, such as scenes with additional participants. If I don’t provide what they’re seeking, they might unsubscribe.

What are the most unusual requests you’ve fulfilled, and what are some of the craziest requests you refuse to accommodate?

I’ve received many unusual requests. One of the most extreme was from a subscriber who bought every piece of content I posted. He specifically wanted a complete, unedited scene from one of my movies where I was performing solo. Since that footage wasn’t mine to give away, I had to negotiate with the production team, which involved a lot of back-and-forth communication and a substantial fee. He was willing to pay $10,000 for it, but it was a complex process involving permissions and negotiations.

On the flip side, there are requests I definitely won’t entertain. For instance, some subscribers have asked for explicit content involving multiple partners or specific scenarios that I’m not comfortable with, such as having sex on camera. I set clear boundaries about what I’m willing to produce and stick to them.

For those watching or listening who are on OnlyFans or considering joining, what does a typical day in the life of an OnlyFans creator look like? How much time do you invest in your work, and what strategies do you use to drive traffic to your site?

I definitely have a schedule. Initially, I tried to handle everything on my own, but I quickly realized how much work it involves. Managing multiple platforms is a huge task—especially with over 200,000 followers on Instagram alone. You need to engage with followers, create content, and be active on various sites like Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to drive traffic.

It became clear that I needed a team. Balancing content creation, posting, engagement, and managing multiple platforms, including OnlyFans, where I also respond to messages, is far too much for one person. People often underestimate the effort involved; it’s actually much more demanding than it may seem.

My management team helps me by scheduling posts and handling the complexities of various platforms. I focus on creating content and engaging with fans, while they take care of managing the other platforms, which I find challenging.

I excel at Instagram, but I’m not as skilled with other platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Twitter. Effective management of all these platforms is crucial for directing traffic to my OnlyFans account.

Did you find your manager, or did they find you? How did you end up working with them?

Finding a manager was quite challenging for me. I knew from the start that I needed help to reach my desired numbers and profit. While I could manage on my own to a certain extent, I realized that exponential growth required a team.

The difficulty was finding someone trustworthy. Given the private nature of my content, I was concerned about how to securely share access and ensure that my image was protected. I spent months searching, exploring options through Google, Instagram, and reaching out to others who were working with management agencies.

I contacted several people and agencies, seeking feedback and recommendations. It wasn’t until my current manager reached out to me, offering his services with an OnlyFans-focused agency, that things started to click. I had known him from previous work, and his transition to managing OnlyFans creators seemed like a perfect fit. We decided to collaborate, and it has been a great success so far.

Can you describe the difference in your life before and after having a manager? For example, is your situation now significantly better, such as ten times or 50% improved? How has your time commitment changed? Were you working 12-hour days before and now only 4 hours while still making similar or better money?

Before having a manager, I was working at least eight hours a day, and I’m not exaggerating. Initially, when I started on OnlyFans, there was a surge in interest, and the first month went exceptionally well because everything was new. However, maintaining that level of success required consistent effort. I realized I needed a team when I saw that my numbers were just holding steady for the first few months—staying the same, dipping a bit, and then improving when I worked harder.

With the addition of a management team, I now see more consistent and gradual growth. The numbers are steadily improving each month. It’s clear that having a team helps, but it also means I’m putting in even more work.

For anyone considering starting on OnlyFans, be prepared for a significant amount of effort. Managing multiple platforms, creating diverse content, and engaging with subscribers is demanding. It’s not just about being attractive; success requires a lot of work and dedication.

If you’re new to OnlyFans with little to no online presence and are just starting out, will a manager still consider working with you and help you build from the ground up?

I’ve noticed that many managers today require you to already be earning a certain amount, like at least $10,000, before they’ll consider working with you. They often prefer not to start from scratch. Building a successful OnlyFans presence takes time and significant effort, so having some established career or income beforehand can be crucial.

What are your next steps, and how far do you think your growth potential can go?

I’m already seeing significant earnings, but my goal is to reach six or even seven figures per month. I believe achieving seven figures a month is realistic with hard work and consistent effort over at least six months. It’s all about putting in the dedication and effort.

What other monetization opportunities are available beyond OnlyFans? Since OnlyFans helps convert followers from platforms like Instagram and YouTube into revenue, are there additional avenues within the ecosystem for generating income?

As an influencer with a strong presence, I frequently receive offers from companies interested in collaborating due to my high visibility and engagement. This provides additional income streams beyond OnlyFans, such as sponsorships and partnerships.

Are you considering getting into management yourself?

Yes, I’m interested in getting into management in the future. I often receive messages from others asking how I achieve success. My plan is to first master the process myself and then offer guidance and support to others.