How To Advertise Adult Toy Store Online? (15 Proven Ways)

Maloney Graham
13 min readApr 18, 2024
Learn proven ad strategies for adult toy stores to drive quality traffic and boost sales while avoiding rejection or bans

Let’s face it, starting any business is tough, but breaking into the adult toy industry brings its own set of challenges. Despite being one of the most lucrative and rapidly growing sectors globally, with an estimated worth of $80.7 billion by 2030, advertising these products online isn’t a walk in the park.

The hurdles? Strict rules & regulations surrounding what’s deemed as “explicit content” in advertising. Platforms like Google and Instagram have stringent review processes, making it difficult for businesses in this space to find marketing strategies that not only get approved but also drive quality traffic and consistent sales.

If you’ve found yourself facing rejected ads, flagged accounts, or worst-case scenario, a banned account, you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit roadblocks with advertising your adult toy store online, this article is tailored for you.

Why is Advertising Adult Toys a Challenging Task?

Before we delve into the details of how, let’s discuss why advertising adult toys is incredibly challenging:

  • Social Stigma — Despite growing acceptance of sexual wellness products, adult toys are still subject to societal taboos and stigma. Advertising campaigns for adult toys must tread carefully to avoid offending potential customers or facing backlash from conservative groups.
  • Content Restrictions — Many advertising platforms have strict policies against promoting adult content or products deemed explicit. This limits the channels available for advertising adult toys.

For instance, an ad for a discreet adult toy might get rejected by Facebook due to its explicit nature, restricting the reach of the campaign.

  • Legal Regulations -There are often legal restrictions on advertising adult products, varying from country to country.

For example, some countries have strict laws against the promotion of sexual products or materials. You must navigate these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.

  • Target Audience — Identifying and reaching the target audience for adult toys can be challenging due to the need for discretion and privacy among potential customers.
  • Competition — The adult toy market is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for attention. This makes it essential for advertisers to find creative ways to stand out while adhering to advertising regulations and societal norms.

However, there’s no need to worry; there are numerous effective methods to successfully advertise your products online. You simply need to understand the dos and don’ts.

Now, let’s explore some lucrative strategies for promoting your adult toy store online.

15 Best Ways to Advertise Adult Toy Stores Online

1. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines

Optimizing your adult toy website for search engines (SEO) is crucial for attracting more visitors and ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). By implementing effective SEO strategies, you can increase your website’s visibility and ultimately boost traffic.

To start, research popular keywords related to your adult toy store. Identify how many people search for these keywords and assess the level of competition. Choose keywords that are relevant to your products and have moderate competition to maximize your chances of ranking well.

Include long-tail keywords in your content, as they cater to specific search queries and attract a more targeted audience. Long-tail keywords consist of three or more words and are less competitive, making it easier for your website to rank higher in search results.

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find keyword ideas and analyze metrics such as search volume and competition. Once you’ve selected your keywords, it’s time to optimize your website.

Optimization involves both off-site and on-site SEO techniques

On-page SEO refers to all the optimizations made directly on your website to improve its visibility on search engines. This includes tasks such as analyzing keywords, configuring the robots.txt file for crawling, optimizing content & URLs, among other techniques. Effective on-page SEO is crucial for expanding the reach of your sex toy business to a wider audience.

Conversely, Off-page SEO involves actions taken outside of your website to drive traffic to your adult toy business. One common off-page SEO strategy is publishing informative blogs on the relevant websites to your niche with a backlink directing readers to your own site. Building links in this way helps establish credibility for your website and generates traffic for your business.

2. Email Marketing Campaigns

Want a direct and effective way to spread the word about your adult toy store? Try email marketing. Here’s how it works:

  • Email List Building — Start by building a database of email addresses from your customers or target audience. Use these emails to send out newsletters, keeping subscribers informed about your brand and products. Offer discounts or tokens as a special treat to encourage them to visit your website.
  • Product Promotion & Updates — Keep your audience engaged by sending out emails whenever you launch a new product or introduce a new variant. Regular updates about innovations in the sex toy industry will keep subscribers interested and eager to learn more.
  • Discounts & Events — Reward your loyal customers with exclusive discounts and special offers with limited time offers. Send out discount coupons periodically to encourage purchases on your website. Consider running special event discounts on events like Valentines Day to boost sales further.

By using email marketing effectively, you can nurture relationships with your audience, drive sales, and stay at the forefront of their minds when it comes to purchasing sex toys.

Want to make your email marketing easier and more professional? Consider using email marketing software. Services like Mailchimp and GetResponse can automate your campaigns, so you can concentrate on creating engaging content and market your site while everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

3. Social Media Marketing

In today’s digital era, social media marketing offers an effortless way to reach your audience. With over half the world on social media, tapping into these channels is your best bet for promoting sex toys and connecting with potential customers.

Let’s explore some key platforms to consider:

Twitter

With its real-time updates and vast user base, Twitter is a dynamic platform for engaging with your audience.

By sharing engaging content, using relevant hashtags, and actively participating in conversations, businesses can increase brand visibility and attract followers interested in adult products.

Direct interaction with customers through replies and retweets helps build relationships and establish trust, ultimately driving traffic and sales.

Instagram

Instagram is a powerful platform for promoting sex toys and engaging potential customers. Through captivating visual content such as high-quality images and short videos, you can showcase your products effectively.

Using features like stories and regular posts, along with strategic use of hashtags, enables businesses to reach a wider audience interested in adult products.

By fostering interaction through comments, direct messages, and collaborations, Instagram helps you connect directly with your targeted customers and build brand awareness.

TikTok

Harness the viral potential of TikTok to showcase your sex toys in creative and entertaining ways. Create short, engaging videos that highlight the unique features of your products or demonstrate their use.

Jump on trending challenges and hashtags to expand your reach and attract new followers.

Pinterest

Known for its visual discovery and inspiration, Pinterest is a goldmine for showcasing your sex toys to a highly engaged audience.

Create boards featuring curated collections of your products, along with lifestyle images and helpful tips. Optimize your pins with relevant keywords to improve discoverability and drive traffic to your website.

4. PPC Advertising Strategies

When it comes to advertising products and getting results quickly, Google is the ultimate game-changer. The good news? It’s one of the few platforms that lets you promote adult products through paid ads, specifically in its search channel.

PPC advertising can be done in 2 ways:

Google Ads

Paid ads are highlighted with a ‘Sponsored’ tag above them. Since most people turn to Google when searching online, running paid ads puts your brand front and center during these crucial moments.

By using targeted keywords and compelling ad copy, Google Ads capture the attention of interested users, driving them to your store. This direct approach ensures that your products are seen by those most likely to buy, effectively connecting with your target audience and boosting sales.

Tube Ads

Tube Ads, a form of PPC advertising on platforms like Pornhub or Xvideos, offer a direct path to promoting sex toys and engaging potential customers. With these ads, businesses can reach their target audience right where they are, capturing their attention with captivating visuals and messages.

By strategically placing ads on niche-relevant websites, brands can effectively connect with individuals interested in adult products, maximizing your advertising ROI and connecting with your target audience effectively.

5. Affiliate Marketing and Partnerships

Affiliate marketing is a key strategy for promoting sex toys and reaching potential customers. Through affiliate programs, individuals or companies earn a commission for promoting your products .

By partnering with influencers, bloggers, or websites in the adult industry, you can tap into their audience and leverage their credibility to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Affiliates share their unique affiliate links or codes, directing interested customers to your website, ultimately helping you connect with a wider audience and boost sales.

Note: To skyrocket your sex toy sales by 10x, it is essential to opt for affiliate marketing. The payment can be pay per click or pay per impression.

6. Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a powerhouse in promoting sex toys and connecting with potential customers. With the market projected to hit $24 billion by 2024, its significance continues to grow.

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with influencers to boost brand exposure, target specific consumers, hit certain key performance indicators, and more.

Influencers come in various sizes, from Nano to Mega, based on their follower count as mentioned below:

  • Nano Influencers — 1–10k followers
  • Micro Influencers — 10–100k followers
  • Macro Influencers — 100k-1M followers
  • Mega Influencers — 1M+ followers

With influencers like scottyunfamous and phallophilereviews, authentic content and reviews wield the power to shape consumer choices, amplifying sales and forging deeper connections for sex toy businesses in burgeoning markets.

7. Online Communities & Forums

Online communities and forums provide a prime opportunity to promote adult websites effectively. Forums like X-Forum, LeakedBB, and Sorry Mother offer targeted audiences for sharing relevant content and driving traffic.

With a plethora of niche communities available, finding the right audience becomes effortless. Reddit, for instance, has a variety of subreddits catering to different interests. Encouraging user-generated content within these communities not only expands reach but also fosters engagement and community growth.

By tapping into these online spaces, businesses can connect with potential customers, boost visibility, and enhance the overall value of your brand.

8. PR Campaigns

PR campaigns play a vital role in promoting sex toys by creating buzz and sparking interest among potential customers. Platforms like XBIZ & AVN provide opportunities to reach a wider audience through press releases, media coverage, and influencer collaborations.

By highlighting unique features, emphasizing safety & pleasure, and addressing taboos openly, PR campaigns can demystify sex toy usage and normalize discussions, making them more accessible to diverse audiences.

Through strategic storytelling and impactful messaging, PR campaigns create a pathway for businesses to engage with their target audience and drive sales.

9. Dating Sites

Dating sites provide an exciting opportunity for adult toy businesses to engage with an audience eager for intimacy and exploration. There are a couple of effective strategies to consider.

Firstly, some dating platforms offer private advertising spaces or direct partnership opportunities. Get in touch with their advertising teams, explore options like banner ads or sponsored content within the app, and make sure your eye-catching ads grab users’ attention as they browse.

Secondly, some dating platforms are part of Google’s display network, enabling you to run banner ads directly within their application.

10. Set Up at Trade Shows

Setting up booths at trade shows provides a valuable opportunity for promoting sex toys and connecting with a targeted audience. For instance, participating in adult industry expos like the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo allows you to showcase your product i.e., sex toys directly to a relevant audience of retailers, distributors, and consumers.

By engaging attendees through product demonstrations, giveaways, and networking, your business can generate leads, build brand awareness, and establish connections within the industry.

11. Adult Directories

Adult directories like Porn Dude and XBIZ serve as powerful platforms for promoting sex toys and connecting with a targeted audience. By featuring listings and reviews of various adult products, these directories help consumers discover new items and make informed purchasing decisions.

Additionally, businesses can leverage these platforms to increase visibility among individuals actively seeking adult entertainment. Being listed on directories ensures direct access to a relevant audience, driving traffic and sales for sex toy businesses.

12. YouTube Marketing

Creating a YouTube channel for sex toys offers a dynamic platform to showcase products, provide educational content, and engage with a targeted audience.

Channels like Lovehoney exemplify how such platforms can build brand credibility, foster community interaction, and drive sales.

By sharing product reviews, tutorials, and tips, businesses can establish themselves as trusted authorities in the adult industry while connecting directly with consumers seeking information and entertainment. This direct engagement cultivates loyalty, encourages user interaction, and ultimately increases brand visibility and sales.

13. Podcast

Podcasts like Sex with Emily & Shameless Sex offer a unique platform to promote sex toys and connect with the targeted audience effectively. By discussing topics related to sexuality, relationships, and pleasure in a relaxed and open manner, podcast hosts can build trust with listeners.

Through honest conversations and product recommendations, they can effectively introduce and endorse various sex toys. By creating informative and entertaining content, podcasters can establish credibility, build trust with listeners, and ultimately drive interest and sales for your products.

14. Manage Adult Sex Toy Review Sites

Managing adult sex toy review sites is crucial for promoting sex toys and enhancing brand visibility. Platforms like Princess Previews & What Toy? provide authentic customer reviews, offering valuable insights into product quality, performance, and user experience.

Positive reviews build trust & credibility, attracting new customers and encouraging repeat purchases. Moreover, review sites facilitate brand engagement and interaction, fostering a loyal community.

By harnessing the power of peer recommendations, you can effectively showcase your offerings and differentiate themselves in the competitive market of sexual wellness products.

15. Offline Marketing

Billboards, print ads, and flyers play a vital role in promoting sex toys and enhancing brand visibility. These traditional marketing methods grab attention in public spaces, reaching a diverse audience.

Bold visuals and catchy slogans can pique curiosity and drive interest in the products. Additionally, strategically placed ads in adult magazines or flyers distributed in relevant locations can target specific demographics effectively.

By using these tangible mediums, brands can increase awareness and draw customers to explore their offerings further.

Conclusion

In summary, advertising your adult toy store online offers boundless opportunities. Use social media, targeted ads, and compelling content to captivate your audience and boost sales. Prioritize authenticity, creativity, and understanding your customers’ desires for success. With the right strategies, your store can flourish in the digital realm, connecting with customers in innovative ways.

For those interested in starting a sex toy business effortlessly, consider xMarketplace by Adent.io. It is an adult e-commerce website script with dropshipping API. With its wholesale dropshipping API, you gain instant access to over 20,000 products. Setting up a profitable online store is simple, even for WordPress users. Plus, xMarketplace supports both dropshipping and inventory eCommerce models, maximizing your potential gains.

FAQs About Adult Toys Marketing

1. What are Some Budget-Friendly Advertising Strategies for Adult Toy Stores?

Use social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and email newsletters. Additionally, optimizing SEO for your website can drive organic traffic, reducing advertising costs while still reaching your target audience effectively.

2. How can I Measure the Effectiveness of My Online Adult Toy Store Advertising Campaigns?

Track key performance indicators such as website traffic, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). Use analytics tools provided by advertising platforms to assess campaign performance and make data-driven optimizations for better results.

3. How can I Create Engaging Content to Advertise My Adult Toy Store Online?

Share user-generated content, product demonstrations, and educational posts about sexual wellness. Incorporate captivating visuals and interactive elements to keep your audience engaged and interested.

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