profile

WIA Profile: Lauren Barnes

How did you get into the business?

In 2007, I joined WhiteLabelDating.com to oversee the company’s customer care function, dealing directly with the consumers using our dating sites. The more time I spent with the company, the more opportunities I could see for both the business and my career progression.

No matter what industry you’re in, if you can build a good rapport with clients, partners and key decision makers, I really believe that you’re on a successful career path.

Although I loved supporting members in their dating journey, I started to take an interest in the B2B side of the business. I went on to become an account manager, where I began managing some of our larger partners, advising on marketing strategies and innovating with new site launches and rebrands. I was exposed to the adult side of dating very early on, and during my time at WhiteLabelDating.com I’ve watched the casual dating scene explode. As a result, I have since fully immersed myself in the adult business.

What in your background prepared you for what you are doing now?

No matter what industry you’re in, if you can build a good rapport with clients, partners and key decision makers, I really believe that you’re on a successful career path. I’ve always had good relationship building skills and I still depend on them every day!

Having first used those skills to engage directly with our customers, I quickly developed a detailed insight into what consumers expect from an online dating service, casual or otherwise. Whenever I’m advising partners, or my team, about how best to market our partners’ dating sites, I’m always very aware of the end product from a consumer point of view. If you target traffic in the right places and provide a quality user experience, revenues will follow and you’ll achieve a great return on investment —when I think about it now, my customer care role was the best preparation I could have had.

The fast growth that our business has experienced has not only taught me how profitable the industry can be, but it’s really moulded my perception of the adult market. I see the explicit images and language, but I’m actually just thinking about revenues and conversions, rather than what they actually represent. Six years in the business and I don’t think anything can shock me! And, of course, a sense of humour does help.

What do you see as the challenges of working in the adult online business? How do you overcome them?

Being a woman in adult does have it’s complicated sides! Although it’s a male dominated industry and there can be slightly skewed perceptions of women, we’re lucky that there are groups like WIA that champion the many strong women in the adult business. When you show people that you are professional and knowledgeable in your field, they see past gender and acknowledge you for what you really are; a smart and shrewd business person.

Aside from that, it’s easier to access adult content than ever before. Adapting to changes to both digital marketing and adult content laws can be difficult in a business as big as ours. You have to keep on top of trends to stay ahead of the curve, and continue to drive high volumes of traffic and revenue. Working closely with a number of different industry bodies, as well as spending a lot of time reading relevant blogs, magazines and attending conferences, has proved invaluable.

Does your work life affect your personal life?

Anyone who is passionate about their job will know that the resounding answer to this question is yes, absolutely! I love what I do. The success of my partners is a very personal thing for me; we’re a team and dating is a 24/7/365 business! That means checking numbers and replying to emails at evenings and weekends is second nature.

When it comes to my team, they’re motivated and knowledge hungry; that means that they’re happy to take time to adapt their skill set to meet the needs of our partners. As well as taking time for personal development, we’re all very much professionally and personally connected. We socialise outside of work quite a lot - although obviously all conversation isn’t work related!

The adult dating sites and unique niches we operate are also obviously a great conversation starter!

Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives. Women like Lauren Barnes, head of WhiteLabelDating.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More