10 Proven Tips to Succeed in an Escort Job
If you're considering an escort job, you’re not just looking for a way to make money-you’re stepping into a business that demands strategy, boundaries, and self-awareness. This isn’t about luck or looks alone. The most successful escorts build long-term careers by treating their work like a professional service, not a side hustle. You need systems, safety nets, and a clear sense of what you will and won’t do. Here are 10 proven tips that actually work-tested by people who’ve been doing this for years in the UK and beyond.
Know Your Worth Before You Set Your Rates
Too many new escorts start too low, thinking they need to compete on price. That’s a trap. Low rates attract clients who haggle, disrespect boundaries, or ghost after one booking. Instead, research what others in your area charge. In Brighton, experienced independent escorts typically start at £150-£250 per hour. If you’re new, you can begin at £120-£150, but don’t drop below that. Your rate should reflect your time, energy, and the value you provide-not your fear of not getting bookings. Track how many clients you book per week. If you’re getting five bookings at £150, that’s £750 a week. That’s better than 10 bookings at £75. Quality over quantity always wins.Use a Trusted Platform Like AdultWork
While some escorts rely on social media or word-of-mouth, platforms like AdultWork give you structure. You get verified profiles, secure messaging, client reviews, and payment protection. AdultWork also filters out obvious scammers-people who ask for free sessions or send sketchy payment requests. Set up your profile with clear photos (no blurry or overly edited ones), a professional bio, and a list of services you offer. Update it every two weeks. Clients notice when a profile looks neglected. And always use the platform’s built-in booking system. Never move to WhatsApp or Telegram until you’ve vetted the client through the platform first.Screen Every Client-No Exceptions
Screening isn’t optional. It’s your first line of defense. Before agreeing to any meeting, ask for full name, phone number, and a photo of themselves holding a piece of paper with today’s date. Use a reverse phone lookup tool to check if the number is linked to scams. Ask them why they’re booking you and what they expect. If they say “I just want to talk” but their profile says “dominance” or “roleplay,” that’s a red flag. Trust your gut. If something feels off, say no. You don’t owe anyone a second chance. One bad experience can cost you more than a dozen missed bookings.Always Meet in a Safe, Controlled Environment
Never go to a client’s home. Never go to a hotel you didn’t book yourself. Always choose a hotel room you reserve under your own name, with a lockable door and a working peephole. Book for a minimum of two hours. That gives you buffer time to leave if things go sideways. Many escorts in Brighton use chain hotels like Travelodge or Premier Inn because they have 24/7 reception and CCTV. Keep your bag, phone, and keys with you at all times. If you’re meeting in your own flat, install a doorbell camera and tell a friend your appointment time and address. Text them when you arrive and when you leave. That’s not paranoia-it’s standard procedure.
Set Clear Boundaries and Stick to Them
Write down your hard limits. No unprotected sex. No anal. No drugs. No going to their place. No group sessions. No kissing. Whatever they are, list them. Then, state them clearly in your profile and repeat them during your first message with a client. If they push, walk away. You are not here to negotiate your safety. Some clients will test you. They’ll say, “Everyone else does it,” or “It’s just one time.” That’s manipulation. Your boundaries are non-negotiable. The clients who respect them are the ones you want to keep coming back.Keep Detailed Records
Treat this like a real business. Track every booking: date, time, client name (or alias), location, rate, payment method, and notes. Use a simple spreadsheet or a free app like Notion. This helps you spot patterns-like which days are busiest, which clients tip well, or which areas have more scams. It also helps if you ever need to report a problem to the police or a support group. Keep copies of all messages. If a client threatens you or refuses to pay, you’ll need proof. And don’t forget taxes. Even if you’re cash-only, you’re still required to declare income in the UK. Set aside 20% of every payment for tax. It’s not optional.Invest in Your Appearance, But Not Your Identity
You don’t need designer clothes or expensive makeup. You need to look put-together, clean, and confident. Nail care, fresh hair, good skincare, and a signature scent go further than a designer handbag. Wear what makes you feel powerful-not what you think clients want. Avoid using your real name in your profile. Use a stage name. Never post your home address, workplace, or family photos. Use a separate phone number and email for your escort work. Keep your personal life and your professional life completely separate. This isn’t just about privacy-it’s about survival.
Build a Support Network
This work can be isolating. You’re not alone, but it can feel that way. Find other escorts you trust-online forums, local meetups, or WhatsApp groups. Share tips, warn each other about bad clients, and vent when you need to. Organizations like the English Collective of Prostitutes and the UK-based charity SWARM offer legal advice, safety training, and emotional support. Don’t try to handle everything alone. Talking to someone who’s been there saves you from burnout, panic, and bad decisions.Learn How to Say No-And Mean It
You will get requests that make you uncomfortable. Clients will ask for extra time, extra services, or to meet outside your usual area. You can say no. You can say no even after you’ve already agreed. You can cancel a booking 10 minutes before they arrive. You don’t need to apologize. You don’t need to explain. Your time and safety come first. Saying no isn’t rude-it’s professional. The best escorts aren’t the ones who say yes to everyone. They’re the ones who say yes to the right people.Plan Your Exit Strategy
Most people don’t stay in escort work forever. That’s okay. Plan for it now. How will you transition out? Do you want to start a blog, a coaching business, or a beauty service? Save money. Build skills. Network in other industries. Keep your CV updated-even if you’re using a fake name, list transferable skills: client management, communication, time organization, conflict resolution. You’ve been running a small business. That’s valuable. Don’t let this job define your future. Use it to build your next chapter, not trap you in the past.Succeeding in an escort job isn’t about being the most beautiful or the most available. It’s about being the most prepared. It’s about knowing your limits, protecting your energy, and treating your work with the same seriousness you’d give any other career. The people who last in this industry aren’t the ones who chase every client. They’re the ones who know when to walk away-and who never stop learning how to do it better.
Is it legal to work as an escort in the UK?
Yes, selling sexual services is legal in the UK, but related activities like brothel-keeping, soliciting in public, or pimping are not. Independent escorts who work alone from private locations are operating within the law. Always avoid public solicitation and never share premises with other workers. Keep all interactions private and consensual.
How do I avoid scams as an escort?
Scams usually involve fake payments, stolen identities, or blackmail attempts. Always use verified platforms like AdultWork for communication and booking. Never accept payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or third-party apps like Zelle or Cash App. Ask for a photo of the client holding today’s newspaper or a handwritten note with the date. If they refuse, cancel the booking. If you’re ever threatened, save all messages and contact SWARM or the police.
What should I include in my escort profile?
Your profile should include 3-5 clear, high-quality photos (no filters or excessive editing), a concise bio that highlights your personality and services, your rates, your location, and your hard limits. Avoid vague terms like “fun” or “exotic.” Be specific: “I offer massages, cuddling, and oral sex. No anal, no drugs, no outdoor meetings.” Clients appreciate clarity. Also, mention if you’re available for weekend or evening bookings.
How do I handle taxes as an escort?
You must register as self-employed with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return each year. Even if you’re paid in cash, all income must be declared. Keep receipts for business expenses like travel, clothing, skincare, phone bills, and platform fees. You can deduct these from your taxable income. Consider using a simple accounting app like QuickBooks Self-Employed or speak to an accountant who understands sex work. Don’t wait until April-start tracking now.
Can I work part-time as an escort?
Yes, many escorts work part-time while studying, holding another job, or raising children. The key is consistency. Even working 2-3 days a week can generate a steady income if you’re selective and professional. Treat it like a side business: set fixed hours, stick to your boundaries, and don’t overbook. Part-time work gives you more control and reduces burnout.
What if I feel unsafe during a booking?
Your safety is the top priority. If you feel threatened, leave immediately. Use your pre-arranged safety check-in with a friend or use the panic button feature in apps like SafeEscort or SheSafe. Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger. Afterward, report the incident to AdultWork and to support groups like SWARM. You are not at fault. No client has the right to make you feel unsafe-even if you agreed to a service.
How do I find good clients?
Good clients come from consistency and boundaries. Clients who respect your rates, show up on time, leave tips, and follow your rules are the ones you want to keep. They often return. Ask them to book again at the end of the session. Offer a small discount for repeat bookings. Build loyalty by being reliable and professional. Word-of-mouth among regulars is your best marketing tool.
Do I need to do regular health checks?
Yes. Get tested for STIs every 3-6 months, even if you only do protected sex. Use free clinics like Brook or your local sexual health center. Keep a copy of your latest test results and share them with clients if they ask-it builds trust. Never have unprotected sex, no matter how much a client insists. Your health isn’t negotiable.
Can I work if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record doesn’t legally prevent you from working as an escort in the UK. However, some platforms may reject your application if your record involves violence, exploitation, or sex offenses. Be honest on applications. If you’ve served time and are rebuilding your life, focus on platforms that support reintegration. Many escorts with past records have built successful, safe careers by staying professional and consistent.
What’s the biggest mistake new escorts make?
The biggest mistake is thinking they need to please everyone. Trying to be everything to everyone leads to burnout, boundary violations, and unsafe situations. The most successful escorts are the ones who know exactly who they are, what they offer, and who they won’t work with. Clarity attracts the right clients. Confusion attracts the wrong ones.