Today, a passionate reader of the blog (hi Lucy!) reached out to me via Telegram with an interesting question: “Why did you choose the IG M/S method as your primary traffic source? Isn’t that starting from the most complex route: To build an audience on Instagram first and then direct them to OnlyFans??”

This is a valid question because Instagram traffic strategies vary depending on your goals and audience. For a brand, the focus is on maintaining and regularly engaging its audience, often directing them to an e-commerce site to promote new products. In contrast, an OnlyFans creator’s primary objective is to funnel their audience to OnlyFans and keep them there, as that’s where the real monetization tools and premium content reside.

Let’s start with the basics:

What is the IG M/S Method?

The Mother-Child (or Mother-Slave) strategy is an advanced Instagram growth tactic. Instead of the direct follow/unfollow method, it involves creating a network of accounts:

• The Mother account serves as the central hub (or the creator’s main Instagram).
• The Child accounts (also referred to as “slave accounts”) act as supporting entities, driving targeted traffic to the Mother account.

This strategy relies on automation tools like Fanzella, Sharingtools, Onimator and others to make it efficient. These tools allow Child accounts to replicate key actions: following, unfollowing, liking, commenting, and even sending direct messages to users in the same niche as the Mother account.

Here’s how it works:

1. The Mother account is linked to the Child accounts (e.g., through the bio or direct links).
2. The Child accounts engage with users through actions like likes, comments, and DMs, driving traffic to the Mother account.
3. Automated DMs introduce new followers to the Mother account’s content or offerings—effectively creating a smooth and engaging transition.

What’s unique about this method is that the Mother account remains passive, focusing solely on high-quality content creation, while the Child accounts do all the outreach. The result? The Mother account grows followers organically and effortlessly while staying in its lane as a content hub. Additionally, the mother account remains safe because it doesn’t engage in automated activities (which violate Instagram’s policies). This way, Instagram can ban all the child accounts, but you can continue creating new ones in the future without any issues since the mother account is always protected.

How does the Instagram Mother/Child method differ when used for a traditional brand versus an OnlyFans creator?

Now, here’s the twist when applying this method to OnlyFans: unlike a traditional Instagram marketing strategy, where you aim to retain your audience on Instagram, an OnlyFans creator wants to direct traffic to OnlyFans as quickly as possible through the link in the bio of both the child accounts and the mother account. While fans might follow the creator on Instagram along the way, both parties know the real content lives on the blue platform.

In essence, IG M/S becomes a traffic generator for OnlyFans, with Instagram growth acting as a bonus. So, even though the strategy is called “Mother-Slave,” the real “Mother” account is OnlyFans, and Instagram is merely a transit platform.

Why It’s an Ideal Starting Point

Lucy’s second question, “Isn’t this the most complex starting point?” deserves an answer.

1. Familiarity: I chose the IG M/S method because it’s what I know. I’m experienced in the technical process, I understand how to measure success, and I know how to get results. Starting with a new method would require me to learn an entirely different system, which would slow down progress.

2. Two Birds, One Stone: By using IG M/S, I’m not only generating traffic for OnlyFans but also building an Instagram audience as a secondary benefit. While not all fans will follow the model on Instagram, some will—and that’s an added bonus.

3. Agency Control: In my agency, I control the Mother accounts. This ensures that the model depends on my services. For example, if I ever need to switch models, I simply change the photos on the Mother account and continue the traffic flow seamlessly. Never use the models’ original Instagram accounts; always provide fresh accounts that you control. The last thing you want is a model, after gaining thousands of followers thanks to your efforts, deciding that’s reason enough to cut ties. Instead, if she wants to promote on her personal social media, it’s better to give her a special tracking link. This way, you can accurately measure the impact of her actions.

IG M/S method on Free and Paid OnlyFans accounts

Whether or not Instagram engagement is important depends on the type of OnlyFans account:

• Free OnlyFans Accounts: Fans often skip Instagram altogether, focusing solely on the free content. In these cases, Instagram growth is less probable.
• Paid OnlyFans Accounts: Fans are more likely to follow the creator on Instagram, especially if they’re hesitant to subscribe immediately. Instagram acts as a “preview” platform for paid creators, helping convert those on the fence.

The Final Takeaway

To answer Lucy’s original questions:

• Why IG M/S as the first traffic source?
  Because I’m confident in this method and its tools. It’s an efficient way to generate traffic, grow an audience, and drive results without spreading myself too thin.
• Do you need to build an Instagram audience first?
  Not necessarily. Fans naturally gravitate to OnlyFans, and Instagram is just a stepping stone. The type of OnlyFans page (free or paid) influences whether Instagram followers become an essential metric or just an added benefit.

Ultimately, the IG M/S method allows me to create a traffic pipeline while maintaining control over the accounts—ensuring the process is smooth, efficient, and scalable for any model I work with.