RE: Australia is obsessed with reading smut - Sex expert weighs in on how the #smuttok trend can transform your sex life - Lovehoney AU

24 Jul 2024 9:35 AM

Hey,  I hope you're having a great day.

Recently, I sent you an email with a press release on the Australian cities most obsessed with reading smut. I wanted to get back to you and ask if the content I shared has piqued your interest or if you have any feedback?  

In case my previous message got lost, I have attached an overview of the topic/ re-attached the press release for your convenience.  

If the topic does not match your current editorial plans, I would still be grateful for your feedback. 

Thank you in advance for your time and attention.

PITCH OVERVIEW

Did you know there has been a significant increase in the popularity of ‘smut’ books with the provocative fiction genre having over 934k posts under #smuttok on TikTok?

A new study conducted by Lovehoney AU has analysed exactly where in Australia are residents embracing the raunchy trend and reading steamy romance novels and erotic tales.

Lovehoney's Sex and Relationship Expert, Christine Rafe, also provides expert insight on how to use smut books to enhance your self-pleasure game and sex life.

Please find the full city rankings and tips in the release below.

If you have any questions regarding the release, feel free to reach out to me.

Have a great day,

Chloe

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These Australian cities are the biggest smut book lovers

In the last year, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of ‘smut’ books with the provocative fiction genre having over 934k posts under #smuttok on TikTok.

By definition, ‘Smut’ refers to books that include one or more sexually explicit scenes and the TikTok generation of today has embraced the erotic category like never before. 

Smut readers around the world have used the popular video sharing app to discuss, recommend, and celebrate this type of literature - but where in Australia are residents embracing the trend and reading steamy romance novels and erotic tales?

To reveal just that, Lovehoney AU has ranked cities* across the country based on their love of reading smut books which have been determined by the following four factors:

• Total Google Searches for ‘smut’

• Total Google Searches for ‘smut books’

• The number of hashtag mentions of ‘smut’ 

• The overall positive sentiment associated with ‘smut’ online

The top five Australian cities most obsessed with smut books were revealed as:

 

Sydney is officially the city most obsessed with reading smut

Sydney residents show the highest interest in smutty reads due to its large Google search volumes for the erotic genre (34,800 and 7,080) combined with significant social media engagement (13,700%) resulting in a total index score of 64.8. 

Perth takes second place; Brisbane rounds out the top three 

Taking the second spot is Perth, with 15,600 and 3,840 total Google searches for ‘smut’ and ‘smut books’ as well as 19% of the online posts mentioning ‘smut’ being positive, the city is a prominent location for smut genre lovers with a total index score of 59.5. 

Brisbane takes the third spot with an overall index score of 38.0 driven by 10,560 Google searches for ‘smut’ and 2,520 searches for ‘smut books’. Additionally, with 2,900% hashtag mentions of ‘smut’ and a 24% positive sentiment surrounding ‘smut’ online, Brisbane residents are clearly embracing the Smuttok trend.

Melbourne places fourth with a total of 28,000 Google searches specifically for 'smut' and an additional 5,760 searches for 'smut books' proving residents are engaged with this genre. Also, the combined 2,900% hashtag mentions and the 14% overall positive sentiment towards 'smut' in Melbourne gives the capital a total score of 35.8

Rounding out the top five cities most obsessed with smut is Adelaide with a total index score of 26.4. Residents in the city talked about smut the second most positively online at 20.00%. Elsewhere, there were 5,760 Google searches for ‘smut’ and 1,320 for ‘smut books’ in the last year.

How to use smut books to enhance your self-pleasure game and sex life

 

Did you know that individuals who read erotic fiction have a whopping 74% more sex than those who don’t?

 

According to a scientific study by researcher Harold Leitenberg of The Journal of Sex Research, women readers of smut not only have more sex but also better sex, as they and their partners become more adventurous and playful.

So, whether you’re new to erotic literature or an avid smut reader looking to add some extra excitement to your sex life, Lovehoney Sex and Relationship Expert, Christine Rafe has provided some practical tips on how to fully embrace your passion for smut.

Reading together: 

 

Rafe recommends sharing parts of the novel that are getting you aroused with your partner. "Reading aloud to each other can be incredibly intimate and can spark new ideas for your bedroom adventures," explains Rafe. “To enhance this experience, consider using a remote-controlled vibrator or a couples’ toy that you can both enjoy while reading steamy passages together”.

 

Take notes and share fantasies: 

 

"If you come across a scene that excites you, jot down a few notes," suggests Rafe. Use these ideas to communicate your fantasies to your partner. This can be a fun way to explore your own desires and interests and identify crossover of fantasy to explore new activities together. She adds, "Incorporating sex toys like blindfolds or handcuffs mentioned in the stories can bring your fantasies to life and add an extra layer of excitement."

 

Create the perfect ambience for solo sessions:

 

Reading smut can also be a great activity for solo play and setting the mood can help with completely getting immersed to take your pleasure to new levels. Rafe recommends creating a cozy and private reading nook, even if this is just in your bedroom. "Dim the lights, play some soft music, and have your favourite toys or lubricants nearby to enhance the experience. A good quality lubricant can make all the difference when you're inspired to try something new from the pages of your book.”

 

Use it as a sexual guide for bedroom confidence:

 

Why not use erotic books as a manual for trying new positions, techniques, or role-playing scenarios? Rafe encourages readers to let the storylines guide their solo or shared sex experiences. "For many people, taking inspiration from their favourite characters can be useful for future sexual encounters or self-pleasure sessions," she explains.

 

Commenting on the study’s results Christine said: “It's great to see Australians embrace steamy books.

 

“Reading smut can do wonders for your sex life by opening up new avenues of pleasure and connection. It not only encourages you to explore your fantasies but can be a fantastic tool for improving communication with your partner and enhancing your overall sexual wellbeing. At Lovehoney, we believe that embracing erotic literature can lead to a more adventurous, satisfying, and playful sex life.”

To find out where other Australian cities ranked and tips on how you can enhance your smut reading experience with Lovehoney’s range of quality sex toys please visit: https://www.lovehoney.com.au/trends-insights/australias-smut-obsessed-cities.html

 

[ENDS]

*Methodology:

First, we compiled a list of the nine most populated cities in Australia according to Google desk research. The data for each factor was then gathered. 

We then normalised the data, to give each factor a score between 0 and 25. The normalised data will be summed, to give each city a total score out of 100. 

The cities were then ranked from highest to lowest, based on this total score, with a higher score producing a better ranking.

The factors are as follows:

Smut Books Search Volume - The total number of monthly searches for all the smut books provided according to Google Keyword Planner.

Smut Search Volume - The total number of searches for the prompt 'Smut Books' in each city according to Google Keyword Planner.

Positive Sentiment - The positive sentiment for 'Smut' in each city according to social media listening tool, Brandwatch.

No of Hashtags - The number of mentions of '#smut' across various social media, in each city according to social media listening tool, Brandwatch.

The factors were normalised as follows:

Smut Books Search Volume – High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.

Smut Search Volume - High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.

Positive Sentiment - High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.

No. Of hashtags - High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.

All data is correct as of 4.6.2024

About us:

About Lovehoney

Founded in 2002, Lovehoney is a multi-award-winning manufacturer and distributor of pleasure products. Its focus on exceptional customer service, product innovation, and creative marketing has placed Lovehoney at the forefront of developments in the sexual wellbeing market. Lovehoney Australia offers free delivery from its Brisbane warehouse on orders of $59+, a 1-year product guarantee, and 24/7 customer care. Lovehoney customers can shop with confidence thanks to the 100 Day Money Back Promise, and over 286,000 customer reviews, plus a 4.7-star TrustPilot rating.

In 2016 and again in 2021, Lovehoney won the Queen's Award for Enterprise - International Trade, the highest accolade in British business, and in 2021 was crowned Innovation Champion Of The Year at the National Retail Awards in Australia for the second year running.

In 2018, Telemos Capital, an evergreen investment company, completed its first investment in the UK by acquiring a majority stake in Lovehoney. With the backing of Telemos, Lovehoney accelerated its plans for international expansion, tapping into new markets and building on its strong consumer engagement. In 2021 Lovehoney merged with WOW Tech Group to form global sexual wellness group: The Lovehoney Group. The Merger brings together some of the industry’s best-known consumer brands Fifty Shades of Grey, Womanizer, We-Vibe, and Arcwave.

Contact details:

Chloe.Keys@connective3.com

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