Most of the time, brands expect you to replicate the brief: Anusha

Shuttling between brands briefs and a 9 to 5 marketing job, Anusha has found herself a balance to live, love, create and hustle in peace.

Recalling her first-ever collaboration, Anusha tells us how things have changed for the blogging scenario over the years. Monetarily, it was way better in 2014-2016, she says, explaining how first collaboration was a paid one. In conversation with Social Samosa, she talks about her life as The Small Town Blogger.

Looking back, where did it all begin? 

It all began right after I started working i.e. 2014 and decided to travel with the little money that I earned. Initially, my blog was all about travel & food because that’s what I documented. 

What's in the name? 

I got my blog name/influencer name from my town where I was brought up. Had to somewhere give the credit to the beautiful town I am from. 

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

Inspiration is one thing and copying is another. The cluttered space is filled with copied styling and fashion ideas. Thankfully, I have always been different from the crowd because of the curvy body that I have. I prefer restyling than showing off new outfit ideas.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I started blogging and documenting my fashion and lifestyle content for just one reason – that was because people who knew me or saw me found my fashion and topic of discussion relatable. That was a motivating factor that pushed me to create content and still be myself. I still stick to the same process. 

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

Frankly speaking, the monetary part of blogging was way better in 2014-2016, where there we no discrimination and no number game. Now, with a pool of inorganic influencers, I rarely get paid. Which is a little demotivating but I always remind myself why I started blogging and influencing. You won’t believe it but my first ever collaboration was a paid collaboration. 

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

Most of the time, brands give you the brief and ask you to replicate the same thing. And because of the money paid, influencers do what has been said. My editorial part is satisfied by my personal styling videos and blog posts that I do. Thankfully, with organic engagement, I don’t really get many brand collaboration so I do what I feel like on my influencer space (that was the whole point of getting into blogging).

Also Read: The more you create, the more you earn: Arushi Patkey

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

When you are relatable to your viewers and your readers, the comments and the DM’s that you get appreciating your work is worth every second of the effort that you have put in. 

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

Most of the brand briefs are weird. I would rather not answer this question because the PR would know. (Always rejected them)

If not blogging, you would be?

Blogging doesn’t pay my bills for sure. I am a marketing professional working and have a normal 9-5 job.

A day in your life...

A day in the life of a blogger starts with brainstorming because new ideas are what keeps you going. Preparing and scheduling the same. 

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Always stay true to yourself.

Your Favorite Influencer

My favourite influencers change every month as the moment they become popular, they become a whole different person altogether. However, since you have asked, my current favourites are Best Dressed aka Ashley and Charuta Arvind aka ModaYalda. They are true to themselves and are relatable. 

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

Well, I am currently working on my YouTube channel so I have created more space to spread the content that I make. And as always hoping for the best because who doesn’t like growing!