An avid traveler and influencer, Parnashree Devi shares her journey about blogging her travel stories in a picturesque manner.
"Everything about travel is not rosy. So, it’s very important to showcase the other side of it as well," quips Parnashree Devi of My Travel Diary, also a part of Social Samosa's #SS30Under30 list of 2018 - the blog which takes you on a virtual journey through engaging content and inviting photographs. Traveling places, meeting people and experiencing a myriad of cultures across the globe is the biggest High for Parnashree as a Travel Blogger.
In a brief chat, Parnashree Devi talks about blogging her way into the influencer world, her travel stories, brand endorsements, making moolah and more.
Looking back, where did it all begin?
It began 6 years back. I started the blog to share my travel stories, without realizing the fact that it would become my identity in later years. It has been a rollercoaster ride since then. “My Travel Diary” is the best thing that happened in my life.
What's in the name?
Everything is in the name. The name “My Travel Diary”, itself says it all. Instead of a traditional diary, I have penned down all my travel memories in an online journal, which is my blog. Through my blog, I am making others even travel with me visually.
What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?
I still don’t know the USP of my writing in the cluttered space. But I do know that I present an honest account of my travel experiences in front of my readers. Each word says a lot about what exactly I felt and where. So, you can say that my stories are personal, experiential, and informative at the same time.
If I talk about the edge, I think that my photography makes it even more relatable visually. I am often told that only my photographs of any destination can convince a reader to plan their vacation. Rest, the world knows it better.
Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?
Most of my content is based on my travels. Apart from that, I try to write topics that are relevant and can be helpful for my readers. You can be relevant and relatable if you present a true side of the story, rather than sugarcoating it. Everything about travel is not rosy. So, it’s very important to showcase the other side of it as well.
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How do you take the moolah with your efforts?
I truly believe that it’s very important to respect your time and efforts. As a travel blogger, I have certain written rules when it comes to moolah, which I follow rigorously.
How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?
I only take up brand campaigns that align with my brand “My Travel Diary”. So, depending on that very basis, I deliver my work and maintain my editorial objectivity. It’s very important to believe in the brand’s value before endorsing it on my blog and social media channels. The money can’t buy that.
One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile
When you realize the fact that people take your advices seriously and do plan vacation after reading your blog and other posts on social media. More than anything, the feeling of inspiring people with my journey makes it worthwhile. Also, the media mentions in top publications and Television also contribute to the happy dance.
Weirdest brand brief/request ever
There are many so I can’t pick one.
If not blogging, you would be?
I would be making travel videos. This is my next move for sure.
A day in your life...
Too busy in creating content, social media promotions and if not, traveling to some exotic destinations.
Message/tips for upcoming bloggers
Find your niche and start working on it. Do read blogs, magazines, and books. Don’t try to copy anybody in the fraternity, rather create your own identity. Hard works always pays.
Your Favorite Influencer
Too many to name one.
The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand
Would love to be the most respectable and trustable name in the world of travel globally.