by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Aryeman – Social media and blogging is an addictive drug and adrenaline booster.
Short films is the future for bloggers
A lifestyle features writer for Times of India switches lanes and jumps the blogging bandwagon with great gusto. The result is sheer magic and today Aryeman is helping brands boost their sales and creating dynamic content which is the need of the hour.
Over to his interview where he candidly gives out some secret mantras for budding bloggers.
How did you first get into Instagram blogging?
Having been part of the media and making short films, Instagram blogging caught onto me instantly. Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms offer you immense scope to showcase your portfolio and be part of the global social media syndrome in a big way.
If you have to choose one, what will you choose between Food and Fashion blogging?
I have never restricted myself to one niche. Food, travel, fashion, films, shocking news, video interviews (for IGTV) and more such genres offer my audiences an invigorating experience once they hit my pages on Instagram and Facebook. There is something for everyone and variety adds on to new followers.
Do you collaboration with brands/products for promotional activities?
Fortunately, the response to my brand and product collaborations has been great. I offer a 360 degree blitz depending on the collaboration package which is being offered. Overall I have more than 2.5 lacs followers but this coverage is dished out to the people who really can pay.
What are the strengths that really helped you in influencer blogging?
Consistency in updates, dynamic visual content, catchy scripts and ensuring the clients get their worth are some of my core strengths. At times, I have almost 75 Instagram stories on my accounts which cover topics from humour, memes to even product branding. I single-handedly manage film, TV serials and web series promotions for upcoming releases.
Do you think Instagram (or any other social handle) verification helps getting better deals and audience?
A blue tick does enhance your negotiation power with the brands and agencies. So far, I haven’t really felt the need to get myself verified. A blue tick does increase followers since the trust value is there. This verification helps more for celebrities and public figures who have a fear of fake accounts. For influencers, I don’t think verification is a must.
A lot of people think that influencer blogging is an easy way to make money online. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from the blog?
My motto has always been – the power of the pen (written word) is much stronger than a beautiful picture. Most millennials assume that a hot and sexy pic will get them likes. But from the brand perspective, it’s the quantum of business, the script and the overall brand visibility is the prime focus. The content should be deeply etched out in the audience’s minds.
What you know now that you wish you knew when you first started influencer blogging?
Well, I have learnt a lot about the usage of hashtags, video editing, creating whacky memes and shortcuts (which most millennials use) for generating likes. Till date, I am never part of these WhatsApp likes groups where members like each other’s posts. Brands and PR agencies should realise that such accounts won’t get them business and just get them messages for free collaborations.
Would you encourage other people to make their blog?
I do run workshops on, “How to be a Social Media Superstar?” which encourage people of all ages to get active with a blog. Simultaneously I also warn people not to make it an addiction or get power hungry for engagement and likes on their posts. Social media and blogging is an addictive drug and adrenalin booster, make optimum usage of it for your monetary benefits.
What is your content frequency? And how important is to create regular content?
I update regularly. It gets difficult at times since I manage pages, accounts for other clients. Besides this, I have my alternative accounts too. I would say that content creation has become an addiction and my bread and butter too.
Would you encourage other people to make their blog for passion or as profession?
The money will take time to come. You need to be patient, consistent and outrageously creative.
How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?
Work has already started for short film creation for Instagram and Facebook. Short films is the future for bloggers. I am connecting with whacky, creative people who are passionate about making a name for themselves. Besides this, I want to get my hands clean on stop motion video creation. The sky is the limit, India has tremendous content. You just need to activate the third eye to view it and shoot it differently.
Previous Article
