I don’t write just because I can: Poorna Banerjee

If not a blogger, Poorna Banerjee feels she would have probably spent her days working as an editor for a fun magazine.

Poorna Banerjee feels its important to find new things to write about. If everyone writes about the same thing, how will you stand out? In conversation with Social Samosa, she tells us more about her content creation process.

Looking back, where did it all begin? 

I think it started in 2005 when I had my first blog, and it was more like a diary than a blog, so well, let’s not go in there. 

What's in the name? 

My name’s Poorna, and I am also known as Panu/Panushwari – a nickname from childhood that stuck – so the P was constant. When I started blogging, I wanted to write about the stuff I could recommend with my eyes closed – the best things that I come across – it can be anything, really. Good food, a recipe I have learned, a place I have visited, or something I have loved. 

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

I don’t write just because I can – my audience comes from a diverse range, and they like reading about my life and the things I like – so it is never just one thing – it is always doing something new, trying something different, or going to a new place.

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

I look around and try to figure out the gaps in our knowledge system, and then try to fill it. I started that way and I continue to do so. 

How do you make moolah with your efforts? 

Ads, sponsored posts, collaborations, affiliate marketing. All of it works. I also handle events and do interesting campaigns for brands on social media and blogging platforms. 

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

When working with me, brands are told very clearly that if I like something, it goes on my blog, and if I don’t, it goes into a feedback mail that the brand receives. Presented by P has always been a recommendation portal, and I would not want to compromise on my user experience. I also put in a disclaimer if I am invited or if the product received is for review. 

However, it doesn’t affect my writing style or objective. A lot of times brands want me to promote something – I have a tendency of adding that on my disclaimer sheet too. 

Also Read: Preeti Chauhan feels there is space for everyone in the blogosphere

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile 

I get a lot of emails and texts about my blog – I think one of my proudest moments was when I posted about a country I had travelled to and the food I had eaten, and I got a mail from a very well-known blogger, whom I idolized for a long time, thanking me for the post and my writing style. 

Weirdest brand brief/request ever 

A brand wanted me to talk about my personal sexual health, etc. I was rather flustered because I had no idea why they would approach me. 

If not blogging, you would be? 

Since one of the first jobs I had in my life was that of an editor, I would have to say, an editor. Probably for a fun magazine.

A day in your life...

I wake up, drink at least a litre of water, then the rest of the day starts – I don’t have a routine since a lot of meetings/events happen quite haphazardly. I do have a habit of going for a walk every day. 

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers 

Try to not write what everyone else around you is writing – try to find new things to write about. 

Your Favorite Influencer 

This is difficult because there are so many – one of my current favourite people to follow is Lele Pons because she’s hilarious. 

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

I am currently moving further into social media strategies and management, and I love the transformation. I hope to see my blog chronicle my journey through that.