Landed my dream job because of blogging: Nupur Agarwal

Chatpati Diary's Nupur Agarwal feels it's about time brands feel comfortable in paying bloggers for collaborations and content.

Nupur Agarwal, in conversation with Social Samosa, talks about managing her full-time job with her passion for blogging. She tells us about the experiences that led her to be nominated for 'The Best Food Blogger'.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

It all began in 2013 when I was still completing my Master's in Journalism. Back then, I would roam around a diary in my bag for scribbling random things. Eventually, I started about writing my day to day experiences and by 2014, it was a blog on WordPress. I was extremely comfortable in a 9-5 job. At that time but there was something that kept dragging me back to my blog. One day, I told my mother that I want to be a full-time blogger without knowing about its monetary prospects. At first, just like any other Indian parent, my mother was surprised but she also told me “If that is what gives you happiness and peace then be it”. The rest is history. Now in 2019, I’m comfortably running a blog with a team of 3 and doing a full-time job.

What's in the name?

I think everything! If your name isn’t catchy or relevant to your content then readers will feel disconnected. This name actually came out of nowhere but I resonate with it in so many ways. I started writing about food which is my one true love. Selected the name 'Chatpati Diary' because I used to a) Carry a diary even to my reviews and note down things the old school way for the longest time and b) I wrote about different things and like my personal life.

My blog is inclusive of a little personal style, a bit of travel and a lot of food! People recognize me in the lobby and scream “Hey Chatpati Diary” that’s exactly how I want to be known.

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

It has to be writing, talking and posting about things that I personally connect with. I cannot write or talk about things just because the brand is paying me.

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

I usually study the brand thoroughly, use the products/services for a while and then note down things that I liked or disliked about it. I like to keep the language simple for the readers to not get intimidated. Let’s get it straight- Nobody likes to read the ultra-flowery language in a blog. You have to keep it precise.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

As I said I started back in 2013-2014 when blogging was still picking up slowly. I got my first paid assignment towards the end of 2014 for Britannia. It was not a very big amount as compared to today but it was a lot back then. I didn’t know I could get paid but now it is imperative to charge for what you are good at, having said that I don’t necessarily charge budding brands if I like what they are doing.

I think in today’s time brands are far more comfortable paying bloggers. As a blogger, it is our duty to charge or ask for money when we know we are giving them more than a magazine would. Self-analysis is very important before charging. And yes, if you are good at something, never do it for free.

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

The brands are flexible enough these days and that helps a lot to maintain a balance.

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile.

I was nominated for “Best Food Blogger” in one of these awards in my very first year of blogging. It was a major push. Then, I landed up in my dream job because of my blogging and not academics.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

It was to show the product getting drenched in water creatively without making it look made up.

If not blogging, you would be?

Marketing professional

A day in your life…

Thanks to the flexibility that my work gives, I don’t have to depend on a certain routine. But yes, it starts about 9 AM and by 10 AM I’m glued to my laptop checking emails and replying to each one of them. Unread emails give me anxiety. Later, I get to writing, conceptualizing and a bit of researching.

Also Read: I want women to feel good when they watch my content: Nikita Nagaraj

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Consistency is the key! Believe in yourself, understand what you want to achieve, what are your strengths and weaknesses. The money will follow, but before that prove yourself.

Your Favorite Influencer.

Arielle Charnas amongst the international influencers and I like Aanam Chashmawala from India.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

I'm currently taking it all slow due to some personal commitments but the plan is to personalize content for myself. There are certainly bigger plans but you’ll see them eventually.