Parnashree Devi is a “Dream Catcher”. Someone who is drawn to new experiences enjoys never ending conversation with locals and one who feels a constant urge to explore untrodden roads. Being a Photo Editor, Parnashree has traveled the world visually. It was one photograph of a cottage on the hilltop that moved her so much that she took a bus in search of that cottage in the hills in one Indian summer. And this Delhi-based travel blogger never looked back since then.
The importance of digital marketing is unquestionably one of the most successful promotional tools for professionals like us. Being a Travel Blogger, I get the maximum mileage through digital marketing. One needs to be a smart marketer to create maximum visibility online.
How did you decide to become a travel blogger? Was it a thoughtful choice?
Parnashree: I never planned to become a Travel Blogger. It was the controversial blog post by Amitabh Bachchan, which made the headline, forced me to dig out more about the whole world of blogging. A quick research on Blogging made me realize that it’s a free space where you can express yourself. And after a few days, My Travel Diary came into existence.
What are the categories one can blog about as a travel blogger? What areas do you focus on?
Parnashree: One can do blogging in different categories, like luxury, offbeat, adventure and many more. I really appreciate niche blogging. If I talk about my blog, I mostly focus on Offbeat Destinations, Culture and Lifestyle of the place and also luxury as well.
Photographs impact travel blogs to a great extent. In your opinion, what are the elements that go into presenting a photograph?
Parnashree: Being a Photo Editor by profession, I give a lot of importance on visual appeal. Unfortunately, we have good content writers, but they are not good photographers. Very few bloggers take care of the photography seriously. For me, presenting the story through photographs is one of the most important aspects of my blogging. I give equal importance on both storytelling and visual presentation on my blog.
I can’t stand bad photography. I think that we are busy clicking, rather creating a story through the lens. One needs to identify the subject of the photograph instead of capturing the moment. Apart from that, composition is one of the main aspects of photography.
How do you keep yourself updated on the latest trends about travel blogging? Which are the top sites and travel blogs you visit every day?
Parnashree: We are in digital media age. Everything is accessible on our social media platforms. So, you are automatically updated on the latest trends about travel blogging.
I do follow National Geography, Discovery, BBC travel sites etc. If I talk about blogs, there are many. So, it’s difficult to name one.
Please share the list of your favorite blogging tools along with their purpose, which you use regularly.
Parnashree: I love these blogging tools which help me immensely to blog without any hassle
- WordPress
- Blue Host
- Yoast SEO Plugin
- Hootsuite
- PicMonkey
- Lightroom
Which influencers and thought leaders you look up to when it comes to travel blogging?
Parnashree: I am big fan of Nomadic Matt’s Blog.
If you were to list top 5 reasons for your success as a blogger, what would those be?
Parnashree: I don’t consider myself successful yet. Having said that, I believe that consistency, quality and original content are key elements for success.
Please share top mistakes you’ve learnt from your journey as a travel blogger.
Parnashree: Don’t work for free. You should value your time and talent. I have done a lot of charity work for many.
Is it possible to make a career in travel blogging? Please share 3-5 tips about travel blogging for aspiring travel bloggers.
Parnashree: I would say that one can’t be a Travel Blogger overnight. Go out and explore the world. More than that one should identify his/her talent. If you are good at writing, or storytelling, blogging is the best way to express yourself independently.
Travel Blogging in India is in a nascent stage. It will take time to become a full-fledged career. Though I have a few suggestions for aspiring Travel Bloggers
- Step out of your comfort zone and explore the world first
- Be a responsible traveller
- Be original
- Don’t try to take a shortcut. There is none.
- Focus on your niche areas
In your view, which are the most important skills one should have or acquire for success in travel blogging?
Parnashree: The power of storytelling and visual presentation are the two most important skills one should have to become a successful travel blogger.
What are your future plans? How do you plan to leverage your existing success as a Travel Blogger?
Parnashree: I would be focusing more on my Travel Videos in coming days.
What do you think travel blogging will look like in 5 years? Will it still be around?
Parnashree: Bloggers are already considered as a part of mainstream Media. With the unstoppable growth of digital media, the future of travel blogging is definitely very bright in coming days. I will not be surprised if travel blogging becomes an alternative career option for upcoming writers.
Would you like to share a few words about the work we are doing at Digital Vidya in educating students, professionals and entrepreneurs about Digital Marketing?
Parnashree:
I really appreciate the work Digital Vidya is doing in promoting digital marketing. This is an absolute need to make people aware of the digital media which has become a part of promotional tools for your business.
Wish to know how digital marketing is impacting travel industry? Explore the opportunities via the ultimate guide to digital marketing for travel industry.
