Sliding Into the DMs: Answering Reader Questions
Responding to your Instagram DMs ~ I share how I got started as an influencer, how I juggle my go-getter lifestyle, and my top tips for aspiring bloggers. Read on to get the inside scoop…
I love connecting with you guys on social media! I usually answer DMs right on Instagram, but I’ve had so much on my plate and sometimes it’s just easier to sit at a computer than type on the phone, so here we go!
1) Looking back, where did it all begin?
Tanya Dhar: The main reason I started my blog {in 2016} was to connect with other writers, enhance my own writing skills, and perhaps inspire other creatives to write too. The support and appreciation I have received from the blogging community has been amazing and this has been one of the biggest factors my blog has become so special to me.
Since the start of my journey, my passion has helped me grow my sapling blog, and I have been fortunate enough to have found a stable and focused mental space whilst writing.
2) What’s in the name?
Tanya Dhar: Coming up with a name for your blog is a tricky endeavour because it is a brand that is going to represent you. In a world full of gifted writers and niche blogs, you really have to go that extra mile to stand out and the name is the first step to give people reason to pause. It needs to be catchy and memorable and relevant. It is definitely a critical step and should be given a fair share of thought.
Urban Diaries ~ since I write about travel and life, pretty frequently.
3) What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?
Tanya Dhar: One of the mandates of my site is for me to impart the knowledge I gain from my life experiences, both personally and professionally. I aspire to influence and impact and inspire as I take the journey alongside my readers, experiencing my life through words. No amount of knowledge is finite and my little contribution to the plethora of it is a thought that puts a smile on my face.
Perfection is a goal I am constantly striving for but the truth about this is, perfection is tough and oftentimes an impractical achievement. That being said, I’ve always felt a strong degree of {self-imposed} pressure to curate quality content {my writing and ideas}. I find it a great way of motivating myself, and I always know I get better day after day because hard work never goes unnoticed.
4) Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?
Tanya Dhar: Over my tenure of 3 years in the industry, I have had my share of learning but the most important lesson I have learned is to have the courage to be authentic to myself and express myself the way I deem suitable. Although tough, I have realised that my best writing happens when I shed all self-doubt and allow my words to express my raw emotions and vulnerability.
One of the main reasons why www.urbandiaries.in is doing so well is because I work every single day on my blog. I supplement my honest words with vibrant and inspiring photos to make the journey as much of my readers’ as it were mine. My goal is to always deliver “evergreen” content that my readers will enjoy, and have them come back for more!
5) How do you make moolah with your efforts?
Tanya Dhar: Money has never been the reason that drove me to pursue blogging and it will never become my primary motivator either. I aspire to live my best life and travel to new places, learning something new every single day, and blogging has given me that opportunity! I want to continue to live better and hope the same for my readers.
6) How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?
Tanya Dhar: My blogging process first and foremost begins with visualising a concept and understanding how the end product should look. Hence quality will always beat quantity whilst sewing together new ideas. This is one of the reasons you will never see me promoting a product that I am not one hundred percent confident about and that’s something my readers have shown their appreciation for.
7) One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile
Tanya Dhar: Having people {who follow me on social media and read my blog} come up to me and tell me that my work inspires them.
8) If not blogging, you would be?
Tanya Dhar: A travel writer.
9) A day in your life…
Tanya Dhar: The most intriguing aspect of my work is that I don’t have a repetitive job and every day is a new day with a new aspiration! I am quite meticulous about planning and do schedule my week to balance my work and personal life, but no day is ever the same! I generally like to go over my list from the previous week to look out for pending work and then prioritising what needs to be done first. Between the scheduling and actually executing the tasks, my days get rather busy so I know I don’t have to worry about boredom blues!
10) Message/tips for upcoming bloggers
Tanya Dhar: Blogging as a career requires a lot of time and effort and a dash of luck to be a successful venture. With new-age marketing and connectivity through social media, that is your first tool of success to promote your blog and interact with your readers in real-time. It is integral to get your name out there and gain new followers, in turn driving traffic back to your site.
11) Your Favorite Influencer
Tanya Dhar: @TaraMilkTea
12) The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand
Tanya Dhar: This blog has been my baby that I have grown and nurtured with passion and hard work. It is my pride and I can’t wait to see where it takes me in terms of my learning, experience, and of course, my writing! I have sown a seed in this little corner of the internet and I cannot wait to see the foliage that awaits me.
Through this space, I hope to learn a new lesson every day, keep my readers happy, and more importantly, inspire other writers to start their own space. The future prospect for my blog excites me and for those that chose to take this journey with me, I cannot thank you enough for your love and support!
I hope you have enjoyed reading these influencer notes as much as I did writing them. 🙂
I’ve been an Urban Diaries reader for a long time, Tanya. I cherish your blog for its peeks into new trends and its consistently beautiful photography. Your writing is professional but not stuffy. You’re conversational but not silly. What’s more, your overall aesthetic is clean and simple and NEVER gimmicky. xx
As much as I’m inspired by the artists, designers, and creators that I write about, it’s readers like you who also inspire me to do what I do every day! xx
Love your honesty… superb blog! I am constantly motivated by you, Tanya! Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate your comment, Aiysha. 🙂
Wow. Thank you for sharing this with us. You always find the most unique platforms to be showcased on. Thank you, thank you!
Thanks for the positivity, Lalitha.
Really cool, Tanya! It’s only a matter of time before you will be featured in Vogue! I have loved following along!
That’s sweet of you ~ thank you, Farrah.
You have a good eye for what or who is fresh and interesting, Tanya. You appear to deconstruct reasons for why your readers are charmed and then share those reasons with the world. The whole kit is a blast ~ never boring, constantly fun, and irresistible!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Monalisa.
Extraordinary post! Blogging is my greatest passion, and I adore your blog. What’s more, you are so extraordinary and chic!
Your views are precious. Thanks so much, Mithra.
This influencer insight is super cool! I love that you write on a mix of interesting topics ~ I’m beginning to kind of love it.
That’s interesting to know, Susanne. Thank you.
Truly enlightening post! I appreciate and value your work ~ thank you for sharing such useful advice.
Thanks for the encouragement, Nayana.
Wonderful piece ~ and timeless advice! Amazing work on this post, Tanya! Love, love, love!
Thanks! Glad you liked the post, Rakhi.
This share is truly “genius” and you are beyond beautiful, Tanya! Thank you so much for this insight. It is just what I needed to know!
I’m glad to hear that, Reena!
Aw, this is an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to provide qualitative responses… but what can I say! xx
Thanks Chaitali, glad you liked the post.
Your pictures are aesthetically pleasing throughout and you truly seem to connect with readers, Tanya. Keep doing what you’re doing ~ you are clearly on to something!
Glad to hear that Renuka, happy to have your virtual company!
Every single response is super lovely! Btw your picture is stunning too ~ so effortless, looks like a Vogue cover.
Aw ~ thank you, Shikha.
This is extraordinary and beautifully expressed! Your blog is such a delightful space and you are a talented woman! It’s obvious to me why you’d enjoy your work, Tanya.
I’m so happy to hear that, Soham.
Tanya, your responses are so beautiful ~ I love everything about you!! And there is something very regal when it comes to the life you live!!
Thank you so much, Bhavya.
I went through your answers and think you are totally awesome!! My search for Influencers who inspire ends with your blog! Keep on keeping on 🙂
Thank you, Harshita.
Doing something that is our own passion ~ is the most fun thing to do, because we will be totally doing what we love.
Agreed 🙂
Wow, this is really amazing! I’m definitely a lover of your Instagram page, and I have to say I love your blog posts a LOT too ~ so you’re definitely giving me new ideas right now!
Thanks a lot, Saurabhi.
That picture is gorgeous, Tanya!! And I’m really excited to read about all the different topics being covered by you, on here!
Thank you for stopping by, Prabhala. 🙂
I really, really like this list! Your responses are really original and different from the usual ones! It’s really helpful advice as well!
Thank you, Astha.
I love this influencer guide! This post was… how do you say it? Relevant!! I’ve finally found something that has helped me. Much appreciated, Tanya!
That makes me happy to hear, Sama. 🙂
I left my corporate job this year to start a blog with my sister. This has been such an inspiring and empowering read. Thank you for starting my week off right.
More power to you both, Niranjana!
Thank you for sharing this, it’s always so good to read about female power! Needless to say, you left quite the impression on me. I am so happy for you and I wish you continued success and abundant blessings, Tanya.
Aw ~ thank you, Ruby.
Answering readers questions shows how down to earth you are.
Aw ~ thank you. 🙂