Earning big bucks in style

Banhisha Kundu

It’s raining bucks on the online landscape. Youngsters, who dare to step out of the regular career, are taking to new professions.  Take the example of 21-year-old Delhi girl, Sonia Garg, who has not only turned into a fashion icon through her fashion blog and YouTube channel, but is also earning a neat Rs 50,000 plus per month. She has a fan base of 25,000 on her Instagram handle @hervagabondlife and her channel garners more than half-a-million views on every video that she uploads. 

Sonia, however, is not the only one chartering a different path. Delhi-based Jia Kochhar (@jiakochharblog), boasts of 73,000 plus follower base on Instagram. And both of style icons have been average students with a qualification in Bachelor’s of Arts.

Earning up to a lakh or more per month has become a cakewalk for the tech-savvy youngsters. 

Getting into the profession

One does not need a specific qualification to become a blogger. It all depends on how well one can use the digital platform and market oneself on social media. “Blogging is nothing but a digital marketing platform. First you market yourself and then market some brand's products, if you’re lucky enough to get signed under a big label,” says Sonia. 

Work profile

Job responsibilities of this offbeat career are rather steep. Being a blogger is tougher than one expects it to be. One has to initially finance one’s own venture. “I’m always on the go and there are days when I really don’t get any time for my family or friends. I am tied up with shoots and events or creating the right content,” says Jia, who has collaborated with various PR companies and clothing brands and is happy with her 24x7 job profile.

Challenges 

Like every other profession, blogging, too, has its own set of obstacles. Being an offbeat route, the job comes enveloped in uncertainty. “You get to know the real picture once you begin blogging.  You also get to know about the expenses involved   like that of the photographer, editor, clothes, fuel, etc. I faced difficulty initially, as I wasn’t getting to promote any brand,” adds Jia, recalling her initial days. 

Many youngsters are aspiring to explore this career opportunity.  Thus, it has now become a competitive field. “It's hard to create a market as there are so many bloggers out there and the competition is immense. Brands are very particular when it comes to marketing their product. Trick is to first become a brand in yourself,” says Sonia.

Tips for aspiring bloggers

“Any blogger with a great potential can easily earn from 10-15,000 per post.” - Sonia Garg, @hervagabondlife

“Don’t run behind followers. Be yourself and that is what will set you apart from the rest,” Jia Kochhar, @jiakochharblog