Who is Manjulika Pramod?
Manjulika quit her telecom job in 2015 and started a new journey as a full-time traveler. Today, she is a recognized travel blogger from India.
She has contributed in two anthologies and published a book named “Kaleidoscope of Cheer and Hope” under her name in this blogging journey. Till now, she has traveled to 22 states of India along with 31 countries around the globe.
The blogger has collaborated with several brands like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, ITC Maurya, IIFA, and various state tourism boards.
She has been featured and published in several newspapers and magazines of India. Check out her work in The Hindu, Deccan Herald, The New Indian Express, Indigo inflight magazine, etc. You may find her journey on her blog Pendown, where she has enclosed all her travel journeys.
Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?
I am a telecom engineer by education, an author, as well as an entrepreneur. My blog's name is ‘PENDOWN‘ which I have been maintaining for more than a decade now. I also contribute to esteemed magazines and newspapers in India.
Describe how you entered into the world of blogging.
I have always been a voracious reader. I adore books so much that I always wanted to write one too. My love for writing began with diary entries. After college, when I joined my first job, I opened a blog and began to share my general view on certain social topics. I reviewed books and gradually began to write about travel, food, art, and culture.
How would you describe your blogging style?
I prefer to write experiential, mostly about places that I have been to, and things that I have experienced myself. I have a very simple writing style so that more and more people can read and benefit from it. I don't like to touch upon things superficially.
What type of networking do you think is better to enhance your traffic to the blog?
I feel blogger and brand meets are great for networking. Reading each other's blogs and commenting is also a great way to increase organic traffic.
What do you think is the best service a blogger can provide to his readers?
Authentic experience sharing and unbiased reviews are important for the readers to trust the writer.
How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?
One has to find time for their blog. The blog has to be nurtured regularly. One must write often to run the blog efficiently.
How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?
I wish to keep generating new content, keep myself abreast with SEO and use more relevant keywords.
What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?
My greatest failure has been not keeping myself updated with SEO and the time-changing algorithms of Google. I have learned that you cannot ignore that. Don't write for the trends or SEO but at least try and include some things.
Tell me about your proudest achievement?
My blog has taken me to many places, in India and abroad. My blog has given me experiences and collaborations that I could have never imagined. Every new experience makes me proud.
Who has impacted you most in blogging and how?
I enjoy reading blogs from different countries. I really appreciate honest writing. No one, in particular, has impacted me. I have immense respect for bloggers.
What is your greatest achievement outside of blogging?
Writing my book – Kaleidoscope of Cheer and Hope. And I love to see my bylines in newspapers and magazines.
What do you do in your spare time?
I read and paint and watch Korean series (K-Dramas).
Where would you like to be in blogging five years from now?
I would like to be known for unique, good, and authentic content. I would like to get more travel opportunities.
What was the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?
Many times, it gets difficult to write regularly because of family, work, and travel but I never let that come in the way of blogging. To juggle everything is a challenge on certain days.
Can you name some of your favorite bloggers and explain why they are your favorites?
I like reading Shivya Nath. She comes up with great and different content. All my blogger and vlogger friends who have been writing regularly and are serious about their blogs are my favorite.
How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running?
It is my breathing space. I love it. I really don't have to motivate myself to keep it running. The readers love it and the footfall keeps me motivated.
Can you tell me about a few sources from where you get products for review on your site?
I don't review products on my blog. But most of my collaborations happen through PR agencies.
What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?
People are not reading much. They are getting lured by videos. A good blog is easily made up of 1500 to 2000 words. But people don't want to read. And also micro blogging and instagram influencing is also taking away the real fun of blogging.
What is the biggest difference in your life post-blogging?
I have been enriched with amazing experiences and it feels great when people from around the world write emails and take your advice for planning trips.
Did you have any professional help or did you create the blog yourself?
I did it all by myself.
How active are you on a weekly basis? How often do you communicate with your followers?
I am an active influencer. I write once or twice a week.
How much time do you spend blogging?
I try and dedicate 2 days a week to blogging.
What do you think is the best social media strategy for getting more visitors to a blog?
My simple mantra is ‘Keep blogging regularly'. It brings visitors as well as exposure.
Would you encourage other people to make their blog?
Absolutely!
Is blogging your profession or just a hobby?
A hobby turned into a profession. Content writing is actually my main profession.
A lot of people think that blogging is an easy way to make money online. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from the blog?
First thing, it is not an easy way to make money. And if you wish to earn money, then be thorough with the SEO game and be regular, that is all that I can advice.
