How did you start out as a marketer?
Marketing has always been at my core. But it took a concrete shape way back in 2012. This was the time I was trying to create a source of income by writing articles on different sites under pseudonyms. These things paid but not that much. I figured this was the time I took the gear into my hands.
Looking back what was your hardest struggle when it came to delivering results?
I come from a village in India, not even a town. We lack resources, aspirations and inspiration. Plus, English is not our first language, so now and then, it disturbed my goals of getting desired results.
How did you get your first client back then, and what kind of service did you do for them?
I was writing for some blogs under pseudonyms. But I couldn’t call them clients. My first client, a real client, conversion was in 2012. It is a local company which wanted to get started in digital marketing and SEO. I somehow picked the project and delivered that way before time. Slowly but continuously, new contacts kept coming and converting.
What do you find most rewarding about what you do?
Money. No matter what you say, money is always going to be the ultimate objective of any person on the planet. Luckily my money comes a bit easy now and I find growing savings most satisfying.
Aside from freelancing how else can someone earn online, and what is your advise?
First of all, stay away from the self-proclaimed experts who guide you into a career that is good for nothing. The world is totally digital now. Quite different than what it used to be two or three years ago. So these experts know no more than you about this. For example, two hot topics like Cryptocurrency, Digital marketing have gained exposure only in last couple of years. If you are trying to figure out a career like this, start with basics and create your own path.
Create a website and stick to it. Build a portfolio and gain clients by showcasing your earlier works. Once you are good in your main niche, you can try alternates like link building, affiliate marketing and lead generation. Link building is currently the hottest thing in digital marketing. Just master it and see the magic.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use WordPress, Notion, Sublime Text, Grammarly and Google Docs to write, code and manage things. I take notes on my iPad using Notability and Apple Pencil. For design purposes, I use Freepik Premium, Canva, Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator like tools.
What was your first job as a journalist/blogger?
I reported as an NSS volunteer in pre-college.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
On emails. Email me on gaurav@gauravtiwari.org and I am all ears.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Start taking risks in your writing. Be real and don't build a career on copied, cheap or fake content.
What's your favorite drink?
Coca-cola in Summers and Coffee in winters.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I love Backlinko, Shoutmeloud, Labnol & Neil Patel.
