Want to be a food blogger but don't know how? Here's how you excel at being one.

 No one can deny that social media has given rise to a lot of advancements. There is awareness, education and entertainment. But another feather in its cap is that it has led to the emergence of a lot of new professions. Now, being a YouTuber or a Social Media Influencer is regarded as a legitimate career. Another such job is that of bloggers. There are fashion bloggers, beauty bloggers, travel bloggers among others. Then, there are food bloggers. It is quite a dreamy occupation, considering you are literally paid to eat (Yes, isn't it actually amazing). However, you do not really become a great food blogger only by just having a DSLR and starting a food blogging page. Well, it takes a little more to become one! We tell you some useful tips that can help you chase the dream of becoming a fantastic food blogger.

1. Be a foodie, not a bhukkad.

A lot of people become food bloggers simply because they feel that they get to eat a lot without paying. That is true, but only after you become successful (Conditions Applied). If you try to become a food blogger with that kind of mentality, you will give up quite easily considering it takes a lot of effort and patience to reach the level where restaurants and cafes invite you to have free food. So love and appreciate food, but don't get into this job if you have one dimensional mind. People often get into blogging for this very reason and lose interest when they realize they have to pay for the food for a long time before they don't have to.

2. Photography skills are important.

Blogging is not completely about photography, as most people believe, but your food pictures do play a very important part. You don't need to have the best DSLR in the market but a good camera is definitely important. Even if you don't have a good camera in your phone, learn to make the best of what you have. Learn the angles, the focus, the right lighting. Or just take someone who has great photography skills or a good camera with you when you set out to eat. Tips from my side: Focus, use flash light often and try to make the setting as attractive as possible.

3. More important are writing skills.

What a lot of food bloggers on Instagram and Facebook do are click excellent pictures but not write anything underneath them which is equally important. It's a common myth that as long as you have great pictures, your writing skills don't matter much. It is true that only great pictures attract a lot of followers and appreciation, however it can take you only that far. You can gain a lot of followers but no company will take you for their food section if you can't write. You can only freelance then.  Blogging means writing. If you're only good at clicking pictures, then you should go for food photography and not blogging. Food blogging is about providing information about the food in written form. You don't have to be a Shakespeare level author for this, but basic writing skills and an understanding of food will go a long way.

4. So are editing skills.

The images of food that make you drool on the internet were not clicked like that. They are edited, filtered and worked over to look that way. A lot of them use advanced software for editing, however, as a beginner, mobile applications will also work very well for you. There are some great ones out there which you can master for best results.

5. Do not be afraid to promote.

People often hesitate to promote their content out of the fear of being pushy. However, aggressive marketing is used by the biggest of brands, why would that NOT work for you? Go all out. Use hashtags. Make your own hashtag. Have a quirky blog name. Tag a lot of people. Ask everyone to follow you. Follow people back if you have to. Post it on all your social media as many times as you want to. Chase your dream and make people realize how much it means to you. Promotion plays a heavy part in the success of your blog.

6. Collaborate with other food bloggers.

Don't be competitive in a negative way. Strive to be the best but do ask for help. Network with other food bloggers. Support each other. Comment on their posts and give them shoutouts, which is what they'll do for you too. Go for food walks together. You can also learn a lot from them if they are more experienced than you.

7. Content is king.

Lastly, don't forget that content has always been the king and will always be. Try out different cuisines and keep surprising your followers. Be innovative in your posts and constantly think of new ways to attract attention to the blog. Whether it is street food or fancy gourmets, whether it is vada pav or a burger, make sure you present it in the best way possible. Be honest in your reviews and have your own style of making the posts. 

Love what you do and the appreciation will follow. And don't forget to eat and enjoy!