RADHIKA JINDAL

Book: Under The Influence – How to Survive and Thrive Online

Author:  Malini Agarwal

Genre: Non-fiction (Social Media)

Publisher: HarperCollingIn

Pages: 237

Rating: 4*/5

Reading Time for the blog: 3 minutes

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Addressing questions about the difficulties and pressures associated with maintaining a digital presence, including dealing with online negativity and balancing personal and professional lives, is crucial for those looking to enter or better understand the influencer industry.

Q. What strategies does Malini Agarwal recommend for growing and maintaining a significant social media following?

Q. What insights does Agarwal provide about the Indian entertainment industry and its relationship with social media?

Q. What are the main challenges digital influencers face, according to Malini Agarwal, and how can they be overcome?

About The Author

Malini Agarwal, widely known as MissMalini, is a pioneering figure in the Indian digital media landscape. Born and raised in India, Agarwal’s journey to becoming a digital media mogul is inspiring and groundbreaking.

Agarwal began her career as a radio jockey in Mumbai, where she quickly gained popularity for her engaging personality and unique style. Her passion for connecting with people and sharing stories led her to explore new media avenues. In 2008, she launched her blog, MissMalini.com, which started as a platform for sharing gossip and insights about Bollywood, fashion, and lifestyle.

MissMalini.com soon gained a massive following, thanks to Agarwal’s authentic voice and keen eye for trends. Her blog evolved into a comprehensive digital media company, MissMalini Entertainment, encompassing a blog, YouTube channel, and a strong presence on various social media platforms. Agarwal’s ability to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape and her innovative approach to content creation have been key to her success.

In 2018, Agarwal authored her first book, "To the Moon: How I Blogged My Way to Bollywood," which chronicles her journey from a blogger to a digital entrepreneur. The book offers valuable lessons on perseverance, creativity, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

About The Book

"Under the Influence" by Malini Agarwal is an insightful exploration of the digital influencer landscape, offering readers a detailed look at the inner workings of social media fame. Agarwal, who rose to prominence as MissMalini, shares her journey from being a radio jockey to becoming one of India’s most influential digital content creators.

Agarwal also delves into the strategies that have helped her and other influencers grow their online presence. She covers content creation, audience engagement, and brand collaborations, providing practical tips and real-life examples. Additionally, she addresses the challenges faced by digital influencers, such as dealing with online negativity, and balancing personal and professional lives.

Who the book is for?

·  Aspiring Influencers and Content Creators

·  Digital Marketers and Social Media Managers

·  Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

·  General Readers Interested in Social Media and Pop Culture 

Why should you read it?

• ·       Get Insider Knowledge into the Digital Influencer Sector.
• ·       Discover Useful Techniques for Success on Social Media: Learn practical advice and techniques for building a social media following, interacting with users, and producing real content.
• ·       Recognize the Power of Authenticity: Learn why it's critical to remain true to who you are in the digital age and how being honest may help you stand out in the crowded online arena.
• ·       Take A Cue from Malini Agarwal's Journey: Discover how Agarwal went from being a radio hostess to becoming a digital media tycoon, inspiring everyone hoping to work in the field.

Learnings from the Book:

·       Stress Authenticity: To earn your audience's trust and loyalty, remain genuine to who you are.

·       Engage Your Audience: Proactively communicate with followers to build a solid, cohesive community.

·       Plan Your Content Creation: Generate excellent, audience-focused content regularly.

·       Handle Brand Collaborations: Select collaborations based on shared values and target market preferences.

·       Adjust and Continue to Learn: Keep abreast of trends and modify your tactics to stay relevant in the ever-changing digital world.

As a content creator, reading "Under the Influence" by Malini Agarwal provided valuable insights that refined my approach to digital media. The book emphasizes the critical importance of authenticity. It reinforced the idea that being genuine to myself is essential for building trust and loyalty among my audience.

Radhika Jindal (Blogger)

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