We already have a step-by-step guide on how to become a blogger, so in this article, we will focus specifically on how to start a food blog and what things you need to consider when embarking on this journey.
If you are one who is very passionate about cooking, starting a food blog is a great idea.
According to a study made by Rank IQ, food is one of the most popular niches in the blogosphere. And, it’s easy to see why. Everyone is interested in finding new recipes, preparing new meals for their family, discovering great low-calorie and healthy meal ideas and improving on their cooking skills.
WHEN YOU START A FOOD BLOG – HERE ARE SOME FIRST STEPS:
1) DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF FOOD CONTENT YOU WOULD LIKE ON YOUR BLOG
Now comes the million-dollar question: What type of food blog are you going to start? Starting a food blog offers you access to a large array of content. The truth is, you can easily pick from a large variety of food sub-niches. For example, you could:
- Write your own recipes and experiment to see the results
- Cover exclusive food types like vegan or vegetarian
- Try other blogger/chef recipes, test them, and then review and rate the recipes you tried
- Review food businesses in your area or choose to travel and critique various food establishments worldwide
- Help others learn how to pair foods and beverages for different seasons, holidays, events, etc.
- Focus specifically on desserts: low-calorie desserts and sugar-free desserts or decadent, exotic, extravagant desserts.
These are only a few suggestions of possible food sub-niches, so choosing to become a food blogger could definitely be a great idea. You may also choose to combine some of these and be a multi-topic blogger as long as all content still pertains to food.
Regardless of which sub-niche you choose, It is always a good idea to test and review various food preparation appliances, tools, kitchen gadgets, etc. This gives you the opportunity to add plenty of affiliate links to your blog posts.
2) BROWSE COMPETITORS’ FOOD BLOGS TO DO SOME BRAINSTORMING
Once you have decided on your sub-niche, and are moving ahead with creating your food blog, you need to find a few of your competitors and start browsing their websites. Browsing your competitors’ websites will give you insight as to what they are writing about and what topics they are covering.
You certainly do not want to copy anyone else, but it is always a good idea to periodically browse your competitors’ websites. This helps you get an idea what others are blogging about. Once you have that information, it will be easier to figure out which topics you might like to cover as well and/or which topics you may want to avoid.
As a food blogger, you always want to create engaging, creative, and unique food content for your readers. If your competitors are all covering a lot of the same things.. this could be an indication these are popular things people want to read about.
However, you also might choose to throw in something completely different from what they are doing to make yourself stand out in the crowd.
AS A FOOD BLOGGER YOU NEED TO INVEST IN A GOOD CAMERA:
One of the most important things when starting a food blog is to invest in a good camera. You can’t just write about food.. you also need to complement your written content with great images. And that’s where it makes a lot of sense to invest in a high-quality camera.
Adding videos and high-quality images to your blog will help make your point, enticing your audience to prepare those recipes or use the products in question. Food is one of those niches where having a great camera is pretty much mandatory, so investing in a high-quality, dependable camera early on is a good idea.
starting a food blog requires that you tEST RECIPES:
Honesty and transparency are the key when it comes to being a food blogger. It’s very easy to acquire some photos and information online, and then try to pass them off as your own.
However, if you want to become a great food blogger, you want to do the work and test every product/recipe. Creating your own recipes is not mandatory as maybe you don’t have that skill.
But, whether the recipes are your own, or someone else’s, you always want to test the recipes before suggesting them to your readers.
If possible, you want to test every recipe or food product and take pictures or videos. That way, you can back up any of your claims. It is a great way to stand out as a food blogger and helps you build authority within the food niche.
Of course, people will always trust you more if you maintain a sense of transparency. And, when it comes time to monetize your food blog, always be completely transparent and honest with all of your affiliate content as well.
AS A FOOD BLOGGER IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO:
1) ALWAYS PROVIDE EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS
One thing that is crucial in becoming a food blogger, is to always make sure to have detailed instructions. Use bullet points to clearly show the list of ingredients and outline all the steps one needs to follow when preparing the recipe.
The last thing you want is to leave any of your readers confused. This might cause them to miss a step, in which case they would not achieve the desired result.
2) PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL FACTS
An excellent way to back up any recipe is by adding nutritional facts. Many readers want to know things like calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc. If you can determine that information, by all means, share it with your audience.
Not only does it add more value to your blog.. it will also make your content more informative and appealing. Doing that can help boost your authority as a blogger and add a sense of trust.
3) PROVIDE TABLES IF POSSIBLE
One of the best ways you can make your content easier to skim/browse is by adding tables. For example, you can have a table with the ingredients and one with the cooking instructions, if you want. Some food bloggers choose to include an FAQ table, which helps make it easier to narrow down any possible problems/questions.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ANY BLOGGER TO REMAIN CONSISTENT:
Regardless of your niche, you always want to ensure your readers have a steady content stream. So often bloggers get started on the right foot.. but then fail to remain consistent in their content creation.
Many food bloggers build an audience of people who love their blog and keep returning because they just can’t get enough of the wonderful recipes. In a case such as this, it is important to remain consistent as you would not want to lose any of your returning visitors due to taking an extended period away from your blog.
This is why it is important to establish a blogging schedule and try to stick to it.
SUGGESTED THEMES FOR FOOD BLOGGERS:
CREATE THEME
LIMONCELLA
SAGE THEME
The above themes are child themes.
They are used with Kadence theme as the parent theme.
The free Kadence theme, with Kadence blocks,
is a flexible, fast and versatile WordPress theme.
Child themes from Restored 316 Designs
make customizing your WordPress theme easier than ever!
Additional Themes from Restored 316 Designs:
FOOD BLOGGERS SHOULD JOIN FOOD COMMUNITIES:
For food bloggers.. joining large food communities can also be a great idea. For starters, it allows you to promote your content there and establish an audience. You will also be able to learn what people want and what kind of recipes they are interested in, which can be extremely helpful. We highly recommend joining food communities on sites like Delicious, Foodgawker, Tastespotting and even Pinterest or Instagram.
Aside from that, it’s also essential to connect with other food bloggers and even cross-promote when possible. Performing keyword research specific to the food niche and integrating those keywords within your content is also crucial, as it will help you boost your exposure.
This is all part of Search Engine Optimization. If you want to learn more about how SEO works.. read our posts:
* SEO for Beginners
* Learn All About SEO
MONETIZING YOUR FOOD BLOG:
I cannot impress upon you enough the importance of affiliate programs. I have been earning my living for the past 28 years from the affiliate programs on my niche blogs. Finding some good affiliate programs is an excellent way to earn money in any niche.
As a food blogger.. there are many food-related affiliate programs you can apply for like NatureBox, Hello Fresh, and so many others for which you can become an affiliate.
A few of the affiliate networks that have done well for me are: FlexOffers, CJ and Impact.
At these affiliate networks, you can align with stores like Macy’s, JC Penney and many more who have affiliate programs. You can promote items like slow cookers, air fryers, instant pots, and any and all possible kitchen-related items you can think of.
Creating and selling digital eBooks with your recipes can also help monetize your blog. Along with a digital eBook, you may choose to publish your book as a physical book as well.. in hardcover or soft cover. All of which you can sell on your site and on Amazon.
Monetizing a blog is not difficult. Experiment with some different ideas and see what works best for you.
If you want to learn more about Affiliate Marketing.. read our post:
* Make Money with Affiliate Marketing
CONCLUSION:
Becoming a food blogger is not difficult, especially if you’re passionate about this niche. However, it does require you to take your time, narrow down the food sub-niche you want, and create high-quality content.
You will need to invest in a good camera because exceptional image quality is a must for any food blogger. Also, it is important to stay in touch with the food community and cover trends to a certain degree.
Take your time, create great content, and maintain a good sense of consistency while staying truthful and honest. Do that, and you won’t have a problem standing out among the other food bloggers.
About the Author: Sherry Bennett
Ms. Bennett is a Professional Blogger, who has been earning a living online with niche websites for 25+ years.
Through hard work and dedication, she has turned her passion for blogging into a 7-figure business.. and you can do the same.
Read More
* If you are a new blogger just starting your blogging adventure
learn how to start your blog the right way from the beginning:
Blogging Step-by-Step
Have more questions? Need some answers?
Come join the conversation in my Facebook Group:
Become a Blogger – Start a Blog – Make Money Blogging
