How to Make Money as a Food Blogger: Monetizing a Food Blog

by My.Club 2 years ago 10 min read

If you’re not a foodie, you might not be familiar with food blogs and might think that the only possible career as a blogger is that in the travel or fashion industry. So, would you be surprised if I told you that not only it’s possible to make money with a food blog, but actually food blogging is one of the most profitable and rewarding ways to earn on the internet these days?

Think about it; trends on other niches like fashion or tourism come and go, and you might or might not be into them. But we’ll always have to eat, and therefore, there will always be people wanting to learn how to cook, improve their baking skills, or simply learn new recipes. In short, eating is something that will never go out of fashion!

If you’re already a food lover looking for a way to share your culinary adventures with the world turn your passion into profit, you’re in the right place. Get ready to break out the scissors, because it's time to cut the cords of your boring office job and learn how to start a food blog that can make you some money. And not only money we’re talking about here; it’s also about connecting with a community of like-minded individuals.

Making money from food blog activity is easier than ever with all the tools available today. However, with so many food blogs out there, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and build a successful following. Whether you're new to blogging or already have some experience, this post will give you everything you need know about food blogging for money. From choosing your niche to promoting your blog and monetizing your content, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started on your food blogging journey.

Starting a food blog to make money

Pick a niche

First and foremost, you must pick a niche to steer you in the right direction. Fail here, and everything else will collapse like a house of cards.

Whether it's vegan, keto friendly cuisine or ethnic dishes, find what motivates and excites your inner chef. In case you have a hard time deciding on just one specialty, here are some delectable examples for inspiration:

Vegan cuisine: a blog dedicated to exploring and creating delicious plant-based recipes that are free from animal products.
Keto diet recipes: a blog that focuses on recipes that are low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and suitable for those following the ketogenic diet.
Ethnic cuisine: a blog that explores the culinary traditions of a specific culture or region, such as Thai cuisine, Mexican cuisine, or Indian cuisine.
Baking and pastry: a blog that specializes in creating delicious baked goods, from bread and cakes to pastries and cookies.
Farm-to-table cooking: a blog that focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious, wholesome meals.
Gluten-free recipes: a blog that specializes in recipes that are free from gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause digestive issues in some people. This is a great way to monetize food blog content as it’s a very popular niche right now.
Meal prep and planning: a blog that provides tips and recipes for meal prepping and planning, making it easier for busy people to eat healthy, delicious meals throughout the week.
Healthy eating: a blog that focuses on creating nutritious, wholesome meals that are both delicious and good for you.
Food and travel: a blog that explores the intersection of food and travel, featuring recipes inspired by the cuisines of different regions around the world.
Cocktail and drink recipes: a blog that specializes in creating delicious and unique cocktail and drink recipes, from classic cocktails to new and inventive creations.

Choose a blogging platform

Once the niche you’ll be focusing on is clear, the second step is easier than deciding whether rosemary or oregano should be spicing up that marinara sauce.

You can’t make money food blogging if you don’t have your website set up, so let’s start with the basics: the blogging platform. Whether you need something simple for beginners or a more complex option, there's an online platform out there just right for you and all of those delicious recipes.

Think carefully, as picking the perfect platform is almost exactly like hiring that sous chef who really "gets" what flavor profile (and vibes) suits your vision best. Start exploring options, and consider 2 key factors: customization options, and features and functionality – do you need e-commerce capabilities, SEO optimization, or social media integration? All of those are important things to keep in mind when making your choice.

If you want us to spare you the time of doing your own research to come up with a good option, let us recommend you My.Club. This blogging platform is great for aspiring food bloggers to start their journey in the digital world because it has everything ready for you to simply go on and post. In fact, if you choose to food blog on My.Club, you can skip the next steps in this article; the platform is designed for creators to start posting from the moment they create their account, and with their range of features, help them monetize that content – referral program, tips, mass messages where you can sell your content directly to your audience… you name it.

Moreover, My.Club is a subscription-based platform, so fans will have to subscribe to your club in order to access your content and see all your delicious recipes. Passive income anyone?

My.Club lives by the motto “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”, which is why they offer so many different income streams for creators. So not only will you get a monthly steady income from your subscriptions, but it will be multiplied by the other streams of money available. Their groundbreaking messaging system allows creators to send private or mass messages to their audience and sell their content there. This translates as more engagement and money with less effort from the creator’s side.

On the other hand, users can send tips to their favorite creators as a show of love. So if people like your recipes, you’ll be sure to receive a lot of appreciation in the form of money.

Another one of our favorite My.Club features, is that it allows creators to join forces and post content featuring each other. This is especially beneficial for both parties because you make friends while driving more traffic. All in all, My.Club is the perfect platform for anyone looking for a side hustle or a full-time career as a food blogger.

Select and host your domain

Just like a great meal requires the right ingredients and preparation, starting a blog requires purchasing and hosting a new domain.

Choosing the right domain name is like adding the perfect spice to your meal. You want it to be catchy and memorable, like a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of paprika. And just like you wouldn't want your meal to be bland, you don't want your domain name to be forgettable.

Once you've come up with the perfect name, you'll need to purchase the domain from a domain registrar so that you can make money as a food blogger later on. A domain registrar is a company that allows you to reserve a web address for your blog. There are many domain registrars out there, and these companies will let you search for available domain names and purchase the one that you want.

After that, it's time to select a web host. you'll need to find a web host to store your blog's files and make it accessible to the internet. A web host is a company that provides space on a server for your website's files to be stored. This way, when someone types in your domain name, the web host can retrieve the files and display your website on their screen.

Then, you'll need to follow their instructions to connect your domain to your hosting account. But don't worry if you're not a tech-savvy chef. Many web hosts have step-by-step instructions that make the process as easy as following a recipe. It’s usually a pretty straightforward process.

Create your logo

Ah, the logo. It's like the cherry on top of a perfectly frosted cupcake, and the last step before you can finally set up your website and make money with food blog content.

Deciding on a logo for your food blog is like choosing the perfect outfit for a dinner party. You want something that makes a statement, reflects your personality, and leaves a lasting impression.

Your logo is the visual representation of your blog, so it's essential to choose something that captures the essence of what you're all about. Are you a whimsical baker who loves to experiment with flavors? Maybe a playful cartoon cupcake is the way to go. Or are you more of a sophisticated chef who specializes in elegant cuisine? In that case, a sleek, minimalist logo might be the perfect fit.

Once you've nailed down the general vibe you're going for, it's time to get creative. Maybe you'll sketch out some ideas on a napkin while you're waiting for your pasta to boil. Or maybe you'll enlist the help of a talented graphic designer to bring your vision to life.

Just like adding the final touches to a meal, choosing a logo is a crucial step in bringing your food blog to life. So have fun with it, experiment with different designs, and don't be afraid to take a few risks. After all, the best dishes are often the ones that take a little bit of creativity and experimentation to get just right.

How to make money food blogging

Now that the first question of how to set up a food blog is tackled, it’s time to pose a more important one… how to actually monetize food blog content?

Yes, the dreaded ads that we all try to skip as soon as they pop up. But hey, they're a great way to generate revenue for your blog.

To maximize your revenue potential with ads, consider partnering with ad networks. They can help match your blog with relevant ads and provide you with insights on how to optimize your ad placement for maximum visibility and engagement.

Another option is to work directly with brands to display sponsored content or ads. This allows you to have more control over the type of ads that are displayed on your blog and potentially earn more revenue. However, it's important to ensure that the sponsored content aligns with your blog's values and doesn't compromise your integrity as a blogger.

Remember, your readers come to your blog for your content, not the ads. So, make sure to balance your revenue goals with providing a positive user experience. By displaying relevant, non-intrusive ads, you can earn revenue while still keeping your readers engaged and happy. No one wants to see an ad for weight loss pills while reading about cupcakes, for example…

Affiliate marketing

How to make money food blogging if not with the help of some affiliate marketing? Here’s a fun game: recommend products you love, and get a cut of the profits when someone buys them through your unique affiliate link. It's a win-win situation, you get to promote products you believe in, and earn some extra dough while doing it.

The key to successful affiliate marketing is to promote products or services that align with your blog's niche and values. For example, if your blog focuses on healthy eating, you might partner with companies that sell organic food products or meal delivery services. By recommending products that you truly believe in, you'll build trust with your readers and increase the likelihood of them making a purchase through your affiliate link.

To get started with affiliate marketing, you can join affiliate programs. These type of programs offer a wide range of products and services to promote, making it easy to find something that fits with your blog's niche.

Remember, affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort to build a strong affiliate marketing strategy that generates a steady stream of income. But with dedication and persistence, you can turn your food blog into a profitable business while still providing valuable content to your readers.

Digital products

Why not create your own digital products? From recipe e-books to cooking courses, there are endless possibilities to create and sell digital products that your audience will love.

Events and workshops

When people think of how to make money with food blog, they usually don’t consider this option, but here’s a thought: take your blog to the real world and host events and workshops. Whether it's a cooking class or a food photography workshop, your readers will jump at the chance to learn from the expert.

Consulting and coaching

If you're a seasoned food blogger, why not offer your expertise as a consultant or coach? Teach new bloggers the tricks of the trade and earn some money while doing it.

Brand partnerships

Collaborate with brands that align with your niche and create content that resonates with your readers. It's a great way to reach new audiences and create content that's both authentic and lucrative.

So there you have it, folks, how to make money as a food blogger. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a successful blog. Be patient, keep creating amazing content, and the money will follow.

My.Club

The world's first platform where creators & AI come together.