Cookie and Kate

 ALL RECIPES
o VIEW ALL

O COURSE

 Appetizers

 Baked goods

 Breakfast

 Cookies

 Dessert

 
  Dips & Sauces

 Dinner

 Drinks

 Salads

 Sides

 Snacks

 Soups

O CUISINE

 Asian
  

 Indian

 Italian

 Mediterranean

 Mexican

O DIET

 Dairy free

 Egg free

 Gluten free

 
  GF & Dairy free

 GF & Vegan

 Nut free

 Soy free

 Sugar free

 Tomato free

 Vegan

O EVERYDAY

 All-time favorites
  

 Budget friendly

 Fast breakfasts

 Pack for lunch

 Pantry friendly

 Weeknight dinners

O INGREDIENT

 View all

 Avocado

 
  Black beans

 Chickpeas

 Eggs

 Kale

 Oats

 Pasta

 Quinoa

 Sweet potatoes

 
 O SEASON

 Spring

 Summer

 Fall

 Winter

 Monthly guides

 BREAKFAST

 SALAD

 SOUP

 DINNER

 
  DESSERT

 FAVORITES

s

Our cookbook, Love Real Food, is here! Get your copy ↣

How to Start a Food Blog: Step by Step

Want to start a food blog but don’t know where to start? I know how frustrating it
can be to deal with technical stuff when you really just want to share that killer
recipe. Whether you want to start a cooking blog, or you want to become a more
successful food blogger, I hope these tips will ease your technical troubles.

Ready to start a beautiful food blog? You have two options:

1. Hire a web designer to do it for you. Custom designs usually

cost thousands of dollars, but they are certainly an option if you have
the money to spend. Be sure to ask for references and wait times
before you write a check.
2. Do it yourself. I’ll explain how to build your own self-hosted
WordPress website below. It will cost you as little as $2.95 per month
in hosting, plus the cost of a theme (free to $130). I built this site
myself using the tools provided below, so I know you can do it!

This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to
make a purchase through my links. I only link to products that I have used myself
and wholeheartedly recommend. Thank you for your support.
 

Start your own food blog: the basic steps

Here are the basic steps to set up a self-hosted WordPress food blog that is both
beautiful and functional. Your blog will have your own domain name and your
own distinct look, and it will be able to scale with you as your blog grows. When
you’re starting a food blog, I recommend following these steps for a greater shot
at success.

1) Name your blog and buy a matching domain name.

Domain names are short, memorable and typically end in .com
(yourblogname.com).
Cost: free with Bluehost or around $15 per year elsewhere.

2) Find a reliable web host.

A web host stores your website and makes it accessible to the world wide web. In
other words, your website “lives” on your web host’s servers.
Cost: $2.95 per month and up.

3) Install WordPress.
WordPress is top-of-the-line, industry standard blogging software.
Cost: free!

4) Install a WordPress theme.

Your WordPress theme will determine the look, feel and functionality of your
website.
Cost: free to $130.

5) Set up Google tools.

Google offers invaluable tools and services like Google Analytics and Search
Console.
Cost: free!

6) Install WordPress plugins.

WordPress plugins extend the functionality of WordPress in certain areas. For
example, one of my recommended free WordPress plugins helps prevent spam
comments.
Cost: free, mostly!

7) Start blogging!
Publish those recipes, stories and photos.
Cost: hard work!

Step 1: Name your blog and buy a matching domain

name.
Coming up with a name for your new blog might be the hardest step. You can
start brainstorming by coming up with a short mission statement or by listing
words that describe your cooking style, your lifestyle, your background, etc.
Throw in your name and/or your dog’s name. ;) Talk it out with friends. There
are tons of great names out there that aren’t yet taken, I promise!

Characteristics of an ideal blog name

 Descriptive
 Memorable
  Short
 Easy to spell

Once you have some potential names in mind for your blog, you’ll need to check
their availability. Since .com is the standard domain suffix, keep trying potential
names until you find one that is available in .com. Don’t resort to hyphens or
other punctuation marks to make it work (they’re too hard to remember).

Here’s a handy domain name checking tool from Bluehost. Enter your desired
domain name, hit “Check domain” and it’ll tell you if your domain name is
available. If so, snatch it up quick!

Once you have picked your perfect domain name, you can get it for free
with your BlueHost hosting plan. (Or you can buy it for around $15 a year
at GoDaddy and connect it to your web host later. That said, I don’t recommend
GoDaddy as a web host based on personal experience.) Buy your domain name
now, before someone else does!

Friendly reminder: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission
if you decide to make a purchase through my links. I only link to products I have
used myself and wholeheartedly recommend. Thank you for your support.
 

Step 2: Find a reliable web host.

You’ll want to start with an affordable shared hosting plan that offers automatic
WordPress installation. I know this hosting stuff sounds complicated, but pick
one and power through! Your food blog awaits.

The best web host for new food blogs:

BlueHost: I recommend Bluehost for beginners and growing blogs because it’s
affordable, reliable, easy to set up, fast, and offers 24/7 customer support.
Bluehost’s “starter” plan is about as cheap as hosting gets. Click here to get
started with BlueHost for as low as $2.95 per month and get a free domain name.

With Bluehost, like all the other inexpensive hosts, you’ll pay for your plan
upfront. Don’t worry, though—if for some reason you aren’t happy with Bluehost,
you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund. (Domain fee excluded, which
you’d pay for elsewhere anyway.)

Good to know: Bluehost loves Cookie and Kate readers. Purchase your hosting
through any of my links to Bluehost and you’ll get the best deal available. No
promo code required.

Here’s how to get the most from your Bluehost plan:

First, choose your plan. I recommend the basic plan, which is the least
expensive and offers everything you need to get started.

Then, choose your term. In order to get your free domain name for a year (a
$15 savings) and a significant discount on your monthly rate, you’ll need to pay
for at least one year of hosting upfront. Feel free to choose a longer term if
you’re serious about blogging and want to save more money, but one year is a
great start.
Lastly, choose your add-ons. The only add-on I would choose is “Domain
Privacy Protection,” which will make sure your personal address and phone
number are kept private. Otherwise, your personal information will be available
to marketers and the general public. Please be safe!

Step 3: Install WordPress.

This part is so easy. If you purchased a Bluehost shared hosting plan as
suggested, WordPress will be installed on your site automatically!

Once you’re logged into your WordPress site, go to Settings > Permalink Settings
page and change your permalink structure to “Post name.” Hit save. Now it’s time
to make your blog look pretty.

Step 4: Install a WordPress theme.

Now we’re getting to the fun part! Your WordPress theme will determine the look
and feel of your site, so pick a good one.

What to look for in a WordPress theme

 Well designed: Your theme should suit your aesthetic and offer the
features you want. The theme should also be coded by someone who
knows what they’re doing.
 Responsive. Responsive designs are built to provide an optimal
viewing experience for your visitors, whether they’re visiting from
their computer, phone or tablet. That means your visitors won’t have
to pinch and zoom to read your posts—your text will already be a
legible size.
 Optimized for search results: This goes along with the last couple
of points, because a well-designed site will naturally rank higher in
search results than a site built on a theme that is full of errors. (Want
to know if you potential theme has coding errors? Run its URL
through the W3C’s markup validation service. You don’t have to
understand what all the errors mean, but know that fewer errors are
better than more errors.)
 User friendly: Find a theme that offers built-in design options so
you don’t have to edit code to change basic stuff. These features will
save you a ton of time. Your theme should make it easy for you to
change your logo, color scheme, etc.
 Backed by great support: When you experience technical issues, a
responsive support team and/or community forums are invaluable
resources.

My bottom line: You can start with a free theme, but I recommend that you
pony up some cash for a premium WordPress theme from a reputable provider.
The time and headaches that you save down the road will make it money well
spent.

Recommended premium WordPress themes

I originally built this blog on a basic, free WordPress theme and customized it
myself. In February 2014, I launched a redesigned website that is responsive and
my site has grown significantly since then.
My blog uses a Studiopress theme. I believe that Studiopress offers the most
gorgeous, functional themes available. All of their themes are responsive, which
is a necessity these days! Their community forums are helpful, too. Check out
Studiopress themes, available for a one-time fee of $59.95 and up.

Foodie Pro Theme is a fantastic Studiopress theme designed specifically for

food blogs. After seeing how nice my friend’s new blog looks right out of the box,
I wish I’d gone with the Foodie theme. The built-in recipe page template is a huge
plus. Check out Foodie Pro Theme, available for a one-time fee of $129.95.
Brunch Pro Theme was also designed for food blogs, by the makers of Foodie
Pro. Like Foodie Pro, Brunch Pro is beautiful to look at and offers a built-in
recipe page template. Pick your favorite! Check out Brunch Pro Theme, available
for a one-time fee of $129.95.

How to install a WordPress theme

Another easy step! Look in the sidebar and hover over “appearance.” Click on the
“themes” option. From here, you can either upload a theme or browse available
free themes. Hover over any theme to find links to preview or install it. Click
here for more in-depth instructions with visuals.

Tips for designing a user-friendly food blog

When you’re tweaking the settings on your WordPress theme, keep the following
in mind.

 Clear navigation: Keep your blog design clean and uncluttered, so

visitors can find what they’re looking for.
 Encourage following: Place prominent links to your RSS feed,
email subscription option and social media on every page.
 Commenting: Don’t require CAPTCHAs or ask visitors to login first.
 Suggest sharing: Provide social media sharing buttons at the end of
each post.

Step 5: Set up Google tools.

First, set up a new Google account and email (Gmail) address for your blog. It’s
nice to keep your blog-related emails and accounts separate, and you will need a
Google account to use the following tools. Create a new Gmail account here.

Once you have a Google account, log in and set up the following:
  Google Analytics: Helps you track blog traffic. (Note: install the
tracking code in your Yoast SEO plugin settings.)
 Google Search Console: Makes sure your website is up and
running. (Note: install the tracking code in your Yoast SEO plugin
settings.)

Step 6: Install WordPress plugins.

Each of these plugins provide valuable features that might not automatically
come with your theme.

Recommended WordPress plugins for food blogs:

 Akismet: Filters out spam comments without requiring CAPTCHA.

Nobody likes CAPTCHAs.
 Tasty Recipes: Formats your recipes for search engine optimization
(SEO), adds star ratings, creates print-friendly recipes, and more.
This plugin will help your recipe’s photo show up in the search
results, and we’re all more likely to click on those links, right? This is
a paid plugin but I believe the functionality is absolutely worth the
cost.
 jQuery Pin It Button For Images: This plugin makes it really easy
for your visitors to pin your pictures by adding a “Pin It” button as a
hover effect. It’s super simple to set up.
 Share Buttons of some sort: There are many social bookmarking
plugins that will add a Facebook like button, Pin-It button, etc. to
each post. Pick your favorite!
 Subscribe To Comments Reloaded: With this plugin, your
commenters will receive your replies to their comments by email. This
is a helpful feature for readers and improves engagement.
 Yoast SEO: SEO is a complicated beast and this plug-in will help you
make sure you have covered your bases. You will need to take the time
to go through all the steps and set it up properly, though. Be sure to
use it to set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console. It will be
worth the effort!

 
How to install a WordPress plugin
Easy! Go to your WordPress dashboard and look in the sidebar for “Plugins.”
Hover over “Plugins” and click on the “Add New” option.

Then look for the “Search Plugins” field and search for one of the plugins by
name. When you find it, click “Install Now.” Then, configure the plugin settings
as directed.

Step 7: Start blogging.

Congratulations!!! Now you’re ready to start publishing posts on your new food
blog.

I have a food blog! Now what?

Here are my Top 20 Tips for Food Blogging, and you’ll find more helpful links
below.

How do I write great content?

 Ira Glass on Storytelling
 Blog Q&A: Should I launch with content?
 What Should Food Bloggers Write About?
 How to Write a Recipe
 The Kitchn’s Recipe Writing Tips

How do I take appetizing food photos and make videos?

Practice, practice and more practice!

 My Food Photography Tips

 My Composition Tips
 Pinch of Yum Tasty Food Photography eBook

How do I get traffic to my blog?

Search engine optimization (SEO): Following SEO best practices will help
your posts rank well in search results.

 Google’s SEO Starter Guide

 WPBeginners’ Ultimate WordPress SEO Guide for Beginners
 Google’s Search Quality Rating Guidelines PDF (160 pages, yikes!)

More traffic-building resources:

 10 Ways to Market Your New Blog by The Everygirl

 33 Ways to Market Your Blog by Amy Andrews
 21 Tactics to Increase Blog Traffic by SEO Moz
 21 Quick Actions You Can Do Today to Set Your Blog Up for Massive
Success by Fizzle
 How to Develop a Social Media Strategy for Your Business

How do food bloggers make money?

Options include ad networks, affiliate links, sponsored posts, ebooks, etc.

 How to Make Money Blogging by Amy Andrews

 How to Monetize Your Food Blog (free ebook)
 How to Build a Blog Business Plan by Melyssa Griffin
 The Comparison Trap: How to Enjoy the Success of Others
 Disclosure Guidelines for Bloggers from the FTC

Questions? Please leave them in the comments section below and I’ll do my

best to answer them.

Reader Interactions
Comments

1. RENEE
June 17, 2018

Hi Kate,
 I’m a huge foodie and after some people told me they loved seeing my
mealprep stories on instagram I was considering starting a food blog/ meal
prep blog.
Since the costs of blogging aren’t ridicolously high I’d love to buy a domain
name. But do I need to set up a blog on wordpress first without the domain
name or can I create it after. Is it recommended/ or is there any good
reason to postphone buying a domain name?

Reply

O KATE
June 18, 2018

I would secure a domain name as it can sometimes be harder than

what you think. Also, you want to make sure you start off on the right
foot with your brand!

Reply

 KELLY
June 6, 2019

If I buy my domain name for $15 will I have any issues using it
to set up bluhost later? How do I “use it” once I officially
“own” it? Sorry, just starting out here. Thanks.

Reply

2. ALLY LAVOIE
June 19, 2018

I am loving your steps to becoming a food blogger. Unfortunately for me,

dealing with domain names and host sites is like a foreign language to me.
I love the foodie pro theme. Before I purchase it, I am curious to know how
I get the theme to my bluehost site. Is it automatic or something I will have
to transfer over?
Thank you so much for your time
Ally

Reply
 O KATE
June 20, 2018

I would ask your provider and go from there! That is what I always
find the most helpful. Good luck!

Reply

3. MAMATA RAMES
June 20, 2018

Hi, I am starting a new food blog and I am absolutely new to this whole
game of blogging.

Waned to thank you for this post. I read numerous posts online about
domains, blogging, hosting etc but this is simply the best help I could get.
Your article is precise, easy to comprehend and has a touch of genuineness
which I love.

Great job!

Reply

O KATE
June 22, 2018

You are welcome, Mamata! I’m glad it was helpful.

Reply

4. KRISTINA
June 21, 2018

I have my domains w godaddy as the registrar. Do you think bluehost is a

better host than going directly to feast design and getting their web hosting
package?

Reply
5. ANTHONY OSUDE
July 8, 2018

I look to cook and would love to share my ideas/culinary delights so a big

thanks from me.

Reply

O KATE
July 12, 2018

You’re welcome, Anthony!

Reply

6. MAGGIE
July 13, 2018

Hi Kate!

Thank you so much for this resource. I have a free blog but would really
like to create a landing page so that people can download free resources.
And I don’t think I can do that with the website I have now. Which brings
me to a domain name. The one I currently have is “liveyourlifezestfully”.

What do you think? Do you like it? Hope you can take a look at my site and
give me your thoughts.

Reply

O HARRY
July 17, 2018

I loved the recipe, it turned out delicious.

Reply

O KATE
July 17, 2018
 Hi Maggie, It all depends on your audience and content. You want to
make sure it is easy for people to remember and navigate to. I wish
you the best!

Reply

7. SHAMS US SAKEEB
July 28, 2018

Thank you for the tutorial. This will help me a lot to create a food blog!

Reply

O KATE
July 30, 2018

You’re welcome!

Reply

8. KENNIE
August 9, 2018

This is so insightful! thank you

Reply

O KATE
August 13, 2018

You’re welcome!

Reply

9. AMIT KUMAR SAMAL

August 12, 2018
 All the think you have mentioned here will be helpful to me.I am planning
to start a food blog, but I have some doubt can I use images from google or
I have to take pics only by myself.

Reply

O KATE
August 14, 2018

Great!

Reply

10. JANE COSTAGLIOLA

August 29, 2018

Great post, thank you so much for sharing this information. I have been
contemplating starting a food blog and this gives me the inspiration to do
it.

Reply

O KATE
August 30, 2018

You’re welcome, Jane!

Reply

11. RUTHSANCHEZ
September 12, 2018

I love that.

Reply

O KATE
September 19, 2018
 Thank you!

Reply

12. TRISHA
October 10, 2018

Thank you for the information. I really want to start a food blog and didn’t
have a clue.

Reply

O KATE
October 15, 2018

You’re welcome!

Reply

13. NAMAN MODI

October 15, 2018

Great and informative article and it is very important and really worth it to
me and I am going to implement this method on our Blog, you have
explained it clearly. Thank You.

Reply

O KATE
October 17, 2018

Great to hear!

Reply

14. TECH N9NE TOUR

October 16, 2018
 I enjoy, result in I found just what I used to be having a look for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great
day.
Bye

Reply

O KATE
October 17, 2018

Thank you!

Reply

15. JAZMIN
October 18, 2018

Hello Kate,

I enjoyed reading your blog. FYI, I was recently displaced from Hurricane
Michael and temporarily unemployed while the recovery effort continues
and business has a chance to get re-established.

As a potential source of additional income to hold me over, I am interested

in starting my own food blog. I have traveled across the US and the world
with my husband and sampled various cuisines. This is one of our favorite
hobbies-we don’t have kids and have the option to travel at all times of the
year to include during the school year. In addition, my biological family is
Filipino and taught me to cook filipino food, as well as other types of
cuisine.

Request any assistance or advice you can give me for starting my own food
blog.

Thanks,

Jazmin Renner

Reply
 O KATE
October 24, 2018

Hi Jazmin, I’m sorry to hear of your current circumstances. I hope

things are looking up soon. You sound more than qualified to start a
food blog, but I really should stress that it takes a long time to earn a
substantial income from a food blog. It took me four years to leave
my job and blog full-time. Definitely, you could start one now as a
pastime and have fun with it, but I honestly wouldn’t advise pouring
valuable energy into a food blog if you are trying to make ends meet.
That’s the best advice I can think of for now, but I hope this article of
mine is helpful along your journey and I wish you all the best!

Reply

16. AMY
October 23, 2018

Hey Kate,
I am glad that I found your post. It’s much easier to understand than from
the other bloggers. Yours is very easy to follow in order to do it by myself. I
tried it and it worked pretty good.
Love
Amy

Reply

O KATE
October 25, 2018

I’m happy it was helpful to you, Amy!

Reply

17. NAOMI
October 25, 2018
 thanks a lot CookieandKate, I cant describe how inspired I am about this
post right now! You made it all Simple, One-box packaged, Fun. Am Sooo
shoving any thought against my creating a Food blog. Thank You.

Reply

O KATE
October 26, 2018

Wonderful, Naomi!

Reply

18. NEHA
November 13, 2018

Great Article..
Thanks for sharing

Reply

O KATE
November 15, 2018

You’re welcome, Neha!

Reply

19. DREAM MARKET

November 18, 2018

Wow, wonderful weblog format! How long have you been blogging for? you
make blogging look easy. The total look of your site is magnificent, let
alone the content material!

Reply

O KATE
 November 20, 2018

Thank you! It’s been 8 years. Crazy it has gone by so fast and I’ve
learned so much!

Reply

20. LETSDISKUSS
November 20, 2018

Hey! This blog is really great, I’m looking forward to read more from you .
It’s really amazing to know that somewhere people are creating such great
content. I too write on a website named Letsdiskuss and you might be
interested in write there too. Keep up the good work!

Reply

O KATE
November 21, 2018

Thank you!

Reply

21. VISHVAS
November 26, 2018

Thank You So Much cookieandkate for this food blog tip. Now a days lots
of blogger but food blogger is very few.

Reply

O KATE
November 26, 2018

You’re welcome!

Reply
22. CARL
November 28, 2018

This post is useful

Reply

O KATE
November 29, 2018

Thank you!

Reply

23. SITARA ABRAHAM

December 22, 2018

Hi Kate!

Question, I want to do a blog about cooking but also just lifestyle/mental

health and a blog name to reflect that. Would be a copyright infringement
if I put a pharma drug name in my title, with the trademark logo next to it?
I won’t actually be talking about the drug, its purely just for the title. Have
you heard of using products like that in blog titles?

Reply

O KATE
December 24, 2018

Hi! Great question, and it really depends. I would typically stay away
from anything that is copyrighted, or do your research to make sure
there aren’t any red flags. You also want to think about your own
brand relation and what people will find when they search for that
name. If that makes sense?

Reply
24. ALISHA ROSS
January 7, 2019

I adore your blog!! My blog is only 8 months old so I’m definitely going to
read through all of this tips – can’t wait to implement some of your advice!

I wanted to ask if you have attended any conferences with other bloggers
and how important you think this is to grow your network. I am looking at
the Alt Summit this June, the Food Blog Forum in Asheville in August,
IFBC and the Big Potluck later this year. Any thoughts? Thanks so much,
Regards

Reply

O KATE
January 8, 2019

Hi Alisha! Welcome to the blogging world. I’m glad this was helpful!
I actually did go to some when I started and other conferences. It
was helpful to start networking getting started and then started to
connect with other bloggers. I think you look at the conferences with
the content you feel most benefit your style and direction. I hope this
helps!

Reply

25. CINEBLOG01 FILM STREAMING

January 11, 2019

An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was
conducting
a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast due to the
fact that
I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword
this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to
talk about this topic here on your web site.

Reply
 O KATE
January 14, 2019

Thank you for passing it along!

Reply

26. ANSHUL BHATT

January 21, 2019

Hey Kate,
Stumbled across this post and found it very helpful.
I too have already started working on a baking blog of my own and wanted
a small help .
Can you please tell that, when you first started your blog, did you post one
recipe at a time and then included it under the recipe archives or you
posted many recipes and then put them under the archives section ?
I hope, I make sense.
Cheers and thank you!!!

Reply

O KATE
January 24, 2019

Hi Anshul, congrats on your new blog! I actually have automated

recipe archives. They’re based on categories. So as long as I
categorize my recipe, they automatically show up in the archives.
Hope this provides some insight!

Reply

27. BERNICE
January 26, 2019

Thank you Kate for the wonderful article! I have started a second cooking
blog through WordPress.com (Cooking Plate). I am thinking about
migrating to WordPress.org using Blue Host. Just wondering if you still use
 the “Reader” in WordPress to drive traffic to your website or if all of that is
managed through Blue Host?

I love the “Reader” in WordPress and am wondering if we lose it?

Thanks again! Bernice

Reply

28. LORI HIMMELSBACH

January 27, 2019

Thanks for all the great information! I just registered my blog!!! You are an
inspiration!

Reply

O KATE
February 7, 2019

You’re welcome, Lori!

Reply

29. JUNHEE
January 30, 2019

I love to cook and I’ve just started my food blog.

Thank you for the tips :)

Reply

O KATE
February 5, 2019

You’re welcome!

Reply
30. AMALIE MACEY
March 4, 2019

Thank you for the help!!!!

Reply

O KATE
March 7, 2019

You’re welcome, Amalie!

Reply

31. JOAN DAHLEN

March 27, 2019

Hi Kate,
Your blog is such an inspiration and I am so grateful that you are willing to
share so much blogging advice. I have a question about WP Gutenberg. I
am starting a new blog that is different from my old blog that was my
Family’s Italian recipes and my husband’s family southern recipes. Truth is
I couldn’t eat any of it because of chronic IBS. (sob), so my new website is
for IBS and low fodmap folk who need recipes that are safe for them and
me to eat. My new blog is WP, but it is Gutenberg. I do have the option of
going back to classic editor, but I feel if I do I will miss out on WP upgrades
going forward. Did you switch to the new Gutenberg and what do you think
about it? Thank you in advance for addressing this perplexing issue. Your
friend, Joan Dahlen

Reply

O KATE
April 5, 2019

Hi Joan! These are good questions. I haven’t switched to Gutenberg

yet myself. :) I don’t think you need to worry too much about it for
the time being. Maybe it will matter in a year. Anyway, I’d use
whichever one you like better.
 Reply

32. DHARA
April 2, 2019

Very nicely written – I loved it. Thank you

Reply

O KATE
April 2, 2019

Thank you! I’m happy to hear that, Dhara.

Reply

33. TYLER AND ZOE

May 8, 2019

Hi Kate,

Thanks so much for this article. It’s well put-together and comprehensive.
We just started our blog, GradFood.com, and are still trying to tweak it to
make it perfect. First, we were wondering if you have any specific
comments/suggestions for our site. Second, do you have any good tips or
resources for using Pinterest as a food blog? Thanks in advance!

Reply

34. AMY WISDOM

May 10, 2019

Great info! I started a blog about 3 weeks ago & I feel overwhelmed but
your article gives me hope!!
Thanks so much
Amy Wisdom

Reply
 O KATE
May 10, 2019

I’m happy you find it helpful, Amy!

Reply

35. HOLLY
May 14, 2019

Any good websites/recommendations on where to design your logo?

Reply

O KATE
May 14, 2019

Hi Holly! I actually designed my own. I would check with local

design companies or freelancers. There is a lot of talent, if you don’t
want to tackle it yourself!

Reply

36. JONESON
June 18, 2019

Great post, thank you so much for sharing this information. I have been
contemplating a food blog and this gives me the inspiration to do it. The
total look of your site is magnificent, let alone the content material! Keep it
up.

Reply

O KATE
June 20, 2019

Thank you!

Reply
37. KATHARINA KUEHR
June 20, 2019

Hey Kate!
Thank you very much for this advice, I believe that it is very helpful! I
followed your steps up to step 3 and now I am struggling with my theme. I
really like the foodie pro one and I found it on the studio press website but
I had a question regarding that. If I purchase that theme, will I be able to
use and transfer it to my blue host page/ abo and use it! I am asking
because I don’t completely understand this in your description and it
would be really helpful for me if you can answer and help me with that!
Thank you very much in advance,
Katie

Reply

38. PRAFFUL GOEL

July 17, 2019

Very informative blog. Thank you for sharing.

Reply

O KATE
July 17, 2019

You’re welcome!

Reply

39. KAYLA SHULL

July 23, 2019

This is such a fantastic, detailed, and organized post!

Thank you so much for all of this information!

Reply
 O KATE
July 31, 2019

You’re welcome, Kayla!

Reply

40. MARIE MUCCIO

August 3, 2019

Thank you so much for this article it has been so helpful

Reply

O KATE
August 12, 2019

You’re welcome, Marie!

Reply

O MAC JIM
September 8, 2019

Hey kate
I’m looking for an easier blog to understand quickly and I found you.
Such a good writer you are! Now I’m looking forward to reading
more blogs from you.
Take love
Mac

Reply

41. ALINA
August 28, 2019

Hi Kate!
 Your post encouraged me to setup my blue host account through the link
provided above! I was in the process of setting up the plugins and my
website crashed. I’m unable to launch word press ended up deleting my
website which caused problems with blue host ( can’t get in)

Does the website crash frequently? I had spent 3+ hours today and feeling
discouraged. Any tips on how to make things easy and avoid situation as
such. I’m totally lost in terms of how many plugins I need… right now I
can’t pay for premium themes so most likely will go for a free one. TIA!

Reply

42. BBLFOODS
November 19, 2019

BBL Foods is a Leader in supply of Biscuit Machines and snack line

throughout India and worldwide based on our clients and partners
requirements

Reply

43. ALYSSA
December 3, 2019

Thank you for this post! I have been sort of thinking about starting a food
blog for the past year or so, but you make it so easy to understand with
specific steps to take that I think I am going to finally do it. Now, I just
need to come up with a name that isn’t already taken.

Reply

44. BRIAN NAGELE

December 20, 2019

This is a pretty great post. I’ve been thinking of starting a blog on this
subject myself. Any tips or anything you would recommend that I to avoid?

https://foursquare.com/user/349367
 Reply

45. DEEPIKA
December 29, 2019

This is a pretty great post. I’ve been thinking of starting a blog on this
subject myself. Any tips or anything you would recommend that I to avoid?
https://deepikacookhouse.blogspot.com/

Reply

46. WHEREISMAP.NET
January 1, 2020

That looks delicious !!! A great dish for Valentine’s Day

Reply

47. GUEST POSTING SITE

January 10, 2020

welcome you to submit your free gust post at most wanted sites.

Reply

48. TOTRACKING
January 21, 2020

Great tips! I bookmarked this page to come back to for reference. Thanks
for an in-depth look at how to grow your blog traffic!

Reply

49. EMILY STANDLEY

January 24, 2020
 Perfect tips on how to start a food blog. The key to any blog is driving
traffic to it once it’s set up. Excellent points!

Reply

50. SEA
February 2, 2020

Hi Kate, You done a great post. Thank you so much. I looking forward to
your next post about how to push blog to the top google

Reply

51. BBLFOODS
February 20, 2020

BBL Foods, pioneer in supply of machinery for Layer Cake and Cookie
Plants across India. Quality products and do Project Management
consulting

Reply

52. MY22BMI
February 25, 2020

“Hey,

I read your blog. It is really helpful and easy to understand. I am sure it will
help everyone. Thanks for sharing your Knowledge and experience with
us.”

Reply

53. SARA
March 3, 2020
 Thanks for the help! Your blog helped me learn how to cook a bunch of
stuff. Love it and keep it up!

Reply

54. DAVIN
March 19, 2020

Thank you so much for the help! Your blog more helpful. Love it and keep
it up!

Reply

55. KATHRYN SMITHSON

April 23, 2020

Hello,

I have been a fan of your site for some time!

I’m reaching out because my sister and I recently launched a T-Shirt site.
Proceeds go to providing protective equipment, cure research and
supporting small businesses. It is www.wheresmyroll.com

Our shirts go from small to 3XL and are tactfully humorous.

We would LOVE if you wrote a story about our site because it’s an
important cause that’s close to our hearts.

Look forward to hearing back.

Cheers,
Maria and Kate

Reply

o KATE
April 24, 2020
 Hi Kathryn! Thank you for your note. Your shirts are so fun. I’m
sorry, I don’t really stories about non food-related items, but I’m
glad to know about it!

Reply

56. MALIKA
April 29, 2020

Thank you, very useful article.

Reply

57. KASHISH FOOD

May 11, 2020

You done a great post. Thank you so much.

Reply

58. NAME
May 11, 2020

test

Reply

59. LOUISE WHITE

May 19, 2020

Hi Kate! I was hoping that your site would explain how to craft the recipe
page. Such as, whether you simply input the recipe’s ingredients and the
instructions in a plugin like WP Recipe Maker, how to include a blog-like
blurb before the recipe itself, whether to create a template onto which to
include the blurb and the recipe and any photos, how to display your
collection of recipes, such as in a grid or a list.
 Reply

o KATE
May 19, 2020

Hi Louise! Those are big questions. :) I use WP Tasty for my recipe

formatting, but I’ve also heard good things about WP Recipe Maker.
Both of them provide a space for a small recipe description before
you get into the ingredients and so on. How to display your recipe
posts is up to you. Some WordPress themes offer built-in recipe
archive pages, like Brunch Pro. Hope that helps!

Reply

60. TESTING :)
May 24, 2020

basil

Reply

61. RASMI
May 27, 2020

Wow this is a great blog for the beginner like me who wants to start the
blog in the area of food. It helps me to find the best way to implement my
idea in the blog.

Thank you for posting.

Keep posting.

Reply

62. DEEPAK KUMAR SINGH

May 31, 2020

Good recipe
 Reply

63. KATIE
June 2, 2020

Thanks for this great resource! One question – how do you decide which
recipe content to put up for free and which recipe content to be paid
content in the form of cookbooks and downloads? It seems like nobody
would buy cookbooks full of recipes that are available for free on the blog,
but high quality content on the blog creates good traffic. How do you
decide which content to put where? Thanks!

Reply

o KATE
June 2, 2020

Hi Katie! Great question. I think it really depends on your strategy.

For me, I focus on specific content for the blog to provide my
readers. When I developed my cookbook, those recipes were
specifically designed for the cookbook and the theme of the
cookbook. I hope that helps!

Reply

64. BRIAN PAYNE

June 9, 2020

Thank you for all the incredibly detailed and insightful content! Do you
have any insights on monetizing a food blog? Or any thoughts on which
market affiliate programs work best with food blogging?

Reply

o KATE
June 16, 2020

Hey Brian! Check out the section of links titled “How do food
bloggers make money?” for resources. For affiliate programs,
 Amazon is a great start, then there’s also Reward Style, and various
programs available through CJ and Shareasale.com.

Reply

65. EMMA
June 13, 2020

Car Repair | Top Gear Philippines

Reply

66. ISABELLE
June 18, 2020

Hi Kate,

This is an awesome article. I wanted to thank you for all of your awesome
insight. I started a blog a few months ago and it is not where I want it to be
at all. I was planning on hiring a website developer but after reading your
article I am going to give the set up process another shot. I am confident it
will work out!!

Reply

67. SHRUTI
July 21, 2020

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Reply

68. JENNY DELIGHT

July 22, 2020

My ex-boyfriend dumped me one week ago after I accused him of seeing

someone else and insulting him. I wanted him back in my life again
 because i really love him but he refuse to have any contact with me. I was
so confuse and i did not know what to do, so I reach to the Internet for help
and I saw a testimony of how a spell caster help a woman from Scotland to
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me and to my greatest surprise the third day my ex came knocking on my
door and beg for forgiveness. I am so happy that my love is back again and
not only that, we are about to get married. Once again thank you Dr gbojie .
You are truly talented and gifted. Email; wiccalovespelltools @ yahoo. com

Reply

69. JOHN
July 31, 2020

Very Informative Thanks Buddy

Reply

70. MOHSIN@UAE FLOWERS

August 6, 2020

I’m huge fan of food & food blogging, your all food blogging steps are very
helpful to all those interested to start food blogging thanks for sharing
valuable words with us. keep posting such great post

Reply

71. JOY KUMAR PAL

August 28, 2020

I want to start an online cooking tutorial blog. what types should I look into
firstly?

Reply

72. SIDDHARTH
 August 29, 2020

So yummy

Reply

73. KANCHANGRAPHY
September 3, 2020

Nice Article

Reply

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September 20, 2020

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75. FEBE ANOUK

September 20, 2020

Get a love spell to win your ex lover back from Lord Zakuza. Email him on:
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76. ANDERSON MAY

September 22, 2020

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77. ANN EARNIS

September 23, 2020

This is my testimony about the good work of priest wisdom who help me …
I’m Ann Earnis from north Carolina USA. And am sorry for putting this on
net but i will have to, by this world best spell caster that brought back my
husband who left me out for past 3 years, i eventually met this man on a
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and he told me about a spell caster that he had heard about and he gave me
an email address to write to the spell caster to tell him my problems. In just
1 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this
truthful and sincere spell caster, sir all you told me have come to pass and
thank you sir. Please I want to tell everyone who is looking for any solution
to their problem, I advise you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is
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Reply

78. SAMANTHAPAYET
October 3, 2020

by Samanthapayet 
My husband and I have been married for about 7 yrs now. We were happily
married with two kids, a boy and a girl. 3 months ago, I started to notice
some strange behavior from him and a few weeks later I found out that my
husband is seeing someone. He started coming home late from work, he
hardly care about me or the kids anymore, Sometimes he goes out and
doesn’t even come back home for about 2-3 days. I did all I could to rectify
this problem but all to no avail. I became very worried and needed help. As
I was browsing through the Internet one day, I came across a website that
 suggested that (prince kabaka) can help solve marital problems, restore
broken relationships and so on. So, I felt I should give him a try. I
contacted him and he did a spell for me. Two days later, my husband came
to me and apologized for the wrongs he did and promise never to do it
again. Ever since then, everything has returned back to normal. I and my
family are living together happily again.. All thanks to prince kabaka . If
you need a spell caster that can cast a spell that truly works, I suggest you
contact him. He will not disappoint you. This is his E-mail:
[email protected] 

Reply

79. BRITNEY
October 9, 2020

If your planning to start a blog how do I create the privacy policy and
terms? Do I create them on my own?

Reply

o KATE
October 14, 2020

Hi! I would suggest legal advice to make sure everything is outlined

as it should be.

Reply

80. TERESA TILLERY

October 29, 2020

Do you think wix.com is a good way to start blogging . Really trying to get
this started. Love love all the great information you provided.

Reply

o KATE
October 29, 2020
 Hi, I like the platform that I use, but if it has the features you are
looking for then it is worth exploring. Cost and security are also
factors you would want to consider.

Reply

81. FRANCIE BREEN

November 5, 2020

I’ve followed you for years now and finally decided to also follow my
dreams and start my food blog (thanks to the help of your page!)
I read your privacy policy and it seems pretty straight to the point and
easily understandable.
I also saw your comment to another person regarding their privacy policy
and you suggesting them to seek legal advise. I’ve done some additional
research on this, but in your opinion, is paying for legal advice for this
required? Just don’t know if I am ready to invest in legal advise just yet
since my blog isn’t even up and running.
I appreciate any advice you do have!

Thanks so much!

Reply

o KATE
November 6, 2020

Hi Francine, That is what I have done and would do, but you need to
use your best judgement to make sure you are protected and also
know what can/can’t be done. I hope that helps!

Reply

82. MADDIE K.
November 5, 2020

Hello Kate!
 I have recently decided to start food blogging and found this blog very
helpful in many ways! I was just wondering what you do to protect your
page from any security problems. My site in currently deemed “Not Secure”
and was wondering how you would recommend Securing it.

Thank you!

Reply

o KATE
November 9, 2020

Hi! I work with a provider to help keep it secure and follow

rules/guidelines to do so. Google has some helpful information.

Reply

83. AMY HOLDAWAY

November 15, 2020

Hi Kate,
Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information! Very kind of
you! A few questions: How often do you post/update your website? Did it
become more frequent after you began? Did you have a lot of recipes
stockpiled before you began? Or do you continuously come up with new?
How about your photos-phone or special camera? Again, many thanks-
Amy

Reply

o KATE
January 6, 2021

Hi Amy, all good questions. My site started as a creative outlet and

evolved to a food blog with time. I publish posts to my blog between
one to three times per week (my personal goal is always at least two
posts per week, but sometimes that doesn’t happen). I don’t know
that there’s a hard and fast rule there, but it’s good for a blog to look
regularly updated, even if that’s once or twice a month. I did not
have any content stockpiled before I began. I’m always trying to
 create new recipes, and occasionally revisit older recipes to update
photos. I use a professional camera and you can learn more on
my photo page. Hope that helps!

Reply

84. HEMP
December 25, 2020

I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information

about how to start a food blog and the tips you have shared are awesome. I
liked and it is wonderful to know about so many things that are useful for
all of us! Thanks a lot for this amazing blog!!

Reply

85. GOUTOM
January 13, 2021

Hi Amy, all good questions. My site started as a creative outlet and evolved
to a food blog with time. I publish posts to my blog between one to three
times per week (my personal goal is always at least two posts per week, but
sometimes that doesn’t happen). I don’t know that there’s a hard and fast
rule there, but it’s good for a blog to look regularly updated, even if that’s
once or twice a month.

Reply

86. CRYTONIC
January 17, 2021

When i think of how boring and tasteless my previous efforts at French

toast!! My family just ate up anyway, bless them though on reflection must
have reminded them of cardboard – and now this fabulous recipe!! Thank
you so much!!

Reply
87. CINDY LEPORE HART
January 18, 2021

Hi Kate,
This is such a great article. I teach high school cooking, in the Bay Area and
plan to have the students create a blog page. Do you ever do guest
appearances through Zoom? It would be great to have you share your
experiences with my students. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Reply

88. HARSHAVARDHAN MANOHAR

February 3, 2021

Amazing blog, loved it.

Reply

89. GOOD STANDING CERTIFICATE IN SAUDI ARABIA

February 6, 2021

Thank you so much for the helpful tips.

Reply

90. PRINCE KATHPAL

February 24, 2021

Awesome

Reply

91. CONNIE
February 24, 2021
 I bought a domain name through godaddy and they are saying that my
website has to be built through them as well. I have a free 30 day trail but
after that it’s fairly expensive. Can I do what you suggested up above and
make a website with bluhost and connect it to my godaddy domain?

Reply

92. MARIA
March 24, 2021

Kate,
Before you started your food blog website did you setup your LLC and dba
first? I’d like to start a food blog as a hobby and maybe in the future, if it
makes, I’d like to turn it to an actual business. My other question is, if I’m
just starting out my food blog as a hobby with no affiliate
marketing/sponsors, is it necessary to obtain business license to get a
blog/website up in running under a name for example “Best Recipes
Ever”.?

Reply

o KATE
March 25, 2021

Hi Maria, I think it’s really dependent on the future you want for
your blog. I would suggest doing your research and deciding what
makes the most sense for you. If you want this to be more of a
business or potential outlet like that, I would look at setting it up
that way. Or you can just start a blog without that if you don’t intend
to do that. I would suggest reaching out to an expert to know what
would be the best decision for you. Good luck!

Reply

O ANNE
May 4, 2021

I was just going to ask the same question. Starting as a hobby and
would like to see grow but I worry about registering as an LLC, dba
or copyright a name and things like that.
 =/

Reply

93. NINA
April 13, 2021

Hi Kate,

Thank you so much for sharing this blog, resources and your journey. It is
so kind of you to share all of these amazing tips with those of us who might
be interested in starting a food blog! Out of curiosity, did you fall into
developing recipes on your own, or did you pursue any courses or
education on recipe development before getting started?

Reply

94. DAMINEE PATIL

April 16, 2021

Informative article to write food-related bog tips can be used to create any
kind of blog. every step is explained very well.
thanks for sharing.

Reply

95. SARASWATI COLLEGE

May 12, 2021

exactly what it should be.Very good content for students, keep sharing and
to know more click swiggy digital marketing strategy

Reply

96. FIRST PAGE

June 30, 2021
 Thanks for your suggestion. I have submitted my blog to google. It has
indexed and crawled most of the pages, but none of my pages is ranking on
Google, still, I have the same keyword as my competitor have. Any
suggestion?

Reply

97. FRISCO WEB SOLUTIONS

July 7, 2021

That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.

Reply

98. MADDIE
July 24, 2021

Thank you so much for the helpful tips! I am in the process of starting a
food blog, and all of these tips were very helpful!!

Reply

99. TARIQUE
July 31, 2021

It’s a fantastic write-up, you have made the most difficult things easy, I
would love to build my personal blog preferably on food. Thank you very
much

Reply

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