Resources for Food Bloggers:
How to Start a Food Blog
Hi, I'm Jacqueline Piper and I'm the author of this blog. I create recipes and write about food because I love food and dreaming up recipes. It doesn't hurt that I also love photography and playing around with websites. But all you really need to start a food blog is the passion – you must love food!
At least I that's what I believe, because writing your own blog is work. Now... I'm here to help, NOT to scare you away, but before you invest your time and money make sure it's what you want to do. If it is, then follow your dreams baby. I did. And I love it. Ok, onto the helpful stuff...
How to Start a Food Blog in 3 Easy Steps
There are 3 main steps involved in starting your own food blog.
Step One – Create a name and then buy it as well as your web-hosting.
Step Two – Install WordPress (This is the content management system that helps you publish all those delicious recipes. It's what I use, so I cannot help you with anything else.)
Step Three – Pretty It Up and install a WordPress theme
There are a few extra tips I have that are helpful for food blogging and I'll share them below, but these are the three main steps. Now, let me explain each one.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. This means if you click on my link and purchase through them, I will earn a commission, at NO extra cost to you. These are all products that I actually use on my website because they work and the companies are trustworthy.
Step One – Create a name and purchase the name and web-hosting.
I got my domain name free with my web-hosting through Bluehost when I purchased their three-year plan, and you can too. (I've actually used them for two other websites that I had once upon a time and they have been very reliable for me, although as with anything opinions vary so please shop around.)
Create a Name:
I used PiperCooks for my website because it was short, had my last name, a word describing what I do, and it was available.
Your blog name should be easy to spell/say/remember for people who will visit it. It should be descriptive and memorable. Brainstorm, talk to family and ask friends until you come up with a list of possibilities.
Then go to your webhost and use their domain name checker to see which ones are available. Now choose the best option.
Some of my favorite food blog names are:
I think all of the above names are cute and catchy. I visit all of these websites regularly also.
Web-host
Purchase Web-hosting:
When you sign up for web-hosting, make sure your domain name (i.e. thebestfoodblogger.com) will be included.
Sign up with your preferred domain name, select your web-hosting plan and purchase it.
Congratulations – you have a blog! Almost... you have a domain name and some webspace and hosting. Now you'll create the blog.
Follow the next step.
Step Two – Install WordPress
Log into your web-host with your account information.
Search for the WordPress icon.
Install it where you want to. I have mine installed at pipercooks.com.
You could install it at thebestfoodblogger.com or thebestfoodblogger.com/whateveryouwant
I recommend the first one – at the top level of your domain.
Once WordPress is installed, it's time to follow the next step.
Step Three – Install a Theme
I use the Foodie Theme Demo by StudioPress - Themes on the Genesis Framework. It's what makes my website look the way it does (that and a LOT of tinkering with settings).
Yes, it costs money and yes it's totally worth it. You can start out with a free theme if you want. I did. Just look around find something that appeals to you.
Install your chosen theme and then play around with it until everything looks how you want it to. Change the colors, fonts, columns etc to make your website fit you.
That's it, you've done it! You've chosen a name, bought that name and also purchased your web-hosting, and you've made it look how you want. Good job, that was a lot of work!
Now that you've read how to start a food blog in three easy steps and then set up your website, you can go ahead and start creating and publishing outstanding engaging content, or you could do a few other things first, which I highly recommend doing.
How about some extras? Here are some more tools that I use on my blog, some are free, some cost.
Social Media
It's nice to be able to connect with your audience. I like to use Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
To save help organize my pins, I use Tailwind. It's a Pinterest approved affiliate, and really helps me save time and keep myself organized.
Google Products
I recommend setting up an account with Google Analytics so you can track your web stats right away.
Also sign up with Google Search Console and add your website so that google gets to know you.
WordPress Plugins
These are tools that help further WordPress's abilities. You can take a peak and install them if you want to.
Akismet - No Spam comments here please! Akismet helps keep spam comments at bay, so no one needs to read about the latest knockoff purses for sale!
Instagram Feed – Does exactly what it says – Instagram Feed displays your Instagram Feed. I think this is a nice touch at the bottom of a website.
Share Buttons – I use Shareaholic, it's what I've always used, it lets you customize the colors and choose different shapes. Your readers can easily share your content on a variety of platforms.
Subscribe to Comments Reloaded – This will enable readers to get an email notification when someone replies to their comment, or the post. This is very important as it helps guide the reader back to your site, especially if you have answered their question! Which you should always try to do, if it's reasonable and not spammy or hateful - in those cases delete!
WordPress Popular Posts – I like this plugin because it organically suggests other posts to your readers from the sidebar, and those posts are the ones that are being visited the most that day.
WP Recipe Maker - I format my recipes with this so that they are easy to read and nice looking, and also have the proper coding for Google. I love this plugin. The latest update pushed it from "love it" to "can't blog without it".
Yoast – SEO is tough, but so important to learn about. Yoast will help you check off some important SEO boxes. (SEO = Search Engine Optimization = Getting Google to Know You)
Create Meaningful Content
Ok, so now you have a pretty blog that's completely functional and optimized.
Now you can get yourself out there and share meaningful, shareable content. Have fun!
More Information About How To Start a Food Blog
Let me know if you have any other questions by commenting on this post or emailing me. I have a few follow up posts planned with more tips on writing a blog, but I'd love to hear from you!
Man, this is some great content! Really appreciate you sharing this for everyone!