You've launched a food blog, have been working on it for a while, but are not seeing the results that you expected? Here are a few tips on how to grow your food blog.
1) Post quality content, regularly
Post quality content and post regularly. Set yourself a posting schedule so that you are posting consistently. For example, plan to on Tuesday and Friday. It gives your readers an idea of what to expect. Posting 2-3 times a week is a good number. Don't make your readers wait a month between posts.
2) Improve your food photography
Your photos are what draws people to your website. The better your photos, the more views your posts will get. The formula is that simple.
3) Submit your photos to foodie submission websites
Once your photography improves, foodie websites will accept your submissions to their websites. This will drive more people to your website. It's basically free advertising.
Foodie websites to submit to include:
4) Advertise on social media
I share every blog post on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest. Make sure you have social media icons to allow your readers to follow you on social media sites easily.
Use Pinterest! Pinterest is HUGE for blog traffic. I highly suggest creating special Pinterest photos for your posts. This means creating a photo that contains both text and images to make the pin look nicer to draw more people in. See some examples on my Pinterest board.
5) Keep learning and connect with other bloggers
The way to grow your blog is to never stop learning. If you keep researching different resources and ideas on blogging, the only thing that you can do is to improve. Connect with other blogs and leave comments. Gain inspiration from others who have been in the business for much longer that you have.
6) Monetize your blog
Make money from your blog.
- Set up ads. This is the easiest way to make money by doing nothing! I recommend an Ad Network like Gourmet Ads. They make it so easy!
- Join affiliate programs
- Work with companies to create sponsored posts
- Freelance photography
Tiffany says
Excellent tips! I agree with all of them and use all of these everyday! My next step is that I need to connect more and join FBP. Running a food blog takes a ridiculous amount of work, haha 😉
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Tiffany! Yes, running a food blog takes a lot of work!! I used to blog 3 times a week but with everything else going on in my life, I have had to cut it down to once a week. I did see my traffic drop slightly, but it has started to go back up 🙂
Kate says
Great tips! Would love for you to link up with us at 100 Happy Days! http://www.akreativewhim.com/link-party-39
I'm trying to convince myself to add more recipes (I love to cook and rarely post the recipes) especially while I'm pregnant since I don't have the energy to do my normal crafty house projects!
Rachyl @ Creating Your Financial Freedom says
These are great tips! The only one I personally don't follow is the first one. I have read a lot that posting once a week is enough. If the post is enough length and quality, it will do your blog more than posting several times a week with more fluff. A food blog may be an exception though, since the posts tend to be smaller if it only contains a recipe. I have a finance blog so I am just speaking from experience. I 100% agree with the photography one though! And if you are not good at taking photos, use stock photos (there are a lot of places you can get them free!).
Terry Brandau says
I love your blog name, design and content Sam! Thanks for all the great tips!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Terry 🙂
kristie says
Thanks for sharing your tips! I love your photography. That is a tricky one for me. But I'll keep working on it!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks, Kristie! Just keep practicing, it will start to get easier 🙂
Leah @ Love and Blues says
I don't have a food blog, but these are great tips nonetheless! I'm currently working on improving my photography skills (up until about two weeks ago I had no idea what an f-stop was.. I'm getting there!) and I'd love to eventually dabble in freelance photography, or offering stock photos. Thank you for the tips!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
No problem, Leah! I'm glad I could share some tips with you 🙂