How to Make Money With a Food Blog

Starting your own food blog can be more than just a fun hobby; it can become a profitable side hustle for you to make money online or even a full-fledged career with dedication!

While the food and cooking niche is competitive, investing time in creating great content and building a strong reader community can yield significant benefits.

If you’re eager to learn how to start a food blog and make money from it, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to monetize your food blog.

How Much Do Food Bloggers Make?

So, how much can you make as a food blogger? The income of food bloggers varies widely. Some big food blogs rake in millions per month, while others make no money at all. According to a ZipRecruiter survey, the average food blogger in the US earns over $73,199 annually.

If you’re new to blogging and want to know how to make money from it, there are plenty of ways to do so. Most successful bloggers use multiple income streams, but when you’re just starting, it’s okay to focus on a couple.

Before you start thinking about making money, it’s crucial to put in the effort to build a great blog. So, begin by creating your food blog, pick an appealing WordPress theme designed for food blogs, and invest time in creating excellent content.

The income of an average food blogger depends on your dedication and effort. While some bloggers achieve great success, most earn a steady but modest income.

Now, let’s take a look at some inspiring examples of successful food blogs:

1. Pinch of Yum: This blog started as a hobby but now earns over $90,000 per month. Their income mainly comes from ads, sponsored content, partnerships with Amazon, ebooks, and a food blogging course called Food Blogger Pro. You can find more details in their income reports.

2. TiffyCooks: Tiffy’s love for food led her to become a full-time food blogger. Her blog features a mix of Asian and Western recipes, as well as quick and easy meals. As of October 2021, she was making $45,000 to $55,000 monthly, primarily from website ads and brand collaborations.

3. A Sassy Spoon: Jamie started her blog in 2016, showcasing Cuban and Latin-inspired recipes. She turned her passion into a full-time job with an income of over $7,000 monthly. Her earnings come from ads, freelance food photography, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and contributor content.

So, can food bloggers make good money? Absolutely. These examples demonstrate the potential for monetizing food blogs, with monthly earnings ranging from substantial to more modest incomes.

How To Monetize a Food Blog: 10 Best Ways

You can earn money from your food blog through various avenues. Let’s explore these income sources:

1. Display Ads on Your Food Blog

Display advertising is a common method for food bloggers to generate income. It involves placing ads on your food blog, typically in the form of banners or text-based ads, which are provided by ad networks. 

To get started, you usually sign up with an ad network like Google AdSense, which is beginner-friendly. They will provide you with a code snippet that you place on your blog.

Once the code is integrated into your blog, the ad network will automatically display ads on your site. These ads are often related to the content of your blog and the interests of your readers.

You earn money when visitors to your blog interact with these ads. There are typically two ways you can earn money:

• Cost Per Click (CPC): You earn a small amount of money each time a visitor clicks on an ad.
• Cost Per Mille (CPM): You earn money based on the number of ad impressions (how many times the ad is viewed) on your blog.

To make significant income from display ads, you need a substantial amount of traffic because the earnings are often relatively small per click or impression. Therefore, bloggers often focus on growing their audience to increase ad revenue.

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to make money with your food blog by talking about products or services and getting paid for sales through special links.

To get started, sign up for affiliate programs related to what you talk about. For example, if you talk about kitchen stuff, join Amazon Associates.

Put these special links in your blog posts naturally. Like, if you mention a kitchen tool in a recipe, add a link. If readers click and buy, you get money.

After that, you can tell your readers about these special links. This is important to be honest. Only talk about stuff that fits your blog and what your readers like. Be real in your recommendations.

Don’t just stick with Amazon. Many other places have affiliate programs. You can also check out ShareASale and CJ Affiliate to find more stuff to talk about.

Most affiliate programs give you tools to see how many people click, buy, and how much you earn. Use this info to make your recommendations better.

Read more: How to Make Money with Affiliate Marketing

3. Selling Ad Space Directly

Selling ad space directly on your blog means partnering with businesses or advertisers to display their ads. This lets you decide the terms and pricing.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Create an “Advertise with Us” or “Sponsorship Opportunities” page on your blog. Share details about ad options, your blog’s stats, and how advertisers can reach you.

2. Reach out to companies that match your blog’s content. For example, if you blog about healthy eating, connect with health food brands.

3. Unlike ad networks, you can talk money directly with advertisers. You can charge a set fee for an ad or offer bundles with multiple ads.

4. Once you have advertisers, place their ads on your blog as you agreed. This could mean banners, links, or sponsored posts.

Building good relationships with advertisers is important. It can lead to more partnerships and more money as your blog gets popular.

Just like with regular display ads, having lots of blog traffic is a plus. Advertisers like blogs that reach their target audience.

4. Sell Recipe Books & E-Books

Food bloggers can make money by selling recipe books and e-books.

If you’ve collected many original recipes on your blog, think about putting them together in a nicely organized book or e-book. You can add extras like cooking tips, meal plans, or personal stories. 

Decide whether you want to make a digital e-book (PDF) or a physical book. Digital ones are easier to create, while physical books require printing and shipping.

You can use platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for e-books or Blurb, Lulu, or CreateSpace for physical books. These platforms often provide templates and guidance.

Set a price for your book based on its length, quality, and what your readers are willing to pay.

After that, you can promote your book to your blog readers and social media followers. Encourage your existing audience to buy it, and consider offering special deals to your blog subscribers.

If you choose to publish a physical book, consider using a print-on-demand service. This means books are printed as people order them, reducing upfront costs and storage needs.

It’s important to engage with your audience and gather their feedback on what they’d like to see in your book. That way, you can tailor your content to match their preferences.

Selling recipe books and e-books allows you to monetize your cooking skills and share your recipes with a broader audience. It can be a rewarding venture, especially if you have dedicated fans who appreciate your culinary creations.

Read more: How to Make Money on Amazon KDP

5. Sell Merch & Physical Products

You can make money and connect with your audience by selling stuff related to your food blog. Consider things like aprons, bags, T-shirts, or kitchen gadgets with your blog’s logo or food designs. As long as they match your blog and what your readers like, you’re likely make a sale. 

To sell your stuff, you can use online stores like Shopify or WooCommerce. Or, use print-on-demand services that print and ship for you. Make sure your stuff is good quality and comes from reliable suppliers. Good reviews and happy customers are important.

Setting the right price is important. First, figure out how much it costs to make and ship your product. Then, decide on the profit you want. Make sure your price is fair to customers while also keeping up with your competition in the market.

Afterward, it’s time to promote your products. Share them on your blog, social media, and in emails. Show how they can be used in the kitchen. Make sure to be friendly to customers, respond quickly to questions, and handle any issues professionally.

You can use tools to see what’s selling, what your customers like, and change what you offer if needed.

Selling things helps your brand and gives your readers something real to enjoy while supporting your blog. It’s a way to get closer to your audience and make money in different ways.

Read more: How to Make Money Selling Merch

6. Sponsored Posts & Brand Deals

Sponsored posts and brand deals are about teaming up with companies to talk about their stuff on your food blog. It’s like being an influencer. Here’s how it works:

To start, look for companies that match your blog and what your readers are interested in. Choose products or services that you genuinely believe in. Reach out to these companies to discuss potential collaborations. Decide on the payment terms, the type of content you’ll create (like blog posts or videos), and their expectations.

Once you’ve secured a partnership, create content that effectively showcases the company’s offerings in an engaging and enjoyable way, making sure it resonates with your readers.

Always disclose to your audience that it’s a sponsored post so they know you’re being compensated. Use hashtags like “#Ad” or “#Sponsored” to make it clear.

Companies may compensate you with money, free products, or a combination of both. Ensure you understand the terms of your agreement.

In some cases, you can continue working with companies and become their ambassador, leading to more opportunities and increased earnings.

You can use agencies to help you find companies and talk about deals. They might take some of your money for their help.

Sponsored posts and brand deals can make you money, especially if lots of people like your blog. But always be real and pick companies that fit your blog for long-term success.

7. Create an Online Course

Making and selling online courses is a way to make money from your food knowledge and help your readers. 

Start by deciding what you’re good at and can teach. It could be cooking tricks, food photos, meal planning, or special kinds of food. Pick a place to put your course. You can use special course websites like Teachable or Udemy. Or, if your blog is on WordPress, use plugins meant for courses.

After that, you have to plan what you’ll teach. Write down what people will learn, like sections and lessons. Think about extra stuff like videos, worksheets, or quizzes that can help.

Make your course stuff, like videos, writing, and things to download. Make sure it’s really good and keeps people interested and learning.

When it comes to pricing your course, consider your expertise, the depth of your content, and what your readers would be comfortable paying. You have the option to offer one-time payments or monthly fees.

After launching your course, you need to tell your readers about your course on your blog, in emails, and on social media. Get the people who already like your blog to sign up. You can also use ads to reach more people.

You can collect feedback from your course participants and use their suggestions to make your course better. This will help you support your students more effectively.

Overall, making an online course lets you share what you know and make money while helping others learn. It can be a great way to earn from your food blog, especially if you have something unique to teach.

Read more: How to Make Money Selling Online Courses

8. Create a Membership Site

A membership site is a place where you offer special stuff to people who pay a fee regularly. It’s a way to make money from your food blog while giving your biggest fans extra goodies.

To set up your membership site, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Choose a Platform: Pick a place to set up your membership site. You can use WordPress with plugins, services like Memberful, or platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.

2. Membership Levels: Decide how many levels of membership you want. Each level can have its own perks, like secret recipes, cooking tips, or behind-the-scenes peeks.

3. Create Exclusive Content: Make content that only your members can see. It should be really awesome to make people want to join and stay as members.

4. Pricing: Say how much each membership level will cost. Think about what you’re offering and what your readers would be willing to pay. You can do monthly or yearly fees.

5. Promote Your Membership: Tell your readers about your membership site on your blog, social media, and through emails. Show them what’s great about being a member to get them interested.

6. Engage Your Members: Keep your members happy by adding new stuff just for them regularly. Answer their questions and listen to their ideas.

7. Payment and Management: Use your platform to handle payments and memberships. Make sure it’s easy and safe for your members.

8. Build a Community: Create a community among your members. Get them talking and working together inside your membership.

Having a membership site can bring you regular income and a group of loyal fans who love your special content and being part of your community. It’s a win-win for you and your readers!

9. Coaching & Consulting

You can generate income by offering coaching or providing advice based on your expertise in food blogging.

First, identify your strengths within the realm of food blogging. Are you skilled in food photography, recipe development, blog monetization, or effective marketing strategies?

After that, decide on the type of services you’d like to offer. You can choose to provide one-on-one coaching sessions, personalized guidance, or create customized plans tailored to your clients’ needs.

Setting your prices comes next. Rates can vary based on your level of expertise and the demand for your services. You might also consider offering different service packages or billing clients on an hourly basis.

To establish your coaching services professionally, follow these tips:

• Create an online platform: This could be an extension of your existing blog, a dedicated professional email address, and a booking system to facilitate appointments.

• Promote your services: You can advertise your coaching services on platforms like your blog, social media, and email newsletters. When you promote them, highlight your skills, share your accomplishments, and explain the benefits clients will get from working with you.

• Be attentive to clients’ needs: When working with clients, provide them with valuable advice, constructive feedback, and customized plans tailored to their specific needs. Be attentive to their requirements and responsive in your communication.

• Collect testimonials: Over time, you can collect success stories and positive feedback from your customers. Positive testimonials can serve as powerful endorsements and attract new clients.

It’s also important to build connections within your food blogging community and network with professionals in your field. Collaborate with them and explore the possibility of receiving referrals from these contacts.

Remember that while coaching or advising can be a lucrative way to share your knowledge, it’s a gradual process that involves building your reputation and credibility over time.

10. Develop an App

Making a mobile app for your food blog can be a cool way to connect with your audience and maybe make money.

To get started, figure out why you want the app and how it helps your readers. You can make a recipe app to share your recipes, tips, and shopping lists, for example.

Before turning your idea into reality, consider how you’ll generate income from the app. You can choose to charge users for it, offer in-app purchases, or display advertisements.

If you’re not a tech expert, you can hire someone to build your app or use an easy tool that doesn’t need coding (no-code platform). Just make sure the app look good, easy to use, and fit your style.

After launching your app, you can tell your blog readers and social media friends about your app. Get them to download and use it.

To keep your app up to date and make it better, you need to spend some time talking to to the people using your app. Listen to their feedback, give them what they need, and make the app useful for them. This helps get good reviews and more downloads.

Making an app can be tricky, but it can make money and make your blog even better. Just make sure it really helps your readers for more downloads and happy users.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned how to make money from your food blog, it’s time to take action. Running a successful food blog and earning money from it takes time and effort, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

There are many ways to make money from your blog, and new opportunities keep emerging. The key is to research, try different methods, and find what works best for you and your audience.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to monetization. As long as you provide value and create engaging content, you can get creative with your monetization strategy.

If you need more guidance, sign up for my online business coaching.