So you’re just getting started on this new adventure and you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing? You are not alone, friend!
It wasn’t that long ago that I was sitting right where you are and I have learned so much on this journey, it seems only natural to be here to help guide you through this one little step at a time.
You’ve probably gone back and forth, wondering, can I do this?
Can you? Are you motivated, a self-starter, full of enthusiasm and with a thirst for success?
Then you very well may be a food blogger in the making!
Starting a food blog doesn’t have to be scary, and if you follow the simple steps below, you’ll be sharing your amazing creations in no time flat!
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate related, and I will earn a small commission if you purchase from them, at no extra cost to you. I have only included products that I have used, liked, and from companies that I trust. I think they will be worthwhile products for the start of your blogging adventure.
HOW TO START A FOOD BLOG
1. name it.
This is the hardest part. Seriously. You want to find a name that speaks to who you are and what you make.
Create a list of ideas, and then research! And by research I mean check to make sure it’s available, not just as a possible URL, but across social media platforms as well.
It would be awful to pick to a great name for your food blog and find it taken on twitter and pinterest. It can be confusing for a readership if they can’t find you by your blog name when they search for you on social media, so it’s definitely very important that you find a name that works across everything!
Once you’ve found that perfect name, it’s time to purchase it.
2. host it.
You want a reliable host, who will be there when you have problems, and not crash all the time. There is nothing worse than entering a blog address and getting an error; that’s readers lost! The cost can seem scary as well; it’s such a huge commitment.
I’ve got you covered, though. You can get a super basic and inexpensive hosting package with Bluehost for only $3.95. It’s a great place to start when you don’t have a lot of cash and traffic. For step-by-step instructions on how to set up your new site with Bluehost, check out my tutorial, complete with pictures!
As you grow, however, I strongly encourage you to move to a less crowded server. I currently use eSkyCity, and if you mention my name when signing up, you become eligible to receive your first month free! Holla!
3. make it pretty.
Once your site is set up on your host, it’s time for the fun part: making it look great! Every theme I’ve ever used is on the Genesis Framework, which you would want to install before doing anything else. Need help? Download The Genesis Guide for Absolute Beginners and you’ll be golden, I promise.
Once you have the Genesis Framework installed, you can install any compatible theme. Are you ready for it? There are thousands of themes to choose from, but if you’d like a little direction, some of my favorites include Foodie Pro, Divine, Chefette Pro, and Cuisine. Each theme comes with instructions for installation, and some come with guides to help you make them look like the demos, which is super helpful for starting out.
Need help creating a logo and branding? I adore Fiverr when I’m in need of some quick work. You can also get branding kits that you can personalize with programs such as Photoshop.
Stay tuned to learn more about what I keep in my photography bag, and essential equipment to up your food blogging game!