How to Monetize a Cooking Blog and Make Sizzling Earnings

Starting a cooking blog is exciting! You get to share your love for food with the world. But once you've nailed the basics like picking a domain and setting up WordPress, it's time to explore how to monetize your culinary passion.

You’re about to embark on a fun journey. Trust me, this part is awesome!

No matter if you're just starting or already a cooking pro, these monetization strategies can help you turn that blog into a thriving business. Ready? Let’s dig into each method!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for cooking bloggers because it hits the sweet spot between time investment and earning potential.

Affiliate marketing is a form of advertising where a publisher (the site owner) links to a product in their content and earns a commission from the advertiser (the affiliate program) if readers click on that link and make a purchase.

Also, since you can add links to your existing content, it’s the perfect method for beginners. You’ve already written content, so you’ve already done the hard part.

How to Start Affiliate Marketing for Cooking Bloggers

If you're diving into the cooking blogging niche, recommending the right affiliate products can make a huge difference. Here’s a list of affiliate products you might consider:

1. Cookware Sets: High-quality pots and pans are a must for any home chef. These often include non-stick options and various materials for all types of cooking.

2. Kitchen Gadgets: Think peelers, graters, and zesters. These tools help make cooking easier and more efficient.

3. Cooking Appliances: Air fryers, slow cookers, and blenders are popular items that every cooking enthusiast loves.

4. Specialty Ingredients: Unique spices, gourmet oils, and organic ingredients. Bloggers can recommend products that elevate dishes and encourage followers to try new flavors.

5. Cookbooks: Both classic and specialty cookbooks can inspire readers and give them new ideas for their kitchens.

Here are some reasons why these products can be great affiliate recommendations:

• High Demand: Cooking products are always needed, so they sell well.
• Repeat Purchases: Ingredients and tools wear out, leading to more sales opportunities.
• Variety: There are endless options, catering to various cooking styles and preferences.
• Passion Area: Many people love cooking, so they’ll trust your recommendations.
• Visual Appeal: Food and product photos can grab attention and get shares.

Once you’ve identified which products will solve problems for your readers, you need to sign up for their affiliate programs.

You should start by joining the Amazon Associates affiliate program.

Most physical products in the cooking niche will be available on Amazon, and the conversion rate on Amazon is insane.

Yes, Amazon’s commission rates are rough, and they only offer a 24-hour cookie duration, but the conversion rate makes up for it. Plus, you’re nearly guaranteed to get accepted into their program.

For products that aren’t available on Amazon, just Google “[Product] affiliate program,” and you’ll find their program’s signup page.

To save you some time, here are a few of the best affiliate networks for cooking bloggers:

1. Rachael Ray

   

   Commission Rate: 5% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   The Rachael Ray Store sells a beautiful assortment of cookware, cookbooks, dinnerware, bakeware, and more.

2. Ketoconnect

   

   Commission Rate: 40% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 90 Days

   KetoConnect is a globally recognized brand for its authenticity and quality content towards improving health and fitness through a keto diet.

3. Cuisinart

   

   Commission Rate: 10% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   Cuisineart sells various kitchen appliances and tools. Get a 10% commission rate and 45-day cookie duration with their affiliate program!

Once you’ve been approved for the product’s affiliate program, the program will give you your affiliate link, and you can start inserting it into your content.

How To Monetize A Cooking Blog With Affiliate Marketing

To add your link to your content, go to your post editor, highlight the relevant text, and insert the link.

Here are a few best practices for adding affiliate links to your WordPress blog:

• Add links where it’s helpful. Adding too many links to your blog posts is just like adding too many ads; it’s annoying. Add links to product titles, images, CTA buttons, and the first time you mention a product. That’s plenty.
• Disclose your links. Every blog post with affiliate links should have a disclaimer at the beginning, and every CTA or product image should also.
• Use direct sales language. When you are writing your call to action, be direct. It’s not rude to say, “Check the price” or “Buy this product today.” Being too passive makes you look unconfident.

Or, take it a step further by creating product displays.

You Can Double Your Affiliate Sales With Lasso Displays

You can create displays manually using the post editor to add links to images and buttons.

However, it can be time-consuming to create these displays and keep them updated if you’re doing it all by hand.

Luckily, monetizing your blog with affiliate links is simplified when you’re using a tool like Lasso.

Lasso makes it super easy to add links and product displays to your posts. You can add product displays to posts right from the post editor; no coding is required. It’s as simple as clicking your mouse three times.

You can also automatically import product info from retailers like Amazon. Just paste the link into the Lasso dashboard, and Lasso will populate the display with the product title, image, and price.

With all of this, remember to follow the guidelines in the affiliate program’s terms and conditions. Amazon, in particular, is pretty stringent.

But everything Lasso does is compliant with Amazon Associates’ TOS, so you never have to worry about being booted from the program.

That’s just scratching the surface of what Lasso can do to help you monetize your cooking blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your cooking site, sign up for Lasso today.

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Cooking Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a game-changer for cooking bloggers. On one hand, you have the potential to earn passive income by promoting products like kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, or meal subscription services. Each time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you earn a commission. It's a win-win if your audience trusts your recommendations.

However, there's a downside. If you're not genuine in your endorsements or if the products don't align with your brand, your readers might feel betrayed. This can damage trust, leading to decreased engagement and lower traffic. Authenticity is key. You want to share products you truly believe in.

Another con is the need for traffic. You need a decent amount of visitors to your blog for affiliate marketing to be effective. If you're just starting out, it might take time to see any real financial benefits. Plus, keeping track of links and optimizing your content can be an added hassle.

To sum up, affiliate marketing can offer significant rewards for cooking bloggers but demands honesty and effort. Balance is important, and staying true to your readers will always pay off in the long run.

2. Display Ads

The second best way to monetize your cooking blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.

How to Monetize a Cooking Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a cooking blog with display ads couldn’t be easier.

First, choose an ad network to join. Networks have traffic requirements, so here are the best ad networks to join based on your site’s page views:

• 100,000+ Visitors per month - Raptive
• 50,000+ Sessions per month - Mediavine
• < 50,000+ Visitors per month - Ezoic

Once you’re accepted to an ad network, follow their instructions to integrate their ads into your site. They will have documentation for every type of content management service (WordPress, Joomla, Ghost, etc.).

If your chosen ad network has a dedicated accounts manager, they will guide you through getting their ads on your site.

And… that’s it. Let the ads run and wait for your deposits to hit your account.

Display Ad Pros And Cons For Cooking Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for cooking bloggers. On one side, they provide a passive income stream. Once set up, they can generate revenue while you focus on creating delicious recipes and engaging content. That's pretty sweet for a busy blogger!

However, display ads can also slow down your site loading speed. If your pages take too long to load, visitors might bounce before they even see your amazing content. A faster site keeps your audience happy and engaged, which is crucial in today's fast-paced digital world.

Another downside is the potential for a cluttered layout. Too many ads can overwhelm your readers and take away from the visual appeal of your posts. You want your recipes to shine, not get overshadowed by ads for kitchen gadgets or clickbait headlines.

Lastly, the income from display ads can fluctuate. Factors like traffic volumes, seasonal trends, and ad performance mean you can't always count on a stable revenue stream. It's essential to keep experimenting with placements and periodically reassessing which ad networks work best for your blog's niche.

3. Digital Products

Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the cooking niche.

A digital product is anything you can sell on your cooking blog that the customer will receive via download.

Here’s a cool list of digital products you can sell on your cooking blog:

• eCookbooks: Compile your best recipes into themed eCookbooks. Think "30-Minute Meals" or "Vegan Delights." Super useful for targeted audiences!
• Printable Meal Planners: Design stylish meal planning templates. Help your readers stay organized and inspired in the kitchen!
• Video Cooking Classes: Create engaging video tutorials. Show step-by-step processes for tricky recipes. It's personal and effective!
• Recipe Cards: Make beautifully designed recipe cards for readers to print out. Perfect for keeping on hand when cooking.
• Subscription Service: Offer exclusive monthly recipes or trends for a small fee. People love fresh content delivered right to them!

A lot of people search for simple checklists and guides related to different topics. They’d happily pay you for them.

Pros and Cons of Selling Digital Products for Cooking Bloggers

One major pro of selling digital products as a cooking blogger is the low overhead cost. You don't have to worry about physical inventory or shipping logistics. Once you've created your digital content, like eBooks or online courses, it can be sold countless times without additional expense.

Another benefit is the potential for passive income. After the initial effort of creating the product, you can make money while you sleep. This flexibility allows you to focus on the creative side of your blog, like coming up with new recipes, while still generating revenue.

On the flip side, marketing your digital products can require significant effort. You'll need to effectively promote your offerings to stand out in a crowded market. This could involve social media campaigns, newsletters, and partnerships, all of which take time and skills.

Additionally, some cooking bloggers may find it challenging to set the right price for their digital products. Price it too high, and you risk losing potential customers; too low, and you might undervalue your work. Striking a balance can be tricky but is essential for success.

How To Monetize a Cooking Blog By Selling Digital Products

The first thing to do is create your digital product.

Look at which content your audience interacts with the most, and brainstorm digital products to help serve their search intent.

That’s what I did when I created our Ultimate Blogging Guide:

Then, create the product using whatever tools are at your disposal. For example, use Microsoft Word to create an ebook PDF, or Google Sheets to create interactive spreadsheets and checklists.

Next, you have to figure out how to distribute your product. The easiest way to distribute PDFs is by uploading them to your WordPress media library. Then you can give customers the link, and they can download the PDF from there.

Lastly, you’ll have to set up payment processing and order fulfillment. A plugin like Woocommerce can automate most of this, but you’ll have to tie it to a processor like Stripe or PayPal.

Woocommerce can even connect to an email tool like ConvertKit, so as soon as your customer finishes their checkout, they’ll get an email with a link to their download.

Barring any issues, you won’t have to do anything but watch your bank account grow.

4. Email Newsletter

One effective way to monetize a cooking blog is by creating an email newsletter. This method allows you to build a loyal audience and engage with your readers on a more personal level. Let's explore how to monetize a cooking blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for cooking bloggers.

How to Monetize a Cooking Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a fantastic way for cooking bloggers to create a direct connection with their audience. These newsletters allow you to share recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration directly to your subscribers' inboxes. They also serve as a powerful platform to monetize your blog.

To monetize your cooking blog via an email newsletter, start by building your subscriber list. Offer a freebie, like an exclusive recipe eBook or a meal planning guide, in exchange for email sign-ups. Once you have subscribers, engage them with regular newsletters that include sponsored content, affiliate links, or even your own product promotions. This opens up avenues for income generation directly through your followers who are genuinely interested in your culinary content.

Another effective approach is to feature partnerships with brands. If your blog’s audience resonates with specific cooking products or services, you can create targeted content in your emails to promote them. Include dedicated sections for brand promotions, like special discounts or product launches, allowing brands to reach engaged readers while you earn a commission for referrals.

Furthermore, use your newsletters to encourage readers to participate in cooking challenges or local events you might be hosting. This not only creates a sense of community but also positions you as a culinary authority, further increasing your potential for sponsorships and collaborations.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Cooking Bloggers

• Pros:
• Direct Channel: You can reach your audience directly without algorithms interfering.
• High Engagement: Email prompts higher engagement rates than social media posts.
• Targeted Marketing: You can segment your audience based on their preferences and offer personalized content.
• Consistent Income: With well-planned promotions, you can generate consistent revenue through sponsored content and affiliate links.
• Cons:
• Time-Consuming: Building and maintaining a newsletter can be labor-intensive.
• Potential Spam Issues: Some subscribers may classify your emails as spam if not crafted carefully.
• Technical Skills Required: You’ll need to learn to navigate email marketing platforms effectively.
• Unsubscribes: Sometimes subscribers opt-out, which requires you to continually grow your list.

5. Consulting and Coaching Services

Consulting or coaching is exchanging your expertise and time for a fee. Your customers need an expert, and you’ve proven yourself to be that expert.

As you become an authority in the industry, people will reach out to you with questions about topics they consider you an expert in.

Now, you don’t have to charge for being helpful, but you should place a dollar value on your time.

As a cooking blogger, you extensive knowledge of the industry. If a reader reaches out to you asking for help, you should get paid for that effort.

How To Monetize A Cooking Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a cooking blog with consulting services is similar to selling sponsored posts.

Put a “Coaching” option in your nav bar that goes to a landing page outlining your consulting services and your hourly rate. This will help head off some of the people looking for free advice.

Then, wait for requests to come in, evaluate them, and propose your offer. If the customer accepts, send them an invoice using PayPal or another payment processor, and schedule the call.

Pros and Cons of Selling Consulting Services for Cooking Bloggers

When it comes to selling consulting services, cooking bloggers can enjoy several advantages. First off, your audience trust you. They see you as an expert who can help them improve their cooking skills. This makes selling your consulting services a lot easier, as people are already interested in what you have to offer.

On the flip side, there are challenges to consider. The market can be competitive. Many bloggers and chefs are also offering similar services. You have to find a way to stand out. Plus, managing clients can be time-consuming. It might distract you from creating new content for your blog.

Additionally, pricing your services correctly can be tricky. People may look for affordable options, making it hard to set a price that reflects your expertise. Balancing value and affordability is essential to attract clients without undercutting your worth.

Overall, selling consulting services can be rewarding but requires careful planning and execution. You must weigh the pros against the cons to determine if it's the right move for you.

Cooking Blog Monetization FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Cooking Blogging?

If you want to build a successful cooking blog, then affiliate marketing is the best way to monetize it. It’s the least intrusive way to make a lot of money from your site without much extra effort.

Can I Make A Full-Time Income From Cooking Blogging?

Absolutely! Some cooking blogs, like Delish and Epicurious get hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors. That’s enough for a full-time income for a small team of people.

How Do I Start a Cooking Blog?

Learning how to start a cooking blog is the first best way to use your expertise to start an online business.

You need to register a domain, install WordPress, and publish great content. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it!

How Do Cooking Bloggers Get Paid?

Most cooking bloggers make money through affiliate commissions and advertising fees. Both of these monetization methods pay out one or two months after the fees have been generated.

Some cooking bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.

Is Cooking Blogging Easy?

Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean cooking blogging isn’t fun.

As a cooking blogger, you’ll get to go places, try new things, and meet new people. And it will be part of your business! What could be cooler than that?

Is It Worth Starting A Cooking Blog?

It’s absolutely worth it to start a cooking blog. Not only can you make a living from it, but you can also build a community and control the conversation.

Once you’re an established authority, people in cooking-related industries will take you seriously.

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Cooking Blog

Now that you've discovered various ways to monetize your cooking blog, here's a bonus tip:

Use multiple methods to make money!

Diversifying your income is key to securing your blog's future.

If you combine affiliate marketing, display ads, and sell your own products, you'll be better prepared for any changes in commission rates.

This strategy, along with your hard work and smart planning, will set you on the right path to earning what your blog truly deserves.

Why You Should Trust Our Cooking Blogging Content

You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about cooking blogging?"

Quite a lot, actually.

Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful cooking blog:

We've Built Wildly Successful Blogs

Lasso is built for affiliate marketers, by affiliate marketers. We're not gurus; we've walked the walk.

Our team members have built multiple blogs from the ground up, some of them earning over seven figures in revenue.

We put that experience into every guide we write, so you can trust we're giving you a process that works.

We Talk To Cooking Bloggers Every Day

Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of cooking blogs.

Our team supports those bloggers every day as they create awesome content and earn lots of money.

These communications give us a bird's-eye view of what's new in the cooking industry. We take that information and use it to keep these guides as up-to-date and accurate as possible.

We're Super Nerds

We've put a lot of company focus into learning everything we can about blogging, affiliate marketing, SEO, and anything to do with online entrepreneurship.

We attend conferences, collect high-level contacts, read tons of books, and distill all of that information into our content. We pass information onto you that was previously only available to industry insiders.