Starting a recipe blog can feel overwhelming at first. You have to register a domain, set up WordPress, and learn how to write and publish posts.
But once you nail the basics, it's time to dive into the fun part: monetizing your recipe blog!
No matter if you’re just starting out or already a seasoned chef blogger, these tips will help you turn your passion into profit.
Let’s break down some exciting ways to make money with your food blog!
Why You Can Trust Our Recipe Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many recipe blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their recipe blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for recipe 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.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
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 Recipe Bloggers
If you're diving into the world of recipe blogging, recommending the right affiliate products can really boost your income. Here’s a list of some great affiliate products to consider:
- Cookbooks: They offer new ideas and inspiration for your readers, leading to higher engagement.
- Kitchen gadgets: Unique tools can make cooking easier and more fun. Think blenders, spiralizers, or air fryers.
- Food subscriptions: Meal kit deliveries or snack boxes keep your content fresh while providing convenience to your followers.
- Cooking classes: Online classes can teach new skills, making your audience feel like they’re part of an experience.
- Cooking utensils: Quality utensils like knives or cutting boards are always in demand among food enthusiasts.
Here are some reasons to recommend these types of products:
- Recurring interest: Many readers look for fresh ideas and products to enhance their cooking.
- Diversified income: Different products target various aspects of cooking, broadening your affiliate potential.
- Partnerships with brands: Collaborating with reputable brands can enhance your blog's credibility.
- Value to readers: Educating your audience about useful products is a service in itself, building loyalty.
- Visual appeal: Many kitchen products can make your blog more visually appealing and engaging.
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 recipe 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 recipe bloggers:
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Commission Rate: 5% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
The Rachael Ray Store sells a beautiful assortment of cookware, cookbooks, dinnerware, bakeware, and more.
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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.
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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!
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best cooking affiliate programs.
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 Recipe 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 recipe blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your recipe site, sign up for Lasso today.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Recipe Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a great way for recipe bloggers to monetize their passion. You can promote kitchen gadgets, cooking classes, or even food subscription services while sharing your favorite recipes. It's a win-win; you provide value and earn a commission on sales.
However, it’s not all roses. The competition is fierce, and you’ll need to build a loyal audience. If your readers don’t trust your recommendations, they won’t click through. Authenticity is key! Plus, some affiliate programs can have strict guidelines, which may limit your creative freedom.
Another downside is the income can be unpredictable. Some months may bring in great earnings, while others might be slow. It’s essential to diversify your income streams to reduce the risk. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, even when things are going well!
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your recipe blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Recipe Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a recipe 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
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
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.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Recipe Bloggers
Display ads can be a mixed bag for recipe bloggers. On one hand, they can provide a steady stream of income. When placed strategically, these ads can seamlessly blend with your content, attracting clicks without overwhelming your readers.
However, there are downsides. Too many ads can bog down your site’s loading speed, leading to frustrated visitors. Additionally, if ads are not relevant to your audience, they might detract from the user experience, pushing readers away from your recipes.
You also need to consider the visual aspect. Ads can sometimes distract from your beautiful food photos. A cluttered page may turn off potential followers who are looking for a clean, appealing layout.
In the end, balance is key. Careful placement and choosing the right ad networks can enhance your blog's revenue without compromising the quality of your content. It’s all about finding what works for you and your readers.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the recipe niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your recipe blog that the customer will receive via download.
Digital Products to Sell on a Recipe Blog:
- Recipe E-Books: Curate collections of themed recipes, like quick weeknight dinners or seasonal desserts. Make it easy for readers to access your best content in one place!
- Meal Plan Templates: Create customizable meal planners to help your audience organize their week. Offer shopping lists and prep tips to make meals a breeze.
- Cooking Classes: Offer online classes or workshops. Teach specific skills like baking, meal prepping, or international cuisines, giving your readers a chance to learn from you live.
- Printable Recipe Cards: Design beautiful, printable cards for your readers to keep their favorite recipes handy in the kitchen. Make them aesthetically pleasing and easy to use!
- Kitchen Guides: Provide comprehensive guides on topics like spice pairings or cooking techniques. These can be great reference materials for both novice and experienced cooks.
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 Recipe Bloggers
When recipe bloggers consider selling digital products, there are several pros. First off, the initial investment is low. You don't need inventory or physical storage, just a good recipe and a PDF format. This makes it easy to get started.
Another advantage is the potential for passive income. Once you create and upload your product, it can keep selling with minimal effort. This provides a great way to monetize your existing audience without constantly needing fresh content.
How To Monetize a Recipe 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:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
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.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
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 recipe 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 recipe blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for recipe bloggers.
How to Monetize a Recipe Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a direct line of communication between you and your readers. They offer a chance to cultivate a loyal audience and keep them engaged with your latest recipes, cooking tips, and personal stories. For recipe bloggers, this is especially beneficial, as readers can receive one-of-a-kind content right in their inboxes, making them more likely to revisit your blog. This section will discuss how to enhance this engagement and monetize it effectively.
To start monetizing through your email newsletter, focus on building a substantial subscriber list. Offer a free recipe ebook, exclusive cooking tips, or printable meal planners as incentives for signing up. By delivering valuable content, you keep subscribers interested and encourage shares and referrals, expanding your reach. A wider audience typically translates into more opportunities for monetization, whether through advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate links.
Next, consider incorporating affiliate marketing into your newsletters. Share products you love, such as kitchen tools, cookbooks, or gourmet ingredients. By promoting these in your newsletters, not only do you provide value, but you also earn a commission on each sale made through your referral links. Make sure to share honest reviews and personal experiences to build trust with your audience. Transparency goes a long way in developing a loyal following.
Lastly, use your newsletter to keep your audience updated on promotions, new blog posts, and any cooking classes or webinars you might be offering. This builds a sense of community among your readers. When they feel involved, they're more likely to invest in products you recommend or services you offer. You can even occasionally include a sponsored recipe or cooking kit that aligns with the interests of your subscribers. This blend of genuine content and monetization strategies can create a rewarding cycle.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Recipe Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct communication: Email allows immediate reach to your audience, making them feel valued and connected.
- High engagement: Subscribers are typically more engaged, leading to higher open rates compared to social media platforms.
- Monetization opportunities: Offers like affiliate links and sponsored content can be seamlessly integrated into your newsletters.
- Builds community: Regular updates create a loyal readership that is more likely to support your brand.
- Cons:
- List maintenance: Keeping your email list clean and up-to-date requires ongoing effort and time.
- Spam concerns: If readers feel overwhelmed, they may unsubscribe or mark your emails as spam, hurting your deliverability.
- Content demand: You need to consistently create quality content to keep subscribers interested, which can be time-consuming.
- Variable performance: Not every email campaign will be successful, requiring experimentation and adaptation.
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 recipe 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 Recipe Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a recipe 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.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
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 Recipe Bloggers
One major pro of selling consulting services for recipe bloggers is the potential for increased income. Many food bloggers struggle to monetize their platforms effectively. By offering consulting, they can leverage their expertise and charge for it, creating a new revenue stream.
Another advantage is the opportunity to establish authority. When recipe bloggers provide consulting, they position themselves as experts in the culinary niche. This can attract more followers to their blogs and enhance their brand recognition.
However, there are cons to consider. The demand for consulting can be inconsistent, leading to unpredictable income. Additionally, it requires substantial time and effort to build a client base, which can distract from content creation.
Lastly, setting clear boundaries is important. Some clients may have unrealistic expectations, making the consulting process stressful. So, it’s crucial for bloggers to manage these relationships carefully, ensuring they maintain their passion for cooking and sharing delicious recipes.
Supercharge your earnings with Lasso. Create no-code product Displays and Tables that convert, find and fix broken links, and gain valuable business insights with revenue analytics.
Learn MoreRecipe Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Recipe Blogging?
If you want to build a successful recipe 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 Recipe Blogging?
Absolutely! Some recipe 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 Recipe Blog?
Learning how to start a recipe 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 Recipe Bloggers Get Paid?
Most recipe 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 recipe bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Recipe Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean recipe blogging isn’t fun.
As a recipe 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 Recipe Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a recipe 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 recipe-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Recipe Blog
Now that you’ve learned how to monetize your recipe blog, here's a bonus tip for you:
Use a mix of different income streams!
Diversifying is key to keeping your blog strong. If you rely on just one method, you could be at risk.
Whether it's affiliate links, display ads, or selling your own goodies, having multiple ways to make money gives you a safety net.
With this approach and a bit of hard work, you'll be set for success!
Why You Should Trust Our Recipe Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about recipe blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful recipe 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 Recipe Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of recipe 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 recipe 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.
