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*Disclaimer: Before I begin my Bites to Grow Your Blog series, I must disclose that I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing/advertising, but no professional background in technology, photography, or writing.
To celebrate Sally’s Baking Addiction’s 1st birthday, I am throwing together a series of posts dedicated to my readers who are eager to start their own blog. It is also dedicated to readers who are looking to grow their own blogs and market themselves. All of my thoughts and advice are merely things I have learned in the past year and strategies that I’ve used to get to this point.
Getting started with the tech stuff of a blog. Oy. How boring, right? But the tech stuff is backbone of your blog, so listen up.
Exactly 1 year ago I decided to create a recipe blog. I posted pictures of my cookies and cupcakes on facebook all the time - each picture resulted in an email or message from a friend asking for the recipe. I followed blogs myself and loved the idea of using a blog as a way to share my recipes. A personal little online outlet for cookies, if you will.
I love to write, I love to take pictures, and I love to bake. A baking blog was my destiny. But how on earth do I create one?
I went to my friend and very talented photographer Harper for advice (hi Harper!). She has a photography website and a personal blog. She told me I had a few options as far as platforms go – WordPress, Google Blogger, TypePad, etc. I didn’t know much about any of them but researched around and chose WordPress.com as my hosted blogging platform. This means my website’s URL was initially www.sallysbakingaddiction.wordpress.com.
There is a very big difference between a hosted blog and a self-hosted blog.
The hosted solution is where a company houses and maintains your blog on its servers. It frees you from the stress of manually backing up your site and updating your software. And it’s free. Not knowing how much time I’d have to dedicate to Sally’s Baking Addiction, I chose the hosted solution.
Within four months, I wanted more leverage, more design control, more freedom, and the ability to install third party advertising on my site so I could make money. I wanted a more professional URL (without the .wordpress) and I wanted to own my domain - sallysbakingaddiction.com. I wanted the ability to install my own plug-ins, which are the little bells and whistles you see around these parts – like my slideshow above (more on that below). I purchased my own domain before switching to a self-hosted solution, though – which is possible through godaddy.com.
After 4 months using wordpress.com to host my blog, I transferred to a self-hosted blog through wordpress.org in April 2012 so I could allow my blog to really take off.
There is no right or wrong choice when you are considering a hosted blog or a self-hosted blog. It all depends on what your blogging goals are. To take total control of your blog with endless customizations, a custom domain, and so many plug-ins to choose from – I highly suggest bypassing the hosted option and head straight for self-hosting.
I self-hosted my website through Bluehost for the first year. Bluehost has the cheapest prices around and you can register your domain name for FREE. I paid $6.95 per month to host my site. The whole hosting-domain stuff can be quite confusing at first, but Bluehost will be more than happy to walk you through anything.
**Edited to add (December 2012): I now use Servint for my hosting solution. Bluehost is a wonderful option to get started in the self-hosted scene. Once I reached 25K+ views per day, I had to make a switch to a larger server.
To self-host your blog, you need a server like BlueHost or Servint AND you need to install a blogging software.
Installing and configuring your own blogging software is very serious stuff to understand and to implement. To save myself from the headache trying to figure out .zip files and configure scripts (what does that even mean???), I hired help. Wordpress.org does offer a 5-minute install guide but even step 1 is gibberish to me. To avoid completely breaking my blog, I paid for help and a seamless transition. Worth EVERY single penny.
My designer transferred the host and redesigned Sally’s Baking Addiction in April 2012.
My stats and page views tripled in May and have exponentially increased ever since:
For WordPress users – once your blog is self-hosted, you’ll be able to add in little bells and whistles all over your pages. These are called “plug-ins” and they can extend the functionality of your blog. They’re so many available and are completely free.
My favorite WordPress plug-ins include:
Akismet – Akismet guards my blog from spam comments. As your site grows, this plug-in is crucial or else you will be monitoring hundreds of spam comments on your own. That would stink!
Smooth Slider - the little slideshow of recipes you see at the top of my page? That was created through the plug-in called Smooth Slider. With customizable backgrounds, slide intervals, size, and fonts, this tool is a slick way to advertise your posts and pages.
Comment Reply Notification - the most important plug-in I have, no questions asked. When a comment or question is left on my blog, more often than not I have a response or a thank you to say. Installing this plug-in will allow the reader to receive an email when I respond to their comment, rather than having the reader check back on the post. It’s most convenient for my readers and is a handy way to extend the conversation.
Related Posts Thumbnails - the bottom of each of my posts always have 3 tiny thumbnails with links to similar posts or recipes. Based on the recipe category, similar posts are chosen at random to display at the bottom. It’s another easy & effortless tool to advertise your other posts.
As far as post schedules go – I have to admit that I currently do not follow a strict one. But I do believe being on a regimented blogging schedule is important for time management and for loyal readership.
I typically post 4 times per week, with an occasional personal post or recipe-round up post. I do not post on weekends, although I will throw in a Saturday or Sunday post if I have an extra recipe to share that week. I write my posts in the evening and weekends and plan out which recipes will go live on which days. Four posts per week is all that my schedule can allow at this point.
Consistency, I believe, is more important than frequency. My readers can depend on a certain number of posts per week and that is what matters most.
{sparkling jumbo blueberry muffins}
Two things to consider as you start your blog:
Dedication – how dedicated are you to your new blog? I was not sure if the whole blogging thing would work out for me given my schedule limitations and commitments. I have a full time career, a commitment to running, yoga, my family, friends, boyfriend, and our dog. Within a few months, I realized how much I enjoy blogging and how much time I am willing to dedicate to it. I immediately wanted to take it to the next level. I do wish that I began my blog as a self-hosted site, but starting with a free blog from wordpress.com allowed me to get my feet wet before taking the self-hosting plunge.
Budget – if you are looking to significantly increase your traffic and really make a career out of blogging, you’re going to have to make an investment in your site. Paying for a web designer, paying for Bluehost, paying for technical support, etc. You may, of course, design and maintain your blog on your own but being quite tech-clueless, I opted to pay for help. If you truly dedicate yourself to your blog, this money will be paid back to you plus more. Trust me.
Don’t let the millions of other bloggers out there intimidate you as you take the blogging plunge. What began as a mere way to share my recipes with my friends has grown into something that now means the world to me. I still remember the first day I reached 100 site views. Then 1,000. And it still makes me smile to read an email, a picture, or a comment from a reader saying they made and enjoyed one of my recipes. It takes a lot of time and effort to grow your blog and the journey is far from over!
Be sure to check back over the next few weeks as I post the rest of my “Bites for Growing Your Blog” series. Coming up:
- Being Present & Personable on your Blog -> being genuine goes a long way.
- Blog Content & Strategies -> what to write and how to write it.
- Photography -> #1 way to grow - people eat with their eyes.
- Social Media & Marketing -> smart ways to market your blog.
Here are some helpful links that have helped me along the way:
- Blogging 101 by Averie Cooks. Also Blogging 102, Blogging 103, Blogging 104, and Blogging 105.
- Useful Tips for Emerging Food Bloggers by The Hungry Australian. Over 100 helpful links for food bloggers on this post! I visit it daily.
- Resources for Food Bloggers by Pinch of Yum – so helpful & easy to understand!
- 10 Real-Talk Blog Tips by Joy the Baker
- Food Blogging by David Lebovitz
- How to Start a Food Blog by The Last Appetite
- How To Start a Food Blog, part 2 by The Last Appetite
- Food Blogging Do’s and Don’ts by Delicious Days
- How to Start a Food Blog by The Amateur Gourmet
- Top 20 Food Blogging Tips for Beginners by Savory Simple
- Food Blogging 101 by Eat The Love
- Ten (Super Rad) Blog Post Ideas by Joy The Baker
- Ten Important Things I’ve Learned About Blogging by the Pioneer Woman
- How to Start a Food Blog by A Sweet Pea Chef
- How to Start a Food Blog by Burnt Carrots (how-to on installing wordpress software)
- How to Choose a Blogging Platform by A Sweet Pea Chef
- 10 Commandments to Successful Blogging by Daily Blog Tips
- 10 Attributes of a Successful Blogger by Daily Blog Tips
- The Cost of Food Blogging by Bakers Royale
- Tips to Make Your WordPress Blog Look Yummy by The WordPress Experts
- How to Create a Fabulous Food Blog by Women Get Social
- How to Start a Food Blog in Five Simple Steps by Slender Kitchen
- 17 Ways to Grow Your Blog From Top Bloggers by Social Media Examiner
- The Essential Guide to Growing Your Blog on Minimal Time by Problogger
- Starting a Blog by Avocado Pesto
- How To Make Your Food Blog Popular by Amateur Gourmet
- Beginners Guide to Food Blogging – by the Food Channel
Have any more questions? Let me know!
{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, what a post! Thanks for all the linky love, for starters.
And I am in awe of how much you’ve grown your blog and in just one year. When I started food blogging, I had no idea that I’d not only need to know how to cook, but minor(s) in photography, journalism, computer programming, or advertising/marketing; or a combo of any or all of them – would also be helpful! It’s amazing how blogging forces you to ‘learn on the job’ with all these things.
Totally agree about comment reply notification and I am amazed that not everyone has it! I sometimes go back to sites, only to randomly discover month(s) later the person replied to me and it was just by accident I figured it out. All that time spent on comments back to readers, you want to make sure they’re actually seeing them!
And I am also amazed you can still use Bluehost and that you haven’t outgrown a 6.95 plan. That is so sweet$$
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..20 Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanks for being my #1 supporter, ALWAYS, Averie. You have helped me troubleshoot the basics, the hard stuff, photography, recipes, writing, etc. It’s all meant a lot to me and you are welcome for the link love! I’ve found your blogging series incredibly helpful! I wish I took photography classes in college and even a computer tech class too. Sometimes I do feel lost!
And I am glad I haven’t outgrown Bluehost yet, that is for sure!
Wow, thank you! That was a HUGE help! I have been considering getting my own domain. i would like to do it but don’t have the time or energy right now to do the full site makeover, but maybe one day. It was super helpful to read about your plug ins. I use wordpress have always wondered what that meant and as I’m sure you can tell almost 2 years in my blog is at its simpliest. I tried at one point to make some changes but it turned into a bit of a mess. It’s on my list of things to do to get back in and explore some more! Looking forwrad to reading what is to come!
luv what you do recently posted..Kitchen Sink Peanut Butter Cookies (3 Ways)
I’m so glad this was helpful! A full site makeover isn’t always necessary but for my blogging gols – I knew I needed some help! I never try to fix somethign on my blog myself – I ahve heard nightmare stories about sites crashing because of that!
Sally – I’m so thrilled that you are doing this. These tips so helpful, even for those of us who are not so new to blogging. I use Bluehost as well, and have been so happy. I had all sorts of trouble at the beginning, and found their support to be incredibly helpful! Looking forward to the rest of your posts this week!!
Jess recently posted..Twice-Baked Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Pecans, and Parmesan
Jess, I am so glad this is helpful for even bloggers like you. I had and still do have a lot of trouble sometimes, and I know these posts are worth their weight in gold for beginners. Thank you so much for your support, always.
PS. I JUST installed the Comment Reply Notification Plug-in! I always wondered how you did that. Great advice!
The BEST plug-in. I always forget to check back on my favorite blogs to see if blogger’s responded.Comment Reply Notification makes it so easy for readers!
Thank you for such an informative and helpful post! I am in the start-up phase with my blog, so I’m anxious to read more from you since I have no idea of where to go next. I really appreciate the tips!
I am very, very glad to hear that Dana! I know how difficult it is in the beginning – and how hard it is for me still. good luck with everything!
You are spot-on with a lot of your advice, some of it I knew and some I didn’t so I’m glad you shared this. Thanks!!
P.s. I also use that akismet and it’s a life saver
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Let’s Talk Turkey
Askimet is a lifesaver! And so glad you found a few things helpful.
Thanks for the shout-out Sally! I’m so proud of how far you’ve come in such a short time, and it’s incredible that you’re willing to share all of your start-up tips. You are amazing!! xoxo
Harper recently posted..Instagram photos: September & October
THANK YOU Harps! For all your help! I miss you and hope you and matt have a wonderful thanksgiving!!
think that is the best article thet i have read
travel recently posted..Rio de Janeiro
Why do you think becoming self hosted and having a new design made your traffic increase so much? I have been self hosted from the beginning and had someone do all the technical stuff. While I wish there was a magic bullet, Sally, I think your blog and it’s growth is kind of unexplainable. It’s truly incredible.
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Pear Bundt Cake with Creme Anglaise
Thanks Laura! While there are a lot of factors behind a blog’s growth – the writing, the recipes, the layout, the photos, the personality (all items I am touching on in this series of posts), I do feel that having a website professionally designed and therefore granting me more control over the look, features, and hosting do play a large role in my own blog’s success. Of course, not every blog needs a professional website design and I admire many blogs who are hosting through wordpress using its themes, but my blog’s stats can visably prove that May 2012 (after my redesign) was the starting point for its growth. Thank you for your support, as always!
Thanks so much, Sal! You are motivating me to take that plunge to self-hosted. I appreciate you putting all you’ve learned out there for the rest of us. You’re a peach
Julie recently posted..Lighten Up! Ham and Spinach Quiche
let me know if you need help with the transition to self hosting – Cory did most of it for me, but there were some things I had to teach myself tackle after it was all done!
Thank you!
Julie recently posted..Lighten Up! Ham and Spinach Quiche
Sally, I am so excited for this series. I went into blogging blind (not knowing any bloggers for start up help) and grabbed Blogger. It seems like everyone is moving to WordPress and I’ve been nervous about the investment, but I do want to make blogging an income. I’m really looking forward to the next posts. I’ll be pinning it all. I’ll be reading the photography post with bells on! I think your pictures are fantastic. I just got a DSLR camera and am looking for every possible note and trick I can get my hands on to start taking really good pictures. And you’re swell and I completely adore your blog.
Julie @White Lights on Wednesday recently posted..White Chocolate Pumpkin Popcorn
Hi Julie! THANK YOU for all the kind words and support. You and i go way back – I remember following your blog in the beginning.
I don’t have any experience with Blogger, but I know that WP has been a dream. I’m very pleased with it. Switching over to a self hosted blog is most definitely an investment, but it is very very worth it – at least to me it was. Can’t wait to share some photo tips and tricks later in the series. 
You are so awesome! Thank you so much for doing this! It’s nice to see success come to the people that deserve it.
Hi Andrea! Thank you so the nice comment! That really means a lot to me, so thank you.
Love all of the links! So much useful information!! Can’t wait to see the other posts
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection recently posted..Apple Cream Cheese Muffins
All of the links are ones which I have read over and over again – so helpful!
Thank you for the post! I am just starting out and although my blog isn’t 100% food focused, I already know that your beginner series is going to be super helpful!
Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted..Secret Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls
I am glad to hear that Becky! I hope that I can still be helpful – a lot of the things in the next post are not necessarily for food bloggers, but ALL bloggers.
This is brilliant Sally, thank you so much for the brilliant advice
I’ve only been blogging for just over a month, but I’m fairly certain I want to make the jump from hosted to self-hosted soon! 
Joy recently posted..Cinnamon butter apple cake
Hi Joy! That is a great idea. While so many blogs are successful hosted through WP or another server, I feel self-hosting is a must if you have big dreams for your blog! I am always happy to help
Sally, What a great post!! You covered so much information and I cannot wait to see what you post about next!! I am really debating right now between buying a dslr or getting my page done… I really want both but realistically with Christmas just around the corner I think I should stick to one! Any thoughts?
Elizabeth recently posted..Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
A new site design would ultimately be cheaper than a new DSLR. However, pictures are the bread and butter of a food blog and from my experience, I have learned that the only way to get readers to notice your blog and have them stay is to have very beautiful photos. Photography is a never ending lesson for me and I try to improve with each photoshoot – but I do know that my blog would not have many views if my photography wasn’t up to par. I would suggest going with a DSLR and then redesigning your site after, if you are in the market for both. By the way, I think your blog is adorable Elizabeth! I love all the hot pink
Thanks for your input! Happy Thanksgiving
Elizabeth recently posted..Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
This is such a helpful post! I definitely have to make some changes to my blog now
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Southwest Quinoa Sliders with Avocado Cream Sauce
i think Damn Delicious is Damn Wonderful as is
Oh and btw, my budget has gone through the roof for this blog! I need to find ways to cut down!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Southwest Quinoa Sliders with Avocado Cream Sauce
I can hardly believe your blog is only one year old!
My wee little blog is just a couple months old, so these tips are really helpful to me. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
Do you ever think about quitting your full-time job to go full-time with baking? I’m just finishing college this semester, and I don’t really desire to have a “career.” I love making food and often think about further pursuing that passion– whether it’s opening a bakery, starting a mini catering business, or something like that.
In the meantime though, I’m thoroughly enjoying my hobby, and your beautiful blog fuels my passion even more by providing me with fantastic recipes!
Thanks, Sally! You’re an inspiration.
Ali recently posted..Chewy Chocolate Cookies with Peanut Butter Chips
If you can dream it, you can do it Ali! Opening a bakery or a mini catering business sound completely doable if you really work hard at it! You sound determined.
I’m glad my post could be of some help and I wish you ALL the luck!
This is a great post, Sally! I love reading about how others have found success. And a great roundup of helpful posts too! There is always something to learn, that is for sure!
Cassie | Bake Your Day recently posted..Enjoy Life More with Del Monte | Tex-Mex Couscous Salad
I too enjoy reading about other bloggers and all their how-tos Cassie! I am still learning every day!
Thanks for including me in this post, Sally! I’ve been meaning to create something similar but I just never get around to it. A great resource.
Jen @ Savory SImple recently posted..Pumpkin Pecorino Pasta with Fried Sage
Thank YOU Jen for the helpful post! I’ve read it a handful of times!
Thank you for this post! Very helpful! I have a baking/food blog that I want to take to the next level. I just email Cory and we are chatting tomorrow
Haley recently posted..Spinach & Feta Dip
Yay Haley! I’m so glad I could put you in touch with Cory. Let me know how it all goes!!
What great tips and links, Sally. I still can’t believe you’ve only been at this for a year. Can I be you when I grow up?
Can’t WAIT to read the rest of your series!!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Pie
Can I be YOU when I grow up? Your recipes are an inspiration! Hello raspberry swirl cheesecake.. must check that out now!!
I’m totally itching to switch over to wordpress, hire some folks, etc., but I have to remind myself to focus on one thing at a time! These tips are great and all those links are priceless. Can’t wait to see what’s next…
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen recently posted..Pumpkin Monster Cookies
Yes, one thing at a time. All of my website changes occurred over a few months period – buying a new camera, web design, switching to self-hosting. I’m glad you find the links helpful!They are all articles and blog posts that have given me so much useful and handy guidance.
Awesome post with bajillions of great advice! I’m waiting eagerly on a new blog coming my way soon and can’t wait to ditch blogger. Glad to have found your place
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious recently posted..Redwood Hill Farm Goat Cheese
Hi Gerry! I am so glad this was helpful! I don’t have any experience with Blogger, but I do know that WP has been a wonderful server for me.
Sally, I thought this post was so great and I can’t wait for your next ones! I clicked on a number of the links you posted and some of them were pretty helpful, but I found that I skimmed most of them, but I really sat down and read your post word for word. This was especially helpful since I started my blog on wordpress and have been thinking about moving to self-hosting for awhile…so you totally answered a bunch of questions I had and some I didn’t even know I had! So THANK YOU!
Erika recently posted..Guest Post: Triple Chocolate Bread
Hi Erika! That is so nice to hear and I am glad that I could be helpful to you – a lot of those links/blog posts have helped me along the way,so I am glad I could pass them a long! You are SO welcome and I am always here to help!
Thanks for posting this Sally! I’m pretty new to Wordpress. I transferred from blogger and still don’t know what the heck I’m doing. My site was down overnight on Sunday because of some silly little thing I changed. I’m off to install the comment reply plug-in! Love it.
Reeni recently posted..Frosted Caramel Apple Pop-Tarts
What a great post (and site) you have here, Sally. Thanks for the awesome shout out, too. I’m so glad you found it useful. PS Thanks for the heads-up re the comment reply plug in
Christina @ The Hungry Australian recently posted..Red Bean Soup
Hi Christina! Thank YOU so much for the wonderful and very resourceful blog post – I literally visit it EVERY day. It’s saved in my favorites!
I love that you’re doing these posts now! I could really use all the help I can get in creating my own recipe site, even though it’s mostly just for fun. How do you format your recipes so that they’re printable? I still haven’t figured out how!
Thanks!
What a great post! And a fantastic groups of links. But I’ve got a bone to pick with you. My husband, who has been begging me to switch over to Wordpress, read this and now he’s going at it even harder. Thanks, Sally.
But no really, loved this post! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..Cranberry Applesauce – Even He Can Do It!
Can’t wait to read all of the posts in this series Sally! And I seriously, seriously need to switch to wordpress. Soon!!!
Kristy (Sweet Treats & More) recently posted..Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Great post and links- will save the page to browse those further when I have more time! I’m currently with Blogger and so the transition to self hosted WP scares me more…if only i’d been with WP all along (hindsight is a beautiful thing!) I am still a bit confused as to why self hosting increases traffic etc so much? I guess it must have a lot to do with all the behind the scenes techy stuff that I am clueless about!
jo @ including cake recently posted..Pineapple salsa salad
Hi Jo! Thanks for the comment and I’m glad my links could be resourceful for you! I’ve never been with Blogger before but I can speak volumes about Wordpress and how it’s really been a wonderful platform for me. Self-hosting gives you more freedom to customize your website exactly how you want it, so you are not limited to any designing, etc. Along with self-hosting (I suggest Blue Host), I also got a new blog design which really brought me to the next level. Just two things that go hand in hand.
Hey Sally,
Thanks so much for linking my “start a blog” page here! I’m flattered! Your blog is beautiful and you’ve made a ton of progress in a short amount of time! Running a blog definitely can be a lot of work but it is so rewarding and is such a great learning process. It’s crazy to look back and see what my photos were like when I first started – truly horrendous and even now I still feel like I have a ton to learn but I feel so much better about my photos now than when I started! It feels like there;s never enough time to do everything with the blog though (especially now that I am all traveling full time through Asia with my boyfriend and also running a travel blog)! Aaah always so much to do! I would love to talk more with you about advertising so if you don’t mind I’ll shoot you an email!
Vicky recently posted..Dried Tofu Salad
hi Vicky! Thank you SO much for the comment and for all of the compliments. And for your blog post – it’s very helpful.
It’s scary to look back on my photos as well, but also encouraging to think about how they can improve by this time next year. There is certianly not enough hours in a day to complete EVERYTHING I want donw tih my blog. Especially with a full time job. I am eager to chat more. Please send me an email Vicky! Thanks so much.
very nice post here are a few notes
“It frees you from the stress of manually backing up your site” – you should ALWAYS back up your site, whether it’s self hosted or not
“I wanted a more professional URL (without the .wordpress) and I wanted to own my domain” – you don’t have to be self hosted to do this. You can purchase your domain and have the wordpress.com or blogspot.com address redirect to your new domain.
Hi Nicole – thanks for your input! I owned my own domain before switching to a self-hosted solution, like I said above. However, I wanted to add plug-ins and add third party advertising through a blog network, which is why I switched to self-hosting. But yes, it is indeed possible to own a domain hosted through a blogging platform, you are correct.
Hello Sally, I have another question, I had bookmarked this post and have just come back for another browse!
I am looking to go down the self hosting route in the new year as i want to step things up a gear with my blog and think about incorporating advertising etc into my side bars. when did you decide to have advertising on your blog? Was it when you’d reached a certain level of traffic by way of unique visitors per day (that seems to be the criteria people go by?) If so, would you be able to give me an indication of how many hits per month generates what level of advertising income? I’m trying to work out how far off I am on making it worth my while. P.s if you’d prefer not to answer this question i understand. Thank you!
Hi Jo! Send me an email to discuss this. I will try my best to help you here, but the level of income and CPM varies depending on which ad network you are using. sallysbakingaddiction@gmail.com
thanks so much for sharing your information. I do have a questions – what do you think was the biggest jump in traffic for you – the new design, pics – self hosting? HELP
Heather @French Press recently posted..Peanut Butter Balls
Hi heather! The biggest jump in traffic for me was both the new design and the new camera. I got both around the same time. But I honestly think they were both a large culprit in the traffic spike for me. People eat with their eyes and if the photography isn’t appealing, I know my readers wouldn’t always come back. That’s just for me, but may not be the same for other bloggers. Once I began to get featured on foodgawker, tastespotting, and other food photography sites, my traffic also jumped. So I think it was a mix of the new, clean, professional site design and the purchase of a DSLR and teaching myself to use it. Trust, me I am still learning something new with that camera with every photoshoot. Even pictures from last month make me cringe – it’s an always changing journey!
Thank you sooo much! I have thought about starting a food blog. This was very informative. Now, if I could only decide on a name:)
Thanks June! I’m glad this can be helpful to you. The name took me a couple days – but go with whatever speaks to you. It’s YOUR internet space.
Wow. That was EXTREMELY nice of you to post this!!!
thank you so much I adore your blog and all the yummy goodness!!
Hi Doreese! I’m glad you find this helpful. Let me know if you make anything from my site. Thank you!
Hello! I just found your site through another blog, and it couldn’t be better timing! I have a blog that I just recently decided I really want to make a go of. In this post you mentioned remembering the first day your blog got over 100 views – that was yesterday for me. I know it’s nothing compared to blogs like yours but I was still super excited. I am so grateful for all this information you’re sharing – thank you so much! I just started researching options for buying my own domain and trying to customize my blog. It’s all so confusing but you spell it out nice and clearly. I was wondering, at what point do you think it is worth making the financial investment to pay per month and hire a site designer and all that? Obviously at only 100 views I’m not anywhere close to having that pay off. I’m a Dietetic Intern right now so I don’t really have any extra money, but someday when I have a job I would love to do the blogging as a second job, like you do. What kind of traffic do you think I need in order to make the financial investment worth it?
Danielle recently posted..Cottage Cheese Pizza
Hey Danielle! To be honest, I made the investment into hiring a designer before I made any money off of my website. I saved for two months, took a plunge, and it paid itself back plus more quite quickly. So it’s really not about page views, it’s just when you are ready. The page views will increase if you work hard on your newly designed site too. CONGRATS on 100 views! That’s freaking awesome!!
I’m reading through your series, Sally. This is a God-send! I have so many questions on how to grow my blog, improve photography, etc. I’m planning on a professional blog design because boy, is this stuff a lot of work! Thank you for this, and I really like your style. It’s no wonder your blog is such a success!
Marcie @ FlavortheMoments recently posted..Apricot-Coconut Granola
Hey Marcie! wow, thank you so much! A professional blog design really helped jump start my blog. I like for things to be easy, clean, simple, and pleasing to the eye. Not too much going on so readers get confused and lost. Just keep it simple! It’s definitely a lot of work to keep growing, but you can do it if you are determined.
Wow this is a helpful post for so many reasons! You have a beautiful site and thanks for sharing so much info with other bloggers. I am going to continue reading and learning. Thanks!
Holly recently posted..Brioche Rolls for #TwelveLoaves February
Hey Holly! Thank you so much for the compliment on my website. And I am always glad to share what I’ve learned with others. It’s a learning journey, for sure! Thank you =)
Well Hi Sally !
I’m following your blog but that’s the first time I comment ! I love all your recipes : your blog is such a good inspiration for me.
I am 17 years old and started my blog few weeks ago… Thoses tips are so precious for me and I am trying each day to developp my blog (if you have time, check it and tell me what you think of it !).
Your blog carrier makes me so envious and you’re such a model for me !
Hope one day my blog will be as perfect as yours !
Please continue to be such an amazing blogger !
Lots of love from France.
Sarah
Sarah / Mrs. DeYarmond recently posted..CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE // GATEAU A ETAGES AU CHOCOLAT
Hi Sarah! You are so sweet. Thank you so much for the very kind comment and compliments! Just work very hard on it. It sounds like you are quite passionate about the blog, so I know working hard won’t be a problem. I can’t wait to check it out! Thank you for reading and taking the time to write to me.
Hey Sally, thanks again for doing this series…it is great!!
I was wondering what theme you use for your blog? It is such a clean, pretty theme!
Mandie recently posted..Adonai, I’m still Waiting…
Hey Mandie! I use Thesis theme.
Thanks! Is it the “Thesis Basic” ?
Mandie recently posted..Adonai, I’m still Waiting…
Yep!
Sorry, I don’t know much about themes right now
Do you like this theme enough to recommend it?
Mandie recently posted..Adonai, I’m still Waiting…
It’s ok Mandie. It’s the most popular theme for wordpress I believe. Many, many users use it and love it. I highly recommend it.
Well, thank you so much, Sally! You are awesome!
Mandie recently posted..Adonai, I’m still Waiting…
I just found your blog today (thanks Pinterest!!). Not only am I going to attempt to make and eat almost all your recipes, but I really appreciate this series on how you got started blogging! I have a ‘for fun’ blog now that I throw whatever whenever onto and am tinkering with the idea of trying to make it into something special once I figure out which way I want to take it. I love how simply you explained things and I LOVE your photos! Moving from Wordpress.com to .org is suddenly not so completely terrifying. Consider me a BIG fan of your blog! I haven’t been this big of a blog fan since I found my dearest Pioneer Woman.
Keep up the fun, fantastic, tasty work!
Hey Jenny! What a sweet comment. Thank you so much! What would we do without Pinterest? I honestly LOVE that site. I’m glad to know that you love the way I put together my blog and each post. and the photography too! That all means SO much to me. and GOOD LUCK on your blog, wherever it takes you in life!
This blog has made my year – your care and passion are incredible, if I can write a blog even half as good as yours I’ll be completely thrilled! I’ve wanted to start up my own online bakery for months, but I think, after reading your blog and seeing your fantastic website, I’ll try blogging first and see what happens! Are all the wonderful recipes your own (so you create at least four amazing new recipes a week?)?! Where do you get the inspiration for recipes? Do you have any start-up advice? I can’t wait to get started!
Thank you so much for your inspirational website! Love from England
Hi Phoebe! Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment. Wow! It truly made my day. About 80% of the recipes you find on my website are self-developed and created by me. I draw inspiration from my family recipes, cookbooks, and magazines. Also, I’ve been baking since I was little so there are a lot of ideas floating around my head. I bake what I enjoy to eat. I create about 10 recipes per week, not all of them make it to my website. Some go into my cookbook that is due out spring 2014. I suggest pinpointing your favorite flavors and food and go from there. Test different recipes until you find what you love. Good luck!
Congrats on your 1 year anniversary! I love all the advise dispensed. I am currently on wordpress.com and will be making a change to wordpress.org. I look forward to the upcoming posts! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Thank you so much Jennifer! Good luck in the self-hosting transition.
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