The Food Blogger Pro Podcast

Generating recurring revenue through membership sites, the power of community, and how to scale your business with multiple income streams. ----- Welcome to episode 513 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Adam Sobel. Diversifying Income Series: Membership Sites with Adam Sobel In this week’s episode, Adam Sobel of Cinnamon Snail shares his journey from owning a restaurant to launching successful online cooking classes after the pandemic. He reveals how building a loyal community was key to his growth, along with using content marketing, lead magnets, and split testing to attract and convert customers. Adam also dives into how paid ads and staying adaptable in the digital world have been essential to his success. It doesn’t stop there! Adam will also talk about scaling his business with multiple income streams, including membership programs and free offers, while automating key processes to generate steady revenue. Tune in for actionable insights on growing your business in today’s digital age! Three episode takeaways: From Restaurant to Online Success: After the pandemic hit, Adam made a big shift from owning a restaurant to teaching cooking classes online. He quickly realized that building a strong community and customer loyalty was key to his growth. Smart Digital Strategies: Content marketing, lead magnets, and split testing became game-changers for Adam. He also dives into how paid ads and constantly adapting to the digital world have been crucial for attracting and converting customers. Scaling with Multiple Income Streams: By offering membership programs and leveraging free offers, Adam’s been able to create a steady stream of revenue. Automation has also helped simplify his business, making it easier to generate income while focusing on what matters most. Resources: Cinnamon SnailOpen Broadcaster Software (OBS)KitSamCartClickFunnelsThriveCartThe Ad Lab Method course by Josh CoffyThe Ecommerce Alley podcastFacebook’s Advantage+ shopping campaignsGillian Perkins’s podcast: Work Less, Earn MoreRussell Brunson’s podcast, The Russell Brunson ShowMighty NetworksCircleInstagramFacebookJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Cookie Finance. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Balancing creativity and consistency, maximizing productivity, and navigating food trends with RIz Asad from Chocolates and Chai. ----- Welcome to episode 512 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Rizwan Asad from Chocolates and Chai. How to Balance Creativity and Consistency in Blogging This week, we’re chatting with Riz from Chocolates and Chai, who shares some amazing insights on balancing creativity with monetization. It can feel like a compromise when you’re trying to make money from your blog, but Riz breaks down how ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and licensing can actually work together with your content without sacrificing quality! Riz also drops some valuable tips on staying efficient and consistent in your content creation. You’ll also hear him talk about how jumping on popular topics, like viral TikTok recipes, can really up your visibility and engagement. Lastly, we dive into the importance of finding your niche — understanding who your audience is and carving out a space that’s uniquely yours is the key to long-term success while staying true to your creative passion. You won’t want to miss this episode! Three episode takeaways: Balancing Creativity and Consistency: Finding the sweet spot between staying true to your creative vision and consistently putting out content is essential for long-term success. Building trust with your audience while keeping things fresh and true to your style is key here! Maximizing Productivity: If you’re juggling a full-time job or managing the pressures of blogging, Riz has been there and says that batching tasks and minimizing distractions can significantly boost your efficiency. Staying organized will help you keep the content flowing without burning out! Navigating Trends and Monetization: Keeping an eye on trends, like those on TikTok, can help boost your content’s visibility. And while monetizing a blog can feel tricky or like you’re compromising your creativity, finding a balance that allows you to make money while staying true to what you love doing is possible. Resources: Riz’s food blog, Chocolates and ChaiHow to Read a Recipe Post from Chocolates and ChaiEOS — Entrepreneurial Operating SystemDubai Chocolate Bar from Chocolates and Chai Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes from Chocolates and ChaiGoogle Year in Search 2023 Instagram ReelGoogle Year in Search 2023 YouTube Short Episode 505 of The Food Blogger Pro podcast: Maximizing Affiliate Revenue with Deep Linking Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal NewportSend Riz an email!InstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Clariti and Cookie Finance. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Finding success as a personal brand, balancing creative work with financial sustainability, and leaving YouTube for Substack with Carla Lalli Music. ----- Welcome to episode 511 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Carla Lalli Music. The Cost of Content and Why Carla Lalli Music left YouTube Carla Lalli Music has been a fixture of food media for the last 15 years, including six years as the Food Director of Bon Appetit. You might also know Carla from her incredibly popular YouTube series, Carla’s Cooking Show, her two cookbooks (with a third one in the works!), or her Substack newsletter, Food Processing. In this interview, Carla dives into her recent viral Substack post about her decision to leave YouTube, including her transparent breakdown of the costs of creating content on YouTube (spoiler alert: she was losing money). Carla also explains more about why she doesn’t create recipes for SEO and how she uses connection with her audience as her north star when making business decisions. Three episode takeaways: How to find success as a personal brand The challenges of balancing creative work with financial sustainability — Despite the joy she (initially) found when making YouTube videos for her channel and a team she loved collaborating with, the financial reality of her video production costs ($3500 per video) and the declining and limited revenue from Google ads led Carla to reevaluate her place on the platform. In addition, the tight production schedule required to produce four high-quality recipe videos a month left Carla with little bandwidth to create content for Substack or her upcoming cookbook. How to recognize when something is no longer serving you or your business — After producing 177 full-length episodes for Carla’s Cooking Show, Carla’s decision to step away from YouTube was ultimately a choice based on finances, psychological toll, limited bandwidth, and diminishing returns. Carla and Bjork discuss the sustainability of content creation on platforms like YouTube and how creators have to analyze what is moving the needle in their business and, ultimately, what kind of creator they want to be. Resources: Carla Lalli MusicFood ProcessingBon AppetitOmega The True Costs of Being on YouTubeThat Sounds So Good: 100 Real-Life Recipes for Every Day of the Week: A CookbookInstagramYouTubeJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Clariti. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Reinventing your brand, transitioning from self-publishing to traditional publishing, and developing a cookbook for a fan base with Chelsea Cole from A Duck's Oven. ----- Welcome to episode 510 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, we are welcoming back Chelsea Cole from A Duck’s Oven. Publishing a Fan Cookbook for A Court of Thorns and Roses This is Chelsea’s third (!!!) appearance on the podcast and we’re thrilled to have her back. In her previous two interviews, she has shared her wisdom on self-publishing and creating content within her sous-vide niche. But today she is back on the podcast with a bit of a 180 — to discuss her first traditionally published cookbook in a totally different niche — a fan cookbook for the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. In this interview, Bjork and Chelsea discuss cookbook publishing and how it can be a part of your overall business strategy. Chelsea also shares how she chose the subject matter for her new cookbook and what it was like to write and develop a cookbook for a (very devoted) fan base, all while giving birth to and raising her first child! Chelsea also explains more about the royalty structure for cookbooks, how cookbooks can be a source of passive income for food creators, and how she is thinking about her current reinvention as a food creator. Three episode takeaways: How to negotiate your cookbook contractHow to approach testing new ideas with your audienceThe pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing Resources: A Duck’s Oven A Feast of Thorns and Roses: The Unofficial Cookbook of a Court of Thorns and Roses187: How to Self-Publish Your Own Cookbook with Chelsea Cole364: Self-Publishing a Cookbook as an Online Food Creator with Chelsea Cole Everyday Sous Vide: It’s All French to MeSous Vide Meal PrepThe Cookbook Lab The Unofficial Sims Cookbook: From Baked Alaska to Silly Gummy Bear Pancakes, 85+ Recipes to Satisfy the Hunger NeedA Court of Thorns and RosesThe Ekus Group 391: Behind the Scenes of the Cookbook Publishing Process with Sally EkusInsight EditionsSimon & SchusterThe Personal MBA Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative BattlesSnackdiveInstagramFacebookJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by KeySearch and Clariti. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Prioritizing providing authentic value to your readers, updating old content, and choosing the right marketing channels for your content with Elena Davis from Cucina by Elena. ----- Welcome to episode 509 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Elena Davis from Cucina by Elena. Creating Reader-First Content and Growing to 800,000 Monthly Page Views with Elena Davis We are so excited to welcome back Elena Davis to the podcast this week. When we first chatted with Elena in 2022, she had just hit 100,000 page views and qualified for Mediavine. Three years later, Elena’s site, Cucina by Elena, gets over 800,000 monthly page views! But her journey to get there has not been without it’s challenges. In this interview, Elena catches us up on the last few years of her business — including a major traffic decline in 2023 (and how she recovered from it) and how her mindset around her business, and the value she provides to her community, has changed. Three episode takeaways: Resources: Cucina by Elena372: How Elena Davis Went From 20k to 100k+ Monthly Pageviews and Got Accepted Into MediavineTopHatRankClariti Traditional Panettone RecipeKitManychatGrocer’s ListPinch of YumSimply RecipesInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Understanding active passive income, creating authentic content, and navigating brand partnerships with Britney-Brown Chamberlain from Britney Breaks Bread. ----- Welcome to episode 508 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Britney Brown-Chamberlain from Britney Breaks Bread. How Britney-Brown Chamberlain Grew Her Food Blog to a $20K/month Business This week’s podcast features Britney Brown-Chamberlain of Britney Breaks Bread, who shares her inspiring journey from a $200/month blog to a $20,000/month business. Britney discusses the strategic approach to “active passive income,” offering practical advice on SEO, trend analysis, and maximizing online revenue. Britney also dives into the power of authenticity and how it plays a huge role in building a loyal following. She shares her social media strategies, how she balances creating content she loves with what her audience craves, and the importance of high-quality content that reflects her unique style. Plus, she goes beyond blogging and talk cookbooks (yep, she wrote one!), brand partnerships, and the difference between marketing content vs. a physical product. Be sure to tune in to learn more about how to take your blog to the next level! Three episode takeaways: How Britney Went From $200 to $20k: Britney shares her journey from a $200/month side project to a $20,000/month business, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and execution. She discusses the concept of “active passive income” and how it has fueled her success, along with practical tips for SEO, keyword research, and capitalizing on seasonal trends. The Power of Authenticity: Britney emphasizes the critical role of authentic content creation in building a loyal audience. She also explores the importance of social media marketing, email list building, and fostering genuine engagement to expand reach and cultivate a thriving community. Going Beyond the Blog: Beyond blogging, Britney discusses her experiences with writing a cookbook, navigating brand partnerships, and the nuances of product versus content marketing. She’ll also dive into the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Resources: Britney Breaks BreadSweet Tea and ThymeMedia WyseTop Hat RankEpisode 360 of The Food Blogger Pro podcast: How Eden Westbrook Shifted Her Mindset and Became a Full-Time Food BloggerInterview with Eden and Arson 11:10February’s Live Q&A with Casey Markee: State of SEOKeySearchSemrushBake from Scratch Magazine Episode 502 of The Food Blogger Pro podcast: Finance Mini-Series: How to Become a Sponsor Magnet with Justin MooreSponsor Magnet by Justin MooreBritney’s cookbook, Bake Until Golden BrownInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by KeySearch. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Building a full-time business as a food creator over the course of eight years, understanding your 'why,' and meeting your goals with Alexandra Shytsman from The New Baguette. ----- Welcome to episode 507 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Alexandra Shytsman from The New Baguette. Key Strategies for Taking Your Blog Full-Time In this podcast episode, Alexandra shares the ins and outs of becoming a full-time food creator and her reflections on what she would have done differently to meet her goals more quickly if she had the chance to start over. Alexandra breaks down the strategies and decisions that have moved the needle over the years — from projecting expenses and investing in courses or audits to building a community of fellow food creators and batching your time. It’s a really practical and inspiring episode for beginner food bloggers looking to take your food blog to the next level! Three episode takeaways: Resources: The New BaguetteMediavineQuickBooksMonarchStart with why – Simon Sinek | TEDxPugetSound390: Overcoming Burnout and Building a Successful Career as a Food Creator with Karishma PradhanHome Cooking CollectiveCurblyNotionMedia WyseCooking with KeywordsFBP Rewind: How to Increase Your Organic Traffic with Keyword Research with Aleka ShunkKeySearchInstagramSubstackEmail AlexandraJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by KeySearch. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Understanding Reddit's community dynamics, Reddit posting strategies, and how to maintain a work-life balance with Jacqueline Schell. ----- Welcome to episode 506 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Jacqueline Schell from Crafty Cookbook. How to Grow Your Audience as a Food Creator on Reddit In this episode, Jacqueline Schell from Crafty Cookbook talks all about how to navigate the world of content creation on Reddit and how to connect with like-minded people by engaging with established communities. Jacqueline also shares why authenticity is essential (Redditors are all about genuine content!), but balancing that with strategic posting can help boost your visibility. And if you struggle with time management at all, we’ve got you covered — Jacqueline will talk about how conducting time audits, setting aside dedicated time for side projects, and using mobile tools can keep you productive without burning out. Whether you’re posting on Reddit or balancing a busy content creation schedule, Jacqueline’s advice will help you stay on track and organized! Don’t miss out on this episode for practical tips on growing your online presence and keeping your workflow efficient. ✨ Three episode takeaways: Reddit’s Unique Community Dynamics: Reddit offers a unique space for content creation, but understanding Subreddit rules, community norms, and moderator roles is key. Engaging with established communities can give you valuable feedback and help grow your presence. Authenticity & Strategy Matter: Redditors appreciate personal, authentic posts, so focus on being genuine with your content. At the same time, keep in mind that strategic posting can boost visibility, and securing a subreddit name can be a smart branding move. Maintaing a Work-Life Balance as a Content Creator: Time management is crucial for content creators. Conducting time audits, scheduling side projects, and utilizing mobile tools can help you stay productive and maintain a work-life balance. Resources: Jacqueline’s blog, Crafty CookbookRedditThe r/food subredditThe r/JapaneseFood subreddit, which Jacqueline helps moderate!The r/sushi subreddit, which Jacqueline also helps moderate!The r/soup subredditClaritiThe r/smoking subredditThe r/BBQ subredditHarvest time trackingSubmit your questions for Bjork for an upcoming podcast episode here!InstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Using deep links, understanding your audience's behavior, and tracking links with Scott Allan from URLgenius. ----- Welcome to episode 505 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Scott Allan from URLgenius . Maximizing Affiliate Revenue with Deep Linking Ever wondered how to squeeze every last drop of revenue from your affiliate links? In this week’s episode, Scott Allan from URLgenius reveals how deep linking can boost affiliate sales by preventing commission losses, especially on mobile and social platforms like TikTok. It’s a game-changer for driving conversions and preventing missed opportunities. Scott also discusses the importance of understanding your audience’s app behavior to tailor your affiliate strategy, plus the power of testing and tracking links to optimize revenue. Tools like URLgenius make it easy to track, test, and tweak your links for better results — small adjustments can lead to big boosts in income! Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable tips! Three episode takeaways: Deep Linking is a Game Changer for Affiliate Sales: Using deep links in your content (especially on mobile and social media) can boost conversions and prevent lost affiliate commissions. This is key for ensuring you’re not missing out on sales, especially when users are on apps like TikTok or mobile shopping platforms. Understanding Your Audience & Their App Behavior is Crucial: Knowing how your audience shops — whether they’re on mobile or desktop, and what apps they use — can help you tailor your affiliate strategy. Influencers and creators, especially, need to be aware of app usage to maximize sales and engagement. Testing and Tracking Links to Optimize Revenue: Regularly testing different link strategies and using tools like URLgenius to track and optimize your affiliate links can help you understand what works and adjust for better results. Small tweaks can lead to bigger revenue boosts! Resources: Submit your questions for Bjork for an upcoming podcast episode hereURLgeniusAmazon Associates ProgramWalmartTargetLinktreeTikTok ShopURLgeniusJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Clariti. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Using data to navigate helpful content updates and drive social media success and taking your blog full-time with Mika Kinney from Joy to the Food. ----- Welcome to episode 504 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Mika Kinney from Joy to the Food. From 1K to 250K: The Instagram Growth Strategy That Transformed Joy to the Food Mika and her husband Dan launched their food blog, Joy to the Food, in 2021 with the goal of building a successful brand and business. Just a few years later, Mika has left her full-time job as a civil engineer, they’ve qualified for Raptive, and their Instagram following has soared to over 250,000. In this interview, Mika reveals the exact strategies that fueled her rapid growth—from 1,000 to 250,000 followers on Instagram in just one year. She also shares how they’ve weathered the recent Helpful Content Updates and come out stronger, plus how she leverages analytics to drive key decisions. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone eager to supercharge their social media strategy in 2025 or seeking affirmation that they, too, can transform their food blog into a full-time career with the right approach. Three episode takeaways: Resources: Joy to the FoodRankIQManyChatGrocers ListJoy to the Food High Protein Meal PlansSubstackInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Treating your blog like a business, choosing a business structure, and growing your income with Ansley Beutler ----- Welcome to episode 503 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Ansley Beutler from Peach Perfect Financials — this is the fourth and final episode of our finance mini-series! Finance Mini-Series: Smart Money Habits for Bloggers with Ansley Beutler In this episode, Ansley spills the tea on all things finances – from the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping and taxes to smart ways to grow your income. She’ll talk about why it’s crucial to treat your blog like a real business, how to keep track of all your expenses, and some common money mistakes bloggers make. She’ll also chat through some awesome tax deductions you might not know about (ahem, business meals), the pros and cons of different business structures, and how to invest your hard-earned cash. This episode is packed with financial wisdom that every blogger needs to hear, so you won’t want to miss this one! Three episode takeaways: Smart Financial Management is Key for Bloggers:Don’t Get Discouraged:Diversify Your Income Streams: Resources: Peach Perfect FinancialsInstagramQuickBooksFreshBooksAmazon Associates ProgramAmerican Deposit ManagementJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Siftr and Clariti. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Navigating brand partnerships, tips and tricks for negotiating collaborations, and understanding your worth with Justin Moore. ----- Welcome to episode 502 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Justin Moore from Creator Wizard. How to Become a Sponsor Magnet with Justin Moore In this episode, Justin dives deep into the world of brand partnerships and shares his proven approach to securing long-term sponsorships. He walks us through his Sponsorship Wheel framework, which helps creators craft customized proposals that align with brand goals and foster genuine, lasting relationships. It’s not just about pitching for a quick deal — the name of the game here is creating a foundation for ongoing collaboration that benefits both parties. Justin also stresses that negotiation should feel like a conversation, not a one-sided transaction. Understanding what both you and the brand are looking for and being flexible with pricing can pave the way for new opportunities! He highlights the importance of knowing your worth, crafting a standout media kit, and getting creative with your pitch to secure better deals. By mastering these skills, creators can turn sponsorships into a steady revenue stream while building strong, meaningful brand connections. Three episode takeaways: Optimizing Brand Partnerships: Justin’s journey into sponsorships shows the importance of building genuine relationships with brands. His ‘Sponsorship Wheel’ framework helps creators customize proposals, align with brand goals, and ultimately drive long-term collaborations. Negotiation is a Conversation, Not a Transaction: Effective negotiations go beyond price — it’s about understanding each other’s goals. Tailoring your pitch based on a brand’s needs and being flexible with pricing can unlock new opportunities. Know Your Worth and Be Creative: Creators often undervalue themselves, but a strong media kit, clear communication, and creative packaging can help you stand out. With the right approach, you can secure better deals and leverage sponsorships for ongoing revenue. Resources: Creator WizardJustin’s new book, The Sponsor Magnet The Green Industry podcast hosted by Paul JamisonInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Cookie Finance. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Monetizing a food blog, building a brand, and implementing systems and strategies with Amina Al-Saigh from Hungry Paprikas. ----- Welcome to episode 501 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week, Bjork interviews Amina Al-Saigh from Hungry Paprikas, where she shares recipes from across the Middle East with an authentic Arab voice. From Side Hustle to Full-Time Food Blogger In this interview, Amina shares her journey from starting out as a food content creator on Instagram while working full-time as an engineer to today as a full-time food creator with a brand new cookbook (Souk To Table). Amina explains how she balanced her food blog with her full-time job in the early days, the importance of her niche in attracting brand partnerships, and the qualities that made her a desirable partner for brands, even when she had a small following. Bjork and Amina also chat about the strategy of incremental stacking when adding tasks and processes to your workload and how workflow changes when you take your food blog from side hustle to full-time. This is a really inspiring interview for anyone, but especially those currently balancing a food blog with a full-time job. Three episode takeaways: Resources: Hungry PaprikasMediavineAsanaAirtableLightroomFoodie DigitalFood Network CBC Creator CommunitySOUK TO TABLE: Vibrant Middle Eastern Dishes for Everyday MealsEmail AminaInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Siftr and Memberful. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Setting up an LLC, claiming unique deductions, and deciding on when to hire a tax professional with Nate Coughran from Cookie Finance. ----- Welcome to episode 500 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This is the second episode of our finance mini-series, and we’re excited for Bjork to sit down with Nate Coughran from Cookie Finance. Finance Mini-Series: The Smart Creator’s Guide to Taxes with Nate Coughran In our latest episode, Nate Coughran from Cookie Finance shares key tips for getting your finances on track as a creator. First off, setting up an LLC can protect your personal assets and reduce audit risk. Nate also recommends keeping separate bank accounts for your business—this makes tracking your money way easier and less stressful. When it comes to taxes, creators can claim unique deductions, but it’s important to find the right balance. Nate emphasizes staying on top of your bookkeeping throughout the year to avoid end-of-year stress. And if you’re making over $75K, it’s worth hiring a pro to ensure your tax strategy is solid and you’re setting aside enough for taxes. It’s all about staying ahead and keeping things simple! Three episode takeaways: Financial Setup for Creators: Creators should consider forming an LLC to protect personal assets and reduce audit risk. Keeping separate bank accounts for business transactions and tracking finances regularly helps you stay on top of your money Tax Strategy & Deductions: Creators can often claim unique deductions that traditional businesses can’t. However, to avoid end-of-year stress, it’s important to balance aggressive and conservative deductions and be proactive with bookkeeping throughout the year. Know When to Get Professional Help: DIY bookkeeping works for smaller incomes, but if you’re making over $75K, it’s worth hiring a professional. Also, setting aside money for taxes is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring accurate tax reporting. Resources: Cookie FinanceWells FargoChaseCapital OneMercuryGustoQuickBooksXeroInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Cookie Finance. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Launching a cookie starter kit product, growing a TikTok following to 3 million followers, and networking with Dana Hasson. ----- Welcome to episode 499 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Dana Hasson, an entrepreneur, content creator, self-taught baker, and founder of Homemade Ish. Leveraging 3 Million TikTok Followers to Launch a Product Dana Hasson has spent the last decade building her business — reaching over 3 million followers on TikTok and launching her first physical product, Homemade Ish Cookie Starter Kits. In this interview, Dana explains how (and why) she transitioned from beauty and fashion content to food content and how she balanced networking and creating in the early days of building her brand. Bjork and Dana also discuss the process of launching a physical product, including how she is pairing the brand with her existing content and leveraging her huge social media following. Three episode takeaways: Resources: Dana’s websiteHomemade IshChiara FerragniAddison RaeHow Faith Christensen Grew Her TikTok and Instagram Platforms to 2.5 Million FollowersGood Girl SnacksKit Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List with Nathan Barry from KitInstagramTikTokJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Siftr and Memberful. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership

Investing in Yourself and your Business, managing seasons of burnout, and the importance of time tracking with Megan Porta. ----- Welcome to episode 498 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Megan Porta from Eat Blog Talk and Pip and Ebby. Investing in Your Business You might recognize Megan Porta from her podcast, Eat Blog Talk (chances are, if you listen to this podcast, you also listen to hers)! Megan has also been a food blogger herself for over 14 years at Pip and Ebby and knows a lot about balancing her time between her many areas of focus. In this podcast interview, Bjork and Megan chat about all things investing as an entrepreneur. Megan shares her strategies for making decisions about investments, how to invest in yourself, how to invest in your business in the early stages, and how investing in yourself and your business can help you overcome plateaus and avoid burnout. Three episode takeaways: How to invest in your business (when you don’t have any money to do so)How to get started investing in your businessHow to get through seasons of burnout Resources: Pip and EbbyEat Blog TalkEasy Breakfast Ideas 101 Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build Your EmpireBig Band SoftwareRiversideIntentional Spark 045: How to Use Facebook Ads to Reach the Right People with Tony Rulli from IntentionalSpark.comClaritiNathan BarryKitToggl Hard Seasons and Wild HeartsEat Blog Talk Investment DownloadInstagramInstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsor! This episode is sponsored by Cookie Finance. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Mastering time management, outsourcing, and creating a vision for your life with Jaimee Campanella. ----- Welcome to episode 497 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Jaimee Campanella. How to Reclaim Your Time and Find Your Focus In this episode, Jaimee Campanella gets real about the time management struggles bloggers and entrepreneurs face. She shares her journey of finding the balance between work and family and how being intentional with your time is a game-changer. From doing a time audit to figuring out how to prioritize tasks, Jaimee explains how you can stay on track without burning out and make time for what really matters. Jaimee also talks about creating a joyful structure for your business, knowing when to outsource, and why documenting processes is key for sustainability. It’s all about blending creativity with structure so that you can stay productive without losing your passion. If you’re ready to break free from the time scarcity trap and create a work-life balance that actually works, this episode will be right up your alley! Three episode takeaways: Time Management Starts with Intentionality: A clear vision for your life can help you you structure your time around what truly matters. Jaimee’s advice: setting realistic expectations and prioritizing tasks based on interest and importance can help you prevent burnout and make your time feel more rewarding! Outsource Wisely, but Don’t Rush: Outsourcing tasks can free up valuable time, but timing is everything. Make sure it aligns with your goals and comes after you’ve figured out where your time is really going. A time audit is a great first step! Creativity and Structure Can Coexist: Building a structured approach to managing your time doesn’t come at the expense of your creative flow. With the right processes in place and a good team, you can have both productivity and passion without feeling overwhelmed. Resources: The Jaimee Campanella CompanyThingsAsanaEpisode 165 of The Food Blogger Pro podcast: Getting Things Done with David AllenKitInstagramOther platform - facebook, youtube, tiktok, whatever seems most important for themJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Clariti. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Developing a content strategy and writing blog posts that will get traffic to your blog with Ashley Segura from TopHatRank. ----- Welcome to episode 496 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, we're rewinding back to one of our favorite episodes with Ashley Segura from TopHatRank and TopHatContent! As bloggers, our goal is to create content that our readers find valuable. But even more, we want to create content that people are actually searching for. And that’s what we’re chatting about today with Ashley from TopHatRank and TopHatContent! She’s an expert when it comes to content marketing, and she’s sharing some of her best advice for creators in this episode — everything from how to come up with great content ideas to what an ideal blog post structure looks like. It was a really great interview, and we know you’ll have so many takeaways to apply to your own content strategy after listening. We hope you enjoy it! Three episode takeaways: Content Strategy & AuditsCreating & Structuring ContentUnderstanding the User Journey Resources: TopHatRankTopHatContentTopHatSocialTastemaker ConferenceSemrushBuzzSumoSlickstream231: A Better Experience – Building Engagement, Not Just Traffic with Kingston Duffie Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without YouSEO for Bloggers WebinarsSemrush’s Topic Research ToolAnswerThePublicYoast SEOTwitterFacebookInstagramTwitterJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group This episode is sponsored by Yoast. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Getting started with keyword research, finding the right keyword research tool, and tracking your keywords with Aleka Shunk from Cooking With Keywords. ----- Welcome to episode 495 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, we're rewinding back to one of our favorite episodes with Aleka Shunk from Cooking With Keywords! How to Increase Your Organic Traffic with Keyword Research Since launching her course, Cooking With Keywords, Aleka has taught countless students about the ins and outs of keyword research, and in this week's podcast episode, she’s sharing her best tips to develop a strong keyword research strategy. You’ll learn what keywords and modifiers are, how to get started with keyword research, what tools you should use, and more. Whether you’re just diving into keyword research for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, we know you’ll have so many takeaways from this conversation. Enjoy! Three episode takeaways: How keyword research works:The keyword research tools Aleka recommends:so manyWhy it's important to analyze and track your keywords Resources: Cooking With KeywordsGet 10% off any Cooking With Keywords course or coaching service(available for FBP members only)Aleka’s Get-TogetherKeysearchSemrushAhrefsKeywords EverywhereKeyword SurferSubstackInstagramFacebookPinterestJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group This episode is sponsored by Clariti. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started at foodbloggerpro.com/work-with-us. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

Navigating business ownership with family members, establishing ownership of responsibilities, and creating genuine content with Echo and Erica Blickenstaff. ----- Welcome to episode 494 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Echo and Erica Blickenstaff from the food blog Favorite Family Recipes. The Secret to Building a Family Business and Reaching 2 Million Pageviews In this episode, Echo and Erica dive into the ups and downs of running a family business. The key to their success? Dividing responsibilities and playing to each other’s strengths. After struggling with everyone doing everything (hello, burnout!), they sat down to figure out who would take on what. Once that was sorted, it was like a weight was lifted, and they were able to dive deeper into their areas of expertise. They also talk about the challenges of growing a business while staying true to your roots. After taking a hit from Google’s algorithm updates, they realized the importance of diversifying their revenue streams and not relying too much on search traffic. With 2 million monthly page views (!!!) and a focus on authentic, family-driven content, they’ve learned to balance growth with staying genuine. Whether you’re running a family business or just trying to keep things organized, this episode is full of actionable tips and inspiring insights! Three episode takeaways: Dividing Responsibilities for Success:Navigating the Business Roles:Adapting and Staying Authentic: Resources: Favorite Family Recipes The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber Slicing Pie by Mike MoyerThe EOS business frameworkThe Minne StugaSnackdiveClaritiSemrushAsana Most Requested Copycat Dishes — their third cookbook!InstagramJoin the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Yoast and Memberful. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.