Blogging Resources
Your go-to blogging resources & tools for building an efficient, beautifully designed, and thriving food blog.
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Browse My Favorite Tools
01.
Hosting & Domains
Your blog’s foundation starts with hosting and a domain name– its “home” and “address” on the internet. A reliable host is essential for performance and growth. I recommend a self-hosted WordPress site for its flexibility and powerful plugins.
WPTechs
WPTechs is similar to BigScoots in its power and efficiency but with a personal touch. I switched to WPTechs over a year ago and couldn’t be happier!
BigScoots
This is a great option and what I used for years. BigScoots is a fully managed website/WordPress host. My experience with them was wonderful. I couldn’t recommend them more!
SiteGround
This is another great option for hosting. SiteGround is a budget-friendly hosting option, great for starting out.
02.
WordPress Themes
Your blog’s design is the first impression readers will have of your brand, so choosing the right WordPress theme is crucial! A well-designed theme not only makes your site visually appealing but also ensures it functions smoothly across all devices. Here are my favorite themes that blend aesthetics and performance to help your blog shine.
The Olive Theme
The Olive theme by Hearten Made is what we use on our site. It’s completely customizable, lightning fast, SEO focused, and comes packed with ALL the page templates and blogging blocks you need to run a successful food blog.
The Sage Theme
The Sage theme is also by Hearten Made. To me, it is a bit edgier while being fast, customizable, incredible page templates, and more!
The Rosemary Theme
This theme is another beautiful option from Hearten Made. It is one that I personally used and loved.
03.
WordPress Plugins
Plugins are the secret sauce of a powerful WordPress blog. From SEO optimization to website security, plugins can transform your blog into a highly functional and user-friendly platform. These are the must-have plugins that every food blogger should consider.
WP Recipe Maker
If you’re a food blogger, you NEED a recipe plug-in. A recipe plug-in allows you to create beautiful recipe cards within your blog post. This is not only helpful to your readers but to Google. (Recipe plug-ins also have a built-in schema that tells search engines it’s a recipe, so this is a must-have for food bloggers.) WP Recipe Maker also has a plugin for affiliate links, and for making roudup posts!
WP Rocket
WP Rocket is one of the ways I got my site to excel in core web vitals and increase my page speed drastically. (Having a fast website is important for user experience and for ranking in search.)
Imagify
The Imagify plugin will automatically compress your images (based on your selected parameters). This is incredibly useful as it allows your images to load faster and as a result increases your page speed.
WP Tasty
WP Tasty offers plugins for recipes, roundups, and affiliate links. They are designed well and easy to use!
04.
Design Tools
Eye-catching visuals can set your blog apart in a crowded space. Whether you’re designing a logo, creating social media graphics, or editing photos, having the right design tools makes all the difference. Here’s a list of tools I use to create stunning visuals for Olive Kitchen.
Canva
This easy-to-use graphic design software is something I use several times a week. This is how I make my Pinterest pins and more!
Adobe CC
Adobe is the software to use for editing photos or videos. You can’t put a price on good editing software.
05.
Website Tools
Managing a food blog requires the right tools to optimize performance, streamline workflows, and connect with your audience. From tracking analytics to building an email list, these tools are designed to make your blog more efficient and successful.
Flodesk
Flodesk is a great option for email marketing. They have beautiful, pre-designed templates that you simply copy and paste your copy and images into. It’s easy to use and created beautiful emails. There’s always a comma missed here or a different word to use to better convey your message. Grammarly does it all.
Kit
If you are looking for a powerful and fully customizable email marketing platform then Kit is your best option.
The Contract Shop
Surprisingly, there are certain legal documents that you have to have on your blog. These include a privacy policy, terms and conditions, and more. The Contract Shop makes putting these pages together a breeze!
Tailwind
Tailwind is your ultimate social media planning tool. It is particularly great for Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
06.
Writing Tools
Great content is at the heart of every successful food blog, and having the right writing tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re crafting recipe posts, storytelling, or optimizing for SEO, these tools will help you write clear, engaging, and polished content.
Grammarly
The fact that blogging centers around the written word makes Grammarly a must-have. Whether it’s misplaced commas or recommending a different word to make your message clearer, Grammarly has you covered.
RankIQ
This is a helpful writing tool and RankIQ also helps with keyword research.
Google Keyword Planner
This is a free online keyword research tool. Did I have you at free?
07.
Photography Equipment
Beautiful food photography is a cornerstone of any successful food blog. Investing in the right camera equipment, editing software, and accessories can elevate your images, capturing your recipes in their best light. Here’s the gear I trust to bring Olive Kitchen recipes to life.
Lightroom CC
Adobe is the software to use for editing photos or videos. You can’t put a price on good editing software.
Canon R DSLR
This is the camera I use for photography and filming. The Canon R is
Canon RF35mm Lens
This lens is wonderfully versatile. The Canon RF35mm F1.8 IS Macro STM lens is perfect for photography and filming alike.
Bessie Bakes Backdrops
Using your kitchen table, countertops, or a thrifted side table can all work great for a photography backdrop. That being said, I am a fan of variation. These Bessie Bakes backdrops are more affordable than some. They are lightweight and easy to store. (Which I love.) They are also super easy to clean!
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP Tripod
This Vanguard tripod is easy to use and versatile! You can even use it for overhead shots!
08.
Monetization
Turning your food blog into a source of income is an exciting step. Whether through ad networks, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts, there are countless ways to monetize your blog. Here’s a breakdown of the best strategies and tools for earning from your food blog.
Raptive
Raptive is an excellent ad network. Their customer service is incredible and they are all about making the most of your blog.
ShareASale
ShareASale is a great affiliate marketing platform where you can search for and apply to be an affiliate with thousands of different brands that you know and love.
MemberPress
This handy plugin allows you to create a membership area on your WordPress site.