674: Smart Strategies For Growing a Food Blog as a Side Hustle (+How to Avoid Social Media Burnout) with Alicia Gonzalez Tome

In episode 683, Chad Allen delivers a game-changing strategy that could transform the way food bloggers think about growing their email lists: the powerful and often overlooked technique of email swaps Chad R. Allen is a writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. A 25-year publishing professional, he has worked with such bestselling authors as Michael Hyatt, Caroline Leaf, Mark Batterson, and Phyllis Tickle. He is the creator of BookCamp, a training center and community for writers, as well as Book Proposal Academy, an online course. His passion is helping writers craft must-read books that reach large audiences, and he blogs at http://www.chadrallen.com/. In this episode, you’ll learn about email swaps, how they can benefit you, and how to execute them effectively so you can get high-quality, valuable email subscribers. Key points discussed include: - Email is essential: You need an email list to build a solid business because social media is “rented property”. - Anyone can do an email swap: It is best to start with someone you know with a list comparable in size to yours. - Make it about them: If you’re reaching out to someone you don’t know, focus on how you can help them reach their audience. - The freebie matters: You want to offer an irresistible freebie to the other person’s audience to encourage sign-ups. - Provide swipe copy: Make it easy for your partner by providing an email template they can adapt. - Email swaps yield warm leads: Email swaps can provide warmer leads than you find through paid ads. - Welcome new subscribers: Have a welcome email sequence to introduce yourself to new subscribers and build a relationship. - Avoid misaligned audiences: Make sure you and your partner have overlapping audiences. Connect with Chad Allen Website | Instagram

Discipline and freedom go hand in hand - implementing structure in your life can unlock creativity, joy, and long-term success. As entrepreneurs, we can have all the goals, dreams, and good intentions in the world, but without discipline, none of it matters. Lately, I’ve been reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, and one section on discipline really stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that discipline isn’t about restriction - it’s about creating the freedom to do what we truly love. Let’s dive into five ways you can build more discipline into your life! Action Plan: 1 - Define Your Non-Negotiables: Get clear on what absolutely must happen in your business and life - treat these like brushing your teeth, no excuses. 2 - Create a System, Not Just a Goal: Goals are great, but systems are what keep you moving forward - set up routines that make discipline automatic. 3 - Time Block Like a Pro: Structure your schedule intentionally, dedicating specific time blocks to deep work, content creation, and rest. 4 - Eliminate Decision Fatigue: Simplify daily choices by meal prepping, pre-planning content, and having a structured to-do list to conserve mental energy. 5 - Use Rewards and Consequences: Give yourself incentives to stay on track, whether it’s a coffee treat for completing tasks or a consequence for missed deadlines. Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram

In episode 681, Megan chats to Megan Keno about key aspects of her 15-year blogging journey that have led to her success, including knowing where to spend your time and when to pivot. Megan is creator and CEO of Homemade Home, a veteran 15 year old food blog, focused on every day elevated dishes and cast iron cooking. Megan is also a cast member of season 4 of FOX's Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. Oh yeah, and he has her cookbook. In this episode, you’ll learn about building a sustainable food blogging business while maintaining authenticity, and why saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities can determine the future of your blog. Key points discussed include: - Authenticity is Key: Staying true to yourself creates opportunities and resonates with your audience. - Slow and Steady Wins: Consistency and intentional content creation are more important than viral trends. - Platform Strategy: Focus on social media platforms where you naturally enjoy consuming content, rather than spreading yourself thin. - Rebrand with Purpose: Be willing to evolve your brand to reflect your current life and passions. - Overcome Obstacles: Challenges like algorithm changes or traffic drops don’t define your long-term success. - Say Yes to Opportunities: Being open to unexpected chances can lead to transformative experiences. - Self-Reflection Matters: Take time to understand your unique strengths and goals as a content creator. - Long-Term Perspective: Building a sustainable blog requires patience, love for your craft, and continuous learning. Connect with Megan Keno Website | Instagram

In episode 680, Coley Gaffney teaches us how to deal with mental health struggles like anxiety and depression while running a food blog. Nicole "Coley" Gaffney is a professionally trained chef and content creator behind the website Coley Cooks. She specializes in seafood and Italian cuisine, and previously had her own business as a personal chef and caterer. Coley has made numerous television appearances, including on QVC, The Rachael Ray Show, The Today Show, and most notably, was 2nd runner up on season 10 of Food Network Star. Coley lives at the southern Jersey shore with her husband and pup, and is passionate about helping people connect through food. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize and address mental health issues without relying on therapy, and why understanding food blogging as a long game is essential to keep a healthy balance with your blog. Key points discussed include: - Mental health struggles are common: Experiencing mental health challenges is a normal part of life, and sharing experiences can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation. - Acknowledge and address issues: Recognizing and addressing mental health struggles is essential because nobody is coming to rescue you. - Journaling can be a powerful tool: Regularly journaling about thoughts and feelings can help process emotions and track personal growth. - Make small promises: To combat work paralysis, start by making tiny promises to yourself and gradually build momentum. - Social media can impact mental health: Taking breaks from social media can be beneficial, especially if it causes anxiety or stress. - Blogging is a long game: Success in blogging takes time, so focus on the love of creating content rather than solely on monetary gains. - Real people are valuable: Authentic, personal recipes and cooking advice will always be valued over AI-generated content. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Episode 534: It’s OK to Ask for Help as a Food Blogger with Teri-Ann Carty. Connect with Coley Gaffney Website | Instagram

Here are five practical ways to slow down and savor life, helping you create more balance, joy, and mindfulness in your personal and entrepreneurial journey. Life moves FAST, doesn’t it? If we’re not careful, we get swept up in the hustle, always chasing the next thing, and suddenly, we realize we haven’t truly enjoyed our days. I’ve been there, pushing, striving, and forgetting to pause. But this year, I’m making a conscious effort to slow down, reflect, and soak in life’s little joys. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you are NOT alone. Let’s do this together! Here are five ways we can all slow down and savor life. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize What Matters Most: Do a time audit, set boundaries, and make sure your daily actions reflect what’s truly important. 2 - Be Mindful in the Present Moment: Take a deep breath, engage your senses, and stop letting distractions pull you away from what really matters. 3 - Simplify Your Day: Clear the clutter from your schedule, cut out unnecessary tasks, and create routines that bring ease instead of stress. 4 - Make Time for Joyful Activities: Schedule FUN into your week, say "yes" to spontaneous moments, and do the things that fill your cup. 5 - Practice Gratitude for the Small Things:  Keep a gratitude journal, notice the little joys in each day, and share your appreciation with others. Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram  

In episode 678, Megan Porta chats with McKenna Pulda, Emily Christensen, and Amy Coyne about how to successfully collaborate on a cookbook. McKenna Pulda is a former choir teacher turned sourdough enthusiast, recipe developer, and mom of two. After receiving her first sourdough starter 4 years ago, her love for baking quickly turned into a passion for creating delicious, from-scratch recipes with a sourdough twist. Since starting her blog, Simplicity and a Starter, in 2023, McKenna has shared 150+ tried-and-true sourdough recipes and also co-authored a cookbook, Our Sourdough Table, featuring long-fermented and quick sourdough recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Emily is the creator and voice behind Country Roads Sourdough, where she shares tried-and-true sourdough bread and discard recipes, along with helpful sourdough tips and techniques. After leaving her corporate brand management career to become a stay-at-home mom, she quickly realized she needed a creative outlet and began hosting local sourdough classes. What started as a passion project quickly took off after a few viral Instagram videos—turning her love for sourdough into a full-time career. Amy Coyne is a sourdough teacher, recipe developer, and mom to four awesome kiddos. She has grown her website over the last two years from 100K pageviews in 2022 to almost 10 million pageviews at the end of 2024. She shares tried-and-true sourdough recipes on her website and with her Instagram and social media communities. Summary & Takeaways In this episode, you’ll learn how to coordinate writing a collaborative cookbook, from deciding who to collaborate with to how to create a cohesive look and boost sales through social media marketing. Key points discussed include: - Who to collaborate with: Emily reached out to Amy and McKenna via Instagram DMs because they had similar followings and vibes. - Deciding on a niche: The group decided to focus on holiday sourdough recipes, filling a unique niche. - Maintaining a cohesive look: They coordinated photography styles, using neutral colors and backgrounds, even reshooting existing blog photos to align. - Organization and book cover design: The group used Google Docs to organize recipes by category and Canva to create the cookbook layout. - In-person retreat: The group had a working weekend at an Airbnb to photograph recipes, proofread, and plan marketing strategies. - Choosing a self-publishing platform: They selected Lulu for its print-on-demand service, quality, payment splitting, and worldwide printing locations. - Marketing strategies: The group conducted live bake-alongs and created weekly Instagram reels to promote the cookbook. - Customer service: The team helped customers with order issues, but also realized the limitations of print-on-demand, since they didn’t have the actual product or shipping control. - The power of collaboration: Working together helped them grow their followings, build lasting friendships, and create a product that they loved. Guest Details Connect with McKenna Pulda Website | Instagram Connect with Emily Christensen Website | Instagram Connect with Amy Coyne Website | Instagram

In episode 677, Debra Eckerling teaches us how to start a successful podcast or live stream by leveraging our existing food blog content and audience. Debra Eckerling is a goal-strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster. The creator of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra works with individuals, teams, and businesses on personal and professional projects, networking strategy, and book/book proposal development. She hosts GoalChatLive/GoalChat and the Taste Buds with Deb podcasts, and is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting." In this episode, you’ll learn how to break through common barriers and launch a podcast or live show that supports your brand and expands your reach. Key points discussed include: - Podcasting doesn’t have to be perfect: You don’t need expensive equipment or flawless execution—just start recording and sharing your content. - Time management is key: Look at your current schedule and find ways to eliminate tasks or adjust priorities to make room for your podcast. - Leverage what you already have: Your food blog gives you a built-in niche, brand, and audience—use that as the foundation for your podcast. - Networking is a major benefit: A podcast provides an opportunity to connect with experts, expand your network, and build relationships that can benefit your brand. - Start simple and evolve: Begin with a basic concept and let your show naturally develop based on what works best for you and your audience. - Repurpose your content: Use your podcast episodes in blog posts, social media, YouTube, and more to maximize your reach. - Commit to consistency: Whether you publish weekly, biweekly, or monthly, sticking to a regular schedule is essential for audience growth. - Treat your podcast like an appointment: Schedule time for your podcast work and honor it as you would any other important commitment. Guest Details Connect with Debra Eckerling Website | Instagram

Building consistency in your habits is the key to long-term success - learn five simple steps to make habits stick, even when life gets in the way. There’s so much power in being consistent with your habits, and it’s not about being perfect or overly ambitious. It’s about showing up, even in small ways, every single day. I recently read a quote that really stuck with me: "Forming good habits isn't about being perfect, it's about being more of who you are." That hit me hard because when we build habits that align with who we truly are, they become effortless and life-changing. Let’s break it down into five steps so you can build habits that stick for the long haul! Action Plan: 1 - Start Small and Build Gradually: Begin with tiny, manageable habits and gradually build on them. 2 - Make Habits Non-Negotiable: Treat your habit as a must-do part of your day, no exceptions. 3 - Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins: Use a tracker and celebrate small wins to stay motivated. 4 - Stay Committed Even When Results Aren’t Immediate: Trust the proces, even when results aren’t immediate. 5 - Adjust and Adapt When Necessary: Life happens—adjust but don’t give up! Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram

In episode 675, Megan chats to Laura Piper about how to leverage Pinterest Trends to increase your visibility and drive more traffic to your food blog. Laura Piper is a Pinterest expert who works exclusively with food bloggers. Her mission is to help them make Pinterest their #1 traffic source without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Using her proven Pinterest strategies, along with in-depth Pinterest trends and keyword insights, she simplifies the platform for food bloggers, allowing them to focus on what they love most—creating amazing new recipes. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for using Pinterest Trends effectively, helping you create timely content that reaches the right audience at the right moment. Key points discussed include: - Pinterest Trends is a goldmine: This free tool helps you identify what people are searching for and when to publish your content for maximum impact. - Use seasonal trends to your advantage: Find emerging trends early to ensure your content gains traction as searches increase. - Growing trends aren’t always the best choice: Instead of targeting already popular trends, focus on those about to take off. - Timing is key: Start pinning seasonal content well in advance—sometimes months ahead—to give Pinterest time to understand and distribute your content. - Optimize your pins with keywords: Include trending keywords in pin titles, descriptions, and board names to improve visibility. - Roundup posts can boost engagement: Pinterest favors roundup posts because they provide multiple options in one place, increasing saves and clicks. - Pinterest favors high-quality content: Authentic, original images and well-researched posts perform better, especially as Pinterest cracks down on AI-generated spam. - Less is more when pinning: Quality pins aligned with trends outperform high-volume, low-quality pinning strategies. Connect with Laura Piper Website | Instagram

In episode 674, Alicia Gonzalez Tome teaches us practical strategies for managing time efficiently, optmizing for SEO and balancing life and blogging - especially as a part-time blogger. Alicia Gonzalez Tome is a GF & DF nomad foodie who loves nature and sports. She had a thyroid disorder that led her to change her diet and was part of her natural recovery from this autoimmune disease. Originally from Spain and based in Australia since 2017, she is constantly traveling and currently living in her campervan along the NSW coast. In this episode, you'll learn key strategies for efficiently managing a food blog, from photography tips to time management strategies, while keeping balance in your life. Key points discussed include: - Be intentional with content: Focus on high-volume keywords and recipes that will drive traffic to your blog. - Use the right tools: Investing in tools like RankIQ, SEMrush, and the Feast plugin can save time and boost efficiency. - Batch content creation: Plan ahead and shoot multiple recipes in one session to streamline your workflow. - Keep photography simple: Use a basic camera, natural light, and minimal props to create beautiful yet efficient food photography. - Avoid social media burnout: If Instagram or other platforms drain your energy, it’s okay to take breaks and focus on SEO instead. - Schedule and plan ahead: Set clear deadlines for recipe testing, photography, and writing to stay on track. - Know your limits: Be realistic about how much content you can produce each month to maintain a work-life balance. - Take breaks when needed: Stepping back can help you return with fresh energy and creativity. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Episode 593: 3 Simple Ways to Successfully Blog Part-Time While Working Full-time with Kimberlee Ho Connect with Alicia Gonzalez Tome Website | Instagram