My First Year in Food Blogging: 20 Essential Lessons Learned for Aspiring Food Bloggers

Exactly one year ago today, I took a leap of faith and introduced my humble blog to the world, primarily through Facebook. It was the culmination of a long-held dream, though I hadn’t always recognized it as such. Since the age of 16, I found immense joy in cooking, meticulously photographing almost every meal, and endlessly experimenting with new flavors and techniques. My culinary journey was largely self-taught, built on a foundation of trial and error. This evolved as I transitioned into healthier eating, opening up a whole new realm of cooking and learning.

The summer of 2014 was a pivotal moment. My fiancé, Robbie, provided the crucial encouragement I needed, and thus, Blue Ridge Babe was born! (Fun Fact: Robbie also came up with the blog name. I drew inspiration from Vani Hari, the ‘Food Babe’, and wanted a name that wasn’t exclusively food-focused, allowing me to delve into lifestyle posts as well.) I dedicated several months to working behind the scenes, designing the website, and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. There was an overwhelming amount to learn! Thankfully, my wonderful friend Seth lent his expertise to get the technical aspects up and running. Finally, on October 19, 2014, I proudly shared the link to my very first recipe post.

Looking back, it’s a wonder I managed to publish anything at all during those initial months. Having just gotten engaged in August, we were deep in the midst of planning a December wedding, all while I was juggling school and a part-time job. Life felt incredibly chaotic, but the passion for blogging kept me going.

To celebrate my blog anniversary, my amazing husband surprised me with this incredible gift! Seriously, I’m married to the best guy. And how fantastic is this sign?! It looks like something straight off Pinterest. He conceived the idea and crafted it in less than an hour – my uncreative self is truly in awe of his talent!

This past year has been a period of immense personal and professional growth. I’ve learned an incredible amount about the world of food blogging, and I’m excited to share these 20 valuable lessons with you. Whether you’re an aspiring food blogger or just curious about the journey, I hope these insights prove helpful.

1. Blogging Fuels My Happiness
Let’s begin on a positive note: blogging genuinely makes me happy. There’s a unique thrill in developing new recipes, meticulously photographing them, and then sharing them with the world through my blog. It’s that exhilarating high you experience when fully immersed in a favorite activity. For me, that feeling comes alive in the kitchen, during creation, and in the act of blogging itself.

2. Avoid the Comparison Trap with Other Bloggers
This lesson is paramount. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer, it’s to refrain from comparing your progress to that of other bloggers. Such comparisons inevitably lead to self-doubt and discouragement. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “This blogger started around the same time, but they have so many more views than me,” or “Her food photography is stunning; why do I even bother? I can’t compete.” The reality is, there will always be someone who appears more talented, more successful, or more popular. However, that doesn’t diminish my passion for blogging. Comparing yourself to others is unfair to your own journey. My biggest takeaway has been to concentrate solely on MY blog and how I can continually improve as a blogger. That’s my true measure of success.

3. Combat Isolation by Building a Blogger Community
While it’s important not to compare yourself to others, having a support system is invaluable. Connecting with fellow bloggers who understand technical glitches or general blogging struggles can make a huge difference. Resources like Food Blogger Pro have been incredibly helpful for addressing any questions I’ve encountered. It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re navigating the complexities of blogging alone, especially with the vast amount of information to learn. The journey can feel overwhelming. Engaging with a forum or community where you can connect with and learn from other bloggers is a truly valuable asset.

4. Consistent Growth is Inevitable
When I first launched my blog, reaching 8,000 page views felt like an impossible dream. Yet, with consistent effort, my blog has steadily grown. For the first time, I’m transparently sharing my page view statistics:

As you can observe, growth in blogging is rarely a straight, upward trajectory. My page views have fluctuated, experiencing both peaks and valleys. Nevertheless, the overall trend demonstrates a consistent increase over time. I may not be at the same level as some other bloggers after their first year, but as I mentioned in point #2, my focus is on personal progress. I am immensely proud of how far I’ve come in just one year! This significant improvement for me is all that truly matters.

5. Harness the Power of Pinterest for Blog Traffic
One of the most impactful tools I’ve leveraged for blog growth is Pinterest. I absolutely adore Pinterest because it offers incredible exposure for free. In contrast, my relationship with Facebook is more of a love/hate dynamic. While I appreciate the platform, Facebook’s algorithms significantly limit the organic reach of my posts. With nearly 800 page likes, a post might only reach 15-30 people unless I pay to boost it – which is incredibly frustrating! Pinterest, however, provides a fantastic avenue for social media engagement. I dedicated time to joining numerous group boards (a time-consuming but rewarding process) and began creating visually appealing, long pins for my blog posts.

The image above showcases a few examples of the custom pins I’ve designed for my recipes. I’ve consistently found that longer, vertical pins generally garner significantly more engagement and repins. Plus, now that I’ve mastered the technique (using PicMonkey), I can create one in five minutes or less, integrating it seamlessly into my picture editing workflow for each new post.

6. The Convenience of Googling Your Own Recipes
This might sound a little self-congratulatory, but it’s a genuinely practical benefit of food blogging: the sheer convenience of being able to Google my own recipes whenever I want to recreate them! For instance, my Best Ever Veggie Enchiladas have been a constant on my menu lately – I’m completely obsessed with them! When I decide to make them, a quick search for “Veggie Enchiladas Blue Ridge Babe” brings the recipe right up. I then simply screenshot it on my phone and follow along. This accessibility is fantastic. I’m notoriously bad at keeping track of physical recipes, so having an organized, perpetually accessible online repository is a huge win.

7. Embrace Recipe Failures as Part of the Creative Process
This was a challenging but crucial lesson to learn: not every recipe I develop will be a success on the first attempt. Ironically, this often happens with recipes that have a tight deadline or ones I’m particularly excited about. I’ve had to accept that perfection rarely happens on the initial try. Often, it requires multiple trials and adjustments to achieve the ideal flavor and texture combination. A perfect illustration of this is my Peanut Butter Cookie Mug Cake. I had a clear vision for a mug cake, but the first two iterations were complete busts. While the flavor was good, the texture just wasn’t right. I began to feel frustrated, wondering if I’d ever get it perfect. But the third time, indeed, was the charm!

Those initial trials were absolutely worth the effort. This particular Mug Cake soared to become my most-viewed recipe, a title it still holds today with over 22,000 views and countless glowing reviews. It’s a powerful reminder that persistence pays off.

8. Popular Recipes Can Be Unpredictable
This point ties directly into the previous one. Some recipes I was most enthusiastic to share didn’t garner many views at all. I was convinced I had created a masterpiece that would instantly become my new top performer, only to be proven wrong. Conversely, some of my most popular recipes are ones I never would have anticipated, like my Gluten-Free Chocolate Mug Cake, which I made entirely on a whim. The unpredictability of what will “take off” is an inherent part of blogging. I’ve actively worked on not letting low view counts discourage me. Ultimately, I blog because I love it; everything else is secondary.

9. It’s Easy to Get Discouraged, But Don’t Give Up
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered in blogging is how incredibly easy it is to become discouraged. This feeling can creep in for various reasons: perhaps a fantastic recipe has terrible photos, or a post receives minimal engagement. The list goes on. There have been more than a few occasions where I genuinely wanted to quit, feeling like my efforts were fruitless and my work subpar compared to what I saw online. During these times, my wonderful husband was my rock, consistently uplifting and encouraging me, reminding me that my fundamental motivation is passion. Which leads perfectly into my next point…

10. Embracing the Power of a Blogging Break
It’s perfectly acceptable, and often necessary, to take a break from blogging. I’ve experienced “blogger burnout” countless times, where my creativity feels completely depleted, and I sense a disconnect from my goals. When this happens, I’ve learned that stepping back is the best course of action, whether that means reducing my posting frequency or taking a full week or two off. I possess a very analytical mind, but I also have a strong need for creative expression and writing. When I feel myself burning out on the blog, I pivot to satisfy the analytical side of my brain – perhaps by focusing on work, managing family spreadsheets, or engaging in other logical tasks. When I return to blogging, I feel completely refreshed, energized, and ready to unleash my creativity once more.

11. Let Go of Others’ Opinions
This lesson is monumental for me personally. I’m a notorious people-pleaser, a trait rooted in childhood feelings of inadequacy. I constantly find myself striving for others’ approval, and if I perceive disapproval (or even just imagine it), it deeply affects me. A single negative comment can upset me for hours, or even days. While I dislike this sensitive aspect of my personality, it’s something I’ve had to come to terms with. I’ve received several rude comments on my blog, and I’ve also encountered people I know who simply don’t understand my blogging endeavors. Ultimately, I strive to focus on the fact that I blog for MYSELF. I cherish revisiting old Monthly Highlight posts, which offer a beautiful snapshot of our lives at different moments. I love having an online archive of some of my finest culinary creations. I love the entire process of creating, tweaking, and learning. And in the end, that personal fulfillment is what matters most, far more than what anyone else thinks of me.

12. Food Photography is a Journey of Practice
Another significant hurdle I faced was food photography. While I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures, I knew absolutely nothing about actual photography principles. Nada. Zilch. I had to embark on a self-education journey to vastly improve my skills. I devoured e-books, absorbed advice from seasoned bloggers, and most importantly, I practiced, practiced, practiced. Although I’m not yet at my ultimate goal (a nicer lens is definitely on the wish list!), my food photography has improved dramatically. Here’s an example of my photography from when I first started my blog:

And here’s an example of my photography now:

I’ve truly learned so much in just one year. My amazing husband is always there to help me capture the perfect shot. I confess I tend to have a short fuse when I’m trying to get pictures just right, feeling the immense pressure that if the image isn’t appealing, people won’t be inclined to try the recipe.

My hubby even constructed this light box for me, which I use for approximately 99% of my photography. It has genuinely been a lifesaver. I hope to eventually upgrade to a wooden light box and more professional lighting, but for now, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to capture such good pictures with my current setup!

13. The Never-Ending Learning Curve of Blogging
Food photography is merely one of countless skills a food blogger must acquire. Some people might mistakenly believe blogging is easy. I chuckle when I hear this. Blogging is anything but simple. As a blogger, I essentially wear multiple hats: I am my own writer, editor, photographer, web designer, social media manager, sponsored post coordinator, email correspondent, and much more. There is always something new to learn, and I highly doubt I will ever feel like I know it all. Blogging is akin to a full-time job where you typically don’t see a monetary return for the first year or so. It’s only been in the last four months that I’ve started generating income from my blog, which is a completely normal trajectory for any new blogger. Blogging is by no means a get-rich-quick scheme; it demands real dedication and perseverance, especially when immediate rewards aren’t visible.

14. Navigating the Frustrations of Technology
Let me be clear: the technical side of my blog is the bane of my existence. If I had my way, I would exclusively focus on creating content and writing, delegating all website design and troubleshooting to someone else. I am incredibly fortunate to have a brilliant friend who has assisted me with numerous tech challenges, yet it feels like there’s always an unresolved issue or a new technical concept I can’t grasp. I haven’t even dared to delve into coding yet – the mere thought sends shivers down my spine! Some aspects are just so far over my head. Nevertheless, I try to tackle things one step at a time, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. This brings me to a crucial piece of advice: always back up your blog. If you ever make a mistake and inadvertently crash your site (a surprisingly common occurrence for new bloggers), a reliable blog backup will be your salvation. I personally use VaultPress, which costs just $5 a month, and it is worth every single penny.

15. Leverage Recipe Submission Sites for Exposure
Another fantastic method for generating publicity and driving traffic to your blog is through recipe submission sites. There are countless options available, but the ones I utilize most frequently include Foodgawker, Tastespotting, Finding Vegan, and Potluck by Oh My Veggies. I received my first feature from Finding Vegan in December 2014, and they actually featured me twice that month! The surge in page views was so significant that it temporarily crashed my website. Finding Vegan was directly responsible for the massive jump in my page views from November to December, increasing them eightfold! I’ve also been featured in several roundups on Oh My Veggies and other prominent websites, all of which contribute to increased views and invaluable exposure.

I will admit, when I first started submitting to Foodgawker, I faced numerous rejections before finally getting a picture accepted. I almost gave up because everything I submitted seemed to be turned down. I felt like I just couldn’t get it right. Then, one magical day, just a few days before Thanksgiving, Foodgawker accepted three of my recipes in a single day (!!!). I was absolutely ecstatic. While I still experience rejections occasionally, most of my submissions are now accepted, a testament to the significant improvements in my food photography!

16. Blogging as a Strategic Investment
Much like any entrepreneurial venture, blogging requires an initial investment. When I first embarked on my blogging journey, I purchased a framework and theme, along with several other essential tools and services. I incur monthly fees for hosting and backing up my blog. A considerable amount of money went out before I started seeing any income. For me, this was a conscious decision because I knew the long-term rewards would be worth it. Even if I never earned another cent from blogging, I would still maintain my website. I have poured my heart and soul into this platform, and it brings me immense happiness and fulfillment. It truly is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

17. Quality Content is the Cornerstone of Success
Another crucial lesson I’ve internalized is that content is unequivocally king in the blogging world. My primary focus revolves around both the quality and quantity of my recipes. Part of the reason for the steady growth in my page views is the ever-expanding volume of posts; even if older posts only receive a few visits daily, their cumulative effect translates into significantly higher overall views. My ongoing goal is to publish as many high-quality recipes as possible, all while maintaining my sanity and preventing burnout. I am diligently working on expanding my recipe collection, and I have ambitious plans for the future.

18. Prepare for Rejection, Learn from It
This is another tough pill to swallow. On several occasions, I’ve reached out to brands with collaboration proposals, only to be met with a “no.” It’s incredibly difficult not to take such rejections personally. However, each instance has ultimately helped me grow stronger and more resilient. On the flip side, I’ve also been directly contacted by several brands that I was thrilled to work with! The truth is, both individuals and brands will, at times, reject your proposals. It’s an inherent part of the blogging landscape, but it certainly doesn’t mean you should stop blogging. That triumphant feeling when you receive an email saying “congratulations, you’ve been accepted” makes all the hard work and past rejections entirely worthwhile. Just keep working diligently!

19. The Community That Makes It All Worthwhile
Despite the rejections, the failures, and the occasional encounter with genuinely unkind people, there have always been individuals who made the entire blogging journey incredibly rewarding. On several occasions, I’ve allowed myself to be vulnerable, openly sharing personal struggles I was facing. The responses I received from these personal posts absolutely blew me away. So many caring and wonderful people took the time to reach out, assuring me that I wasn’t alone. I’ve personally grappled with various challenges in my life related to body image, self-esteem, eating habits, and anxiety. It’s incredibly easy to feel isolated when you’re struggling. I always knew, when I started blogging, that I wanted to write about my struggles in the hope that it might help at least one other person. So, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was brave enough to share their own struggles. I firmly believe that the world becomes a better place when we are honest and authentic, rather than pretending that everything is perfect all the time.

20. Embrace the Day-by-Day Journey
Last but certainly not least, I’ve learned the profound importance of taking things one day at a time. If I’m feeling particularly down or discouraged, I recognize the need to step away and take a break for that day. Some days I’m on an incredible high, while others leave me feeling like I can’t do anything right. Food blogging, much like any other endeavor in life, demands time and unwavering commitment. It’s often easier and more productive not to fixate on the daunting “big picture,” but instead to focus on improving day by day, step by step. I could never have imagined all that I would accomplish in my first year of blogging, and I’m genuinely glad that I didn’t burden myself with any unrealistic goals. I am happy with the progress I’ve made in my inaugural year, and I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey of growth and creativity.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all my readers who have taken the time to read, tried my recipes, and commented on my posts. Your unwavering support truly means the world to me. And if you’ve made it all the way to the end of this rather lengthy post, major kudos to you! Apparently, I’ve written a short novel… haha! Here’s to another year filled with delicious recipes, entertaining life recaps, and continuous growth, day by day!

More Blogging Posts for Your Journey

• 2 Year Recap: My Continued Blogging Adventure
• 3 Years In: Reflections on My Food Blogging Path
• 5 Years In: A Look at My Career as a Food Blogger