As you saw in my post about the new edition of Will Write for Food, my new chapter focuses on how to make money as a food writer, which interests an increasing number of food bloggers. Food blogger Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen, a world-class negotiator, contributed tips.
She and her husband Scott launched a new mastermind program for food bloggers recently, helping those who want to grow their blogs into a business. They have the chops: Jaden’s food blog, Steamy Kitchen, has been profitable for over eight years. She and Scott experimented with many business models, and “worked with brands before it was even socially acceptable to mention ‘brand’ and ‘blog’ in the same sentence,” she says. “We’ve been paid in butter (literally), all the way to over $70,000 for a single campaign.”
According to Jaden, “Possibly the most controversial topic in food blogging is working with brands. These days, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a successful food blog that doesn’t include advertising, sponsored posts or endorsement deals. How do you effectively create sponsorship opportunities with companies you love, pitch a killer promotion and successfully negotiate a fair deal?”
Rule number one is to choose only those brands you are a raving fan of already, she advises. It’s easy to pitch a company when you already use their products. It’s more challenging to successfully cold call and create rapport with a company that’s never heard of you.
To jump start their new business, the couple hosts free webinars. Topics cover how to become a lead magnet, and how to supercharge your business with events. You can also read Jaden’s posts about working with brands for free.
I’ve become an affiliate by putting their ad on my blog page, because I’ve known these two for years and I trust their information. While I’m not a big fan of sponsored posts, I figure that if you’re going to do them, Jaden can teach you how to be paid well. I’ve also poked around on the site to make sure it’s a good match for you. If you sign up I receive a small commission, just as I do for Food Blogger Pro.
Dianne! Thank you for this video call and info about Jaden and Scott. I signed up for the webinar, but had another commitment.
These two are blockbuster bloggers. I met them in Florida when I first started blogging in 2010. Love that post about FB being a mean girl! So true!
I’m excited to say (or is it write?) I’m finally on board with the newsletter sign up. In fact, my first lead magnet, a recipe ebook, went live today! What an experience THAT was!
Anyway also thanks to Jaden and Scott! I look forward to learning more ways to make this writing thing work.
You are most welcome, Maureen. There’s lots of free info on the site.
Congratulations on your recipe ebook. I hope it drives sign-ups for you. I have yet to dangle something like that for my readers. It’s on my to-do list.
i have been part of Kitchen Mastery (or TCM) group for 6 months now and it’s invaluable! I haven’t even gotten past the first many lessons and have made progress. THere is a PLETHORA of information within the group, the lessons, and at times it can be overwhelming. I’m just happy I have these resources to work with to improve my blog and monetize it better. Jaden and Scott have been fantastic.
Hey Shefaly, thanks for the testimonial.
Great video, thanks for sharing. It is so much easier when you are already raving about a product, you are right. I think the video will be helpful.
Glad you think so, Susan. Thanks.