Welcome to our detailed food blog income report for August 2019, where we peel back the curtain on our journey to building a thriving online presence. This comprehensive breakdown covers everything from traffic analytics and diverse revenue streams to operational expenses, offering invaluable insights for aspiring and established food bloggers alike. If you’re looking to expand and effectively monetize your food blog, this report is designed to illuminate the path forward, drawing from real-world data and strategic decisions. We also highlight the significant impact of our food blog coaching program, which has empowered numerous bloggers to achieve remarkable growth and financial success.
For those eager to elevate their blog’s performance, Cheryl’s Food Blogging Bootcamp offers a transformative experience. This intensive six-week course distills Cheryl’s proven methodology for enhancing food blog quality, driving traffic, and boosting revenue. It’s an essential resource, packed with actionable strategies and expert guidance for anyone committed to bigger, better food blogging. Discover how you can unlock your blog’s full potential by clicking here.
It’s been a while since we last published a blog income report, and admittedly, a part of me hesitated. Sharing the financial specifics of what truly feels like the best job in the world can sometimes feel, well, a bit boastful. However, my initial reservations quickly faded as I reminded myself of the fundamental reason behind these detailed reports: transparency and inspiration for the food blogging community.
My belief in open dialogue and honest sharing is unwavering. The slight discomfort of revealing figures is far outweighed by the profound impact these reports can have. They are not merely summaries of financial success; they are blueprints for possibility, roadmaps for strategy, and reservoirs of practical advice.
Why We Consistently Publish Blog Income Reports
Years ago, as a budding blogger, I eagerly devoured income reports from successful online entrepreneurs. These reports were not just fascinating; they were profoundly educational. They unveiled the potential earnings, showcasing what was truly achievable, and more importantly, they detailed *how* those earnings were generated. I learned about diverse monetization strategies, effective traffic-building tactics, and invaluable tips and tricks that propelled my own blog’s growth. These reports demystified the process, transforming vague aspirations into concrete, actionable steps.
It’s this spirit of empowerment and shared learning that continues to fuel our commitment to these reports. We want to provide you with the same clarity and motivation we once received, helping you navigate the exciting yet challenging landscape of food blogging. So, let’s dive into the specifics of August 2019.
August 2019 Food Blog Traffic Overview
Traffic trends for food blogs often follow predictable seasonal patterns, with summer months typically experiencing a general dip. This isn’t surprising; many of us, including myself, are enjoying vacations, spending less time in the kitchen, and focusing on outdoor activities. However, by late August, we traditionally observe a welcome uptick as routines resume and people begin planning for fall and holiday cooking.
Our traffic in August 2019 demonstrated a modest increase compared to January of the same year, but more significantly, it showed substantial growth when benchmarked against August 2018. This year-over-year improvement is a stronger indicator of sustainable growth and effective long-term strategies, rather than just monthly fluctuations. It underscores the importance of consistent content creation, robust SEO efforts, and engaging social media presence to build a resilient audience.
Pageviews in August 2019: A Closer Look
Here’s a snapshot of our overall site traffic for August 2019, presented alongside data from the preceding 31 days. This comparison provides immediate context for recent performance.
Furthermore, examining August 2019 against August 2018 reveals a remarkable and sustained 53% increase in pageviews. This significant year-over-year growth is a testament to the compounding effect of our strategies and a strong indicator of our expanding audience reach and content relevance. It highlights the power of foundational SEO work and consistent content updates in driving long-term organic traffic.
Total Pageviews for August 2019: 954,338
Achieving nearly a million pageviews in what is traditionally a slower month for food blogs speaks volumes about the quality and breadth of our content, as well as the effectiveness of our promotional strategies. While the number of pageviews is crucial, it’s equally important to consider the engagement and quality of that traffic, which ultimately contributes to revenue generation.
August 2019 Food Blog Income Breakdown
In this income report, we focus exclusively on revenue directly generated by our food blog and its immediate online presence. This means we meticulously exclude any income derived from unrelated freelance work or other business ventures, such as our food blog virtual assistant agency, 40A. While there’s certainly an overlap in experience, these income streams are separate entities. This ensures a clear and accurate representation of our food blog’s direct profitability.
It’s worth noting that during August, I was still partially on maternity leave. Consequently, our income from sponsored posts, external freelance projects, and direct coaching was comparatively lower than usual. This offers a unique perspective on the resilience of passive and semi-passive income streams within the food blogging model.
- Ad Revenue with AdThrive: $25,421. Our RPM (Revenue Per Mille, or per thousand pageviews) for August was an impressive $26.95 ($25,421 / 954,338 pageviews). A significant takeaway from this figure, especially when compared to our January income report, is the remarkable stability of our earnings. Despite traffic being approximately half of what it was in January, we generated almost the same amount of money. This highlights the immense value of partnering with a premium ad network like AdThrive, which prioritizes high-quality ads and optimizes placements to maximize revenue even during fluctuating traffic periods. It demonstrates that not all pageviews are created equal, and a higher RPM can effectively offset lower traffic volumes.
- Sponsored Posts: $1,800. This month saw a strategic reduction in sponsored content commitments due to maternity leave. We engaged in a modest social media campaign and continued a valued partnership with a long-term client we genuinely enjoy working with, even if the budget was lower. This selective approach ensures that sponsored content aligns with our brand values and audience interests, maintaining authenticity while generating income.
- Food Blog Retainer Clients: $550. This income comes from ongoing, stable relationships with a few clients who leverage our expertise on a continuous basis, providing a predictable revenue stream.
- Food Blog & Photography Coaching: $2,500. This income reflects the personalized, one-on-one coaching services we offer to help bloggers refine their strategy and photography skills. We are actively transitioning this program into a comprehensive group course to scale our impact. As this shift occurs, the price for individual coaching sessions will increase significantly. If you are serious about advancing your blog and seizing the opportunity for personalized guidance, we highly recommend signing up now to benefit from the unparalleled value of one-on-one coaching for your site and income.
- Thrive Market Affiliate Sales: $560. As a proud partner with Thrive Market, we earn a commission whenever someone initiates a trial membership through our unique link. Our deep admiration for Thrive Market predates our partnership; we were dedicated shoppers ourselves. Their commitment to healthy, affordable products aligns perfectly with our audience’s values, making this a highly authentic and successful affiliate relationship.
- Digital Product Sales: $150. This figure encompasses sales from our proprietary digital products available on the site. These include our popular digital cookbook, The Paleo Instant Pot, our custom food photography presets, and our insightful ebook, Improve Your Food Photography Almost Instantly. While these products provide steady passive income, they are rarely actively promoted, indicating strong organic appeal.
- Amazon Affiliate Sales: $244.13. We earn a small referral fee when readers purchase products through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to them. It’s important to note that our Amazon affiliate earnings have seen a slight decrease. This is a deliberate strategic shift as we actively prioritize and nurture our partnership with Thrive Market, focusing on long-term alignment and value for our audience.
Total Gross Income for August 2019: $31,225.13.
This impressive total reflects a diverse and resilient income portfolio, demonstrating that a successful food blog can generate significant revenue through a combination of advertising, direct services, and affiliate partnerships, even during periods of reduced personal active involvement.
Essential Food Blog Expenses for August 2019
Running a successful food blog, especially one operating at this scale, involves strategic investments in various tools and services that ensure optimal performance, audience engagement, and business growth. These expenses are crucial for maintaining site speed, expanding reach, and streamlining operations. Here’s a detailed look at our primary expenditures for August 2019:
- WPOpt: $43. Our hosting provider is the backbone of our site’s performance. WPOpt consistently delivers exceptional speed and reliability, which are paramount for both user experience and search engine optimization. Their service includes an HTTPS certificate, eliminating common setup headaches. WPOpt offers various plans tailored to different traffic volumes, making it scalable for bloggers at any stage. While we may need to upgrade soon, their current service level effectively handles our substantial traffic, and we enthusiastically recommend them for any serious blogger.
- Mailerlite: $175. Our email list is an indispensable asset, driving significant traffic and fostering a deeply engaged community. Mailerlite provides robust functionality for managing our large subscriber base and executing effective email campaigns without unnecessary complexity. Its straightforward interface and reliable delivery ensure that our communications reach our audience efficiently, contributing significantly to repeat visits and content consumption.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: $50. As content creators, we rely heavily on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. This comprehensive subscription provides access to essential tools like Premiere Pro for video editing, Lightroom and Photoshop for professional-grade food photography, and Adobe Illustrator for design work. The ability to utilize these industry-standard applications across various creative tasks makes the $50/month investment incredibly cost-effective and vital for producing high-quality content.
- Later.com: $10. This social media scheduling tool is invaluable for streamlining our Instagram presence. Later.com allows us to efficiently plan and schedule posts, incorporate a link-in-bio feature, and maintain a consistent and visually appealing Instagram feed, which is critical for driving traffic and engagement in the food blogging niche.
- Staff Salaries: $2,500. Our full-time staff member plays a pivotal role in supporting various aspects of our growing business ecosystem. This includes assistance with 40 Aprons, our food blog, as well as contributions to Layer Cake (our design agency for food bloggers), Quattro Mama (our postpartum apparel shop), and Real Good (our clean skincare and wellness lifestyle brand). This investment in human capital is crucial for scaling operations, managing diverse projects, and ensuring consistent output across all ventures. We anticipate expanding to two full-time positions in the near future to accommodate continued growth.
- Food Blogger Virtual Assistant Services: $500. To further enhance efficiency and content output for the 40 Aprons blog, we utilize virtual assistants from our own agency. These talented VAs are instrumental in drafting engaging posts, managing social media campaigns, and implementing SEO updates. Their support is a key driver behind the impressive growth and reach we continue to experience, allowing me to focus on high-level strategy and content creation.
Total Operational Expenses for August 2019: $3,278
These strategic expenditures highlight our commitment to investing in the tools, talent, and infrastructure necessary to maintain a leading position in the food blogging landscape. Each expense is carefully considered for its contribution to our overall growth, efficiency, and revenue generation.
Net Income for August 2019: $27,947.13
Calculating the net income provides a clear picture of our food blog’s profitability after all direct expenses. With a gross income of $31,225.13 and total expenses of $3,278, our net income for August 2019 stands at a robust $27,947.13. This figure underscores the incredible potential for financial success and independence within the food blogging industry when combined with strategic planning, consistent effort, and smart investments.
Transformative Food Blogging & Photography Coaching
Something truly remarkable has been unfolding with my coaching clients recently. My inbox is consistently filled with messages celebrating breakthroughs: “I just had my best month ever,” “I just made the most money ever,” or “I finally hit that milestone I thought was impossible.” These testimonials are not just gratifying; they are powerful affirmations of a system that works.
To be completely candid, when I first embarked on this coaching journey, there was an element of hopeful uncertainty. I combined my extensive experience as a food blogger—from my early, less-than-stellar days to becoming a full-time, six-figure earner—with my professional background in digital marketing and brand strategy. I then integrated the best practices from social media and content creation that we meticulously developed for our food blogger virtual assistant agency, 40A. Logically, the methodology should have yielded results. Yet, the initial nervousness persisted, until the consistent, undeniable success stories began to pour in, proving the program’s profound effectiveness.
This success is rooted in a holistic approach that addresses every facet of a food blog’s ecosystem. It’s about more than just recipes; it’s about strategic content, captivating photography, powerful branding, and smart monetization. Our coaching program is designed to bridge the gap between passion and profitability, turning blogging into a sustainable and highly rewarding career.
Is Food Blog Coaching Right For You?
Our food blog coaching program is specifically designed for dedicated bloggers who have been in the game for a while and are genuinely ready to elevate their craft and business to unprecedented levels. Whether your ambition is to qualify for an elite ad network, transition your passion into a full-time profession, or simply unlock new revenue streams, this program caters to individuals who are serious about their work and committed to putting in the effort to go pro.
We are currently accepting new clients into our food blogging and photography coaching program, which has been significantly updated with brand-new, cutting-edge content modules. Over eight intensive weeks, we will collaborate closely, beginning with a deep dive into your unique brand, identifying your core strengths, and pinpointing areas for improvement. Our focus will be on refining your content and photography to professional standards, bolstered by advanced SEO techniques, comprehensive brand analysis and development, and our proprietary content analysis methods. If you’re ready for this transformative journey, click here to read more about the program and submit your application to begin.
An important announcement: We are on the verge of transitioning our exclusive one-on-one coaching program into an expansive group course. While the foundational content and strategic frameworks will remain the same, the personalized one-on-one video conferences will evolve into dynamic group calls and interactive course chats. This means that if you are truly serious about accelerating your platform’s growth and desire the unparalleled benefit of direct, individualized mentorship, now is the opportune moment to enroll. Once the group course launches, the investment for the one-on-one program will increase substantially. Don’t miss this opportunity – click here to apply now.
The current one-on-one program delivers an in-depth brand strategy, helps you define a clear niche vision, and provides a customized game plan, all delivered through personalized video conferences with me. This premium program includes direct and daily access to my email for ongoing support and my personal review of all your work and assignments. If you are ready to transform your food blog into a professional, thriving enterprise, there is simply no better, more comprehensive program available today.
Empowering Your Blog with Professional Food Blog Virtual Assistants
Running a successful food blog requires a myriad of tasks, many of which can consume valuable time that could otherwise be spent on creative content generation or strategic planning. Whether you need expert assistance in crafting and scheduling engaging social media content, implementing the latest SEO updates to boost your rankings, strategically reaching out to potential brand partners, or virtually any other task that supports your growth as a food blogger, our team is equipped to provide the perfect solution.
Our specialized food blog virtual assistant agency is comprised of exceptionally talented individuals, many of whom are accomplished food bloggers themselves. This unique perspective ensures that they deeply understand the specific needs and challenges of the niche. They are poised to seamlessly integrate into your team, allowing you to delegate time-consuming operational tasks. This freedom empowers you to focus more on the aspects of blogging you truly love, minimize the chores you don’t, and ultimately, increase your earning potential significantly. Imagine reclaiming hours in your week, knowing that your blog’s essential operations are in expert hands. Ready to streamline your workflow and supercharge your blog’s growth? Click here to reach out and receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific needs.