Eat Blog Talk

In episode 588, Megan chats to Laura Arnold about why an SEO content calendar is important for diversifying your brand and how to set it up to improve your rank on Google. Laura Arnold is a New York City-based Emmy-Nominated Culinary Television Producer, Cookbook Consultant, and award-winning Content Creator with over a decade of experience. She currently is the Supervising Culinary Producer for Food Network's The Kitchen, and has worked previously at ABC's The Chew, DotDash Meredith, Good Housekeeping, Food52, kitchn.com, and with many more brands. In this episode, you'll learn more about how to balance new posts with content updates, which keywords to choose, the significance of storytelling and expert phrasing and whether social media is important or not. Key points discussed: - Consistency is key: Maintain consistent SEO efforts and content creation for long-term growth and success. - Manageable workloads: Create a content calendar that fits within your capabilities and resources for sustainable success. - Competitor analysis: Research and understand the top-performing content in a given niche to help you develop effective SEO strategies. - Keyword research and targeting: Identifying high-volume, low-competition keywords is a key step in creating content that resonates with the target audience. - Interlinking and content pillars: Strategically linking related content within posts and building out content pillars can improve site navigation and user experience. - Storytelling and expert phrasing: Balance personal narratives with authoritative language to help engage readers and establish the blogger as an expert in their field. - Performance tracking: Regularly monitoring and analyzing SEO metrics, such as impressions and keyword rankings, can inform content optimization and strategy adjustments. - Social media integration: Leveraging social media platforms to share and promote content can help diversify a brand's digital presence and reach a wider audience. Connect with Laura Arnold Website | Instagram

In episode 587, Brenda Cadman teaches us how to organize our uploads and templates in Canva to create designs quickly and without fuss. Brenda Cadman is a Canva Verified Expert from Prince Edward Island, Canada. After spending more than two decades supporting businesses with their website development needs, she now focuses on teaching small business owners how to use Canva more effectively and efficiently. Brenda has taught thousands of business owners through her courses, and in particular, she loves to help business owners tame their hot mess Canva accounts by creating an organizational system that ensures they can spend less time in Canva, and more time doing what they love. In this episode, you'll learn about creating custom folders for better categorization, template and time management and thereby streamlining the design process. Key points discussed: - Organize Canva uploads: Create custom folders to categorize and easily find your uploaded images, videos, and other media. - Leverage the brand kit: Use Canva's brand kit feature to store your logo, color palette, fonts, and other brand assets for consistent branding. - Streamline element organization: Use the "Add to Folder" option to create custom folders for frequently used icons, illustrations, and other design elements. - Manage templates effectively: Separate future-use templates from customized brand templates to maintain organization and efficiency. - Prioritize Canva organization: Dedicate time to organize your Canva account - this will help improve productivity and save time in the long run. - Use brand templates to speed up workflow: Creating and saving brand templates can ensure consistency and reduce errors when customizing frequently used designs. - Avoid wasting time in Canva: If you prioritize Canva organization, you will save time spent on the platform designing and looking for assets. Connect with Brenda Cadman Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 ways to manage feelings of overwhelm in entrepreneurship. If you are an entrepreneur long enough, you are bound to experience times when you have to evolve or you can't go on. Often, when you're in a state of complete overwhelm, it's a signal that something needs to change. I think most of us want to stay passionate about what we do but we don't want to get buried by to do lists and business projects. Here are 5 ways I manage overwhelm and keep a positive outlook. Action Plan: 1 - Time Tracking: Track everything you do for a minimum of 3 days, preferably 7 days. Comb through the data to identify where you're spending your time and make changes to reduce draining activities. 2 - Exercise and Self-Care: Commit to a daily habit of exercise, even if it's just 10 minutes and engage in self-care activities like meditation war spending time in nature, reading, or creative pursuits. 3 - Take a Break: Listen to your gut and take a break, whether it's a 30-minute break during the day or a longer, week-long or month-long break from your business. Giving yourself this time off can help reset and reduce overwhelm. 4 - Limit Tech and Social Media: Reduce the time you spend on your phone, computer, and social media platforms. The constant connectivity can contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. 5 - Laugh and Love: Surround yourself with situations and people that bring you joy, laughter, and love. Spend time with friends, family, or pets, and engage in activities that make you smile. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Photography by Ikram Ali Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 585, Megan chats to Carol Borchardt about the advantages of being a food blogger after you've retired and how to succeed regardless of your age. Carol Borchardt is a retired personal chef with 22 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! She is also a former newspaper food columnist and mom to rescue kitty, Olive. Carol is married (almost 29 years) with two stepchildren and four grandchildren. At From A Chef's Kitchen, which Carol started ten years ago, she shares easy, step-by-step, chef-tested restaurant-quality recipes that are easy to make at home. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 132 with Jen Lefforge – Starting A YouTube Channel Over 40. In this episode, you'll learn about what it is like being a full-time retired food blogger, why it is important to start sooner rather than later and how to overcome technical difficulties. Key points discussed: - Start a food blog at any age: Carol started her food blog between the ages of 40-50 - it's never too late to pursue a creative passion. - Overcome technical fears: Start with a good host and theme, and use resources or hire experts to handle the technical aspects of blogging. - Embrace social media strategically: Focus on the platforms that you feel comfortable with and enjoy. - Monetization can provide financial freedom: If your blog is monetised, your retirement income will be self-sustaining and provide flexibility. - Blogging can be a fulfilling retirement gig: You may find immense satisfaction in the creative outlet of food blogging, keeping you active and productive in retirement. - Build a legacy through recipes: Think of preserving family recipes and creating a lasting legacy through a food blog. - Do it on your own terms: Pursue your passion and don't feel pressured to conform to industry standards. - Find your true fans: Remember why you started the blog and connect with readers who appreciate your unique voice and content. Connect with Carol Borchardt Website | Instagram

In episode 584, Chris De La Rosa teaches us 6 unique monetization strategies so that we can earn a living without relying on income from ads. Chris De La Rosa, is the founder of CaribbeanPot.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the vibrant culinary culture of the Caribbean. Although his roots trace back to Trinidad and Tobago, Chris's goal is to showcase recipes from all the enchanting islands that contribute to the rich tapestry of Caribbean cuisine. Through his website, social media channels, and YouTube videos, Chris shares the authentic flavors, techniques, and stories that make Caribbean food so special. In this episode, you'll learn how to outsource finding brand deals, successful ways of selling digital products and how to leverage your culinary expertise by collaborating with restaurants and tech companies. Key points discussed: - Branded partnerships and sponsorships: It is essential to align brand deals with your niche and stay true to your audience. Hire out the process of contacting brands. - Digital products and online courses: Repurpose website content into digital cookbooks and courses to generate an additional revenue stream. - Seasonal content planning: Analyzing data, such as YouTube statistics, to help identify popular topics to create seasonal digital products. - Physical products and merchandise: Selling branded merchandise like t-shirts and aprons with your logo can generate additional income. - Menu consultation: Leveraging your expertise in a niche cuisine can lead to opportunities to consult with restaurants. - Culinary tours and experiences: Offering food-focused tours and experiences can be a unique way to monetize your brand. - Embrace the opportunities technology offer: Use your culinary expertise to collaborate with technology companies developing AI for recipes. - Ghost kitchens: Partner with shared kitchen spaces so that you can have a space for the production and distribution of your own food products. - Reduce food waste by offering made-to-order meals: By offering pre-ordered, made-to-order meals you can minimize waste and serve specific communities. Connect with Chris De La Rosa Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 strategies you can use to accelerate business growth, especially when your business feels stagnant. I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like my entire business needs an overhaul, and other times, it just feels like a certain part of my business isn't growing. While our businesses can't be growing optimally all the time, there are strategies we can use to give our business a boost when it feels like we've hit a dead end or like we're running ourselves to the ground on the entrepreneurial hamster wheel of work, work, work. What's more these strategies may lead to an increase in revenue and other rewards. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize relationships: Building and nurturing relationships with others can lead to exponential business growth that you may not be able to anticipate. 2 - Join or form a quality mastermind group: Being part of a high-quality mastermind group can provide unique perspectives, valuable connections, and accelerate the growth of your business. 3 - Hire a business and/or mindset coach: Investing in a good coach can help you identify and overcome personal and business obstacles, rewriting old stories and putting you on a trajectory for greater success. 4 - Be consistent: Committing to taking consistent action, even in small steps, towards your goals will help accelerate your business growth. 5 - Evaluate monthly what is and isn't working: Set aside time at the end of each month to reflect on your progress and use those insights to plan for the next month, ensuring you're focusing your efforts effectively. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Blog Writing at Maes Media (Chelsea Plummer) Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 582, Megan chats to Katharine Rosenthal about creative ways to earn money while waiting to join an ad network. Katharine is a Dietitian and Food Blogger and she started her blog in early 2023. She focuses on healthy-ish recipes that are easy and approachable. As a Dietitian, Katharine fully believes that there is room for every food and she wants to spread that philosophy and idea to all of her readers. Katharine's favorite saying is "nourish to flourish" and to her that means to eat nutrient-rich foods most of the time but also grab those fries and drink the milkshake when you are craving it! In this episode, you'll learn about how to generate income through online and local partnerships, how to use your expertise to earn extra money and time management tips for balancing multiple income streams. Key points discussed: - Diversify income sources through online partnerships: While waiting to get into an ad network, you can generate revenue through online partnerships - you don't need many followers on social media to do this. - Leverage local connections: Reaching out to local magazines, businesses, and organizations can lead to valuable partnerships and exposure. - Provide value through expertise: Use your background to offer unique value, for example through recipe development, nutrition articles, and cooking classes. - Prioritize time management: Even with multiple income streams, you can plan for time off and still focus on self-care by being organized and planning ahead. - Know your value: Price your services to reflect the value you offer and reassess your pricing as your experience increases. - Embrace boldness: If you want to succeed you need to be bold and take advantage of opportunities, even when they may seem daunting. - Focus on long-term growth: Blogging is a long-term game, and she encourages persistence and patience in the face of challenges. - Create dual-purpose content: When creating content for partnerships, do it so that it can be used on your own blog. Guest Details Connect with Katharine Rosenthal Website | Instagram

In episode 581, Leslie Osborne teaches us how to create high-quality recipe videos using a phone, including what settings to use while recording and how to use artificial lighting correctly. Leslie started her food blog Bessie Bakes in 2015 after going to artisan bread and pastry school in Chicago, IL in 2012. She wanted to have a food-based business but after having her son, she realized that she needed to work from home but still share her recipes and passion for baking. After really struggling with food photography because she couldn't find affordable yet high-quality backdrops, Leslie started learning how to make her own. In 2019 she launched Bessie Bakes Backdrops and began selling her own line of lightweight, cleanable photography backdrops on her own website and Amazon. Along the way, Leslie has personally done all the photography and videography for her products and social media accounts and shares lots of tutorials and behind-the-scenes content on IG and Youtube! In this episode, you'll learn about video filming apps for your phone, using diffusers and bounce cards, making food look delicious and many other tips. Key points discussed: - Film in 4K 60fps: Filming recipe videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second can improve the quality and clarity of the footage. - Use a video filming app: Using a dedicated video filming app, rather than the default camera, allows for better control over camera settings like white balance and exposure. - Get close-up shots: Zooming in and positioning the camera close to the food can help make the recipe the star of the video. - Use food styling techniques: Make your food look extra delicious and textured by adding extra sauce, oil, seasoning, dressing etc. - Pay attention to lighting: Proper lighting, whether natural or artificial, is crucial for achieving vibrant colors and textures in recipe videos. - Use diffusers and bounce cards: Using diffusers and bounce cards can help soften and balance the lighting for a more natural look. - Tripods make filming easier: Different types of tripods, from tabletop to C-stands, offer varying levels of stability and flexibility for phone-based recipe videos. - Embrace failure and practice: Mastering videography skills takes time and a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes. Guest Details Connect with Leslie Osborne Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 steps to improve your meditation practice so that you can experience rewards like better sleep and less anxiety. Meditation has changed my life. That is ever since I learned how to mediate correctly. Because, I imagine like many other people who have given up this mindfulness practice, I was approaching it all wrong. In fact, it was never a priority for me, just something I would try before work calls or meetings and then in a panicked state. This year I changed my approach and I'll never go back to life without meditation. This year I changed my approach and I'll never go back to life without meditation. It just makes me a better mom, wife and business owner. Here are the 5 steps I use for successful meditation. Action Plan: 1 - Play theta waves music before you get settled into your meditation. This will help put you in a relaxing theta brain wave state. 2 - Find a quiet place to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, where you won't be disturbed. Communicate with family members so they know not to bother you during this time. 3 - Establish an anchor, such as your breathing or a mantra, to gently bring your mind back when it starts to wander. Be patient and don't worry if your mind wonders. 4 - Just be - create space for your mind to rest and clear. Experiment with visualizations like an empty room to help quiet your thoughts. 5 - Continue mindfulness practices throughout the day, such as noticing and releasing any anxious habits like clenched fists or tight shoulders. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Meditation Track mentioned in Episode 580 Food Blogger Services – Mika Kinney Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 579, Megan chats to Sandie Markle about why we should shift our mindset about AI and instead leverage technology to create sustainable revenue growth beyond ads. With a passion for all things food, Sandie's journey in the tech world has equipped her with a unique perspective and a refined palate. As the former Senior Director of Content Engineering at SideChef, she led strategic initiatives to optimize grocery partnerships and recipe content, amassing over 18 years of expertise in efficient processes and robust strategies. Now, as the founder of Blueberri Consulting, she's dedicated to helping businesses elevate their content and tech infrastructure to help home cooks all over the world make memorable meals. In this episode, you'll learn about how to stay ahead of the curve with AI and other technology advancements as well as the importance of updating your LinkedIn page as you never know how it might benefit your business. Key points discussed: - Embracing AI and technology: Embrace AI and new technologies to stay ahead of trends and remain competitive in the food blogging industry. - Overcome resentment through education: Educate yourself on AI concepts and trends to help overcome the resentment towards AI-generated content. - Collaboration with tech companies: Explore non-traditional partnerships and collaborations with tech companies to integrate recipes and leverage your food blogging expertise. - Prompt engineering opportunities: You can leverage your domain expertise to help refine AI models and produce better quality, practical recipes. - Strengthen LinkedIn presence: Maintaining a strong LinkedIn profile can help food bloggers connect with B2B opportunities and stay informed about industry changes. - Bridge the gap between food and tech: There is a need to bridge the communication gap between food bloggers and tech companies to create better content experiences. - Embrace change and innovation: Technology is constantly evolving, and you need to be adaptable and willing to embrace new opportunities. - Importance of teamwork: The strength of the team is in the individual members, and food bloggers should focus on being strong individual contributors. Sign up for a free 30-minute Discovery Session HERE! Connect with Sandie Markle Website | Instagram