So, you want to be Food Blogger?? I’m so excited for you! The decision to start a Food Blog was the catalyst that changed my life completely. This blog has enabled me to live a life that I love and enjoy the work I do.

Frankly, I just do my thing – cooking and creating – and get paid for it.

Mostly, I work in my pajamas and for a just a few hours a day.

And I get to eat lots of delicious food!

Sounds great, right??

Let’s not put cart before the horse though, it’s taken me lots of hard work and countless hours BUT it’s been totally worth it – to live life with flexibility and freedom!

I am so passionate about the life that this blog has created for me, that I want to help empower YOU to take the plunge too! I had people telling me to start a blog for years before I took the leap and I regret all the time that I wasted with fear and procrastination.

Please don’t make that same mistake that I did – Don’t Delay – Drop what you are doing (unless it’s something breakable like a glass or baby, then set it down gently) and get your Food Blog started in just 15 minutes!

How to Start a Food Blog in 15 minutes!

Starting your food blog isn’t complicated or difficult. It honestly just takes 15 minutes to take the plunge and you’ll be so glad when it’s over.

I’ve created a simple 3-Step guide to get your started, holding your hand through the entire process and if you get hung up, you can always drop me an email – I’m glad to help!

Step #1: Get your Domain Name

Let’s get the blogging-party started! I’m so excited for you to join the blogger club!

What do you want your domain name to be?

Obviously, my domain name is HealthStartsInTheKitchen.com.

How did I come up with such an awesome domain name? I asked my Hubby for help. Yep! Ray actually came up with the name for my blog, I’m a very lucky gal!

Once you have the perfect name for your blog, check to see if your domain name is available by entering it in the box below (or click HERE)

Once you find the perfect available domain name, you’ll also need to host your domain name.

Hosting is like renting space on the web to display your blog. Bluehost has great rates and gives you your domain name for free if you decide to host with them.

Don’t we all LOVE a great deal???

Then you’ll need pick your hosting plan. The Basic $3.95 a month is perfectly fine to start out with if that all your budget allows but if you can swing it, I’d recommend the Prime Plan if it’s still available for $5.95 when you sign up. It will give you plenty of room for growth, without feeling restricted too soon.

The only add on that you may want to get is The Domain Whois Privacy (if it’s not included with your plan). It shields your personal address and phone number from being displayed to the public.

Unless you are totally ok with everyone knowing who you are and where you live – I’m not.

I used Bluehost for my first 4 years of blogging, it was perfect for getting started and saved me a bunch of money. As my traffic increased and I required more personalized services, I switched to Black Chicken, I have been with them for nearly 3 years, they are an excellent host and I recommend them as well.

Step #2: Install WordPress

Once you’ve completed registration with Bluehost you’ll need to go through the process of installing WordPress.

WordPress is a blogging software. It’s the software that I use for pinchofyum.com. The best part is that it’s SUPER easy to use and it’s also super easy to install on your website. BINGO.

Here’s how:

Login to Bluehost and find the Website Builders section. Click on the WordPress logo.

On the next page click the “Install” button in the “Do it yourself FREE” section.

Click the “Check Domain” button.

Check the terms and conditions box and then click the “Install Now” button.

Once you get the message that says “Your install is complete!” you’ll want to click on the “View Credentials” button and write down your Admin URL, Username, and Password. You can change these to something more memorable later, but you’ll need them for your first time logging in.

Type your Admin URL into your web browser. You’ll see a login screen like the one below. Enter your Username and Password you copied down from the previous step.

Step #3: Make your Blog Pretty

At this point, you officially have your own blog, Congrats!

You’re minutes away from sharing your first blog post but before you head into the kitchen to create your first recipe, there are a few things you can do to beautify your blog.

It’s time to pick your theme! WordPress has tons of free WordPress themes to pick from. You can scan through the options here.

If you’re looking for a premium theme, I love Theme Forest. They have a bunch of creative and easy to install themes that are inexpensive.

My best advice, don’t dilly dally and fret over the gazillions of themes available, you can always change it later – and you will change it several times – it’s ok if you don’t LOVE your theme immediately.

Eventually you’ll get there, trust me.

I chugged along with a less than pretty blog for the first few years before I took the leap and had Julie at Deluxe Design take over my theme – and currently we’re working on a new look to launch later this summer (2017). — if you decide to work with Julie, please tell her I referred you!!

There’s more important things to prioritize… like your first blog post!

What’s Next? Start Blogging!

Now that you’ve gotten your blog all set up, the next step is to write your first blog post! Don’t be afraid, just share SOMETHING, Anything and hit PUBLISH.

And after you write your first post… do it again… and again… and again…

Get my drift?

The more you post the easier it will become!

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I have used all of the products listed below and recommend them because they are helpful and are companies that I trust.