So you’ve started your food blog, but now it’s time to dive deep into the tools to make your food blog successful, user-friendly, and efficient. And so much more. Here are my favorite tools for blogging and everything that goes into it.

Food Blogging Tools - Text Image

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WordPress Plug-Ins

Right out of the box, there are a few plug-ins you will want to add to optimize your food blog.

  • Recipe Card Plug-In: important for formatting your recipes so that search engines are able to find them (SEO). It also adds star ratings to recipes, and provides printer-friendly versions for readers, and more. Two excellent options that I’ve used:
    • WP Tasty Recipes: a very user-friendly recipe card that’s easy to use right after installation. I used this plug-in for several years without any issues!
    • WP Recipe Maker: another recipe card option that is super customizable. I switched to this from Tasty Recipes for more ability to customize it. If you like to get into the nitty-gritty with lots of options, this may be your best route.
  • Yoast SEO: a helpful tool to have to make sure your posts are optimized for search engine results (SEO). You will need to set up this plug-in to ensure it works properly for you, and don’t forget to add your Google Analytics and Google Search Console info! The free version is great!
  • Akismet Spam Protection: checks your blog comment submissions for spam and filters them to prevent your site from publishing any malicious content.
  • WP Rocket or another cache plug-in: this keeps your site speed fast, keeping readers on your site longer and increasing engagement! Not a plug-in you need ASAP but is definitely something to keep in mind as your site grows.

Email & Social Media

Spread the word! It’s important to have consistent branding and social shares to promote your food blog.

  • Google Workspace: I highly recommend signing up for a Google Workspace where you can create your own domain email which completes your branding and feels very official! It’s also helpful to keep your blog-related emails separate from your personal account. I have the starter plan and it covers all my basic email and storage needs for now.
  • Social Shares: you’ll want a plug-in to allow readers to share your content! There are several out there. I use Grow by Mediavine for its flexibility and brand-matching abilities.
  • Web Stories: not an essential plug-in right off the bat, but one worth mentioning. Google Web Stories are quickly gaining in popularity and are excellent drivers of traffic. Download the WordPress plug-in and easily create them right in your WordPress dashboard.
  • Email Marketing: get that email list started! It’s a great way to connect with your audience, and the only “social media” you have full control over. Yep, Instagram and Facebook can change in an instant!
    • Mailchimp is a great place to start for free.
    • Flodesk is super user-friendly and has beautiful email templates, plus they don’t charge per subscriber which means as you grow, your price stays the same. Use my Flodesk link for 50% off!
  • Tailwind: used to schedule pins for Pinterest, this tool makes it super easy to schedule them out in advance. It can also be used for Instagram. Click here for $15 off (affiliate link)!

Traffic & Analytics

Two very important (and free!) Google Tools to have to watch your food blog grow (and help you interpret the data).

You will need a Google email account, so once you’ve set up your fancy new Google Workspace, be sure to sign up for these. But you can use any Google account for these tools.

  • Google Analytics: helps you track your blog’s traffic. You’ll need to copy and paste the code into your site’s header, which can be found under customize – theme settings – header/footer scripts.
  • Google Search Console: helps you measure your site’s traffic and performance and makes sure everything is up and running as it should.

SEO Resources

Definitely install Yoast SEO for individual blog post feedback, but to learn more about SEO and for specific keyword research, you can check out these tools and resources. There are so many out there, these are the three I am currently using.

  • RankIQ: find keywords to rank for and use their tool to help write optimized blog posts! This tool is super helpful for ranking quickly!
  • Keywords Everywhere: a browser add-on to see keyword research in real-time. Just be sure to turn it off when you’re not researching to save your credits.
  • Hashtag Jeff: an SEO course made for bloggers.

Photography & Courses

Here are additional resources and classes I’ve used and recommend to further your knowledge of photography and the business side of things:

  • Any course from Rachel Korinek from Two Loves Studio – see has a course on Lightroom, Composition, Styling + Editing, and more!
  • Creative Business School helps creatives build a profitable and sustainable business without overwhelm.
  • The Bite Shot – anything Joanie Simon puts out is amazing. I’m working my way through Artificial Academy and highly recommend it!
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: I use Lightroom and Photoshop to edit photos, and Premiere Pro for videos.

Organization

Tech Support

If you are looking for involved, hands-on, personalized tech support from a group of smart, talented women, then be sure to look into joining Foodie Digital! I have been working with them for over a year and have absolutely loved the support they provide in all facets! Highly recommend their work, and be sure to tell them Becca from Fork in the Kitchen sent you if you join!

Have questions? Leave a comment below!