The Food Blogger Pro Podcast

Bjork Ostrom

Welcome to The Food Blogger Pro Podcast, hosted by Bjork Ostrom from Pinch of Yum! Our goal is to help you create a beautiful, functional, and profitable blog.

  • 55 minutes 15 seconds
    Give to Grow with Mo Bunnell

    Cultivating and nurturing relationships, the power of reciprocity, and the role relationships play in growing your business.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 490 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Mo Bunnell from Bunnell Idea Group about his new book, Give to Grow.

    Give to Grow with Mo Bunnell

    In this week’s episode, we’re excited to share Mo's incredible journey from the world of actuaries to the vibrant realm of entrepreneurship. Mo dives deep into how he transitioned from crunching numbers to building a thriving business, discovering that the real magic lies in forging genuine connections. He emphasizes that generosity and relationship-building are key ingredients for success, and you'll definitely want to hear his insights!

    Mo also explores the power of reciprocity in fostering meaningful relationships. He shares practical tips on making clear, trustworthy offers that can open doors to high-value connections, even if you’re starting from scratch. Whether you have a long list of contacts or are just beginning, Mo’s advice on tracking opportunities and nurturing relationships will inspire you to take proactive steps toward collaboration and growth. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to elevate your networking game!

    Three episode takeaways:

    • From Actuary to Entrepreneur: Mo shares his journey from crunching numbers as an actuary to diving headfirst into entrepreneurship. Along the way, he discovered the magic of relationship-building, emphasizing how generosity and genuine connections can lead to success.
    • The Power of Reciprocity: You'll learn how Mo taps into the science of reciprocity to foster meaningful relationships. He stresses the importance of making clear, trustworthy offers to brands and prioritizing high-value connections that can drive your business forward.
    • Cultivating Relationships: Discover Mo’s practical tips for nurturing connections and generating leads—even if you start with no contacts! He encourages listeners to keep track of opportunities and relationships, showing that proactive engagement can exponentially grow trust and collaboration over time.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsor!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    19 November 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Evolving Your Brand: When and How to Sell Products as a Food Creator

    Mastering product development and sales, prioritizing problem-solving for your audience, and overcoming perfectionism with Jillian Leslie from MiloTree.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 489 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Jillian Leslie from The Blogger Genius Podcast and MiloTree.

    Evolving Your Brand: When and How to Sell Products as a Food Creator

    In this week’s podcast episode, Jillian Leslie explains everything you need to know about selling a product as a food creator. Bjork and Jillian discuss the strategy behind developing a product and the importance of leaning into problem-solving for your audience.

    Jillian also walks listeners through how to get started selling products, how to scale products and generate recurring revenue, and how to overcome perfectionism within your business.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Prioritize problem-solving for your audience — As recipe developers, we’re always looking to solve problems for our readers. Whether you’re developing quick and easy recipes for busy families or vegan recipes for readers hoping to make a lifestyle change, problem-solving is at the center of what we do. Jillian makes the point that the same mentality should apply to developing products to sell and that the more you can market a product as a solution, the more success you’ll have.
    • The importance of testing and iteration — Research, testing, and iteration are essential to growing any business, including developing and selling products. Jillian also explains her theory that creators should start by producing B- work and then refine their product from that point. In this interview, she goes into detail about this theory and talks more about how to prevent perfectionism from holding you back.
    • When to transition into paid content—Many content creators struggle with transitioning from providing free content to putting some content behind a paywall. Bjork and Jillian discuss more about overcoming this barrier and how to know when the time is right for you to create your first product (and how to scale your products).

    Resources:

    -----

    This episode is sponsored by Clariti. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    12 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 53 minutes 53 seconds
    Differentiating Your Content in a Crowded Market with Brian Watson

    Prioritizing your blog, freeing yourself from metrics, and building a digital cookbook with Brian Watson from Thee Burger Dude.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 488 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Brian Watson from Thee Burger Dude

    Differentiating Your Content in a Crowded Market with Brian Watson

    In this week's episode, Brian Watson from Thee Burger Dude shares his inspiring journey from posting on Instagram to building a successful blog on WordPress. He'll reveal his secrets to standing out in a crowded digital landscape — including tips on simplifying your content creation process, focusing on versatile recipes, and the power of blogging and why it remains a vital tool for content creators.

    Plus, he'll debunk the myth of chasing numbers and encourage you to be gentle to yourself to prioritize your mental well-being. Whether you're a seasoned blogger or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow your audience and build a sustainable online business!

    Three episode takeaways:

    • Brian's Content Creation Journey: You'll hear about how Brian got his start on Instagram and eventually made the leap to YouTube. He dives into the early days of his content creation and how he built a successful blog on WordPress after initially trying out Wix, emphasizing the flexibility WordPress offers for monetization.
    • Discover the Power of Blogging: He highlights why blogging remains a crucial part of his success, serving as his main source of income, while platforms like Instagram serve as more of a bonus. He encourages content creators on TikTok and Instagram to consider starting their own blogs for a more stable and personalized space that they fully control.
    • Making Your Content Stand Out: You'll hear Brian talk about how to differentiate your brand in a crowded space, including tips on simplifying photography setups and focusing on multifunctional recipes that can be used across various dishes. Plus, he offers valuable advice for new bloggers: don’t get caught up in the numbers and embrace a mindset that prioritizes mental well-being and self-compassion!

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast and Memberful. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    5 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Actionable Steps to Shape a Successful Brand with Katie Trant

    Creating a brand to withstand algorithm changes, going beyond branding basics, and how your brand can influence your business strategy.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 487 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Katie Trant from Foodie Brand Lab and Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Actionable Steps to Shape a Successful Brand

    There has been a lot of buzz around the importance of building a strong brand as a food creator. Amidst the volatility of search algorithms and the rise of AI, food bloggers are looking for a way to stand out and build a loyal following.

    Enter, Katie Trant! She has a Masters in Nutrition and started her own food site, Hey Nutrition Lady, back in 2010. She also works full-time at brand and business consultancies helping big companies define their brand. So you might say she was well-positioned to start Foodie Brand Lab to help food bloggers (like you!) refine their brand strategy.

    In this interview, Bjork and Katie discuss everything you need to know about brand: what it is, why it matters, how to define your brand, and how it can influence your business strategy. Katie also provides actionable steps to start building a stronger brand to help you stand out in the crowded space of food blogging.

    3 episode takeaways:
    • What is a brand? A brand is much more than a logo, color scheme, design, or font. It includes such things as brand personality, tone of voice, brand position, brand purpose, and brand values. Your niche is part of your brand, but your brand has the potential to be even more impactful in your success than a niche.
    • A strong brand can withstand algorithm changes: It has never been more important to have a brand as a food blogger. Katie discusses how to shape the perception of your brand, and why brand matters so much in the current digital landscape.
    • Actionable steps to go from search traffic to direct traffic: Katie walks listeners through several thought exercises (like whether you have a traditional or personal brand) and concrete steps that they can take to start building a better brand.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Tailor Brands. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    29 October 2024, 8:00 am
  • 55 minutes 59 seconds
    Building Brand Relationships that Last with Chris Pieta

    Working with brands, communicating with clients, and staying organized with Chris Pieta from Creative Biz Launch. 

    -----

    Welcome to episode 486 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Chris Pieta from Creative Biz Launch. 

    Building Brand Relationships that Last with Chris Pieta

    In this week’s episode, Chris highlights the value of narrowing your focus. By clearly defining what you offer and identifying your ideal client, you can transform your outreach efforts. When you zero in on how to help them achieve their goals, your messaging becomes much more impactful!

    Chris will also talk about the power of personal connections (consider hopping on a call instead of just firing off emails)—it’s all about building relationships! Plus, he'll share how using a CRM can streamline your processes and keep your emails from landing in spam. With a solid onboarding system, you’ll make the transition smooth for new clients. Be sure to tune in for these tips to supercharge your business!

    Three episode takeaways:

    Narrow Down Your Niche: Chris emphasizes the importance of knowing exactly what you’re selling, your ideal client, and how you can help them achieve their dream outcome. This will help you tailor your outreach and messaging to resonate with the right people!

    Reach Out Strategically and Nurture Relationships: When it comes to working with brands, you’ll want to lean on the power of clear communication and strategic outreach. Hop on a call with a client rather than exchanging emails—this personal touch can help you better understand your client’s needs and pave the way for a successful collaboration. You’ll also learn how you can use cold outreach to connect with potential clients and the different phases of a discovery call.

    Streamline Your Process with Systems: A CRM can be a game-changer for managing leads, tracking interactions, and automating tasks. Chris also emphasizes the importance of setting up proper email infrastructure to prevent your emails from going to spam and creating a clear onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new clients!

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Clariti and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

     

    22 October 2024, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 seconds
    Achieving Quiet Success as a Six-Figure Food Creator with Elizabeth Emery

    Prioritizing passive income, overcoming burnout, and rediscovering joy as a food blogger with Elizabeth Emery from Vancouver with Love.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 485 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Elizabeth Emery from Vancouver with Love.

    Achieving Quiet Success as a Six-Figure Food Creator

    Food blogging can be a dream job — hey, we wouldn’t have started Food Blogger Pro if we didn’t believe that! But it also requires a lot of hustle, perseverance, and uncertainty. Elizabeth Emery first started Vancouver with Love in 2015 as a side hustle and took her site full-time in 2018. By 2021, she was feeling completely burnt out. That year ended up being a pivotal moment in her career.

    To overcome her burnout, she met with a business coach and adjusted the parts of her business that she wasn’t happy with. Once she made significant changes to her business and income streams, she rediscovered the joy of content creation, and her business started growing along with these changes. Elizabeth is now making a six-figure income from her business, and she shares all the details about her journey in this great interview!

    Three Episode takeaways:
    • How to overcome burnout: Between working on her blog for 6+ years, the pandemic, and unreliable income, Elizabeth found herself completely burned out running her food blog. She was desperate for a change but knew that she could still love her job with a few tweaks. In this interview, she explains the process of working with a business coach to find more joy and flexibility in her career.
    • Why ‘quiet success’ is underrated: Elizabeth has 30,000 followers on Instagram, no book deal (yet!), and isn’t on TV. And you don’t need any of those things to build a career as a successful food creator! It isn’t the right time for Elizabeth to pursue those goals, and she shares more about why those metrics of success aren’t for everyone.
    • How to prioritize passive income: Elizabeth has been very intentional in the growth of her business and in adjusting her sources of revenue to increase her passive income. In this episode, you’ll learn how she makes a six-figure income from her business between ad revenue, sponsored content, and freelance recipe development.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Tailor Brands and Yoast. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    15 October 2024, 8:00 am
  • 56 minutes 2 seconds
    The Importance of Building Community with A Couple Cooks

    Balancing passion, building a sustainable business, and predicting the future of food blogging with Alex and Sonja Overhiser from A Couple Cooks.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 484 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Alex and Sonja Overhiser from A Couple Cooks.

    The Importance of Building Community with A Couple Cooks

    Alex and Sonja first started blogging at A Couple Cooks over 14 years ago and have navigated countless changes in the food blogging landscape over the years. In this interview, they share the things that kept them going before they achieved success with their business and the importance of having an accountability partner in the early days.

    They also discuss more about key decisions they’ve made in their business: why they’ve chosen not to build a team, why they don’t prioritize Instagram, and how they pivoted their cookbook strategy after initial rejections. Bjork, Alex, and Sonja have been friends for over a decade, and it’s a pleasure to hear them catching up as people who have been around the block in this industry.

    Episode takeaways:
    • Balancing passion and business: Alex and Sonja have learned a lot in the 14 years that they’ve been running A Couple Cooks, including the delicate balance between their passion for sharing recipes with their community and the reality that their site is also their livelihood. In this interview, they share more about how they run a successful business while still making space for creativity and joy.
    • Developing a giftable cookbook: Alex and Sonja are publishing their second cookbook, A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together, this fall, but it wasn’t a linear path to getting this cookbook published. After their first cookbook proposal was rejected by publishers, they went back to the drawing board and developed a new proposal for a “giftable cookbook” that was accepted by the first editor they approached!
    • Having the ability to pivot: With the growth of AI and the uncertainty of Google algorithm updates, it is more important than ever to build an experience and community as a creator. Alex and Sonja discuss this shift, including why they’re focusing more on email marketing, as well as their predictions for the content creation landscape over the next year.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    8 October 2024, 8:00 am
  • 55 minutes 32 seconds
    How to Thrive in the Creator Economy and Build Successful Brand Partnerships

    Legitimizing the creator economy and working with brands with Chandice Probst and Abbey Rodriguez from Tastemaker Conference

    -----

    Welcome to episode 483 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Chandice Probst and Abbey Rodriguez from Tastemaker Conference. 

    How to Thrive in the Creator Economy and Build Successful Brand Partnerships

    Chandice and Abbey have been on the front lines of the food content creation revolution, watching the industry evolve from bloggers to influencers and creators. Now, they’re dedicated to proving that being a food creator is a serious business, not just a hobby.

    Tune in as they discuss the power of community and how embracing an abundance mindset can open doors to new opportunities. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation that could transform the way you approach your creative business!

    Three episode takeaways:

    Legitimizing the Creator Economy: Chandice and Abbey argue that being a [food] creator is a real business, not just a hobby. They’ve seen the food blogging industry evolve over the years and are working hard to decentralize the food creator business model.

    Building Your Brand Takes Work: Getting brand partnerships isn’t as easy as it might seem. It requires a strategic approach, including creating a sponsorship deck, reaching out to brands directly, and even leveraging AI to find potential partners!

    Collaboration Over Competition: The key to success in the creator economy is often collaboration. Abbey and Chandice emphasize the importance of building a supportive community and leaning into the abundance mentality over the scarcity mentality.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast and Tailor Brands. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    1 October 2024, 8:00 am
  • 53 minutes 35 seconds
    How to Build a Thriving Membership Site

    Building community, providing exclusive value, and streamlining membership sites with Jen Matichuk from Memberful. 

    -----

    Welcome to episode 482 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Jen Matichuk from Memberful—this is the third and final episode of our Memberful mini-series!

    How to Build a Thriving Membership Site

    In this week’s episode of our podcast, we’re diving deep into the power of community for your membership site! Join Jen as she shares her insights on how to foster genuine connections with your audience and ensure they feel valued and engaged.

    Discover how to deliver exclusive content that truly resonates—think behind-the-scenes access and in-depth tutorials that keep your members coming back for more. Plus, Jen highlights some of Memberful’s essential tools that can streamline your site management and allow you to focus on building meaningful relationships with your audience. You won’t want to miss this episode!

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Build a Community Around Your Content: A strong community can be a powerful asset for your membership site. Encourage engagement, provide exclusive content, and create a space where your members can connect with each other.
    • Offer Value Beyond Your Free Content: To justify the cost of a membership, provide exclusive content and benefits that your free audience can’t access. This could include behind-the-scenes content, in-depth tutorials, or access to a private community.
    • Use the Right Tools to Streamline Your Membership Site: Tools like Memberful can help you manage your membership site, from creating tiers to facilitating payments. By using the right tools, you can save time and focus on building your community.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsor!

    This episode is sponsored by Memberful. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    27 September 2024, 8:00 am
  • 59 minutes 52 seconds
    Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List with Nathan Barry from Kit

    Leveraging email lists, boosting revenue, and building relationships with Nathan Barry.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 481 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Nathan Barry from ConvertKit, soon-to-be Kit.

    Maximizing the Impact of Your Email List

    Nathan Barry started ConvertKit back in 2013 and has grown his company into a multi-million dollar business with over 30,000 creators that use the platform. We are happy to welcome Nathan back to the podcast to chat about how he has grown his business, email marketing strategy, and the transition from ConvertKit to Kit.

    As algorithms change and search traffic becomes increasingly unpredictable, it’s a great time to double down on your email list. Capturing your audience from both site traffic and your social accounts and building an ongoing relationship with that audience is a great way to diversify your income streams and protect the future of your business. This podcast episode dives into the importance of optimizing your emails for the reader, consistency, and driving revenue with your emails.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Strategies for Increasing Email List Sign-ups: When something goes viral on social media, how do you make sure you’re capturing that audience? Nathan and Bjork discuss the importance of optimizing links in your social media profiles, lead magnets, and other tips for growing your email list.
    • How Your Email List Can Increase Your Revenue: With the (slow) demise of third-party cookies, creators need to be more… creative with providing more relevant ads to their readers. If you’re working with an ad network, your email list can be an incredibly valuable resource for serving targeted ads to your users (thereby maximizing your ad revenue).
    • The Magic of Flywheels: Nathan explains how and why to apply the concept of flywheels, which emphasizes attracting, engaging, and delighting your community, to your business. He also makes a case for why you should focus on repeating what is working for your business (rather than chasing the next new thing).

    Resources:

    This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started at foodbloggerpro.com/work-with-us.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    24 September 2024, 8:00 am
  • 36 minutes 31 seconds
    The Secret to Generating Recurring Revenue with Bjork Ostrom

    The power of recurring revenue and breaking down key metrics for running a membership site with Bjork Ostrom

    -----

    Welcome to episode 480 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week, we’re excited to air the second episode of our mini-series with Memberful, in which Bjork discusses the ins and outs of membership sites and the power of recurring revenue.

    The Secret to Generating Recurring Revenue with Bjork Ostrom

    Tired of chasing after millions of followers? In this week’s podcast, Bjork spills the beans on how you can build a thriving business with just a small but dedicated community. He discusses the power of recurring revenue and how that can translate into stability for your business. He also breaks down some key business metrics that can help you track your progress and make smart decisions.

    Let’s face it: Building a sustainable business isn’t about getting everyone on board. It’s about finding your tribe and serving them really well. This episode is a must-listen if you’re looking to grow your business in a more sustainable way!

    Three episode takeaways:

    You Don’t Need Millions of Followers: It’s a common misconception that you need millions of followers or subscribers to build a successful and profitable business. The reality is that even a small, dedicated community can be enough! By focusing on quality over quantity and building strong relationships with your audience, you can create a sustainable income stream that allows you to thrive.

    Recurring Revenue is Key to Stability: One of the biggest advantages of membership sites is the predictable income they generate through subscription fees. This recurring revenue provides a stable foundation for your business, allowing you to focus on growth and improvement without constantly chasing new opportunities. Unlike one-time sales or advertising revenue, which can fluctuate, membership fees offer a reliable source of income.

    Understand Your Business Metrics: To make informed decisions and evaluate the health of your business, it’s essential to track key metrics such as MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue), churn rate, customer lifetime value, and customer acquisition cost. These metrics can help you understand your business’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic decisions.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsor!

    This episode is sponsored by Memberful. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    19 September 2024, 8:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App
© MoonFM 2024. All rights reserved.