How to Make Money as a Content Creator: Food Edition

We’ve all seen amazing food photos and videos as we’re scrolling our social media feeds. It’s enough to inspire you to head into the kitchen at least, or if you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, to start sharing your own food content! Since you’re reading this right now, my guess is that you’re the latter. If you love food, but aren’t sure how to make money as a content creator, get ready to learn. I’ve called in four food content experts to share about their businesses.

And a quick side note before we dive in: while I love what everyone has to share here, these are definitely not your only options! Just a sampling of what’s possible. 🙂

Option #1: Cookbook Photography

There are many different photography niches – weddings, families, pets, etc. Of course this includes food! And as a food photographer, you can specialize in photographing cookbooks. This involves collaborating with a cookbook author to photograph their recipes for the publication. Check out my interview with Kara Blake Chin for tips on how to get started with cookbook photography!

Option #2: Podcasting & Online Communities

Food blogging is pretty well known, but have you thought about podcasting? Starting a podcast is a great fit for folks who prefer talking over writing. It also allows you to create content with a more conversational style. You can even do guest interviews!

Podcasts are connection-based, so they pair well with online communities. Member-supported communities (like the ones on Substack) allow people to join for a monthly subscription fee to get access to content. They are a great way to reach your audience without relying on SEO or social media algorithms!

Food content creator Nicki Sizemore shares about her experience starting a podcast and Substack newsletter here.

Option #3: Teaching Online Baking Classes

If you love sharing your baking (or cooking!) knowledge with others, consider teaching online classes! Food content creator Megan Knudsvig teaches dessert decorating and baking techniques through live classes hosted on EventBrite. She shares more about why she loves having teaching as part of her business offerings in this interview.

Option #4: Brand Partnerships

This is probably one of the most talked about ways to monetize as a content creator – brand partnerships! As you might’ve guessed, this involves getting paid by a brand to create content. There are several different types of sponsored content you can create – recipe blog posts, Instagram reels, and YouTube vidoes are a few examples!

Danielle Rodgers of French Vanilla Food Photography is so smart about how she creates content that will open the door for brand partnership opportunities. In her interview on this blog, she shares more about how to get started with brand partnerships.

Final Thoughts: Ready to make money as a food content creator?

The best way to make money as a content creator is to do what you enjoy in a way that your audience resonates with. While I hope that these ideas inspire you, if you’re also feeling overwhelmed go with what makes the most sense for you! Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Looking to create a. website for your business?

Take my free website style quiz to get matched with a Showit template from my shop! There are templates for food bloggers, photographers, and more. These intentionally designed templates make DIY easy (no design degree required)!