Want to boost your food blog's visibility in 2024? Here are 7 proven link building strategies:
- Get featured in recipe collections
- Use food photo websites
- Work with other food bloggers
- Get press coverage
- Join food blog communities
- Find resource pages
- Fix broken links
These tactics help you earn quality backlinks from reputable food sites, improving your SEO and driving more traffic to your blog.
Key takeaways: • Focus on quality over quantity when building links • Create shareable, high-value content other sites want to link to • Build relationships in the food blogging community • Track your progress using tools like Google Search Console
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What Makes Link Building Different for Food Blogs
Link building for food blogs isn't like other niches. It's got its own flavor. Let's dig in.
Food bloggers need links from the right places. It's not just about getting links from big sites. It's about getting them from places that matter in the food world. Think popular recipe sites, well-known chefs, and respected food magazines.
Pictures are a big deal. In food blogging, a mouth-watering photo can get you more links than a well-written article. Many food bloggers submit their best shots to food photo websites. It's a tasty way to get backlinks.
Recipes are the meat and potatoes of food blogs. They're also link magnets. Other sites love to feature great recipes in their roundups, seasonal collections, or ingredient guides. If you've got a killer recipe, you've got a link-building opportunity.
The food blogging world is tight-knit. Making friends with other bloggers can lead to natural links through teamwork, guest posts, and shout-outs.
Does all this link building stuff actually work? You bet. Food blogs that nail their SEO can see their traffic skyrocket by over 1,000% compared to those just relying on social media.
But here's the thing: it's not about getting tons of links. It's about getting the right ones. As one SEO pro puts it:
"If you want to rank on the first page of Google, you need to build backlinks from authority news sites and blogs."
One solid link from a top food site can be worth more than hundreds of weak ones.
Food bloggers face some unique hurdles:
1. Seasons matter
People search for different foods at different times of the year. You've got to time your link building right.
2. Recipe overload
There are millions of recipes online. Standing out is tough.
3. Copyright headaches
Recipes can be tricky when it comes to copyright. It can affect how you build links.
So, how do you overcome these challenges? Here are some tasty strategies:
- Create super in-depth guides that blow other resources out of the water.
- Get involved in food communities and use social media to push your content and snag backlinks.
- Become the go-to expert for reporters and other bloggers looking for food know-how.
Get Featured in Recipe Collections
Want more backlinks? Get your recipes in collections. It's like serving up a buffet of links.
Recipe roundups are gold for food bloggers. They're lists of recipes with a theme, like "15 Cozy Soups for Fall." When you're in one, you get a backlink and new eyes on your work.
Here's how to boost your chances:
Make Your Content Pop
Your recipes need to shine. Focus on:
- Twists on classics
- Great photos
- Clear instructions
FoodGawker picks recipes daily based on looks. So make it pretty.
Submit Smart
Don't wait. Go get those features:
1. Find Good Spots
Tasty, Yummly, and Allrecipes take submissions. Check their rules first.
2. Think Seasons
Plan ahead. Have those pumpkin spice recipes ready before leaves turn.
3. Pitch to Bloggers
Many do regular roundups. Tell them why your recipe fits.
Make It Easy
When you submit, include:
- Catchy title
- Short, tasty description
- Great photos
- Direct link
Curators love when you make their job easy.
Make Friends
Talk to other food bloggers. Comment, share, chat on social media. When you're friends, they'll think of you for roundups.
Watch What Works
Keep an eye on your links and traffic. You might be surprised. One blogger said:
"A roundup keyword became one of my top traffic drivers. These collections can bring lots of visitors!"
Keep at it. The more good recipes you make and submit, the more you'll get featured.
2. Use Food Photo Websites
Food photo websites are link-building powerhouses for food bloggers. They're like virtual buffets where you can showcase your culinary masterpieces and lure hungry readers back to your blog.
Why are these sites so effective? Simple:
- They put your food in front of a massive audience.
- The links stick around, sending traffic your way for ages.
- They signal to search engines that your content is top-notch.
Where to Show Off Your Dishes
Focus on these big players:
- Foodgawker: The king of food photo sites. It's got 134K Facebook fans, 122K Pinterest followers, and 36K Twitter followers. That's a lot of eyeballs on your food.
- Tastespotting: An oldie but goodie. Just be patient – they can take their sweet time to accept submissions.
- Yummly: This one's got 289K Facebook followers and 80K on Pinterest. The best part? Once you're in, it automatically grabs new posts from your blog.
Getting Your Photos Accepted
These sites are picky eaters. They won't swallow just any photo. Here's how to make your shots more appetizing:
- Light it up: Bright, well-lit images with minimal shadows are the way to go.
- Keep it sharp: Use good equipment for clear, crisp photos.
- Show the finished dish: No half-baked shots allowed.
- Watch your angles: Keep overhead shots consistent with your blog post.
One food blogger spilled the beans on their experience:
"Over the last 10 months I've submitted about thirty images to Foodgawker, running at almost exactly a 50:50 accept/decline ratio."
So don't throw in the towel if your first few shots don't make the cut. Keep at it.
Making the Most of It
To really milk these sites:
- Spread your bets: Submit to multiple sites to reach different crowds.
- Stay consistent: Regular submissions keep you on the radar.
- SEO it up: Use descriptive file names and alt text for your images.
It takes time, but it's worth it. As Ami, a seasoned food blogger, puts it:
"Let me tell you that these are the sites I use often to submit my food photos but there are tons of other sites out there too."
Start with a few sites and branch out as you get the hang of it. Each submission usually takes 5-10 minutes, so pick the platforms that give you the best results.
3. Work with Other Food Bloggers
Teaming up with fellow food bloggers can supercharge your link building efforts. It's not just about swapping links - it's about creating win-win partnerships.
Here's how to whip up some tasty collaborations:
Guest Posting Partnerships
Find bloggers in complementary niches and offer to swap guest posts. If you're all about vegan desserts, partner with someone who rocks gluten-free main courses. You both get fresh content and tap into new audiences.
Recipe Roundups
Organize a themed recipe collection with other bloggers. Everyone contributes a recipe, and you create a post linking to all of them. As blog coach Margaret Bourne says:
"When you help others, they will be more likely to help you too!"
These roundups can drive serious traffic when everyone promotes it to their followers.
Joint Projects
Think bigger than single posts. Why not co-create an e-cookbook, host a virtual cooking challenge, or launch a podcast series? These projects can generate buzz and attract links from food websites and media outlets.
Blogger Outreach Tips
When reaching out to potential collaborators:
- Make it personal. Show you've actually read their blog.
- Spell out what's in it for them.
- Be crystal clear about what you're proposing.
SEO expert Brian Dean suggests this outreach template:
"I wanted to see if you'd be interested in [partnership type]. [The benefit they'd get from teaming up with you]. If you're interested, the next step would be [next step]. Either way, I'm a big fan of your work and I appreciate you considering it."
Building Real Relationships
Don't just cold-call bloggers. Engage with their content regularly:
- Leave thoughtful comments on their posts
- Share their stuff on social media
- Mention their work in your own posts (with proper credit)
This gets you on their radar and builds goodwill before you even pitch a collab.
Leverage Social Media
Join food blogging groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. These are goldmines for networking and finding collaboration opportunities. Plus, you'll stay in the loop on industry trends and can share your own knowledge.
4. Get Press Coverage
Want to boost your food blog's visibility? Get press coverage. It's not just about backlinks - it's about tapping into a whole new audience.
Here's how to whip up some media attention:
Cook Up a Juicy Story
Journalists aren't looking for another run-of-the-mill food blog. They want something meaty. Maybe you've spotted a weird food trend, or you're on a quest to save dying recipes. Whatever it is, make sure it's newsworthy and fits their audience.
Pick Your Targets
Know your food publications. Take Eater, for example. They're always hungry for fresh voices, especially stories about food workers and underrepresented communities.
When you pitch to Eater:
- Keep it short and sweet
- Explain why you're the right person for this story
- Show off your best work
HARO: Your Secret Ingredient
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is like a dating app for journalists and experts. It's free and it works.
Kim Kohatsu from Charles Ave Marketing swears by it:
"HARO got me into Glamour magazine, Social Media Today, and Girls in Tech, among others."
To nail HARO:
- Set up alerts for food stuff
- Reply fast with snappy, useful info
- Don't forget your contact details
Make It Personal
When you reach out to journalists, show you've done your homework. Mention their recent articles or the publication's vibe.
Susie Moore, a media pro, puts it like this:
"Want to get featured? Just reach out to the decision makers - editors or producers."
Bring Something New to the Table
Stand out by offering something no one else has. Maybe it's:
- Your own research on food trends
- A peek behind the curtain of a viral recipe
- Your take on a hot food issue
Keep at It
Getting press coverage isn't instant ramen. It takes time. Don't give up if you don't hear back right away. Follow up after a week or two, but don't be a pest.
Remember, it's about building relationships. As Pod Foods says:
"Getting featured is all about building long-lasting relationships. They'll pay off down the line."
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5. Join Food Blog Communities
Food blog communities are like virtual potlucks. They bring together all sorts of culinary enthusiasts, from pro chefs to home cooks. And they're a goldmine for link opportunities.
But it's not just about joining. It's about finding your tribe and bringing something to the table.
Where to Find Your Food Tribe
Facebook is where it's at for food blogging groups. Here are some popular ones:
- Content Creators Corner
- Food Bloggers Central
- Food Blogger Link Building
Each has its own flavor. Content Creators Corner is known for its welcoming vibe. Food Bloggers Central is full of inspiring foodies. And Food Blogger Link Building? It's all about boosting your SEO.
Making the Most of Your Community
Don't just lurk. Dive in! Here's how:
1. Share Your Expertise
Got a killer tip for crispy bacon? Share it. Know how to fix a broken sauce? Tell everyone. The more you help, the more likely others will link to your stuff.
2. Join Recipe Roundups
Bloggers love putting together themed recipe collections. Get in on that action. It's a great way to snag backlinks and get your blog in front of new eyes.
3. Team Up
Work with other bloggers on cool projects. Maybe an e-cookbook or a virtual bake-off. These kinds of things can attract links from food sites and even media outlets.
4. Be Real
Don't just spam your links. Comment on other posts. Share stuff you like. Build real relationships. As Amy Lawrence, a food blogging pro, puts it:
"Get connected, join blogging groups, take classes, be a sponge!"
Why Community Matters
Joining the right food blogging community can be a game-changer. It's not just about links. It's about support, inspiration, and growth.
One food blogger shared:
"I wouldn't have made it to Mediavine, and to becoming a full-time blogger, without the help of Facebook groups."
That's huge. These communities can be the secret ingredient in your blogging success recipe.
6. Find Resource Pages
Resource pages are goldmines for food bloggers hunting for quality backlinks. Here's how to tap into these SEO boosters:
Dig Up the Good Stuff
Google's your best friend here. Try these search combos:
- "Best food blogs" + resources
- "Cooking tips" + useful links
- "Recipe collections" + helpful resources
It's not a quick process, but the payoff can be huge.
Quality Check
Before you pitch, do your homework:
- Check the site's Domain Rating (DR) with a tool like Ahrefs. Higher DR? Better link juice.
- Eyeball the other links. Spammy stuff? Move on.
Make Your Case
Found a winner? Time to pitch. Keep it short and sweet:
- "Hey, I'm [Your Name] from [Your Blog]."
- "Love your resource page. It's super helpful."
- "I've got a piece on [Your Topic] that might be a great fit."
- "It'll give your readers [Specific Benefit]."
Create Can't-Miss Content
Want to up your chances? Create content that resource pages can't ignore:
- The ultimate food photography guide
- Seasonal ingredients deep dive
- Game-changing kitchen hacks
Make it unique, make it valuable.
Follow Up (Once)
No reply? One polite nudge after a week or two is okay. After that, let it go and move on.
Resource page link building is a slow burn, but it's worth it. It's all about playing the long game for your food blog's SEO.
"Resource page linking building is a fantastic way to build quality backlinks to your website or content." - Christopher, Snappa co-founder
So roll up your sleeves and start digging. Your SEO will thank you later.
7. Fix Broken Links
Broken links are bad news for your food blog. They frustrate readers and mess with Google's ability to crawl your site. But here's the silver lining: fixing them can give your SEO a nice boost.
Why Care About Broken Links?
Broken links are like roadblocks on your blog:
- They annoy readers
- They waste Google's time
- They leak valuable "link juice"
How to Find Broken Links
You've got a few options:
- Google Search Console: Look for "Not Found (404)" errors under "Pages" in the "Indexing" section.
- Ahrefs: Enter your domain, go to "Backlinks", and check the "Broken Backlinks" report.
- SEMrush: Use the "Backlink Audit" tool to spot problematic links.
Fixing Those Broken Links
Once you've found them, here's what to do:
- Fix typos if that's the issue.
- Use a 301 redirect to point broken links to relevant, live pages.
- If the missing page had good backlinks, consider recreating it.
- Create a helpful 404 page that guides visitors to other content.
Turn Broken Links into Opportunities
Here's a pro tip: Look for broken links on OTHER food sites. Then:
- Use tools like LinkMiner to find broken links on food resource pages.
- Create content that fills the gap left by that broken link.
- Reach out to the site owner. Try something like:
"Hi there! I noticed a broken link in your recipe roundup. I've got a similar recipe that might work. Want to take a look?"
Make It a Habit
Fixing broken links isn't a one-time thing. Make it part of your routine:
- Do link audits every few months
- Set up alerts for new broken links
- Keep an eye on your most important content
How to Build Links the Right Way
Building links isn't just about quantity. It's about quality. For food bloggers, the right links can boost SEO and drive traffic. Let's break it down.
Quality Over Quantity
Think of links like ingredients. A few high-quality ones beat a bunch of low-quality ones every time. A link from a top food magazine? That's gold. A bunch from random directories? Not so much.
Good links are:
- Relevant to food
- From trusted sources
- Natural in context
Tools to Track Your Links
You need the right tools to keep an eye on your links. Here are some top picks:
1. Google Search Console
Free and essential. Shows who's linking to you and flags potential issues.
2. Ahrefs
Paid tool ($99/month+). Offers deep dive into backlinks and competitor analysis.
3. SEMrush
Another paid option ($119.95/month+). Comprehensive SEO tools, including backlink tracking.
4. Ubersuggest
Has a free version. Gives a quick look at your backlink profile.
Avoid These Mistakes
Even pro food bloggers mess up sometimes. Don't fall for these traps:
1. Ignoring nofollow links
They might not pass SEO juice, but they can still drive traffic.
2. Over-optimizing anchor text
Mix it up. Don't always use exact keywords.
3. Buying links
Google hates this. Earn links through great content instead.
4. Forgetting internal links
Link between your own posts. It spreads link equity and keeps readers around.
Building Links Naturally
The best links? They come naturally. Here's how to encourage them:
1. Create killer content
Make your recipes and food photos so good, other bloggers can't help but link to them.
2. Engage with your community
Comment on other blogs. Join forums. Be active on social media. Build relationships.
3. Guest post smart
Write for other food blogs. You'll get quality backlinks and new readers.
4. Use the Skyscraper Technique
Find popular food content. Make something even better. Reach out to sites linking to the original.
"If you want to rank on the first page of Google, you need to build backlinks from authority news sites and blogs." - Neil Patel, Digital Marketing Expert
Track Your Link Building Progress
As a food blogger, keeping tabs on your link building is key. It's not just about getting links - it's about knowing what works and how it affects your blog's performance.
Key Metrics to Watch
Focus on these when tracking your link building:
1. Number of Referring Domains
This shows how many different websites link to your blog. More is usually better.
2. Domain Authority (DA)
Check the DA of sites linking to you. Higher DA links often pack more punch in search rankings.
3. Relevance
Make sure the sites linking to you are food-related or at least in your niche. A link from a top cooking site beats one from a random industry any day.
4. Link Growth Over Time
Keep an eye on how your backlink count grows month-to-month. Steady growth is good; sudden spikes might raise eyebrows with search engines.
Tools for Tracking
Use these to keep tabs on your link building:
- Google Search Console: Free and a must-have. Shows who's linking to you and flags potential issues.
- Ahrefs: Digs deep into backlinks and competitor analysis. Starts at $99/month.
- SEMrush: Offers a full SEO toolkit, including backlink tracking. Plans from $119.95/month.
Measuring Link Quality
Not all links are equal. Here's how to judge link quality:
- Relevance: Links from food-related sites are your best bet.
- Authority: Higher DA sites pass more link juice.
- Traffic: Links that bring actual visitors are valuable, regardless of SEO metrics.
- Anchor Text: Aim for a mix of branded, keyword-rich, and natural anchors.
"Link quality matters because it determines how much link juice it passes to your page." - Neil Patel, Digital Marketing Expert
Setting Realistic Goals
When tracking your progress, set goals you can actually reach:
- Try for a 10% increase in referring domains each quarter.
- Aim for 5 new high-quality backlinks (DA 50+) per month.
- Work on improving your overall Domain Authority by 2-3 points every six months.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
As you track your progress, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don't ignore nofollow links. They might not pass SEO juice, but they can still bring valuable traffic.
- Don't obsess over quantity. Quality trumps sheer numbers.
- Don't neglect link diversity. Aim for a mix of link types and sources.
Tips for Food Bloggers
To boost your link building:
- Create shareable recipe roundups. Other food bloggers often link to these.
- Develop unique, data-driven content. For example, survey your readers about food trends - this can be link-worthy.
- Get involved in food communities. Active participation can lead to natural backlinks.
Conclusion
Link building is still a big deal for food bloggers who want to boost their SEO and get more eyeballs on their tasty content. We've covered a bunch of effective strategies in this article that can help your food blog climb to the top of search results in 2024.
Here's a quick rundown of what we learned:
1. Quality over quantity
Don't just chase any old backlink. Go for the good stuff from authoritative food-related websites.
2. Get involved with other food bloggers
Team up, write guest posts, and chat in forums. It's a great way to naturally build those high-quality backlinks.
3. Create share-worthy content
Whip up unique recipes, take mouthwatering photos, and write in-depth guides that people can't help but share.
4. Use digital PR
Get your name out there in the media. It's a goldmine for valuable backlinks from respected sources.
5. Don't forget internal linking
As Debra Clark from Bowl Me Over says:
"I firmly believe that interlinking within the blog is vital."
6. Optimize for rich results
Aim for those featured snippets and use schema markup to stand out in search results.
7. Keep tabs on your progress
Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to see how your link building efforts are paying off.
Remember, link building isn't a quick fix. It takes time and effort to see results. And keep in mind that SEO is always changing. Stay flexible and focus on creating helpful, high-quality content that fits with Google's E-E-A-T principles.
Take inspiration from 100 Days of Real Food. They nailed their keyword strategy and saw a whopping 1,198% increase in monthly visits in just two months. That shows you what's possible with a solid SEO and link building plan.
Vince Nero, Director of Content Marketing at BuzzStream, puts it well:
"The perfect link building strategy is a tactical mix of content-led digital PR and passive link building."
Combine reaching out to others with creating content that naturally attracts links, and you'll be on your way to building a strong backlink profile that boosts your food blog's visibility and authority.
Lastly, keep an eye on your backlinks and be ready to switch things up when needed. Food blogging is always changing, so you've got to keep learning and adapting. Stick with it, use the right approach, and your food blog can thrive in the competitive online world of 2024 and beyond.
FAQs
How do beginners get backlinks?
Getting quality backlinks can seem tough for new food bloggers. But don't sweat it – here are some solid strategies to try:
1. Be a go-to expert
Offer your food knowledge to journalists and bloggers. Sign up for HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to connect with reporters needing expert input. This can lead to mentions and links to your site.
2. Create killer content
Make content that blows existing articles out of the water. See a popular "10 Best Pasta Recipes" post? Create an even better "25 Must-Try Pasta Recipes" guide with unique tips and insights.
3. Refresh old content
Find popular but outdated food articles. Create an improved, up-to-date version. Then, reach out to sites linking to the old stuff and pitch your fresh take.
4. Use link-magnet formats
Whip up infographics, videos, or interactive tools about cooking or food trends. These tend to attract backlinks like bees to honey.
5. Craft ultimate guides
Develop comprehensive guides on specific food topics. Think "The Ultimate Guide to Sous Vide Cooking" or "Everything You Need to Know About Fermentation".
6. Dive into food communities
Get active in food blogging forums and social media groups. Share your know-how and connect with other bloggers. This can lead to natural link opportunities.
7. Target resource pages
Find food-related resource pages and pitch your top-notch content as a worthy addition to their list.
Margaret Bourne, a blog coach and content creator, puts it well:
"One of the easiest ways to get backlinks to your blog is by building awareness for yourself through networking with other bloggers."
Focus on creating valuable content and building real relationships in the food blogging world. As you show your expertise and add value to your niche, quality backlinks will follow.