New to food blogging? SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how readers actually find you on Google.
From site speed to recipe cards to how you name your cookie photos, SEO touches everything.
This guide breaks down what SEO is, why it matters, and the simple steps you can take today to get found faster, without losing your mind.
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What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter for New Food Bloggers?
Let’s talk about SEO—aka Search Engine Optimization.
Sounds fancy, but it’s basically how your blog gets found on Google, Bing and other search engines.
If you want an audience (and not just your mom), you need SEO.
When you optimize your site using SEO best practices, you increase your chances of getting traffic—and getting readers who actually care about what you have to say (and might even come back for seconds).
What Does SEO Actually Involve?
It’s a lot more than just tossing keywords into a post.
SEO starts with how you structure your entire site. That includes:
- Picking a solid host (site speed matters!)
- Choosing lightweight theme and plugins
- Compressing and properly naming your images
- Using a recipe card plugin with structured data
Images Matter More Than You Think
Say you upload a pic of chocolate chip cookies. If the file is named IMG_5239.jpg, search engines won’t know what to do with it.
But name it chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg? Now we’re talkin’. That sends a signal to Google that your post is relevant.
Also—smush your photos. Use a compression plugin so your images load fast and don’t bog down your site.
Use a Recipe Card (Please)
If you’re posting recipes, use an actual recipe card plugin.
I recommend Create or WP Recipe Maker (WPRM).
These are coded to include structured data, which basically tells Google, Hey, this is a real recipe.
It can boost your chances of showing up in search.
Structure Your Blog Posts Like a Pro
Don’t just copy-paste your phone notes into WordPress and hit publish.
Your readers—and Google—need structure.
Use H2 headers to break up the post.
Write in short, snackable sentences, especially for mobile.
Seriously—ditch the paragraphs you learned in English class.
Think:
One sentence.
Space.
Another sentence.
Repeat.
Interlink Like a Boss
Link to your other, related blog posts
This shows Google you’ve written a lot on the topic, and it helps your readers stay on your site longer.
When you publish a new post, go back and link to it from older related posts.
(Yeah, it’s easy to forget. Set an alert. Or a sticky note. Or write it on your hand. Whatever works.)
Why This Matters for New Food Bloggers
Because traffic isn’t magic. It’s built.
You want Google to send people your way, right?
SEO is how you do that. So start strong. Don’t wait until year three to figure this stuff out (been there, regretted that).
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