I was passionate about health, wellness and creating delicious yet healthy recipes for a long time before officially launching Kayla’s Kitch and Fix. I had no idea how to start a Food Blog and I toyed with the idea of starting my page for a months. One day I decided that I should just dive in. I didn’t know anything, and I still don’t know everything, but I have learned as I go and I continue to learn everyday! If you wait until you’re ready, until you know everything, or until you’re “perfect”, you’ll never start.
So I dove in. Less than two years later I have landed paid partnerships, made recipes and content I’m proud of, learned about the industry and built a community of amazing people (if you’re one of them, hi!). If you’re curious on the “why” behind my blog and brand, check out this post from KK&F’s one year anniversary!
While I have lots left to learn, I am excited about my progress. I don’t say that because it’s been easy, but because I’ve worked through the days of doubt and pushed myself when I knew I could do better and be better. Check out my photo progress below from the beginning of this year to now with no paid training!
January 2020 
October 2020
Because I have had such a good experience thus far, I wanted to share what I did to start a food blog on a budget in hopes that you take the leap you’ve been waiting for too!
How to Start a Food Blog on a Budget
While there are plenty of free things at your finger tips, there are a few places where you’ll have to drop some money. BUT, don’t let that freak you out. I was not looking to spend any extra money when I started KK&F, so I found the most affordable options to start a food blog on a budget. There are so many places you can save as well as ways to do things inexpensively.
PS – If you’re dying for this Grain Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancake recipe, click here!
Things to Invest in
A functioning, user friendly website. Something I learned early on is that if I was going to be serious about sharing my recipes, there would be a few things I would need to invest in. One of those things was a website, which definitely has options that are affordable, especially for beginners like me. I bought my domain, hosted my WordPress site through Bluehost and purchased a designed template for my site. Some day I plan to have my site professionally designed, but that is not an essential cost currently, so don’t feel like you need to spend hundreds and hundreds off the bat!
Your time. If you want to make this happen for yourself, you will. That’s all there is to it. We’re all busy, I know, and I’m with you, but if it’s something you truly care about, you’ll make the time. Plus, if you’re out there writing words and creating recipes that others are truly absorbing, you want to be sure that you’re giving them all your best, right?
Yourself and your growth. I put it this way. You pay to go to college to learn about the career you are hoping to pursue, and you will likely have to do the same in this case. After all, if you want to make it a career, you have to learn, right? While there is tons of helpful information on Google, YouTube and podcasts, decide what is worth it to you to spend your hard earned money on to fill in the gaps, and choose carefully!
Things to Save on
There are tons of ways to cut costs and save when you start your food blog. Keep in mind, the below things are items you may want to invest on at some point, but are things that you don’t necessarily have to splurge on until you’re ready.
Your camera. Again, you may want to save up for a nice DSLR at some point, but if you wait until you have one, then you’re missing out on valuable time that you could be creating and learning! In the meantime, learn how to use an older model or even opt for your phone using portrait mode!
I started out using my fiance’s camera on his phone because he had the iPhone 8 with portrait mode and I had the 7. Eventually, I upgraded to an iPhone 11 Pro Max but a few months ago, I pushed myself to pick up my Nikon from high school. It’s over 10 years old but it’s helping me learn about photography while taking better images! All about progress (and using what you have).
Your backdrops. While I firmly believe in buying photography boards that are easy to clean and move (not the paper/roll out kind), there are plenty of options that won’t completely break the bank. While some are insanely beautiful, they cost hundreds of dollars. Opt for a less expensive brand to start. I currently use Replica Surfaces and Bubb Market backdrops and I like them both a lot. They are easy to clean, don’t crease and have lots of different backdrop styles to choose from!
I also recently started using a background that my dad MADE me for my birthday by using wood, putty and paint and it’s my favorite one. That being said, it may be your best bet to make your own! I’m planning on making more and will definitely share my processes.
Your props. Don’t think you have to go out and buy all new plates right away (or ever if you don’t want to). Start by using what you have and fill in the gaps. I’ve made a point to only buy “food props” that I will use in my real life outside of recipe creation, so that way every item gets its moneys worth! I also shop sales and thrift/antique a lot! Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your family if they have anything you can use. My favorite food styling fork was given to me by my future MIL! Yes… I did just say I have a favorite fork.
Aside from the props, be sure to let the food speak for itself! Use leftover ingredients (like the egg shell and chocolate chips here, for example) as a way to tell a story of the recipe that doesn’t cost you anything additional. Garnishes, slices into a dish and close ups/different angels are also all great ways to make your shot interesting.
It’s also a fun challenge to use things you have around the house! Since these pancakes are a breakfast/brunch recipe, I found a newspaper, cut it to the size I wanted and used it as an additional layering element. We love a FREE moment!
Just Start
Overall, I wanted to write this post because I truly believe that if this is something you want to do, or if there’s anything out there you’re waiting to start, just dive in! You’ll learn as you go and no matter what you’ll make yourself proud.
Follow Along
Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@kaylaskitchandfix) where I share behind the scenes of my photo set ups, recipe creations and every day life!
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