The Marketing Mindset Shift Every Food Blogger Needs for 2026
The past year has demanded a lot from food bloggers. Algorithm updates. Search uncertainty. Shifting revenue streams. It feels like the ground keeps moving under your feet, and you’re just expected to… keep going.
As I’ve worked with dozens of food bloggers on brand pivots, digital product launches, and new revenue strategies, one truth has become crystal clear:
Growth doesn’t feel like growth. It feels like doubt, discomfort, and doing a bunch of things you’ve never done before.
And I’ll be honest with you — I’ve been in that same place right alongside my clients.
The Hard Part That No One Talks About
Over the past month, I’ve written 20+ sales emails, designed dozens of pages in Canva (#notadesigner), and learned how to set up products in Kit. At nearly every turn, I’ve questioned whether I knew what I was doing.
It’s exhausting to learn new skills and constantly wonder if you’re on the right track.
But the alternative is getting left behind by an industry that’s evolving whether we like it or not.
Growth requires stepping off the familiar path. It demands that you challenge your own assumptions. It asks you to take risks before you feel "ready."
It’s harder than sticking to business as usual.
But business as usual doesn’t get you anywhere new.
Behind the Scenes of “Success”
One thing I don’t love about the internet is how easy it is to see someone’s win — but not the night-after-night grind that made it possible.
You scroll through a fellow blogger’s big brand deal or new product launch and are left thinking: “I’m so far behind.” “Why can’t that be me?” “How did they pull that off already?”
You may see some exciting success stories on Instagram, but those snapshots don’t show the six messy months of work it took to get here.
This shift in my business from a food copywriter to a marketing mentor for food content creators started as a tiny idea:
“Why do we rely so heavily on SEO — such a volatile platform — instead of building our own safety nets?”
That single thought turned into research, call after call with interested bloggers, and lots of trial and error. I showed up every day and chipped away at the vision.
Progress Looks Messy Up Close
My food blog clients feel the same way:
“Trying new things is exhausting, but I’m so excited about what I have coming soon.” — J.L.
“Once you get past the headache of managing things, creating systems, and getting help, it’s 100% worth it. I’d do it again.” — I.C.
We’re all learning new marketing and business skills — slowly, awkwardly — but that’s the point.
We are collectively setting new bars for what food content creators are capable of.
And I would rather be doing hard things than doing nothing at all.
Small Steps Add Up to Big Shifts
Momentum doesn’t come from giant rebrands or massive launches. It comes from showing up every day — often invisibly — to build toward something bigger.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
✅ 10 minutes outlining a holiday email campaign idea
✅ Reaching out to one expert to take some work off your plate
✅ Re-freshing one blog post with new SEO standards
✅ Uncovering a digital product idea that your audience will love
✅ Learning one new marketing skill that will serve you later
Those actions don’t feel flashy. They often feel... annoyingly small.
But they compound into change.
So What Change Are You Resisting?
If growth feels sticky and uncomfortable right now, that’s totally okay. That is the evidence you are doing something different — something brave.
You don’t have to leap every day. Just don’t stop inching forward.
Let’s Keep Moving Together 🚀
If you’re a food blogger navigating industry changes and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to grow, you’re in the right place.
I’m Emily — a copywriter and strategist who helps food bloggers build strong, sustainable businesses through smarter marketing, stronger storytelling, and offers your readers genuinely love.
➡️ Follow along for weekly insights, real talk, and practical ways to grow with confidence — no matter what changes next.