Welcome to my food blog income report for Q2 of 2019! In case you missed it, I posted my first income report for 2018 in January and my Q1 income report in April. I promised to do quarterly income reports this year so here we are. Starting next month, I’ll be doing these monthly so stay tuned!
A little background on me (in case you’re new here – hi!)
Hi, I’m Jamie and I create recipes, photograph and manage all things around here on A Sassy Spoon. Welcome! My background is in digital marketing. Before that, I worked in health care, managing a team while climbing the corporate ladder. I went to art school for a bit after high school but then I eventually graduated with a ‘safe’ business degree many years later. Read more here.
Pinch of Yum’s Income Reports is a prime reason I am here today. They inspired me to give food blogging a fair shot after I quit my safe, secure, full-time job back in 2016 without a backup plan. So I wanted to pay it forward by sharing my own income reports too. I’d be lying if I wasn’t also posting this income report for my own accountability and to prove to other naysayers out there that food blogging can be a fulfilling, lucrative career. I’ve had to prove myself time and time again because I’m so often told that food blogging is not a “real” job. But guess what, I’ve made a full-time salary from my blogging biz and this is the proof.
Regardless of any promotion or raise I’ve ever received throughout my job trajectory, I was never truly as happy, accomplished, nor proud as I am at this very moment. I personally believe I’ve found my purpose. My hustling spirit and sheer determination are what have brought me to this, my dream career. I have you all to thank for that. Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without your constant support and loyalty to A Sassy Spoon. I appreciate you all so much! <3
Ok, enough mushiness, let’s talk numbers!
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Traffic Totals
This quarter, traffic averaged ~169,000 monthly page views. My top traffic drivers continue to be Google and Pinterest.
My RPM (revenue per 1,000 page views) with AdThrive this quarter averaged about $24 for the quarter.
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Income
Ad Income with AdThrive: $11,997.00
Freelance Photography: $1,950.00 (Califa Farms + Simple Mills)
Sponsored Content: $10,525.50 (Califia Farms, Publix, Taylor Farms, Kitchn/Bounty, Bob’s Red Mill)
Affiliate Marketing: $278.08 (Amazon, Share A Sale, RewardStyle)
Food Blog Coaching: $2,585.00
Total Income: $27,301.58
Expenses
Food Expenses: $990.00
Video Production: $900.00
VA Services: $1,050.00
Mazuma (Bookkeeping/Accounting): $488.75
Wpopt (host): $128.97
Imagify: $9.99 (Switched to Shortpixel and it’s WAY better)
SEMrush: $66.00
Adobe Creative Suite: $29.97
Google Storage: $29.97
MailerLite: $110.00
Video Conferencing: $22.49
Props/Supplies: $131.25
Courses/Coaching: $2,842.50
Total Expenses: $6,799.89
Net Profit: $20,501.69
This net profit looks nice but remember from this I still have to pay taxes and my personal / household expenses (including my student loans which are a pain in my a$$).
No one ever talks about taxes in these reports or any blog post about working for yourself but let me tell you… taxes are a MAJOR expense when you’re self-employed. It’s safe to say you may probably never get a tax refund again.
It’s a trade-off for living life on your own terms (which is amazing) but it’s definitely something to keep in mind whenever you’re reading any of these types of business posts. Uncle Sam does not care about your aspirations, he just wants his money. *Alexa, play Money by Cardi B*
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Highlights
Q2 was pretty steady traffic-wise, albeit lower than Q1, for the most part. As I mentioned in my Q1 income report, my traffic was affected by Google’s March algorithm update. I’ve been trying my best to continue to focus on SEO, updating old posts, adding video, and creating new content to go back to those beautiful numbers from early 2019. It’s a process. Nothing happens overnight.
Aside from that, I set a goal for myself in January that this year would be the year I would make six-figures (or more). In my past work life, I always wanted to reach that goal but it’s hard when you have no control over your salary. As a business owner, you can make as much or as little as you want. You set your own rates, you set your own hours, you create the life you want. And that’s just what I’ve been doing since February 2016.
I’m happy to report that I’m on my way to accomplishing this 6-figure goal!
Q1 total: $24,191.82
Q2 total: $27, 301.58
Total for 2019 thus far: $51,524.40
Let’s share some more Q2 highlights.
From LLC to S-Corp
I converted my business from an LLC to an S-Corp. Last year was BRUTAL when it came to paying taxes so my accountant recommended converting my business entity to an S-Corp. There are pros and cons to both entities. The biggest pro in my book was that as an S-Corp, you do not have to pay self-employment tax. This seemed like the logical way to go in terms of saving some cash come tax time. I’ve been working with Mazuma for over a year now and they have handled all of my bookkeeping, accounting, and tax prep for me which has been a lifesaver.
Food Blog Coaching Program
At the beginning of 2019, I launched the coaching side of my business. It’s essentially what has replaced the freelance photography + contributor income streams. See what I mean about you having control over what you can do and how much you can make as a business owner. Woohoo! I’ve always been passionate about business and I wanted to share what I’ve learned in these last 3 years with up and coming food bloggers.
Initially, I was taking one-off calls here and there but I felt like there was just so much I could do with one call. So I launched a beta 8-week program in May and have been working 1:1 with some fabulous food bloggers who have already seen awesome results in their businesses. Some client wins:
- One food blogger secured a $3k contract and is now able to upgrade to a full-frame camera!
- Another blogger learned how to effectively style her recipe shoots and use her DSLR properly. Her photography skills have skyrocketed in just a few weeks!
- Another blogger has learned how to manage her time and organize her schedule considering a blog business has several moving parts. She now feels in control of her blog tasks while still working a full-time job. She’s getting more done in less time!
I believe that when you invest in yourself and your business, you get back tenfold what you put in. It’s happened to me personally and I know it can happen to you. Investing in yourself and your business opens doors to bigger and better things. I plan on launching a revamped food blog coaching program in the next few weeks so make sure to sign up for the waitlist!
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