Is Blogging Your Next Opportunity?
By Shari Steinbach, MS RDN, RDBA Contributing Editor
If you’re someone who truly enjoys writing and communicating to the public, starting a nutrition blog can certainly be worth the invested time and energy needed. A blog is a great way to share recipes, shopping/meal planning tips and nutrition information. It could be an extension of your job, or something you start on your own. Either way, a blog is a great way to expand your reach, be creative and share your knowledge about food and nutrition. Here are some tips for getting started and ensuring success:
- Discover your niche. What is going to set your blog apart from all of the others? You don’t have to appeal to the masses and a specific niche can actually lead you to your target readers who will come back for relevant information. As a retail dietitian this might mean a topic focused on navigating the supermarket, healthy new products and recipes, or meal planning on a budget. Having a niche will also help you zero in on your ongoing blog content.
- Choose a unique name and a platform. The name of your blog should be short and pertinent to your content focus - Cooking with (fill in your name), or Supermarket Smarts, for example. You’ll then want to choose the platform that will help you build, store and display your content. Some popular platforms include WordPress and Wix, but there are others you may want to consider. Seek out one that provides you with the most functionality and control. Some also offer a free version which can be upgraded if needed.
- Be yourself and be social. Consumers have access to a lot of different nutrition and food content. Help them connect with you by being authentic and using your own distinctive voice and experience. In addition, you’ll want to use social media to drive traffic to your new site. Use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Pinterest and ask others to share your content on their social channels. Return the favor and help each other out.
- Keep learning. Your blog, just like your career should be considered a continuous work in progress. Do you need to get more training on writing or food photography? If you plan on sharing recipes, the ability to take appetizing photos is a must. Seek out additional training if needed to advance your skillset. Take courses, read other blogs and join blogger groups. For example, if you are on Facebook, ask to join the Dietitians on the Blog group which is a great way to connect with thousands of other RDNs who can serve as a resource and help you share your great content.
