One of my favorite parts of this Growing My Blog series has been meeting other bloggers and learning from established creators. A few months ago I shared my interview with Lindsay from Pinch of Yum, which was a lot of fun. This week I had the pleasure of talking with Sally from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
I’ve tried and loved several of Sally’s recipes. Her site is beautiful, her photography is stunning, and her recipes consistently produce delicious results. Think Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake or the festive Candy Cane Kiss Cookies—as much as it feels early to think about the holidays, those treats are unforgettable. Her Salted Caramel Apple Pie is another favorite; its ingredient list immediately earned a spot on my grocery list.
She doesn’t limit herself to baked goods either. One of her recent posts is a Glowing Skin Smoothie that I’m eager to try. Her photos are always drool-worthy, and the visuals make each recipe even more enticing.
Best of all, Sally was generous with her time and shared thoughtful advice for bloggers who want to grow. She also maintains a helpful section on her blog with blogging tips that encouraged me when I first started. I’m excited to see what she creates next.
Here’s Sally’s advice for bloggers and readers interested in how she built her blog.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO FROM BLOG READER TO BLOG WRITER?
At the time I was emailing recipes to friends and, after doing that for about a year, I wanted a single place to store them all. Starting a blog felt intimidating, but my fiancé Kevin encouraged me to try. I also enjoy photography, so it felt like a natural fit.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BLOGGING?
Hearing from readers around the world who tell me how much they love a recipe, how a recipe gave them confidence in the kitchen, or how my cookies offered comfort during difficult times. Those messages make the long hours and sleepless days worth it.
WHEN DID IT FEEL LIKE SALLY’S BAKING ADDICTION HAD A SUBSTANTIAL FOLLOWING? DO YOU THINK THERE WAS A POST OR EVENT THAT HELPED YOUR BLOG TURN THAT CORNER?
The Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe went viral and brought a large number of new readers to the site. That exposure motivated me to improve the blog and retain the new traffic. Investing in a better camera and learning photography skills also played a big role.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BLOGGERS WHO HAVE FULL TIME JOBS BUT ARE EAGER TO GROW THEIR BLOGS?
Be prepared to put in the work. Growing a blog to the next level requires long hours, dedication, persistence, and yes—lots of coffee. It often means sacrificing sleep and taking on extra tasks outside of a full-time job.
WHAT MAKES OTHER FOOD BLOGS APPEALING TO YOU?
Great photography draws me in—food is a visual experience, and beautiful images are irresistible. I’m also attracted to blogs where the author is authentic and genuine. It’s easy to tell when someone truly loves what they do versus when a site is purely transactional. Passion comes across in writing and in the way a blogger engages with readers.
HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH OTHER BLOGGERS?
I comment on other blogs when I can and share their recipes on social media. I used to read many of these blogs before I started my own, and it’s rewarding to connect with creators I admired. The food blogging community is supportive, and I’ve made friends through it.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEWER BLOGGERS?
Start because you love it. If your heart isn’t in it, blogging can quickly become a chore. It takes hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn—sometimes carrying heavy gear for hours is part of the process—but if you truly enjoy it, you’ll push through obstacles. Have fun along the way and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Thank you, Sally, for taking the time to answer these questions and share your insights.
For more resources related to growing a blog, check out my Blogger Resources page.