One of the best parts of my Growing My Blog series has been meeting other bloggers and learning from those who have built successful sites. A few months ago I shared an interview with Lindsay from Pinch of Yum, which was great fun. This week I had a chance to talk with Sally, the creator of Sally’s Baking Addiction.
I’ve used and loved several of Sally’s recipes. Her site combines gorgeous food photography, approachable writing, and dependable recipes that turn out well in home kitchens. A few standouts I’ve tried are her Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake, Candy Cane Kiss Cookies (perfect for holiday baking), and the inventive Salted Caramel Apple Pie — ingredients from that recipe even made it onto my shopping list. Sally doesn’t limit herself to sweets either; she posts lighter options like a Glowing Skin Smoothie that I’m excited to try. Her photos are always drool-worthy and really demonstrate the power of strong food photography.
Beyond recipes and photos, Sally was generous with her time and shared practical advice for bloggers who want to grow. She also maintains a section of her site devoted to blogging tips, which many newer bloggers find encouraging and useful. Below are highlights from our conversation, focused on what inspired her to start blogging and what helped her site gain traction.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO FROM BLOG READER TO BLOG WRITER?
Sally explains that she was already sending recipes to friends by email and, after about a year of doing that, decided it made sense to collect them all in one place. Starting a blog felt intimidating, but with encouragement from her fiancé Kevin and a love of photography, launching a blog felt inevitable. Her story is a reminder that blogging often begins from a simple desire to organize and share what you already do.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BLOGGING?
For Sally, the most rewarding part is hearing from readers around the world. Messages that a recipe made someone’s day, gave them confidence in the kitchen, or brought comfort during a difficult time make the long work hours worthwhile. Those personal connections are the core reason many food bloggers keep going despite the constant effort blogging requires.
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?
One post in particular — the Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe — went viral and quickly brought a large new audience to her site. That surge in traffic motivated further investment in the blog, including buying a better camera and learning how to use it. The combination of a standout recipe and improved photography helped the blog reach a wider audience.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BLOGGERS WHO HAVE FULL TIME JOBS BUT ARE EAGER TO GROW THEIR BLOGS?
Sally is candid: growing a blog takes hard work and sacrifices, including less sleep. If you’re serious about building a blog, expect long hours, dedication, persistence, and plenty of coffee. Balancing a full-time job and a growing blog is challenging but possible with consistent effort and clear priorities.
WHAT MAKES OTHER FOOD BLOGS APPEALING TO YOU?
Great photography immediately draws her in — we eat with our eyes first, and beautiful styling and lighting make recipes irresistible. Beyond visuals, authenticity matters: Sally is attracted to bloggers who are genuine and clearly passionate about their work. It’s easy to tell when a blog is written from love rather than only as a business venture, and that sincerity builds trust with readers.
HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH OTHER BLOGGERS?
She stays engaged by commenting on other blogs when she can and sharing recipes she likes on social media. Sally remembers reading many of the same blogs before she started her own, and it’s rewarding to be recognized by peers now that she’s built her platform. The food blogging community is supportive and has led to friendships and collaborations.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEWER BLOGGERS?
Sally’s main advice is to blog because you love it. If your heart isn’t in it, the hard work will feel like a burden. Blogging involves ups and downs, long photo sessions, and learning new skills, but passion helps you push through plateaus and setbacks. Enjoy the process, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Thank you to Sally for sharing her experience and tips. Her story emphasizes the importance of great recipes, striking photography, authenticity, and perseverance for anyone looking to grow a food blog. For more resources on building and growing a blog, check my Blogger Resources page for curated guidance and tools to help you along the way.