feeling inspired to write a cookbook/start a recipe blog vs doubts

[Judy2]

hi there:)

so i'm still in the process of figuring out what i should do with myself, and this has been quite stressful tbh.

while i'm trying to decide on further university programmes etc. i may want to sign up for, i figured that one thing i could do now, without a degree, is to write a cookbook or even start a recipe blog.

in general, i really enjoy cooking and baking, i enjoy creating new recipes or watching health and nutrition-related content on YouTube.

while i have been thinking for a while that i could also start making my own content, i have a number of concerns in this regard.

as i have a pretty intense eating disorder history and have been experiencing more immediate symptoms again in the past few months, not only may the aspect of thinking about recipes etc. be triggering - so may the whole body image aspect, "putting myself out there", being vulnerable etc.  i am not fond of the whole self-presentation thing, this idea of needing to "sell yourself" online, and i estimate it would be a huge, huge trigger for me to think about how i am being perceived all day every day.

some of you may know that it was a huge fuss for me to have a profile picture with my face on here....and i doubt i'd be comfortable showing my body or even just my face on a blog post or on the cover/inside of my hypothetical cookbook. 

in general, my vision would be to combine recipes with some kind of framework that communicates more gentle nutrition tips, as i am aware that while many people on this planet need to lose weight and the aggressive approach of certain fitness coaches online may yield great results for some people, it can also aggravate mental symptoms in others as nutrition is not just scientific and objective - it's also subjective, emotional, and psychological. so i'd like my recipes to be framed by that kind of compassionate approach and include tips on how to have a healthy relationship with food etc. (which i don't have yet).

 

anyway, i don't know if i can realistically do this with the current body image and disordered eating challenges at hand that i am facing in my personal life. i also assume it might be quite embarrassing to try this kind of thing, if people who know me find out about it.

i'm also not sure to what extent this kind of domain presupposes i'd have to start making videos for YouTube/Instagram, if i'd want my cookbook or blog to be successful.

by the way, i also do not have the slightest idea how to start a blog in the first place - if anybody knows, fire away:)

[UnbornTao]

By all means, go ahead and start one! It sounds like it is something you really want to do, so why overthink it?

It's relatively easy to set up a blog using tools like WordPress, and it will help expand your comfort zone, even if you take small steps each day.

It depends on how you want to go about it. I'd get a domain name via Namecheap, host it on DreamHost or a similar hosting site, install WordPress, choose a template you like, and post your first video on YouTube. Get it out there as soon as possible, knowing that your first videos aren't going to be technically excellent. Nobody's are at the beginning. Over time, your skills will improve, and the very act of learning as you go is worth it.

Edited 11 hours ago by UnbornTao

[Judy2]

@UnbornTao

would i make money with that kind of blog?

can i make YT videos without showing my face in them?

or maybe in that case it's easier to start with instagram + a blog, if i want to avoid showing my face?

Edited 13 hours ago by Judy2

[UnbornTao]

2 minutes ago, Judy2 said:

@UnbornTao

would i make money with that kind of blog?

can i make YT videos without showing my face in them?

or maybe in that case it's easier to start with instagram + a blog, if i want to avoid showing my face?

As far as I know, there are popular "faceless" cooking channels, some of which are likely profitable. 

It depends on your purpose and goals. Since you said you enjoy cooking, what do you have to lose? You can start casually, just sharing your passion, and once you start developing an audience, you could begin thinking like an entrepreneur or businesswoman who wants to monetize it.

You could use an AI voice, or better yet, your own voiceovers to guide viewers through the recipes and other content.

Regarding the money aspect, I personally don't know. It's not a guarantee, but it's definitely doable. You're probably already familiar with a few channels, Instagram accounts, and people who make money in this industry in one way or another. Doable doesn't mean easy, but it is definitely possible.

It doesn't have to be complicated at the beginning. If you want, you can just create an Instagram account now, pick a recipe, and post a video about it. Step by step. Learn as you go. 

[CARDOZZO]

No worries about a faceless YT channel.

This subway employee makes money just recording himself making sandwiches.

They call it POV channel.

 

Edited 39 minutes ago by CARDOZZO