How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Food Blog Ghostwriter?
Feeling overwhelmed with writing your food blog posts? A ghostwriter can help you save time, stay consistent, and keep your content fresh. This guide breaks down what it really costs to hire a food blog ghostwriter, plus tips on how to find the right one for your budget.
How much does it cost to hire a blog writer?
One of the most common questions I see food bloggers ask is, “How much does it cost to outsource the writing for my blog content?” The short answer is it depends.
The pricing varies widely depending on several factors, which is why finding the right ghostwriter requires an understanding of the market rates. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of what it costs to hire a ghostwriter, what influences those rates, and how to choose the right writer for your needs and budget.
Here's a breakdown of what food blog ghostwriters typically charge:
Beginner Ghostwriters ($50 - $89 per post)
These are writers who are just starting their journey in food blog writing. They're often:
New to the food writing scene
Still developing their SEO knowledge
Learning how to structure recipe posts effectively
Building their portfolio of food-related content
At this level, clients can expect basic blog posts that might require additional editing and formatting to match their brand voice perfectly.
Established Ghostwriters ($90 - $149 per post)
With a few years of experience under their belt, these food blog writers offer significantly more value:
Strong understanding of food blogging structure and flow
Working knowledge of SEO best practices
Ability to adapt to different blog styles and voices
Familiarity with recipe formatting and terminology
Reduced need for client editing and oversight
These writers deliver reliable content that needs minimal edits before publishing.
High-Level Ghostwriters ($150 - $200+ per post)
Top-tier food content writers charge premium rates because they bring strategic expertise and experience to the table:
Deep knowledge of food industry trends and terminology
Advanced SEO and EEAT strategies tailored to food content
Proven track record of creating high-performing, ranking blog posts
Ability to craft content that genuinely engages readers
Understanding of how each post fits into a broader content strategy
These writers don't just deliver words – they deliver results in terms of traffic and engagement.
Different ways food blog writers charge
Not all food blog ghostwriters structure their pricing the same way. While per-post rates are common, you'll also find these pricing models in the market:
Per-word rates
Many writers charge between $0.05 and $0.15 per word. For a typical 1,500-word recipe post, that translates to $75-$225 per article.
Monthly retainer packages
This is popular among established writers. For example:
A package of 4 blog posts per month costs between $400 and $800 (often at a slight discount from individual rates).
A package of 8 blog posts per month costs between $750 and $1,500 (typically with a greater volume discount).
Tiered service packages
Some ghostwriters offer different levels of service:
Basic: Simple blog post writing only
Standard: Blog writing with keyword research and basic SEO
Premium: Comprehensive content including META descriptions, social text, and more
What affects pricing?
Several factors influence how much you can charge to write blog posts for food websites:
Content Length: Longer, more comprehensive posts (1,500+ words) command higher rates than short articles.
Research Requirements: Posts requiring extensive research into cooking techniques or cultural food history justify higher pricing.
Turnaround Time: Rush jobs or a quick turnaround time typically come with a 25-50% premium.
Additional Deliverables: When extras are provided, like keyword research, META descriptions, alt text, social media copy, Pinterest pins and descriptions, etc.
Why hiring a writer is worth the investment
Understanding the benefits of hiring a ghostwriter for your food blog and why clients pay for quality content helps you position your services effectively. Hiring a ghostwriter is more than outsourcing—it’s investing in your blog’s long-term growth. Here's what outsourcing professional blog writing can deliver:
More time and freedom
While a professional ghostwriter handles the writing, the blog owner can focus on recipe development, photography, and promotion. Instead of spending hours drafting and editing posts, you can use that time to grow your brand, connect with your audience, or simply enjoy a less stressful workflow. Delegating the writing means reclaiming your creative energy.
Consistent publishing schedule
Sticking to a regular blog schedule is easier when you’re not the only one creating content. Ghostwriters help you maintain momentum—even during busy seasons—so your audience and the algorithm never forget about you. For many bloggers, that consistency translates directly into increased traffic, affiliate revenue, and brand partnerships.
Better SEO performance
Search visibility improves when your content is written with strategy in mind. Professional ghostwriters understand how to optimize blog posts using targeted keywords, internal links, and reader-friendly formatting. Over time, this adds up to better rankings, more organic traffic, and stronger domain authority.
Polished presentation
Your blog’s quality is reflected in every post, and a ghostwriter can help you elevate that. Writers with food-specific experience know how to strike the right tone, avoid awkward phrasing, and format recipes so they’re easy to read and follow. The result is a cohesive, professional blog that builds trust with your audience and potential partners.
What to look for in a food blog writer
Before hiring a ghostwriter, look for someone who:
Understands the specifics of the food blogging industry
Can adapt to your brand voice and tone
Has proven SEO and keyword research knowledge
Shows strong food-related writing samples in their portfolio
Communicates clearly and delivers their work on time
When you find a writer who checks all those boxes, you’ll wonder how you ever blogged without them!
How I structure retainer packages for food blog clients
As a food blog ghostwriter, I offer flexible monthly packages designed to fit a growing food blogger’s publishing schedule and workflow. Here’s what’s included:
A custom number of blog posts per month
High-quality human-written content optimized for SEO and EEAT
Brand-aligned voice and tone throughout
Recipe formatting for easy readability and professional polish
Example pricing structure:
4 blog posts/month: $650
8 blog posts/month: $1,200
Need something different? I also create custom packages to match your unique needs—whether you post bi-weekly, once a week, or just seasonally. The goal is simple: keep your blog active without you having to write every word.
As a food blogger, your time is valuable. A great ghostwriter helps you create strategic, search-friendly content without sacrificing quality or your brand voice.
Whether you’re ready to hire now or just exploring your options, understanding what goes into the cost—and the value—of blog ghostwriting is the first step. Done right, ghostwriting isn’t just a content solution—it’s a growth strategy.
👉 Curious about working together? Click here to learn more about my food blog writing services.