552: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing Food Blog Vs Starting a New One with Parker Thornburg

Eat Blog Talk

In episode 552, Megan chats to Parker Thornburg about his recent experience of buying an existing blog, how it is different to starting a new one and practical advice for succeeding as a blogger regardless of which path you choose.

Parker Thornburg worked at Yahoo for 8 years in Omaha, NE. After Parker left Yahoo to enter the startup world, he told his manager of 8 years that he wanted to stay connected and possibly even own a business together someday. That day came in April 2023 when they purchased a food blog, Foodness Gracious, that had been established since 2012. They continue to work full-time jobs while spending all of their spare time trying to grow Foodness Gracious. Parker has an amazing wife of 23 years and three great children aged 18, 16 and 11.

In this episode, you’ll learn about which factors you should evaluate before buying or selling an existing blog (or starting a new one), including time, energy, goals, and budget, and making sure your passion aligns with the blog’s niche and target audience.

Key points discussed:

- Time and energy considerations are important when deciding to buy or sell a blog: How much time and effort is required to keep the blog going and is it worth it?

- Passion for the topic is important: Don’t pursue a niche that you do not really feel passionate about.

- Know your strengths and weaknesses: Outsource tasks that you feel less confident in and focus on tasks that you are skilled at.

- Change the blog design only if it really makes an improvement: Analyze your analytics to know what impact your design had.

- Audience engagement must be maintained during transitions: Try to smoothly transition ownership by respecting the previous owner’s vision and followers.

- Social media isn't always traffic-driving: You can focus on posting regularly for followers but don’t have to obsess over engagement metrics.

- Intentionality helps prevent burnout: To maintain a healthy work-life balance set clear boundaries.

Connect with Parker Thornburg

Website | Instagram