Why Recipe Blog Posts Have So Much Text

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through a recipe blog, impatiently trying to get to the actual recipe, you’re not alone. As someone who loves to both cook and write, I often find myself in a similar position.

I don’t mind crafting articles to accompany the recipes I share, but when I’m the one searching for a new recipe to try, I usually skip right to the ingredients list and instructions. Sometimes, I even abandon the blog altogether if I can’t quickly get to the recipe.

So, why do I, like so many other food bloggers, include so much text in my posts? The answer lies in a mix of storytelling, reader engagement, and something called Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

I’ve heard the question repeatedly, so I am going to explain why those lengthy introductions and narratives have become the norm, and why they’re necessary for the life of a blog.

The Art of Storytelling in Recipes

First and foremost, food is about more than just sustenance. It’s a connection to our past, a reflection of our culture, and a way to share our lives with others.

When I share a recipe, I’m not just handing out instructions; I’m sharing a piece of my life, a memory, or a discovery that I think is worth passing on. That’s why so many recipe blog posts start with a personal story or an anecdote. It’s a way to connect with you, the reader, on a deeper level.

Whether it’s a story about how my grandmother used to make the dish, a funny kitchen mishap, or a note about why I love a particular ingredient, these stories add context and depth to the recipe.

But I get it—sometimes, you just want the recipe. That’s why I always try to include a “Jump to Recipe” button or a clear link that lets you skip right to the good stuff.

However, I also know that not everyone who visits my blog is in a hurry. Some readers come for the stories and stay for the recipes. Balancing these two types of readers is one of the challenges of food blogging, and it’s why you’ll often find a mix of narrative and practical information in my posts.

Search Engine Optimization: The Key to Visibility

Now, let’s talk about Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, a term that might seem like jargon but is central to understanding why recipe blog posts are structured the way they are.

In simple terms, SEO is a set of practices designed to help a website rank higher in search engine results. When you type a query into Google or Bing, those search engines use complex algorithms to determine which pages are most relevant to your search.

The higher a page ranks, the more likely you are to click on it. For a food blogger like me, ranking higher means that more people can find and enjoy the recipes I share.

So, what does this have to do with the length of blog posts? A lot, actually. Search engines look for certain elements when deciding how to rank a page, and one of those elements is content length.

In general, longer posts tend to rank better because they’re seen as more comprehensive and informative. This is why you’ll often see recipe posts with a lot of text before you even get to the recipe.

By including detailed explanations, stories, and tips, I’m not just adding fluff; I’m creating a richer, more valuable resource that’s more likely to be seen by search engines—and, by extension, by you.

The Anatomy of an SEO-Friendly Post

Let’s break down some of the key components of an SEO-friendly recipe post, so you can see why these elements are important.

1. Keywords: These are the terms and phrases that people are searching for. For example, if I’m sharing a recipe for “Hamburger Hash with Chickpeas,” I’ll want to include that exact phrase in the title, headings, and throughout the post. This helps search engines understand what my post is about and match it to relevant searches.
2. Headings and Subheadings: Using headings (like the ones in this post) helps to organize the content and makes it easier for both readers and search engines to understand the structure of the post. Clear, descriptive headings also allow search engines to index the content more effectively, which can improve ranking.
3. Internal and External Links: Including links to other relevant content, both on my own blog and on other reputable sites, is another way to boost SEO. Internal links help search engines map out the structure of my site, while external links show that I’m providing well-rounded information (see what I did there?)
4. Alt Text for Images: When I include images in a post, I always add alt text, which is a brief description of the image. This helps search engines understand what the image is about, and it also improves accessibility for readers who use screen readers.
5. Meta Descriptions and Tags: These are the snippets of text that appear under the title in search engine results. A well-crafted meta description can make the difference between someone clicking on my post or scrolling past it. Tags, on the other hand, help organize content within my blog and make it easier for readers to find related posts.
6. Content Length and Depth: As I mentioned earlier, longer posts tend to perform better in search results. But it’s not just about length—it’s about depth. A post that thoroughly covers a topic, answering potential questions and providing detailed information, is more likely to be seen as valuable by search engines.

Balancing SEO and Reader Experience

At the end of the day, my goal is to create content that’s both useful to you and visible to search engines.

It’s a delicate balance. I want to provide the best possible experience for my readers, which means making sure the recipe is easy to find and follow. But I also want to make sure that my blog is discoverable, so I can continue to share my recipes with a growing audience.

That’s why you’ll often see a mix of storytelling, tips, and detailed instructions in my posts. It’s not just about filling space; it’s about creating a resource that’s valuable to both you and the algorithms that help new readers find my content.

So, the next time you find yourself scrolling past a lengthy introduction to get to the recipe, remember that there’s a method to the madness. And if you ever want to skip the stories and go straight to the recipe, just look for that “Jump to Recipe” button—I promise, it’s there to make your life easier.

But if you do have a few extra minutes, I hope you’ll stick around for the stories, too. They’re as much a part of the recipe as the ingredients themselves.