Influencer Spotlight: Matt of Plating Pixels

Matt of Plating Pixels has a passion for food and photography, which the name of his blog may give away! He started his top food blog in 2014 and has developed hundreds of recipes from easy weeknight meals to healthy comfort food to decadent desserts, all usually with 10 ingredients or less! We love working with Matt, which is why he’s our Influencer Spotlight this December. We asked him some questions about the influencer marketing and social media industry. Take a look at his thoughts here!

Tell us why you blog.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine. I’ve also dabbled around with photography, but had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do with it. Naturally combining these two creative outlets into one led me to starting Plating Pixels. It’s also rewarding to share my recipes with readers and help them learn about cooking in the process.

What content do you feel your readers find most valuable?
I think simple recipes like easy weeknight meals, and appetizers are always popular. Whether you’re a beginner or pro in the kitchen, these type of recipes do well. I’m still surprised that this simple how to bake moist chicken breasts post resonated so well with my audience.

Where do you see the most engagement with your content?
Pinterest does well and is one of my best social media channels. Instagram is also an important outlet for any blogger, and I’m looking to grow that this year.

What’s the #1 question you’re asked by your readers, and what’s your answer?
Can I substitute _____ with _____? Not all readers have the same tastes, access to ingredients, or dietary lifestyle. Providing suggestions, alternatives and tips to readers helps makes your recipes more accessible.

What’s the #1 question you’re asked by your brands, and what’s your answer?
How would you use our product in a recipe? Sounds simple, but any time you mention a brand or product, it should be authentic and original. Brands are looking for unique ways to introduce their products to new audiences.

2018 is the year of: _____.
Instant Pot. Currently I don’t own one, but after seeing so many Instant Pot recipes this year, I feel like I’m missing out.

What are brands doing right when working with bloggers?
Letting bloggers take creative freedom with their recipes and messaging around the product. The more organic a post can feel, the more likely a reader will value that recommendation. Too many key messages or product links can come across as insincere.

Favorite program you’ve done with The Motherhood?
The program with Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc./Mori-Nu® Silken Tofu, featuring these Vegan Vietnamese Tofu Spring Rolls. It’s a simple recipe that’s fun to make, and tasty. I’ve been wanting to do more video, and this was part of the campaign. It was a great way to practice recipe videos and provide more valuable content to readers.

Who is your mentor?
Honestly, I don’t have one at the moment. I’m working toward growing my blog in a big way for 2019. Along with creating amazing content, mentors, mastermind groups and support in general is a valuable part of this.

How do you organize your day?
This is an ever-evolving process. Currently I use a lot of Google spreadsheets, reminders on my phone and calendar events. I plan to move everything into Asana to get a bigger overall picture and better manage everything that goes with growing a food blog.

Thank you to Matt of Plating Pixels!