By Patti Londre, blogger at Worth The Whisk
Here are five top things food bloggers have told me they want most from their blogging efforts:
1. To grow traffic to their blogs. Aside from validation for delivering valuable and worthy content, visitor traffic produces real payoffs: money, visibility, deals, success. Many blog platforms provide statistical information that is quite insightful. And bloggers admit to often obsessing about their traffic to the point that their stats drive them crazy. Growing traffic is a complicated challenge, and that’s why networking with other bloggers really helps shed light on this topic.
2. To be treated as bona fide media. Bloggers influence consumers just like magazines, TV, newspapers, radio. And many feel strongly that their influence ranks up there for such considerations as trade show press badges, junkets, swag, backstage passes and more. Getting to that level of respect is a strong desire and a blog’s traffic is key to opening that door — sometimes, but not always. Personal contacts often can override the roadblock of lackluster stats.
3. To make decent money. Not every blog has ads, but lots of bloggers earn income via subsequent cookbook deals, speaking engagements, spokesperson work, freelance copywriting, teaching assignments and other prized gigs. Little ads don’t pay many bills. Decent money is a valid goal, and dovetailing efforts to build income from a variety of sources is a lucrative approach.
4. To be recognized as a brand. In this growing pool, each really wants to establish themselves as unique for their content, talent, style, outlook. Standing apart matters to many bloggers. How to do that is a constant struggle in this highly competitive field, yet making a name for yourself is the most effective method to step away from the herd.
5. To be wooed by money gatekeepers. Joining the elite circle of marketing insiders is a major springboard to the big leagues. PR agencies, advertising agencies, research firms, publishing houses, corporate marketing departments are the People With Money to Spend. For bloggers, making their acquaintance can be the Holy Grail. It’s not easy, but it’s doable.
Helping bloggers achieve their goals is the mission of Camp Blogaway. In addition to educational sessions, the on-site camaraderie and networking opportunities at Camp are invaluable. Successful bloggers will tell you, attending a blogging conference makes a big impact on your blog’s future. Join us May 14-16 in the beautiful Southern California mountains.
HalfHourMeals.com provides food bloggers with a recipe for success. Our online cookbook is an engaging space where you can showcase your favorite recipes. The community discussion forum is the place to network with like-minded bloggers and food lovers. A listing in our blog directory is a simple way to get an inbound link and drive more traffic to your site. So, whether you’re looking for new recipes, new connections or new levels of success, 
The National Onion Association (NOA) is the official organization representing growers, shippers, brokers, and commercial representatives of the U.S. onion industry. Since 1984, the NOA has dedicated their themselves to educating consumers about onions and their many uses. We’re excited to be part of camp and look forward to sharing layers of information, flavor, and fun with other foodies. 
Camp attendees, what’s it all about? It’s easy, and totally anonymous. You don’t even have to participate if you don’t want to.
