Scripps Networks has published some metrics from Nielsen Online today showing that they reach 25 percent of the Food & Cooking category meaning one in every four online users looking for food-related information came to one of the Scripps Networks sites. Most of the traffic goes to Food Network and the recently acquired RecipeZaar.
Scripps Networks set a new record for online audience numbers in the Nielsen Online Food & Cooking category with more than 12.6 million unique users visiting the site in Dec. 2007.
I believe that the success of Food Networks Web site lies in their ability to convert TV traffic into Web traffic. A person watches their favorite celebrity chef on TV make a fab meal and the person then hops onto the Web site to print out the recipe. Are there any other categories that can drive this direct TV-to-Web type of traffic?
Check out some of the other food Web sites we've covered: Yahoo Food, RecipeMatcher, Snacksby and Foodieview.
On a side note, I had the chance to spend a few days on the set of Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. She's an absolute talent. Not one retake, a funny person, very bright, can improvise anything and her success is due to her hard work. Here's a photo from my time on the set :)
