Urban Tastebud
About the Company
Urban Tastebud is an affiliate marketing blog that reviews and ranks various subscription boxes, from wine and clothing to vegan options. The platform also publishes niche shopping guides, including gluten-free diets, and offers Disney World trip planning resources. Founded in May 2012 in Winter Garden, FL, the blog generates revenue through affiliate commissions and content monetization, sustaining itself without employees.
The company thrives by focusing on SEO-driven, listicle-style content, capitalizing on popular formats like "top 10" guides. Urban Tastebud targets multiple demographics with a mix of practical advice and unique interests, such as gluten-free living and Disney experiences. A significant portion of its traffic originates from Google and social media platforms like Pinterest and TikTok.
Urban Tastebud has been consistently profitable, maintaining a 72% net profit margin with expenses covering hosting, labor, and advertising. It continues to grow by diversifying content and exploring new mediums like video and short-form social media.
Idea Behind Company
The idea began with Adam’s gluten-free resourcefulness during his summer job at Chick-fil-A. Realizing a gap in accessible gluten-free menu guides, he created a $19 ebook featuring unofficial menus from major restaurants. Despite initial struggles, feedback and inspiration from resources like *Crush It!* by Gary Vaynerchuk led him to offer the content free on a blog.
The blog gained traction through high-quality, shareable content. Urban Tastebud's pivot to reviewing niche subscription boxes came after discovering significant affiliate commission potential. Starting with gluten-free boxes, Adam expanded to broader categories like meal kits and clothing, allowing him to scale the blog.
The decision to focus on SEO-optimized listicles was inspired by BuzzFeed’s success with similar content. This format boosted visibility and engagement, establishing Urban Tastebud as a trusted name in subscription box reviews.
Creating the Company
Adam bootstrapped the business, using personal savings from jobs and internships. His first ebook was designed on a shoestring budget, with an inexpensive cover sourced from Fiverr. Early revenue was reinvested into improving the book’s design and expanding its reach via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The blog began with simple hosting through BlueHost and evolved to use premium solutions like WP Engine. Over time, Adam optimized the website using Genesis themes to enhance user experience. Lessons from trial and error shaped the business model, emphasizing accessible content and user-centric design.
Urban Tastebud’s scalability relied on its adaptability and dedication to refining the blog’s performance. Resources like SEM Rush and Ahrefs supported its SEO efforts, ensuring the content reached its intended audience effectively.
Launching the Business
Urban Tastebud was launched without a formal strategy. Initially, it gained little traction until Adam shifted to a data-driven approach, using listicle formats and Pinterest-friendly visuals. Early growth stemmed from publishing free gluten-free menu guides and pivoting to subscription box reviews after noticing affiliate marketing opportunities.
The launch was funded entirely by personal savings, eliminating the need for loans or credit. Hosting and theme costs were kept minimal in the beginning, with upgrades made as revenue grew. Adam’s experience with lean startups and adaptability enabled steady growth despite limited resources.
Marketing strategies included leveraging Pinterest and SEO to attract and retain readers. Later efforts shifted to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach broader audiences, particularly for Disney-related content.
Earnings
Urban Tastebud earns $51K/month, primarily from affiliate commissions. Its monthly expenses average $14,200, covering tools like WP Engine, ConvertKit, and SEO services. With no employees, the blog maintains high profitability, showcasing efficient operations.
The site receives 14,500 daily visitors and has a subscriber base of 11,000, with most traffic coming from Google searches. Social media channels like TikTok and Instagram have become secondary traffic sources, driving brand awareness and engagement.
Future plans include expanding Disney-related content with a focus on video formats. This growth aligns with changing consumer preferences and Adam’s passion for creating detailed, user-friendly travel resources.
