More than Street Cred - Cracking the Influencer Code in Seafood Social Media

At InnaSea Media, we’re well aware of the waves that social media influencers have made in the digital marketing space. It’s really more like a $22 billion tsunami that’s continuing to grow year after year.

While the word “influencer” might bring up negative images of Kardashians and other celebrities “selling out” their audience to push garbage products, the reality is that today’s influencers wield a lot of power online. They, well, influence their audience in a major way and this cannot be overlooked by seafood brands trying to connect with a consumer audience.

That’s why InnaSea Media has pioneered an innovative way for the seafood industry to work with influencers. Under the guidance of one of our fearless founders, Emily De Sousa, who made her name in the industry a high-key seafoodie influencer, InnaSea Media has created the first influencer marketing program exclusively designed for the seafood industry. Our innovative approach combines creative storytelling, strategic partnerships, and expert influencer management to elevate your brand in the digital realm.

And in case you’re wondering if we really know what we’re talking about, Emily amassed a social media following of over 50,000 followers as an influencer herself and has worked as an influencer in the seafood industry as well as food, travel, and lifestyle. Emily’s most recent win? Earning herself a shiny new badge on LinkedIn—the Top Influencer Marketing Voice badge, to be exact. But let us assure you, that badge is so much more than just a virtual pat on the back—it's a testament to Emily's expertise, unwavering commitment to her craft and the seafood industry as a whole.

Today, we’re stoked to share more about our influencer marketing program and drop some exclusive insights into what it’s really like to be an influencer, so that we can help seafood businesses better understand these professionals and be better prepared to work with them in the future.

And let me tell you, it's not just about finding a hot celeb with a big following to send your fish sticks to—it's a journey that requires thoughtful relationship building, good communication, clear expectations, and of course, a ton of fun.

So, what does it take to become a successful influencer, you ask? Well, let us give you a little peek behind the curtain. It’s not just about posting pretty pictures or crafting catchy captions (though Emily certainly knows a thing or two about that). It's about putting in the time, the effort, and yes, even the occasional late-night brainstorming session to deliver content that resonates, educates, and inspires.

See, being a reputable influencer isn't just about racking up likes and followers—it's about being a trusted voice in your industry. Today’s social media users cite trusting their favourite influencers more than they trust traditional journalists, reporters, and even scientists. Influencers wield such authority online, that most young users want their news and information filtered through them.

For Emily, being a reputable authority online means diving headfirst into the world of seafood, immersing herself in the latest trends, research, and innovations, all while staying true to her authentic self.

But here's the kicker—being an influencer isn't just about shouting into the void about fish and hoping someone listens. She makes it look easy, but there’s A LOT more intention and strategy behind it than meets the eye (which is kind of the point. If you’re doing it well it looks effortless, right?) It's about building meaningful connections, providing value, and ultimately cultivating a community. And that's exactly what Emily has done with her Top Influencer Marketing Voice badge—she's shown brands and businesses alike that she's not just here to talk the talk, she's here to walk the walk.

So why does all of this matter? Because influencer marketing isn't just a passing fad—it's a valuable asset in any brand's marketing arsenal. And here at InnaSea Media, we're on a mission to help seafood businesses and brands harness the power of influencer marketing to crash through the barriers to the digital world that have historically held the industry back from making waves in this highly valuable realm.

But hey, don't just take our word for it—stay tuned for future articles where we'll dive even deeper into the world of influencer marketing and unveil something very special to guide the seafood businesses and brands we support into this world. Trust us, you won't want to miss it.