Food blogger networks are rapidly expanding and their influence over consumer decisions continue to rise. In fact, a 2013 study found that blogs outranked social media sites when it comes to influencing consumer purchase decisions. Last week I attended the annual BlogHer Food conference in Miami and had the opportunity to meet and connect with dozens of passionate food bloggers with growing networks eager to establish relationships with FRESH brands. As fresh produce marketers, it’s time to start thinking of food bloggers as more than just a recipe resource. These folks are powerful allies working towards the same mission as all of us: increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

We think of creating relationships with food bloggers as “influencer marketing,” and here are five reasons why fresh produce marketers should consider aligning themselves with these powerful brand ambassadors.

1. Food bloggers are treating their blogs as a business

One thing that stood out to me during BlogHer Food was just how business savvy many of these bloggers are. These are entrepreneurs that have discovered ways to monetize their blogs and generate revenue. The bloggers that view themselves and their blog as a brand have built impressive networks and followings through not only their blogs, but also their social media networks. For marketers, this means that bloggers are thinking strategically about what their readers like and what they want and they will be able to work with you to provide the best possible service that their audience will LOVE.

2. Food bloggers have new and creative promotion ideas to share

We have blogger partners at DMA and for many of our clients that come up with creative, out-of-the-box promotion ideas that we may never have thought of before. These influencers are always plugged in to the current digital trends and they know how to make contests and promotions that work. Ask bloggers to share their ideas and give input on co-promotions and you’ll be amazed at the genius they can provide!

3. Food bloggers are eager to establish long-term relationships with brands

Because bloggers are thinking about their blogs as a business, they have learned to think long-term and this means that they place importance on establishing long-term relationships with brands and companies that can help them to generate ongoing content. And although these bloggers want these types of relationships, many of the bloggers I heard from expressed that they weren’t completely sure how to establish those brand connections. That’s where you come in as a fresh produce marketer. Think long-term like the bloggers and once you find a blogging partner that in in sync with you and your brand, talk with them about their ideas for creating an ongoing relationship that will benefit both of you.

4. Food bloggers want to serve as “brand ambassadors”

In addition to working with you long-term, bloggers want more than just a contract to develop recipes from time to time. I spoke with several bloggers that expressed that they have been able to work with some brands, but they wish these brands would give them MORE in terms of what they can share and create inspiration around other than occasional free product and recipe development. Bloggers are entrepreneurs, but they are also storytellers. Consider ways to make your blogging partners ambassadors by enveloping them deeper into your marketing through trips to the farm, conference sponsorships to places like BlogHer, and sharing the day-to-day workings of your business with them so they can understand on a deeper level. They’ll be inspired to share your story with their networks in a way that resonates.

5. Food bloggers want to be champions for FRESH

The food blogging community is a passionate bunch that cares deeply about spreading the messages of the brands they love. In addition to their passion for cooking, many of these food bloggers care deeply about where their food comes from. As a result, they’re advocates for food that is grown and want to align their stories, messaging, blogs and overall brand with growers of fresh produce. Every blogger I spoke with at BlogHer Food lit up when I explained to them our mission to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, expressing that they want to know how they can help.

With literally hundreds of these passionate FRESH advocates ready to start working with brands like yours, what are you waiting for? The sky’s the limit when it comes to working with food bloggers and the creativity and fresh perspective they can provide. DMA Solutions is committed to fostering relationships with food bloggers and helping them align with brands that fit their passions and cooking styles. Feel free to reach out to our team and let us know if you are interested in talking about how DMA can help bring your company qualified food bloggers and manage your work with them.