6 minute read
Meet the NJ Influencers Building Powerful Online Brands
BY LAUREN MELVILLE
As a Realtor®, you already have the tools to become a local or micro-influencer in your own right. These New Jersey-based content creators have cultivated niche audiences allowing for deeper engagement and conversation. By highlighting Jersey’s best eats, local adventures, and showing up authentically, these influencers have built online communities uniquely their own.
We asked each of them to share their top tip for building a successful and authentic social media presence to help inspire your journey.
ABBY CIFARELLI
A local sommelier, Abby Cifarelli, created a wine enthusiast community on Instagram with 4k followers following her tastings. Sommnights® founder, Abby started sharing her wine tasting business and adventures online, and her audience followed. Her tip: “Start small and nurture your early community. Invite friends and family to follow and share your page. Then be consistent, genuine, and let your personality shine. Passion and sincerity always resonate.”
CARLY WEINSTEIN
With 526.7k on TikTok and 129k on Instagram, Carly Weinstein has gained a following due to authentically sharing her life, opening up dialogue about mental health, body image conversations, and life in her 20s.
Her tip: “Consistently interact with your audience and provide value with every post. Don’t focus on views—ask, ‘What value can I offer today?’ That shift will guide your content and grow your community.” allowing for deeper engagement and conversation. By highlighting Jersey’s best eats, local adventures, and showing up authentically, these influencers have built online communities uniquely their own.
CHRISTINE PEREZ
Self-titled as “your New Jersey bestie,” Christine Perez has fostered an online community by featuring local activities across the state, travel tips, and lifestyle tips tailored for New Jersey. With 172k followers on Instagram, Christine stays dedicated to her growing community.
Her tip: “Treat your platform like a conversation, not a performance. Be real, be helpful, and show up consistently.”
Dee
With 29.6k on Instagram and 3k on TikTok, Dee posts all things food and travel in New Jersey and NYC. Foodies alike have followed Dee due to her authenticity and perspective on what to eat in the tri-state.
Her tip: “Your unique voice is your superpower—own it.”
JAS SAWHNEY
By curating both unique pours and a fervent online spirits community, Jas Sawhney has 43.9k followers on Instagram. Jas attributes his social media success to authenticity and his passions: the world’s best pours.
His tip: “Authenticity attracts the right audience, consistency beats perfection, and your personality is what truly makes you stand out.”
KATIE
A proud Jersey Shore lover, Katie Begley started posting content true to her. She dedicated posts about local ice cream spots on the shore, her favorite Wawa treats, and many day-in-the-life posts. With 322.6k on TikTok, her authenticity is key.
Her tip: “Your strongest asset is your individuality. People follow people, not perfection!”
KYLE GETZ
Self proclaimed tipsy critic, Kyle has obtained 78k Instagram and 15.8k TikTok followers by reviewing New Jersey’s top spots and local eateries. Staying true to his “jersey roots, global appetite” mission, Kyle shares unique but local spots for all palates.
His tip: ”The hardest part is to just start! Find a niche that intersects your passion—have integrity, be authentic & find a proper balance: train your eye to be consistent with the right amount frequency and manically focus on quality!
MACKENZIE
With 36.6k followers on Instagram and around 1k on TikTok, Mackenzie is no stranger to finding her niche on social media. Highlighting the best local “Jersey spots a girl could dream of,” Mackenzie features trendy coffee spots, unique eats across the state, and seasonal activity recommendations for every type of girl.
Her tip: “Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s impossible. You are worthy of success—you just have to believe it, and the rest will follow.”
MARCUS
Exploring New Jersey’s food scene, Marcus has gained over 10k followers on Instagram and 1k on TikTok. While highlighting the hot spots in the state, Marcus ventures out beyond state lines to feature trending eats.
His tip: “Stay consistent and be yourself.”
MORGAN COLEMAN
Morgan is the founder of The Clubhouse in Summit and shares her fitness journey with 5k Instagram followers. Her mix of nutrition tips, workout routines, and behind-the-scenes clips gives her brand depth and relatability.
Her tip: “The more authentic you can be about what’s really happening inside your business, the faster people will connect with you and your brand.”
NICOLE DRAGON
Nicole Dragon has a following uniquely her own. As a private chef on Long Beach Island in New Jersey and San Diego, Nicole knows what it’s like to have a business while sharing her life and creating content. With a presence on Instagram with 45.5k followers and 32k followers and 1.2 million likes on TikTok, Nicole makes an impact by posting what she loves.
Her tip: “My best content comes from not trying too hard. I just hit record while I’m doing what I love— prepping, cooking, hosting dinner parties. It’s not about polish, it’s about being real.”
STEPHANIE
As a former chef, Stephanie has a deep passion for supporting local businesses and hospitality, which led her to start @nj_foodcravings on Instagram. With 17.2k followers on Instagram, Stephanie highlights the incredible food scene right here in New Jersey and the people behind it.
Her tip: “Stay consistent and true to your voice. People connect with authenticity, so focus on building relationships, telling real stories, and supporting your community—it goes a long way.”
WHY REALTORS® MAKE GREAT INFLUENCERS
Social media consumers crave authenticity, and as a Realtor®—you already have that. Post behind-the-scenes content of your business, listing sneak peeks, and become your community’s local expert, like posting your favorite dining spots.
Posting consistently can grow your reach to increase your audience, according to brandbassador.com. Engage with your audience by replying to comments, sharing your followers’ posts, and leaving thoughtful responses on mutual accounts. It’s these little touches that transform a following into a true community—and position you as not just a real estate expert, but a trusted local voice. Don’t forget to tag us on your influencing journey! (@njrealtors)
