Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JENNIFER NANGANO. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi JENNIFER, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

I have been managing FoodaholicNJ on Instagram since 2017.
Influencers have a significant impact on social media platforms like Instagram, Yelp, and TikTok, particularly in the food industry.

Here are some ways we make an impact on restaurants and other local small businesses whether it is a bakery, brunch spot fine dining or a food truck.

Visual Appeal: Influencers use high-quality, aesthetically pleasing photos and videos to showcase food, attracting followers and generating interest in specific dishes and restaurants.

Brand Partnerships: Influencers often collaborate with food brands and restaurants to promote products and dining experiences. These partnerships can lead to increased visibility and sales for brands.

User Engagement: Influencers engage their followers with interactive content such as polls, Q&A sessions, and giveaways, fostering a community around food topics.

Trends and Challenges: Influencers help popularize food trends and challenges, which can lead to viral content and increased engagement across the platform.

Influencers have become powerful marketing tools, leveraging their reach and credibility to drive engagement and influence in the food industry. I have seen a tremendous growth in the desire to work with influencers in the last year.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Jennifer Nangano: The Culinary Explorer Behind FoodaholicNJ

In the bustling world of food photography and social media, Jennifer Nangano stands out as a dedicated and passionate culinary explorer. Known on Instagram as FoodaholicNJ, Jennifer began her journey in 2017, transforming her love for food and photography into a thriving online presence.

Jennifer’s passion for food reviews initially found an outlet on Yelp, where she meticulously documented her dining experiences with captivating photos and detailed reviews. However, as her collection of photos grew, she realized that these visual stories deserved a platform of their own. This realization led to the birth of FoodaholicNJ, an Instagram page that has since become a vibrant showcase of culinary delights from New Jersey and beyond.

As Instagram evolved, so did Jennifer’s approach to her page. She embraced the platform’s dynamic features, experimenting with different types of content to engage her growing audience. Her dedication and creativity paid off; about a year ago, FoodaholicNJ experienced a significant surge in popularity. This milestone was marked by a feature in her local newspaper, highlighting her influence in the food community and celebrating her unique perspective on the culinary scene.

Jennifer’s rise to prominence has opened doors to exciting collaborations with various brands and restaurants. These partnerships have allowed her to explore new flavors, showcase innovative dishes, and share exclusive insights with her followers. Each collaboration is a testament to her authenticity and the genuine connection she has built with her audience.

Through FoodaholicNJ, Jennifer Nangano continues to inspire food enthusiasts with her mouthwatering photos and insightful reviews. Her journey from a Yelp reviewer to a celebrated food influencer is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the ever-evolving nature of social media. As she continues to explore and share the culinary wonders of the world, Jennifer remains a beloved figure in the food community, always ready to discover the next great dining experience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Jennifer Nangano: Building an Engaged Community on Instagram

Jennifer Nangano, the culinary enthusiast behind FoodaholicNJ, has skillfully built a loyal and engaged audience on Instagram through strategic and heartfelt interactions. Here’s a look at how she did it:

Joining Food Pods

One of Jennifer’s key strategies was joining food pods—groups of like-minded food enthusiasts who support each other by liking and commenting on each other’s posts. These pods provided an initial boost in engagement, helping her content reach a wider audience. By being an active and supportive member of these groups, Jennifer quickly established a network of fellow food lovers who appreciated and reciprocated her efforts.

Reciprocating Positive Comments

Jennifer made it a point to reciprocate positive comments on her posts. By acknowledging her followers’ feedback and taking the time to respond, she created a sense of community and appreciation. This not only strengthened her relationship with her audience but also encouraged more interaction, as followers felt valued and heard.

Engaging with Like-Minded People

Engagement has always been at the core of Jennifer’s strategy. She actively sought out and interacted with other food enthusiasts and influencers, both online and offline. By commenting on their posts, sharing their content, and participating in conversations, she built genuine connections that extended beyond mere follower counts. Her authentic interactions resonated with people, leading to organic growth in her follower base.

Connecting with Other Influencers

Jennifer also engaged with other influencers, collaborating and networking to expand her reach. Whether attending food events, participating in online discussions, or collaborating on joint projects, she leveraged these opportunities to learn from others and share her own insights. These connections helped her stay updated on trends, discover new content ideas, and reach a broader audience.

Attending Events

Offline interactions played a significant role in Jennifer’s journey. Attending food events allowed her to meet fellow influencers, chefs, and food enthusiasts in person. These events provided a platform to network, share experiences, and collaborate on future projects. The relationships formed at these events often translated into online collaborations, further boosting her presence and influence.

Through these thoughtful and consistent efforts, Jennifer Nangano has built a thriving and engaged community on Instagram. Her journey reflects the power of genuine interaction, mutual support, and a shared passion for food. As FoodaholicNJ continues to grow, Jennifer remains dedicated to nurturing her community, always ready to explore and share the next delicious discovery.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Jennifer Nangano: Finding Fulfillment in FoodaholicNJ’s Journey

For Jennifer Nangano, the driving force behind FoodaholicNJ, the most rewarding aspect of her journey goes beyond the culinary delights and social media growth. It lies in the profound connections she makes with her audience.

Jennifer finds immense joy in striking a chord with someone through her content, whether it’s a heartfelt comment, a shared laugh, or an inspiring message. Each interaction that resonates with her followers reaffirms her passion and purpose. Knowing that her posts can brighten someone’s day, evoke a smile, or inspire another to pursue their own food journey is the true highlight of her work.

This deep sense of connection and the ability to impact others positively is what fuels Jennifer’s ongoing dedication to FoodaholicNJ. It’s a testament to the power of authentic engagement and the shared love for food that binds her community together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: FoodaholicNJ
• Linkedin: Jennifer Nangano
• Youtube: FoodaholicNJ
• Other: TikTok FoodaholicNJ

Image Credits

Devyn Bernstein