Find out what it takes to succeed on social media

How do you become a social media influencer with thousands of followers- and brands that pay you to promote their products? A few local Jewish influencers shared their stories and some tips for getting started:

Alyssa Goldwater (@alyssagoldwater) introduces herself as Your Orthodox Jewish Friend . While she educates people about Judaism on TikTok and Instagram, she also gets candid about her personal challenges.

This West Rogers Park mom started posting on social media nearly eight years ago after her daughter was born. “I had severe postpartum depression. It was the middle of the winter, and I felt isolated and alone,” she said. “People liked the way I spoke about things in a real, non-fluffy sort of way.”

As life changed, her message evolved. Goldwater, who is in recovery from a binge eating disorder, is on a mission to help plus-size women feel confident in their own skin regardless of their size. Her content highlights body positivity and mental health along with plus-size fashion.

“If you’re waiting to lose weight, you really can’t live a full and happy life,” she said. “You can’t be dependent on something that might never happen for you.”

Goldwater’s loyal audience includes 50- to 60-year-old women who came of age in the midst of diet culture: “I am the first person who’s given them permission to love themselves as they are and to not change their bodies.”

“Only one person needs to hear your message to make a difference,” she said.

Lauren Less (@lesswithlaur) turned to Instagram to save other people’s recipes when her newly diagnosed food allergies forced her to give up gluten and dairy six years ago-when she was 25. “It’s really overwhelming when you are told to change your diet,” she said.

Eventually, she began sharing her own recipes along with details of her complicated medical issues, including a connective tissue disorder, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and Lyme disease.

“I want people to feel like somebody can relate to them and understand what they’re going through. It gives people hope,” she said.

Supporting others online comes naturally for Less, who works as a licensed clinical social worker and in real estate.

She’s benefited herself, from connecting with a community of people experiencing similar food allergies and chronic illnesses. She suggests that others use social media to find their own circle of comfort and compassion.

Roxanne Birnbaum (@glassofglam) found herself between jobs as a lawyer when she decided to join the online world in 2015.

“I love fashion. I love beauty. People were always asking me, ‘Where’d you get that outfit? What makeup are you wearing?’ I thought that I could post it all in one space and other people could see it too,” she said.

Followers look to this Glenview mom for her accessible and affordable style, with clothing she often finds on Amazon. “It’s quick. They have all the trends for less, so why not? Everyone loves a deal,” she said.

How do you find what’s right for you in the massive inventory of Amazon? “Follow influencers that have the same style as you,” she said. “Let us do the work for you.”

Since she began posting, Birnbaum has seen social media platforms change, like Instagram shifting from only pictures to video content and adding “stories.” While it can feel overwhelming to keep up with it, she encourages others to stick with what they know best. “You just have to choose your lane and know what you’re good at,” she advised.

So, are you ready to start posting?

Julie Mangurten Weinberg is a Northbrook-based freelance journalist with more than 20 years of experience in broadcast, print, and digital media.