If you’re an entrepreneur nurturing your own business or startup, you are always looking for advice. Following social media marketing experts is the fastest, easiest way to get the information you need, but it’s not always easy to determine who to follow or where the most value is.
That’s why we found the 12 top digital marketing experts to follow on social media. These experts don’t just have a large following, they also actively engage with their followers, make reliable and useful posts, have won special distinctions and awards and have advanced knowledge in their realms of online marketing.
- Following social media marketing experts is a cost-effective way to gain access to industry-leading strategies, actionable tips and proven methods to grow your business on platforms from Instagram and Facebook to X, TikTok, and more.
- When choosing experts to follow, look for strong engagement, hands-on experience and a reputation for sharing unique, practical insights that go beyond generic advice.
- To get the most beneficial results, focus on social media marketing experts whose expertise aligns with your industry or niche. Their tailored strategies will be more relevant and actionable for your specific goals.
- Experts like Larry Kim and Mike Alton share actionable tips on topics like growth hacking, content marketing and optimizing customer relationships — all tailored for startups and small businesses.
- Top names like Rand Fishkin and Ann Handley stand out not just for their expertise in social media and digital marketing but also for their active engagement with followers through blogs, forums and events.
Ann Handley
Source: Digital marketing expert Ann Handley via LinkedIn.
Who is she?
Ann Handley is a trailblazer in the world of content marketing and one of the most respected voices in the industry. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has helped countless businesses transform their marketing strategies through the power of storytelling and writing. Ann is also a sought-after keynote speaker and the author of bestsellers like Everybody Writes, making her a must-follow for anyone looking to master the art of content creation.
What does she post about?
She shares actionable advice on content marketing, storytelling and writing strategies.
Why should you follow her?
Her practical tips and engaging style will help you master content creation and stand out in your industry.
In case you’re not convinced…
She’s a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and has been named one of Forbes’ 20 Women Bloggers You Should Be Reading.
Rand Fishkin
Source: Rand Fishkin is a well-known digital marketing expert via Sparktoro.com.
Who is he?
Rand Fishkin is a household name in the digital marketing world, known for his pioneering work in SEO and audience research. As the co-founder of Moz, Rand built one of the most trusted SEO platforms in the industry before moving on to launch SparkToro, a tool that helps brands better understand their audiences. With over two decades of experience, Rand’s unique blend of expertise and innovation continues to shape how marketers approach their digital strategy.
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What does he post about?
Rand covers SEO, audience research, startup culture and marketing trends.
Why should you follow him?
He offers a fresh perspective on understanding your audience and improving search rankings.
In case you’re not convinced…
His book Lost and Founder is an honest look into the world of startups and marketing with over 2000 four and five star reviews.
Mark Schaefer
Source: Mark Schaefer, renowned marketing consultant, via Businessgrow.com.
Who is he?
Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized thought leader, consultant and author who has been shaping the marketing world for decades. With books like Marketing Rebellion, The Content Code and most recently Belonging to the Brand, Mark shares his practical insights into creating meaningful connections with customers in a fast-changing digital world. Beyond his writing, Mark is a keynote speaker who has spoken in more than 40 countries, making him one of the most influential voices in marketing today.
What does he post about?
He explores topics like human-centered marketing, brand strategy and the future of marketing.
Why should you follow him?
Mark’s insights into the human side of marketing are transformative for brands looking to build meaningful connections.
In case you’re not convinced…
His blog, {grow}, is one of the world’s most respected marketing blogs around.
Madalyn Sklar
Source: Madalyn Sklar is an expert in social media marketing via Kratomstoriespodcast.com.
Who is she?
Madalyn Sklar is a social media strategist and one of the leading voices on social media marketing. With over 20 years of digital marketing experience, she has built a reputation as an expert in helping businesses grow their brands through authentic engagement and community building.
As the host of the popular #TwitterSmarter chat, she created a space where marketers from around the world shared insights and strategies every week. Now, she’s a self-proclaimed AI evangelist and the host of the podcast Kratom Stories, which focuses on the plant that has helped her deal with a degenerative disc disease.
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What does she post about?
She shares tips on social media engagement, particularly for X.
Why should you follow her?
Madalyn’s practical advice will teach you how to maximize your presence and grow your social media community.
In case you’re not convinced…
She’s been named the #1 Social Media Power Influencer in Houston.
Marsha Collier
Source: Marsha Collier is a social media expert and NYT bestselling author via X.com.
Who is she?
Marsha Collier is an ecommerce and customer service expert who has been a trusted voice in the online business world for decades. With over a million copies sold of her For Dummies series books, Marsha has helped countless entrepreneurs and businesses navigate the complexities of ecommerce and social media. She is also a regular speaker on technology and digital marketing, making her insights invaluable for businesses looking to thrive online.
What does she post about?
Marsha covers digital marketing, customer service, ecommerce trends and tech tips.
Why should you follow her?
Her expertise can help businesses improve customer interactions and online sales.
In case you’re not convinced…
She’s the author of the best-selling For Dummies books on eBay and social media and has hosted the podcast Marsha Collier & Marc Cohen Techradio since 2008.
Amy Porterfield
Source: Amy Porterfield as a celebrated marketing strategist via Amyporterfield.com.
Who is she?
Amy Porterfield is a marketing strategist, course creator and host of the highly popular podcast Online Marketing Made Easy. With a background working for Tony Robbins, Amy transitioned into teaching entrepreneurs how to build thriving online businesses. She’s known for her actionable advice and focus on creating scalable revenue streams.
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What does she post about?
Amy focuses on online course creation, email list building and social media strategies, providing step-by-step guidance for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Why should you follow her?
Her practical tips, free resources and success stories make her a must-follow for anyone looking to turn their expertise into a profitable digital product.
In case you’re not convinced…
Amy has been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur for her innovative approaches to online marketing and course creation and is the New York Times bestselling author of Two Weeks Notice.
Mike Allton
Source: Mark Allton has built a successful career in content marketing strategy via LinkedIn.
Who is he?
Mike Allton is a content marketing strategist and the Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse, a leading social media management platform. He has built a reputation as a trusted voice in the marketing world, with a focus on creating practical, data-driven strategies that deliver results. His blog and podcast, The Social Media Hat, is a top resource for content marketers.
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What does he post about?
Mike shares insights on blogging, social media marketing and how to make the most of digital tools to improve efficiency and results.
Why should you follow him?
His deep dives into content strategy and tool reviews make him an invaluable resource for marketers looking to optimize their efforts and workflows.
In case you’re not convinced…
Mike is a regular speaker at global marketing events, including Social Media Marketing World and Content Marketing World.
Sean Gardner
Source: Sean Gardner is named one of the top social media influencers by Forbes via LinkedIn.
Who is he?
Sean Gardner is a globally recognized social media consultant, speaker and writer. He has been named one of the world’s top social media influencers by Forbes and continues to help brands and individuals build meaningful online presences. His focus on digital storytelling sets him apart as a leader in the industry.
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What does he post about?
Sean shares insights on personal branding, digital storytelling and using social media to create authentic, impactful connections.
Why should you follow him?
Sean’s inspiring approach to using social media for positive change and business growth makes him a standout voice in the field.
In case you’re not convinced…
Sean was ranked as the #1 Social Media Power Influencer by Forbes, a testament to his global impact in the marketing space.
Larry Kim
Source: Larry Kim is a business founder and digital market expert via LinkedIn
Who is he?
Larry Kim is the founder of WordStream and Customers.ai, making him one of the most innovative minds in digital advertising and chatbot marketing. His work in PPC (pay-per-click) advertising has helped businesses of all sizes maximize their ad spend and connect with their audiences more effectively.
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What does he post about?
Larry shares expertise on paid advertising, chatbot marketing and growth strategies, focusing on cutting-edge tactics that drive results for businesses.
Why should you follow him?
Larry’s practical insights into advertising and lead generation make him an invaluable resource for businesses looking to stay ahead in the competitive world of digital marketing.
In case you’re not convinced…
Larry is a top columnist for Inc. Magazine and has been recognized by PPC Hero as the most influential PPC expert.
Jay Baer
Source: Jay Baer helps brands boost customer engagement via Jaybaer.com.
Who is he?
Jay Baer is a customer experience and digital marketing expert who helps businesses stand out in crowded markets. As the founder of strategy consultancy Convince & Convert, Jay has worked with leading brands to improve customer loyalty and engagement. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of bestsellers like Youtility.
What does he post about?
Jay focuses on creating exceptional customer experiences, word-of-mouth marketing and digital content that drives engagement and builds trust.
Why should you follow him?
His actionable advice on pleasing customers and building brand advocacy can transform how businesses connect with their audiences.
In case you’re not convinced…
Jay has been named one of the top digital marketing influencers by Forbes and his podcast, Social Pros, is a long-standing favorite among marketers.
Neil Patel
Source: Neil Patel is a world-famous entrepreneur and marketing expert via Neilpatel.com.
Who is he?
Neil Patel is a globally recognized digital marketing expert, entrepreneur and co-founder of companies like Crazy Egg, Kissmetrics and Ubersuggest. Known for his in-depth marketing guides and tools, Neil has worked with major brands like Amazon, NBC and Google, helping them scale and succeed online. His expertise spans SEO, content marketing and analytics, making him a go-to authority for marketers worldwide.
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What does he post about?
Neil shares practical tips on driving organic traffic, improving SEO, optimizing conversions and mastering content marketing strategies.
Why should you follow him?
Neil’s actionable advice and easy-to-follow tutorials help marketers and entrepreneurs create effective strategies to grow their online presence and revenue.
In case you’re not convinced…
Neil has been recognized as a top 10 marketer by Forbes, and his companies have been named among the 100 most brilliant companies by Entrepreneur magazine.
Chris Brogan
Source: Chris Brogan is an expert in digital marketing via Chrisbrogan.com.
Who is he?
Chris Brogan is a strategic advisor, author and keynote speaker with decades of experience helping businesses navigate their digital presence. As the CEO of StoryLeader and Chief of Staff at Appfire, he specializes in teaching leaders how to build impactful brand stories. Chris has worked with companies like Disney, Coca-Cola and Microsoft, blending storytelling with actionable marketing strategies.
What does he post about?
Chris covers personal branding, storytelling, content marketing and how to connect authentically with customers. He also delves into strategies for creating a lasting business impact.
Why should you follow him?
Chris’s focus on the human side of marketing, paired with his expertise in building meaningful connections, makes his content a standout resource for marketers and business leaders alike.
In case you’re not convinced…
Chris is a New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including Trust Agents, and is a regular keynote speaker at major global conferences.
5 FAQs about marketing experts to follow
How do I find these experts on social media?
Search their names on platforms like LinkedIn, X and Instagram. Many social media experts also share links to their profiles on their personal websites.
What can I learn from them?
They share tips on branding, content creation, SEO, audience engagement and more — offering both high-level strategies and practical advice.
Are these experts suitable for small businesses?
Yes! While some focus on larger brands, most provide insights that can be applied to businesses of any size.
Can I interact with them directly?
Absolutely. Many of these experts actively engage with their followers, especially on X and LinkedIn.
How often should I check their updates?
Regularly! Following their posts weekly or bi-weekly can keep you informed about the latest trends and tactics.
