With 2023 coming to an end and New Year's resolutions taking shape, it's crucial not to overlook the organization of your agency’s list of influencers to follow this year. While this task may not carry the same immediate urgency as deciding to invest in new agency tools or refreshing client materials, such as onboarding plans and client briefs, it undoubtedly will empower your agency with essential industry insights and valuable information that both you and your clients will appreciate.
The only problem with curating an influencers list is, well… actually curating the list. With numerous influencers and experts in the digital space, choosing the right ones can be challenging. There is a risk of following too many people, and you don't want to fall into that trap. Having your feed cluttered and packed with influencers to the point where you can't read anything is something to avoid.
Enter Anton Shulke, our Head of Influencer Marketing—a seasoned professional ready to guide you in selecting the perfect influencers for your list. Widely recognized as "The Livestream Guy," Anton has showcased his expertise in Livestream production management since 2015. Shulke's career spans significant contributions to influencer marketing, particularly through live events, webinars, and podcasts, collaborating with leading digital and SEO industry companies like Semrush, Duda, and Kalicube, leaving an indelible mark on the digital and SEO landscape. Notably, at Duda, Anton spearheaded the organization of over a hundred webinars and three online conferences, all tailored specifically for agencies like yours.
In short, if you're looking for influencers to follow, Anton is your guy. Therefore, I've turned to Anton to provide me with the names to initiate our list, and here they are:
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustybrick/
Category: SEO
Barry Schwartz is a must-follow in the "SEO" category, recognized as a legendary figure in the SEO industry. His extensive coverage of SEO news has been instrumental in educating and advancing the careers of search marketers worldwide. Barry is the founder and editor of the Search Engine Roundtable, a premier online news source on search engines and SEO. With over 30,000 articles on the subject, he demonstrates unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication to the field. As an internationally recognized SEO expert, Schwartz consistently monitors and influences industry trends.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyda/
Category: SEO
Aleyda Solis is an acclaimed international SEO consultant and a renowned authority in search engine optimization. Through her consultancy, Orainti, she provides tailored, strategic SEO advice and support, enabling businesses from startups to multinationals worldwide to thrive in highly competitive and complex online environments. Aleyda is celebrated for her significant contributions to the industry as a blogger for major SEO publications, an award-winning consultant, and for her proactive role in promoting remote work practices as the co-founder of remoters.net. In addition, Aleyda curates SEOFOMO, a weekly treasure trove of SEO insights, news, and resources, widely acclaimed for keeping over 30,000 digital marketers ahead of the curve.
With over 15 years of experience and the honor of being named the European Search Personality of the Year in 2018, Aleyda is a must-follow for her profound knowledge and insights into international SEO.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenngabe/
Category: SEO
Glenn Gabe deserves inclusion in the "SEO" category for 2024, thanks to his extensive 25-plus years of experience in digital marketing. His proficiency in Google algorithm update recovery, technical SEO audits, and providing SEO training through his consultancy, G-Squared Interactive, sets him apart. As a top SEO influencer, columnist at Search Engine Land, and a recognized authority guiding clients across diverse industries, Gabe's expertise and insights are invaluable for those seeking to navigate the complexities of SEO.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-ray-44755615/
Category: SEO
Lily Ray stands as a preeminent SEO expert, earning the prestigious title of the #1 most influential SEO expert in 2022 by USA Today. Leading an award-winning SEO team at Amsive Digital, Lily's profound understanding of E-A-T and her strategic roles as Senior Director of SEO and Head of Organic Research make her an indispensable follow for cutting-edge insights into Google's algorithms and SEO best practices. Beyond her technical prowess, Lily's multifaceted career brings a unique perspective to her professional insights, further solidifying her status as an influential figure in the search industry.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-haynes/
Category: SEO
Marie Haynes is a pivotal figure in the SEO industry, boasting over 16 years of expertise. She is particularly renowned for her acumen in understanding Google's search algorithms and her adeptness in training other professionals in this complex field. Since 2008, Marie has been instrumental in helping businesses navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Google's algorithms. Her insights have gained global recognition among digital marketers, evident in the widespread adoption of her book and quality evaluation checklist.
Furthermore, Marie's "Search News You Can Use" podcast serves as a treasure trove of practical advice on algorithm updates and SEO strategies. This feature makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their website's performance in search.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeodden/
Category: Influencer Marketing
Lee Odden, the CEO and Co-Founder of TopRank Marketing, is a leader in influencer marketing with significant expertise in optimizing brand presence through strategic influencer engagements. His profound knowledge and guidance on best practices in influencer marketing, coupled with his influential presence of over 130,000 LinkedIn followers, position him as a top authority to follow for anyone seeking to harness the power of influencer marketing in 2024.
Lee's role in educating marketing leaders on effective collaboration with influencers and his authorship of "Optimize" further solidify his status as a key influencer in the B2B marketing space.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tequiaburt/
Category: Influencer Marketing
Tequia Burt, leveraging her substantial expertise as a journalist and content strategist covering the B2B marketing landscape, and as the founder and CEO of Content[Ed.], has been central in shaping the narrative in influencer marketing by seamlessly integrating racial and gender diversity into content strategy. Her extensive experience as an editorial director and editor-in-chief, combined with her strategic approach to content development, positions her as a valuable influencer in the marketing industry. This is particularly noteworthy for those interested in leveraging content to build inclusive and effective marketing campaigns.
Burt's innovative approach to content marketing and her dedicated focus on inclusivity within the industry render her a must-follow for forward-thinking influencer marketing strategies in 2024.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrestodina/
Category: Content
Andy Crestodina is a well-established content marketing expert, renowned for his role as a top international speaker and his proficiency in helping people enhance the performance of their websites. He has authored "Content Chemistry," an illustrated handbook on content marketing, and is celebrated for his practical advice and strategies that have guided over a thousand businesses. Andy's leadership at Orbit Media and the creation of educational events like Content Jam and Wine and Web position him as a leading figure to follow for the latest insights in content marketing and web strategy.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepulizzi/
Category: Content
Joe Pulizzi is a pioneer of content marketing and a visionary entrepreneur who founded the Content Marketing Institute. He has authored five best-selling books on the topic and consistently provides strategic insights and practical advice to content marketers worldwide. His influence extends through his role in establishing key industry events such as the Creator Economy Expo and his initiatives like The Tilt newsletter, which further affirm his status as a must-follow thought leader in content marketing for 2024.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnavirji/
Category: Content
Purna Virji is a celebrated content strategist and marketer, renowned for her best-selling publications and innovative approaches in content marketing that keep businesses ahead in the evolving marketing landscape. As the Principal Consultant for Content Solutions at LinkedIn, and with accolades including Adweek's Young Influentials and the US Search Awards' Search Personality of the Year, Purna's expertise and thought leadership in content marketing are indispensable for those looking to refine their strategy and impact. Her previous role in leading global learning and thought leadership at Microsoft, coupled with her background as an award-winning journalist, makes her insights particularly valuable to content marketers aiming to make a significant impact in 2024.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhandley/
Category: Content
Ann Handley is a cornerstone in the content marketing world, with her innovative insights over two decades shaping the industry. As a pioneering Chief Content Officer and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, her strategic guidance has helped countless marketers create compelling narratives and achieve tangible results. Her leadership role at MarketingProfs, combined with her influential books and speaking engagements, makes her an essential figure to follow for anyone seeking to elevate their content marketing strategies.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/
Category: Content
Rand Fishkin, an acclaimed entrepreneur and digital marketing expert, co-founded Moz and SparkToro, and is recognized for his influential work in content marketing. Particularly noteworthy are his valuable content strategy resources and thought leadership in the field. His insights on content creation are integral to building strategies that generate shareable content, attract links, and drive traffic, making him a definitive voice to follow.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/
Category: Brand Design
Philip VanDusen is a seasoned authority in brand strategy, boasting an impressive 25 years of experience. He leads Verhaal Brand Design, a consultancy specializing in strategic design, graphic design, brand strategy, and marketing innovation. As a creative entrepreneur and thought leader, he amplifies his role through the Brand Design Masters podcast and a YouTube channel boasting over 275k subscribers. On these platforms, Philip shares invaluable insights into brand-building, the latest trends, and innovative techniques.
Furthermore, his rich background includes leadership roles as VP of Design at PepsiCo and Old Navy, along with serving as Executive Creative Director at Landor Associates. This extensive experience provides him with a depth of knowledge that renders his insights and guidance indispensable for anyone navigating the realm of brand design.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingibbons/
Category: Digital Agency
Kevin Gibbons, as the founder and CEO of Re:signal, has established an award-winning digital agency renowned for its strategic SEO and content marketing, recognized by multiple UK/EU Search Awards. He has also personally earned the prestigious title of the UK Search Awards' Search Personality of the Year. His leadership has steered Re:signal to specialize in driving organic performance for eCommerce, positioning the agency as a forward-thinking partner for brands aiming to excel in the digital space.
With a track record of working with notable clients and sharing growth-focused insights at global conferences, Kevin Gibbons' expertise in building, growing, and adapting in the fast-paced digital agency realm makes him an essential figure to follow.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimclear/
Category: Digital Agency
Marty Weintraub, the founder of AIMCLEAR, a distinguished digital marketing agency known for its dominance in audience targeting and customer acquisition, has carved out a niche for integrating traditional creative values with modern performance marketing. This approach has earned the agency numerous US Search Awards, including recognition as the Best Integrated Agency.
Weintraub's unique persona and innovative marketing strategies, along with his agency's expertise in psychographic targeting and holistic brand-building, offer a wealth of knowledge indispensable for digital agencies aiming to lead in the contemporary marketing ecosystem. His entrepreneurial insight and authoritative content make him a must-follow for professionals in the digital agency field in 2024.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulnrogers/
Category: Digital Agency
Paul Rogers is the Managing Director of Vervaunt, a London-based eCommerce consultancy and performance marketing agency that has collaborated with top retail brands to craft best-in-class customer experiences and propel substantial growth through a blend of technology projects and ongoing strategy consulting. His extensive experience since 2008 in digital and eCommerce, including complex projects, and his skill in maintaining a niche focus while scaling, provide a wealth of knowledge. This makes him an authoritative figure to follow for cutting-edge digital agency insights.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieroseballoch/
Category: PR
Carrie Rose, the co-founder and CEO of Rise at Seven, has rapidly propelled her agency to the forefront of the PR industry. She achieves this by blending creative content marketing with digital PR and SEO, offering a unique, search-first approach to public relations. Recognized by PRWeek's 30 Under 30, her innovative strategies have led the company to expand to over 100 employees in under three years, showcasing her exceptional skill in executing large-scale PR campaigns that resonate in today's digital landscape.
This combination of creativity, strategic SEO alignment, and proven success in PR makes her an indispensable influencer for anyone looking to evolve their PR strategies.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbloch/
Category: PR
Andrew Bloch is a formidable figure in public relations with nearly three decades of experience. He has founded two leading PR agencies and served as an advisor to prominent figures like Lord Sugar, making him an authoritative voice for PR insights and strategy. His legacy includes shaping Frank into one of the UK’s most respected PR agencies, representing top-tier brands and earning numerous accolades within the industry.
Bloch's proven track record in managing high-profile media requests and building and protecting reputations position him as an essential influencer to follow.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-barr-ab77291/
Category: PR
As the CEO and co-founder of the award-winning agency 10 Yetis Digital, Andy Barr has been influential in shaping the PR industry. He does so through expert crisis management, vibrant digital PR campaigns, and a pronounced emphasis on measurable ROI, making him a standout thought leader to follow for innovative PR strategies. His agency's ability to make businesses stand out with a modern arsenal of PR tactics further cements his status as an influencer in the dynamic field of public relations.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwaddington/
Category: PR
Stephen Waddington, the founder and managing partner of Wadds Inc., is renowned for his expert advisory services to PR agencies and communications teams. His focus on strategic planning, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI into public relations makes him an indispensable resource for PR professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2024. His distinguished status as a Chartered PR Practitioner and his proactive approach to managing risks and leveraging opportunities in an ever-evolving digital landscape underscore his thought leadership and influence in the PR industry.
Moreover, his insights into audience understanding and public sentiment analysis are critical in the current media environment, ensuring that his guidance remains highly relevant for effective public relations strategy.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegrehan/
Category: Large Agency
Mike Grehan's Chelsea Digital, situated near Google's New York headquarters, offers a highly personalized approach to search and performance marketing. It leverages a deep network of specialists and AI tools to scale strategies for companies of any size, making his insights vital for those in big digital agencies. With over two decades of experience and proficiency in "intelligent performance marketing," along with his adeptness in building teams and technology stacks for global organizations, his expertise underscores the value he could bring to professionals aiming to thrive in the digital agency landscape in 2024.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjmurray/
Category: Large Agency
Rob Murray, the CEO of 3Q/DEPT, played a pivotal role in merging two dynamic entities into a global digital powerhouse. The combined agencies, under his leadership, manage over $3 billion in digital media spend, highlighting his expertise in overseeing large-scale digital agency operations. 3Q/DEPT, guided by Murray, is renowned for its comprehensive growth marketing services and has earned prestigious accolades like Ad Age’s Best Places to Work, emphasizing the firm's innovative and employee-centric culture that aligns with current and future industry trends. DEPT® itself is recognized for creating impactful digital experiences for major brands and is committed to sustainability as a climate-neutral and B Corporation-certified company, embodying Murray's vision for a responsible and cutting-edge digital agency.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgullaksen/
Category: Large Agency
Michael Gullaksen, as CEO of NP Digital, has orchestrated remarkable growth for the agency, with a revenue forecast surpassing $100 million and significant global expansion. This underscores his expertise in fostering a productive culture and driving performance in the large digital agency sector. His leadership approach emphasizes employee well-being and client care, translating into substantial client and revenue growth. This solidifies his reputation as a leader who enhances both his team and clients, making him someone to watch in the big digital agency arena in 2024.
As a digital agency armed with this list, you can rely on amazing insights and valuable information that will make (not break) your 2024. Of course, there are other valuable influencers not mentioned in this list, so be sure to add your personal touch to it and keep an eye out for more influencers in your space.
