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Top 14 Digital Marketing Experts and Influencers to Follow in 2025

Digital marketing never stands still. As platforms, tools, and algorithms evolve, so do the strategies you need to succeed. But how can you keep up with the endless flow of trends, technologies, and best practices? The answer: follow the industry’s top digital marketing experts and influencers. These thought leaders are more than just trend spotters—they’re strategists, educators, and innovators who have shaped the marketing landscape. Whether it’s SEO, social media, content, automation, or brand storytelling, they set the standard for what’s working now and what’s coming next.

The digital world moves fast—and what worked last year may already be old news. That’s why it’s crucial to learn directly from the professionals who are testing, refining, and redefining marketing every day. These experts not only share the latest trends but also provide guidance on how to apply new tactics for real-world results. Their voices will help you filter out the noise, focus on what matters, and grow with confidence.

In this guide, you’ll meet 14 of the most influential voices in digital marketing for 2025. Each brings a unique perspective, expertise, and proven track record. By following them, you’ll get actionable insights, stay ahead of the competition, and transform your marketing game.

Ready to level up your game? Here are the top marketing experts to follow this year.

1. Neil Patel

Neil Patel is a global digital marketing authority known for making complex concepts simple. As the co-founder of NP Digital, CrazyEgg, and Ubersuggest, Neil has helped brands worldwide increase traffic, improve SEO, and convert leads. He’s a prolific blogger, speaker, and podcaster, breaking down everything from advanced SEO to growth hacking for marketers at any stage.

What sets Neil apart is his generosity—he shares a wealth of free, actionable resources across his blog, YouTube channel, and social media. His strategies are rooted in real-world data and are constantly updated for the latest search and algorithm changes.

Whether you’re looking to master Google Analytics, get more out of content marketing, or launch a startup, Neil’s guides and tutorials provide clear, step-by-step instructions that actually work. Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Entrepreneur have all named him among the top marketers globally. Following Neil Patel means always having a trusted resource for results-driven digital marketing.

Neil’s unique ability to simplify complex marketing topics has earned him recognition from beginners and industry veterans alike. He frequently shares practical case studies, SEO tools, and hands-on walkthroughs, empowering marketers to achieve real growth. With a focus on measurable results and long-term success, Neil’s advice is relevant for both small businesses and large enterprises. If you want to stay ahead in digital marketing, Neil Patel is one expert you can’t afford to miss.

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🔗 LinkedIn
🐦 X (Twitter)

2. Ann Handley

Ann Handley is a pioneer in content marketing and the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs. She’s also the author of the best-selling book Everybody Writes and is celebrated for elevating the art of storytelling in digital marketing. Ann believes content isn’t just about filling pages or posts—it’s about creating value, emotion, and lasting relationships.

She’s dedicated her career to teaching brands and marketers how to be more human, helpful, and authentic in every communication. Through her insightful newsletter, practical keynotes, and regular contributions to top publications, Ann delivers a steady stream of inspiration and practical advice.

Her approach focuses on empathy and creativity, encouraging marketers to embrace their voice and take risks with storytelling. If you want to build an audience that loves your content and trusts your brand, Ann Handley is the expert to follow in 2025.

Ann is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker at global marketing conferences, where her thought leadership continues to inspire marketers of all levels. She advocates for clarity, originality, and a sense of fun in every message. Her signature advice—”Make your customer the hero of your story”—has become a mantra for brands aiming to stand out in a crowded digital world. Whether you’re a solo creator or part of a large team, Ann’s wisdom will elevate your content game.

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🔗 LinkedIn
🐦 X (Twitter)

3. Gary Vaynerchuk (GaryVee)

Gary Vaynerchuk, famously known as GaryVee, is a true force of nature in the digital marketing world. As the CEO of VaynerMedia and VaynerX, Gary has transformed the way brands use social media and content to build communities and drive business growth.

His unique blend of energy, honesty, and hustle has made him a global motivational figure, inspiring millions of marketers and entrepreneurs to take action. Gary is relentless in his focus on providing value—whether through his daily videos, podcasts, or candid Q\&A sessions (#AskGaryVee). He’s a big believer in “giving without expectation,” urging brands and individuals to provide massive value to their audiences before asking for anything in return.

Gary’s strategies cover everything from TikTok trends to long-term personal branding, always encouraging experimentation and self-awareness. His best-selling books, engaging keynote speeches, and massive social presence ensure you’ll always have something new to learn. If you want actionable marketing advice and motivation to execute, GaryVee should be at the top of your list.

From launching Wine Library TV to becoming a major investor and thought leader, Gary’s journey is proof that adapting early to new platforms pays off. He frequently emphasizes the power of “attention” and encourages brands to stay ahead by embracing emerging digital trends. With his direct communication style and relentless optimism, GaryVee helps marketers unlock growth and build lasting personal brands.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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4. Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin is a legendary figure in SEO and digital marketing. As the founder of Moz and SparkToro, he’s built industry-standard tools and educational resources that have shaped how marketers approach search, content, and audience intelligence. Rand is renowned for his “Whiteboard Friday” video series, which made complex SEO concepts accessible to marketers worldwide.

Today, through SparkToro, Rand helps brands and agencies discover where their audiences hang out online—empowering smarter, data-driven outreach. His advice blends technical SEO with a deep focus on empathy, transparency, and ethical marketing. Rand is also the author of the startup memoir “Lost and Founder,” sharing honest lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey.

He is a frequent keynote speaker and an outspoken advocate for building a better, more inclusive marketing industry. Marketers who want to stay ahead of Google updates, understand audience behavior, and grow sustainably will benefit from Rand’s insights and approachable teaching style.

Rand’s approach to marketing is rooted in authenticity and helping others succeed, making him a favorite among both new and experienced marketers. He regularly shares data-backed research, industry analyses, and practical frameworks to help professionals tackle the ever-changing landscape of SEO and audience discovery. His commitment to transparency and community has earned him respect across the marketing world, making his advice invaluable for anyone looking to build trust, grow influence, and drive real results online.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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5. Kim Garst

Kim Garst is a social media strategist and digital futurist celebrated for her expertise in social selling, AI-driven marketing, and authentic personal branding. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 20 Women Social Media Power Influencers, Kim has empowered over a million entrepreneurs and business owners to harness the latest marketing technologies—without losing their human touch.

Her straightforward, “no fluff” approach means you get practical, ready-to-implement tips on everything from Facebook and Instagram strategy to AI-powered content creation. Kim’s recent work is at the intersection of AI and marketing, where she teaches businesses how to use technology to drive real results while staying authentic and connected to their audience.

Kim’s books, webinars, and live trainings are packed with step-by-step guides that help marketers build engaged communities and boost conversions. She’s a frequent keynote speaker at international events and maintains a vibrant online presence where she shares trends, tools, and strategies for the future of digital marketing.

Kim is known for breaking down the latest tech trends into actionable, easy-to-follow strategies that businesses of all sizes can implement. Her approachable style and genuine desire to help others succeed set her apart in a crowded industry. If you’re ready to master social selling or leverage AI for growth, Kim Garst’s insights are a must-follow resource.

🌐 Website
🔗 LinkedIn
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📸 Instagram

6. Ryan Deiss

Ryan Deiss is the founder of DigitalMarketer.com, The Scalable Company, and the host of the Traffic & Conversion Summit—one of the largest digital marketing conferences in the world. He’s known for developing the Customer Value Optimization (CVO) framework, a methodology used by thousands of marketers to turn strangers into loyal customers.

Ryan’s teaching style is direct and tactical, focusing on systems and processes that work for both startups and established brands. His practical blueprints for lead generation, marketing automation, and scalable growth have helped countless businesses achieve measurable results.

Ryan is passionate about building communities of marketers who support each other’s growth, making DigitalMarketer’s blog, newsletter, and training resources a go-to for digital professionals everywhere. If you want marketing strategies you can actually put into practice, Ryan Deiss’s frameworks are among the best in the industry.

He’s also an accomplished author and renowned keynote speaker, regularly featured at leading marketing events around the world. Ryan’s step-by-step frameworks make even the most complex marketing strategies accessible and repeatable. He encourages marketers to test, measure, and iterate, focusing on customer experience and long-term business value. His influence extends from Fortune 500 companies to solo entrepreneurs, all of whom benefit from his practical, actionable approach to digital marketing success.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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7. Brian Dean

Brian Dean is internationally known for his expertise in SEO, link-building, and content strategy. As the founder of Backlinko and Exploding Topics, Brian has created some of the most actionable and respected resources in digital marketing. His guides, videos, and blog posts distill complex SEO strategies into easy, step-by-step processes that deliver real results.

Brian’s “Skyscraper Technique” has become a gold standard in content and link-building. He’s trusted by industry leaders for up-to-date insights on Google’s algorithm, organic ranking, and content marketing.

What sets Brian apart is his attention to detail—his recommendations are always backed by data, clear examples, and a genuine desire to help marketers achieve more with less effort. His approach is ideal for everyone from solo bloggers to big brands looking to dominate search rankings and drive targeted traffic.

Brian is also known for testing new SEO strategies before anyone else and sharing his findings in comprehensive, easy-to-follow formats. His email newsletters, webinars, and in-depth tutorials are packed with actionable tips that cut through the noise and focus on what truly works. If you want to climb the Google rankings or future-proof your content strategy, following Brian Dean will give you a critical advantage in today’s competitive digital landscape.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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📺 YouTube

8. Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, early-stage tech investor, and the host of “The Tim Ferriss Show,” one of the world’s most downloaded business podcasts. While Tim’s influence extends beyond digital marketing, his insights on growth, experimentation, and productivity have inspired countless marketers and entrepreneurs.

He’s best known for The 4-Hour Workweek, which sparked a movement around lifestyle design and automation. Tim’s podcast features deep-dive interviews with top performers in marketing, business, tech, sports, and the arts, providing listeners with a blueprint for thinking differently and scaling success.

Tim shares practical advice on building audiences, testing marketing ideas, and optimizing every area of your professional (and personal) life. If you’re looking for innovative thinking, unconventional tactics, and productivity hacks, Tim Ferriss should be on your radar.

His unconventional experiments and willingness to challenge the status quo have made him a role model for creative marketers and business leaders worldwide. Tim is especially valued for his honest discussions about failure, resilience, and personal development. Following his work will help you discover new strategies, rethink your workflow, and build a growth mindset for both life and business.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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📸 Instagram

9. Shama Hyder

Shama Hyder is the founder and CEO of Zen Media, a global B2B marketing and PR agency. Recognized as a Forbes “Top 30 Under 30” and LinkedIn Top Voice, Shama is a dynamic thought leader who champions the integration of digital marketing, branding, and public relations.

Her strategies focus on driving measurable growth for B2B brands through influencer marketing, innovative social media tactics, and digital storytelling. Shama is a regular speaker at international conferences and an author of bestselling books on marketing and PR.

What makes Shama stand out is her willingness to challenge conventional thinking and adopt emerging technologies to help businesses connect with modern audiences. Her content is full of bold ideas, practical advice, and forward-thinking tips for marketers eager to lead the pack in B2B and beyond.

Shama’s approachable communication style makes her advice accessible to both seasoned professionals and marketing newcomers. She is widely regarded as a pioneer in leveraging digital PR and influencer relationships to build brand authority. Her insights into reputation management, data-driven storytelling, and omni-channel campaigns have helped countless businesses adapt to today’s digital landscape. Marketers looking to understand the latest shifts in B2B, branding, and social engagement will find invaluable, real-world strategies in Shama’s work.

🌐 Website
🔗 LinkedIn
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📸 Instagram

10. Jay Baer

Jay Baer is a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Convince & Convert, a leading marketing consultancy. Jay is known for his expertise in content marketing, customer experience, and social media strategy.

His books, including Youtility and Hug Your Haters, advocate for brands to be genuinely helpful and customer-centric. Jay’s practical, data-backed advice helps brands turn customer service into marketing, improve brand loyalty, and generate positive word-of-mouth.

He’s a sought-after advisor for Fortune 500 companies and regularly delivers actionable insights on his blog, podcasts, and speaking engagements. Jay’s focus on helpfulness, responsiveness, and authenticity make him a trusted resource for brands aiming to stand out in crowded markets.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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📺 YouTube

11. Joe Pulizzi

Joe Pulizzi is often referred to as the “Godfather of Content Marketing.” As the founder of Content Marketing Institute and author of Content Inc., Joe has shaped the content strategies of companies worldwide.

Joe’s philosophy centers on building an audience first, then developing products and services to serve that audience—a model that’s driven success for countless brands. He shares his expertise through his books, podcasts, speaking engagements, and the popular CMI blog.

Pulizzi’s frameworks for content creation, distribution, and measurement help marketers create meaningful, sustainable results rather than chasing quick wins. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, Joe’s advice is indispensable for anyone looking to master the art and business of content.

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12. Jeff Bullas

Jeff Bullas is a digital marketing strategist, author, and speaker renowned for his influence on social media marketing, content, and personal branding. His blog consistently ranks among the top digital marketing resources, attracting millions of visitors seeking insights on how to grow their online presence.

Jeff is passionate about helping entrepreneurs, marketers, and businesses harness the power of digital content and social platforms to drive traffic and revenue. He regularly shares strategies on social selling, influencer marketing, and content optimization that are both practical and results-oriented.

With a global following and frequent media appearances, Jeff’s voice remains one of the most trusted in digital marketing. If you want to understand what works in digital today—and what’s coming next—Jeff Bullas is a must-follow expert.

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🔗 LinkedIn
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13. Larry Kim

Larry Kim is a digital marketing innovator best known for founding WordStream and Customers.ai. He is a leading authority on PPC (Google Ads, Facebook Ads), chatbots, and marketing automation.

Larry’s data-driven approach has helped thousands of brands optimize their paid campaigns, improve conversion rates, and leverage AI to personalize customer journeys. He’s recognized as a top influencer by Inc., Entrepreneur, and Forbes.

In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Larry is a frequent keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and active blogger. His practical tips on paid media, automation, and startup growth make him a go-to resource for digital marketers eager to maximize ROI.

🌐 Website
🔗 LinkedIn
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📖 Medium

14. Mari Smith

Mari Smith is often called “the Queen of Facebook” for her unmatched expertise in Facebook marketing, Instagram strategy, and influencer campaigns. As a consultant and trainer, Mari is trusted by social platforms themselves and is a go-to advisor for brands looking to boost engagement, ad performance, and community growth.

Mari’s approach blends technical know-how with a deep focus on authenticity and relationship-building. She is a frequent keynote speaker, author, and the creator of highly rated courses and masterclasses.

Her social media feeds are packed with up-to-the-minute tips on algorithm changes, ad formats, and creative storytelling. If you want to master Facebook, Instagram, and the evolving world of social media marketing, Mari Smith is the expert to watch.

🌐 Website
🔗 LinkedIn
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📸 Instagram

Conclusion

Staying ahead in digital marketing means learning from the best. These 14 experts and influencers deliver a constant stream of innovation, strategy, and practical tips to help you grow your skills and your business.

By following their insights, participating in their communities, and putting their advice into action, you’ll always be ready to adapt to new trends and drive meaningful results.

Ready to grow? Start following these digital marketing leaders and let their expertise guide your next big breakthrough.

Remember, the most successful digital marketing experts to still stay successful in 2025 are those who stay curious and are never afraid to try something new. Explore each expert’s books, podcasts, courses, and social feeds for inspiration and actionable ideas you can implement today. Engage in discussions, join webinars, and don’t hesitate to reach out—many of these influencers are highly interactive and value knowledge sharing. Whether you’re seeking strategic guidance, fresh creative direction, or a motivational boost, this list will keep you connected to the pulse of the industry. Invest in your learning, embrace change, and you’ll see the results in your campaigns, your brand, and your career.