Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting to learn terms like SEO and A/B testing, continued learning is essential for success. But let’s be honest: after a long day, sitting through an entire podcast or webinar isn’t always realistic.
The good news? Staying sharp doesn’t have to mean hours of research. Some of the most valuable marketing insights are already at your fingertips.
If you want to stay on top of the latest trends with minimal effort, following top marketing thought leaders on social media is a game-changer. They serve up expert tips, industry updates, and fresh ideas — right in your feed (which, let’s be real, you’re already scrolling).
Here’s our list of must-follow marketing thought leaders who are crushing it in the inbound space and keeping marketers informed daily.
8 Marketing Thought Leaders to Follow on Social Media
1. Ann Handley
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration to create compelling content, Ann Handley’s LinkedIn posts are a must-follow. A digital marketing pioneer and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Ann was named the Most Influential Woman in Social Media and one of Forbes’ top women bloggers — and for good reason.
Ann has a gift for helping businesses craft meaningful, engaging narratives that connect with the right audience. Her approach makes content feel human, authentic, and far from mechanical.
By following her on LinkedIn, you’ll gain the insights and motivation needed to elevate your storytelling and break free from bland, forgettable content.
Why follow Ann?
- Engaging blogs
- Quick, actionable tips
- Expert marketing advice
- Approachable, relatable insights
“There’s only one key behind producing great content day after day. You don’t need to be the best writer. You don’t need to be a top expert (although it can help). You don’t need any fancy tools (although they can also help). What you do need to do is understand your reader.”
– Ann Handley
2. Neil Patel
If you’re a marketer, you know search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial piece of any well-rounded strategy — and few people know it better than Neil Patel. As the co-founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSMetrics, Neil is a powerhouse in marketing analytics and entrepreneurship.
His Instagram feed is packed with expert insights, offering actionable tips on everything from ranking higher on Google to mastering digital marketing trends. Plus, he keeps things real with candid glimpses into his daily life — because who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes look?
Why follow Neil?
- Engaging, insightful videos
- SEO tips and tricks that actually work
- Light, encouraging, and to the point
“You have to separate yourself from the competition. You have to be more appealing to your target audience, and you can achieve it by creating a recognizable, personal brand.”
– Neil Patel
3. Dharmesh Shah
If you're in the marketing or startup world, Dharmesh Shah is a name you need to know. As the co-founder and CTO of HubSpot, he’s one of the driving forces behind the inbound marketing movement — helping businesses grow by attracting, engaging, and delighting their audiences.
But Dharmesh isn’t just a tech visionary; he’s also an insightful thought leader who shares practical, no-nonsense advice on startups, marketing, and leadership. His LinkedIn posts are filled with bite-sized wisdom, engaging discussions, and strategic insights designed to help marketers and entrepreneurs navigate an ever-changing landscape.
Why follow Dharmesh?
- Expert insights on inbound marketing & SEO
- Actionable advice for startups and business growth
- Engaging, easy-to-digest content
- A unique blend of tech, marketing, and entrepreneurship wisdom
"No matter how many customers you have, each is unique. The day you start thinking of them as this amorphous ‘collection’ and stop thinking of them as people is the day you start going out of business."
– Dharmesh Shah
4. Melanie Perkins
Melanie Perkins is a visionary leader and a force to be reckoned with in the business world. If you’re looking for inspiration on entrepreneurship, growth, and marketing innovation, give her a follow on LinkedIn.
As the co-founder and CEO of Canva, the graphic design platform that’s revolutionized how businesses create and share visual content, Melanie has disrupted the design and tech industries in a big way. Her journey from a startup founder to leading one of the world’s most successful tech companies offers invaluable lessons for marketers and entrepreneurs alike.
On social media, Melanie shares insights on building a business, leadership, and creativity, with a focus on how marketing and design intersect to create impactful brands. She often offers a glimpse into her leadership style, highlighting the importance of inclusive culture, resilience, and customer-centric thinking.
Why follow Melanie?
- Inspiring lessons on entrepreneurship and scaling businesses
- Practical marketing advice for leveraging design to drive engagement
- Insights into building innovative, customer-first brands
- Leadership tips rooted in resilience, empathy, and vision
“Provide real value: the power of this cannot be underestimated in both your product and marketing.”
– Melanie Perkins
5. Kieran Flanagan
If you’re serious about growth marketing, you have to check out Kieran Flanagan on LinkedIn. As the SVP of Marketing at HubSpot and former CMO at Zapier, Kieran has a deep understanding of what it takes to scale businesses through data-driven strategies, demand generation, and innovative marketing tactics.
Kieran’s social media is packed with insightful takes on B2B marketing, SEO, and growth experiments that actually move the needle. He breaks down complex marketing strategies into actionable insights, helping marketers and business leaders stay ahead of the curve.
For even more insights, subscribe to the Marketing Against the Grain podcast — which Kieran co-hosts with HubSpot CMO Kipp Bodnar — on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple.
Why follow Kieran?
- Expert insights on growth marketing & demand generation
- Tactical advice for scaling B2B brands
- Deep dives into SEO, AI, and the future of marketing
- Smart, no-fluff content that challenges conventional thinking
“Here's the truth about great leadership: You can't just live in the ‘strategy’. You can't just stay in the weeds. The magic is knowing when to switch between them. The best leaders zoom out for vision, then dive in with their team for execution and solve hard problems.”
– Kieran Flanagan
6. Bozoma Saint John
If you're looking for bold marketing strategies, dynamic leadership, and unapologetic authenticity, follow Bozoma Saint John.
As a marketing executive and cultural trailblazer, Bozoma has held leadership roles at some of the biggest brands, including Uber, Apple, and Pepsi. Known for her fearless approach to brand marketing and consumer connection, Bozoma has made an indelible mark in the industry.
Her social media is filled with empowering insights, personal stories, and marketing wisdom. She seamlessly blends her passion for creating human-centered brands with her commitment to diversity and inclusion, making her content both powerful and relatable.
Why follow Bozoma?
- Inspiring leadership advice that emphasizes authenticity and empathy
- Marketing strategies that focus on emotional connection and brand storytelling
- Insights into diversity and inclusion in the marketing and tech industries
- Bold, fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo
“I think it's interesting how you can associate a creative brand with a human being and use some of the good qualities of the human being and make it like a really tangible product that a lot of people can love.”
– Bozoma Saint John
7. Seth Godin
If you’re in marketing, Seth Godin is another name you should know — and if you’re not following him on Facebook yet, you’re missing out. As a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential marketing minds of our time, Seth has spent decades redefining how businesses connect with their audiences.
His books, including "Purple Cow," "This is Marketing," and "The Dip," have shaped modern marketing by emphasizing remarkability, authenticity, and human connection over outdated tactics. On social media, Seth delivers daily wisdom in bite-sized, thought-provoking posts that challenge conventional thinking and inspire action.
Why follow Seth?
- Timeless marketing principles that focus on trust and connection
- Daily insights that are short, smart, and thought-provoking
- A fresh perspective on branding, leadership, and creativity
- No gimmicks — just real, human-centered marketing wisdom
“In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failing. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible.”
– Seth Godin
8. Rand Fishkin
As the co-founder of Moz and the founder of SparkToro, Rand has been a pioneering force in the world of SEO and online marketing for years. His expertise in data-driven marketing and search engine algorithms has shaped how businesses think about digital presence and growth.
Rand’s LinkedIn is a treasure trove of invaluable SEO tips, marketing trends, and thought leadership, with a focus on ethical marketing, transparency, and audience-first strategies. Whether he’s sharing insights from his own ventures or providing practical advice for marketers, his content is always rooted in honesty and actionable advice.
Why follow Rand?
- Expert SEO insights that will elevate your digital strategy
- In-depth analysis on digital marketing trends and growth strategies
- Honest, data-backed advice for building a better online presence
- A focus on ethical marketing and audience-driven tactics
“Great marketers have immense empathy for their audience. They can put themselves in their shoes, live their lives, feel what they feel, go where they go, and respond how they’d respond. That empathy comes out in content that resonates with your audience.”
– Rand Fishkin
Marketing Stuck in a Rut? Get Inspired by the Best
Digital marketing thought leaders play a vital role in shaping the industry. Their curiosity drives innovation, influences trends, and redefines how we connect with consumers. By constantly questioning, analyzing, and sparking conversations, these leaders challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change in marketing strategies.
Following thought leaders on social media keeps you ahead of the curve, exposing you to fresh ideas, new perspectives, and actionable insights. They provide the inspiration and tools you need to break through creative roadblocks and refine your approach when your marketing efforts start to plateau.
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