As an SEO writer, having a strong professional network on LinkedIn is critical for staying up-to-date on the latest trends, connecting with potential clients, and building your personal brand. With over 740 million members, LinkedIn can seem overwhelming. Who should you follow to extract the most value out of the platform? Here are some recommendations across different categories and specialties.
Top SEO Experts
Following leading SEO experts is a no-brainer way to stay on top of algorithm updates, new tactics and strategies, and insightful discussions happening in the industry. Here are some of the top influencers:
- Rand Fishkin – The founder and former CEO of Moz, Rand is one of the godfathers of SEO. His feed provides intelligent commentary on the industry.
- Neil Patel – Neil is a hugely successful online entrepreneur and SEO expert. He offers practical tips for driving traffic and conversions.
- Marie Haynes – Marie is the owner of Marie Haynes Consulting and a seasoned SEO veteran. She shares thoughtful insights on SEO and web content.
- Areej AbuAli – As a Google search advocate, Areej has her finger on the pulse of Google’s algorithms. She offers a wealth of technical SEO knowledge.
- Eric Enge – Eric is the CEO of Perficient Digital and a long-time SEO thought leader. He comments extensively on search marketing topics.
- Britney Muller – Britney is a senior SEO scientist at Moz. She shares invaluable technical SEO learnings and trends.
- Glenn Gabe – Glenn is a technical SEO consultant who reverse engineers algorithm updates. His commentary provides unique technical insights.
Top Content and Copywriting Experts
Following leading content strategists, copywriters, and writers is important for learning how to create high-quality, compelling content that engages readers and gets results. Here are some recommendations:
- Ann Handley – The Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, Ann is a pioneer in content marketing. She offers stellar advice for creating standout content.
- Jay Baer – The founder of Convince & Convert, Jay is a digital marketing and content strategist. He shares valuable content insights and trends.
- Barry Feldman – Barry is the founder of Feldman Creative and a master at crafting compelling copy and headlines. His posts are very educational for copywriters.
- Sujan Patel – Sujan is the co-founder of Web Profits. He’s an expert at content marketing and produces consistently helpful content articles.
- Brian Dean – Brian is the founder of Backlinko and creates instructive content around link building, SEO, and conversions.
- Laura Klein – As the VP at Hearsay Systems, Laura really understands crafting user-centered content. She shares insider tips on creating content that connects.
Top Digital Marketing Strategists
Following recognized digital marketing leaders allows you to discover new strategies for driving growth and ROI across channels like paid search, social media, email, and more. Some recommended experts:
- Larry Kim – Larry is the CEO of MobileMonkey and WordStream and a pioneer in paid advertising and Facebook marketing. He shares plenty of practical growth tips.
- Noah Kagan – Noah is the Chief Sumo at AppSumo. A brilliant online marketer, he provides very actionable advice for growing your business.
- Jeff Bullas – Jeff is an influential digital marketer and social media expert. He covers techniques for enhancing your online presence and inbound traffic.
- Michael Brenner – The CEO of Marketing Insider Group, Michael discusses wide-ranging digital marketing best practices and trends.
- Ryan Deiss – Ryan heads DigitalMarketer.com and is a leading teacher on digital marketing strategies like email, paid media, and sales funnels.
- Aaron Orendorff – The founder of iconiContent, Aaron understands the psychology behind persuasive content that drives action. He shares in-depth tactics.
Top LinkedIn Experts
There are also individuals who specialize exclusively in helping people get the most out of LinkedIn. Following LinkedIn “power users” is key for mastering the platform:
- Viveka von Rosen – Viveka is known as the “LinkedIn Expert.” A highly sought-after consultant, she shares actionable guidance for LinkedIn marketing and networking.
- Wayne Breitbarth – The founder of Power Formula LLC, Wayne is a top authority on leveraging LinkedIn for sales and relationship-building. He provides smart LinkedIn growth tips.
- Sue Ellson – A LinkedIn trainer and influencer, Sue curates excellent content around optimizing your LinkedIn profile and presence to drive opportunities.
- Bernie Borges – Bernie is a senior social marketing manager. He posts great recommendations for engaging your audience and getting noticed on LinkedIn.
- John Nemo – The founder of JohnNemo.com, John is a LinkedIn content marketing expert. He produces helpful posts on content best practices for LinkedIn.
Top Personal Branding Experts
Growing and managing your personal brand is now a key element of career success. Following these personal branding thought leaders provides advice for standing out and controlling your narrative:
- Dorie Clark – Dorie is a marketing strategy consultant and adjunct professor at Duke University. She delivers fantastic insights on building your brand and becoming more influential.
- Dan Schawbel – Dan is a personal branding pioneer and the founder of WorkplaceTrends.com. His feed covers maximizing your online influence and impact.
- William Arruda – Co-founder of executive branding firm Reach, William helps leaders enhance their personal brands. He shares tested tips for connectability and thought leadership.
- Karen Tiber Leland – Karen is the founder of Sterling Marketing Group and the author of many books on branding. She provides savvy strategies for authentic personal branding.
- Chris Westfall – Chris is an advisor on personal branding and dominance. He gives advice for establishing your unique value and improving executive presence.
Conclusion
Following industry experts and thought leaders on LinkedIn in areas like SEO, content, marketing, and personal branding is one of the most effective ways to stay on top of trends, expand your skills, and get inspired. Be selective about who you follow so your feed contains truly useful insights. With so many LinkedIn super users and standout thinkers to choose from, tailor your list to provide the knowledge that will help you meet your goals and advance your career.
