LinkedIn has been the primary platform for professionals who are looking to connect and build their own networking map with other professionals. The platform has also been a great way to find a few marketing insights that you can use for your business or marketing campaigns.
With LinkedIn’s vast population of influential leaders in different markets and industry experts, connecting with these people can transform your marketing strategies. In this article, let’s go through 20 of the top LinkedIn influencers that can help reshape the digital marketing landscape in 2025. With the bonus steps on how you can benefit from their insights.
What is a LinkedIn Influencer?
A LinkedIn influencer is a professional who has been recognized for their expertise and influence on the platform. Some of these influencers went through a short LinkedIn marketing certification process.
They can inspire, educate, and guide individuals to stay ahead of the trends and curves by sharing insights and strategies that are tailored to today’s challenges.LinkedIn influencers can come from different fields and industries like marketing, entrepreneurship, tech, and even personal development or growth.
Top 20 LinkedIn Influencers in Marketing for 2025
Let’s start with the list of the Top 20 Linked Influencers that you can check out and learn from when it comes to marketing and a few business strategies.
Ann Handley
Follower Count: 477,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annhandley
Ann is a pioneer when it comes to digital marketing and also the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs where she shares her insights into content strategies. She also shares a few posts on actionable writing tips, storytelling, and engaging brand communications. She even recently mentioned that ‘Content’ Isn’t Just ‘Marketing’, emphasizing the importance that your whole campaign is there to help your business grow more.
Ann’s advocacy to make storytelling more understandable on both the business side and the viewers’ side helps new businesses be more effective online.
Neil Patel
Follower Count: 690,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilkpatel
Known for making SEO and digital marketing simple to understand, Neil’s posts online provide a goldmine of tips that can be helpful for marketers. You can make use of these tips for analytics, understanding search trends, and growth strategies. Patel recently released a new series about SEO in 2025, which focuses on how AI is reshaping search algorithms and how you can use it to your advantage.
Rand Fishkin
Follower Count: 172,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/
The founder of SparkToro, Rand’s posts delve into audience research, marketing innovation, and actionable advice to refine your strategy. Rand’s “Audience Deep Dive” campaign on LinkedIn has been widely recognized for teaching brands to better understand their target demographics.
However, this initiative has also sparked discussions about ethical marketing practices, because understanding audiences requires a careful balance. Although many brands have benefited, some critics argue that the methods employed could lead to manipulation (or exploitation) of consumer behavior. Nonetheless, Rand continues to advocate for transparency in these endeavors.
Shama Hyder
Follower Count: 648,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamahyder/
Shama (the CEO of Zen Media) combines expertise in PR in both digital marketing and branding. Her content focuses on making brands future-ready in a fast-paced digital world. She’s currently leading a “Digital PR 360” initiative (helping businesses revamp their online reputation strategies), however, this is no simple task. Although she faces challenges, she remains committed to her vision because she understands the importance of adapting to change.
Jay Baer
Follower Count: 51,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybaer/
A best-selling author and customer experience strategist, Jay’s updates are filled with ideas to create impactful customer interactions. His ongoing “Talk Triggers” series offers actionable advice: it focuses on improving customer advocacy. However, this approach is vital because it encourages deeper connections. Although some may overlook its significance, the insights provided are invaluable.
Amy Porterfield
Follower Count: 35,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyporterfield/
Amy specializes in online courses and lead generation—offering marketers a roadmap to monetizing their expertise effectively. However, Amy’s “Mastering Digital Courses” initiative has become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs.
Although many struggle with digital education, this program stands out because it provides practical insights and strategies. But, the success of her initiative lies in its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the market.
Joe Pulizzi
Follower Count: 247,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepulizzi/
The godfather of content marketing and founder of Content Marketing Institute, Joe shares practical insights for brand storytelling & content strategy. Joe recently launched the “Epic Content Framework” challenge to help businesses craft impactful narratives.
However, this initiative has the potential to transform how brands approach their messaging because it emphasizes the importance of a cohesive strategy. Although many may find it challenging at first, the rewards can be significant.
Mari Smith
Follower Count: 56,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marismith/
Recognized as the “Queen of Facebook Marketing,” Mari connects social media strategies with broader marketing techniques to enhance brand presence. Her recent campaign, titled “Social Synergy,” integrates LinkedIn and Facebook strategies for cross-platform success; however, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen.
Although some critics question its viability, many believe that such integration is crucial, because it allows for a more cohesive marketing strategy. This innovative method could potentially reshape how brands engage with their audiences across various platforms.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Follower Count: 5,000,000+ followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk/
A marketing powerhouse, Gary, shares advice on personal branding, leadership, and navigating the digital economy. His “DailyVee LinkedIn Chronicles” provide behind-the-scenes insights into his business strategies; however, they also reveal the complexities of modern marketing.
This approach is crucial because it intertwines practical advice with real-world applications. Although some might find it overwhelming, the insights are invaluable. Gary’s unique perspective offers a refreshing take on how to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.
David Cancel
Follower Count: 59,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcancel/
As founder of Drift, David imparts profound insights into conversational marketing and customer engagement tools. Drift’s “Conversational Mastery Series” has emerged as a success among marketers; however, its impact extends beyond mere popularity. Although many professionals are drawn to it for its content, the underlying strategies are what truly resonate with audiences. This series serves as a pivotal resource—because it offers practical applications that can significantly enhance user experience.
Chris Walker
Follower Count: 165,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswalker171/
Chris, CEO of Refine Labs, is a thought leader in demand generation and B2B marketing, offering unique perspectives on ROI-focused strategies. His “B2B Demand Gen Blueprint” sessions have become a LinkedIn staple.
Tiffany Bova
Follower Count: 50,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanibova/
Salesforce’s Global Growth and Innovation Evangelist Tiffany emphasizes customer experience and innovative marketing techniques. Although many companies recognize the importance of customer experience, they often struggle to execute effective solutions.
This is particularly true in an ever-evolving market because consumer expectations are constantly shifting. But, with the right approach, brands can leverage insights from Tiffany’s work to enhance their engagement and drive growth.
Michael Stelzner
Follower Count: 37,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelzner/
Founder of Social Media Examiner, Michael, an expert in the field provides tactical advice on leveraging social platforms for marketing. Michael’s “Social Strategies for Success” course is highly recommended by many. However, some may find it challenging to effectively implement all the strategies. This course, although comprehensive, requires dedication and practice because marketing on social media is constantly evolving.
Seth Godin
Follower Count: 252,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgodin/
An industry veteran, Seth, offers both philosophical and practical insights on marketing, inspiring creative and purpose-driven campaigns. His sessions titled “This Is Marketing” are widely praised for their depth; however, some critics argue they could delve deeper into specific strategies.
Although his approach resonates with many, it is important to consider diverse perspectives, because marketing is a multifaceted field. This complexity is what makes his sessions notably engaging.
Ashley Zeckman
Follower Count: 2,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyzeckman/
Ashley Zeckman is a seasoned marketing strategist with a focus on content marketing and brand authenticity. She is well-known for her ability to align marketing efforts with customer needs, making her a trusted advisor for brands looking to strengthen their digital presence.
As Vice President of Strategy at Onalytica, Ashley specializes in developing campaigns that resonate with audiences by combining creative storytelling and data-driven strategies.
Larry Kim
Follower Count: 91,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykim/
Founder of MobileMonkey, Larry’s expertise in paid ads, chat marketing, and lead generation is invaluable. Larry’s “Ad Automation Academy” has revolutionized paid ad strategies; however, many still struggle to implement these techniques effectively.
Although his methods are effective, some may find them challenging to grasp because of the rapid changes in the digital marketing landscape. This presents an opportunity for growth, but it requires commitment and willingness to adapt.
Melanie Deziel
Follower Count: 14,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniedeziel/
As a branded content strategist, Melanie’s updates which are quite insightful revolve around crafting compelling narratives for businesses. Her “Story-First Framework” has been proven effective; it has helped brands elevate their messaging.
However, this approach requires a deep understanding of audience engagement and, of course, market trends. Although some may overlook the importance of storytelling, it remains crucial in today’s competitive landscape.
Kirsty Hulse
Follower Count: 16,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsty-hulse
Kirsty Hulse is a marketing expert and influencer known for her unique approach that blends humor, creativity, and actionable strategies. As the founder of Roar Training, she specializes in helping individuals and teams build creative confidence and resilience in the workplace.
Kirsty frequently shares relatable, engaging posts on LinkedIn that tackle common professional challenges, such as overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering innovative thinking.
Andrew Davis
Follower Count: 16,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdavishere/
Andrew Davis is a highly regarded keynote speaker, author, and marketing expert known for his engaging and energetic approach to brand loyalty and customer engagement. With a background in television production and marketing, Andrew brings a unique perspective on storytelling and its power to drive emotional connections with audiences.
Cathy Hackl
Follower Count: 169,000 followers on LinkedIn
Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/
Cathy Hackl is a recognized thought leader in technology and marketing, often referred to as the “Godmother of the Metaverse.” As an expert in metaverse marketing, Cathy helps brands navigate and leverage emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and blockchain. Her work bridges the gap between innovative tech and practical marketing strategies.
Best LinkedIn Influencer Marketing Tips for 2025
Engage with Authenticity
Build genuine relationships by commenting thoughtfully on influencers’ posts rather than just liking them. For example, sharing a personal takeaway from their content can foster a deeper connection.
Leverage Influencer Content
Repurpose influencers’ insights into your campaigns. For instance, use key quotes in webinars or email marketing for added credibility.
Focus on Niche Experts
Partner with influencers in specific marketing domains like SEO or B2B to reach targeted audiences effectively. Brands like HubSpot excel in this.
Track Metrics
Measure engagement, click-through rates, and ROI from collaborations to optimize future strategies. Tools like LinkedIn’s Campaign Manager can help.
Incorporate Storytelling
Encourage influencers to share relatable stories about your brand. Stories drive emotional engagement and amplify recall value.
Best 3 Brand Examples Partnering with LinkedIn Influencers
HubSpot x Neil Patel
HubSpot frequently collaborates with Neil for webinars, driving value-packed sessions on inbound marketing.
Salesforce x Tiffany Bova
Salesforce’s partnership with Tiffany showcases thought leadership in customer experience, positioning the brand as an innovator.
Drift x Chris Walker
Drift leverages Chris’s expertise to promote conversational marketing through podcast features and joint events.
FAQs
Who is the most followed influencer on LinkedIn?
Richard Branson leads the pack with over 20 million followers, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and leadership.
How many followers on LinkedIn to be an influencer?
There’s no set number, but a strong, engaged audience of 10,000+ is a good starting point.
How to work with LinkedIn marketing experts?
Identify relevant influencers, connect authentically, and propose value-driven collaborations.
How much do LinkedIn influencers make?
Earnings range from $1,000 to $15,000 per sponsored post, depending on their follower count and engagement.
How to find influencers on LinkedIn?
Use LinkedIn’s search bar with keywords like “marketing influencer,” check hashtags (#MarketingTips), or explore recommendations in groups.
Conclusion
LinkedIn influencers are powerful allies for marketers aiming to stay relevant and impactful in 2025. By following and engaging with these thought leaders, brands can access transformative insights and build meaningful partnerships to drive growth.
You may also be interested in:How to Find and Contact Amazon Influencers.