Regular Twitter users know self-proclaimed social media experts gurus and ninjas are a dime a dozen. How can you sort through all the fluff?
You could scan through millions of tweets and vet the Twittervese, or you could let Vocus do the work for you.
By leveraging Vocus product technology, our algorithim determined the top social media professionals to follow on Twitter through contextual analysis, engagement levels, reach and relevancy. Unlike other methodologies, Vocus’ technology populates its pool of candidates based on more than keyword searches alone.
Here’s our top 50, listed alphabetically.
1. Jay Baer – @jaybaer – NY Times best selling author, marketing consultant, keynote speaker. President of Convince & Convert.
How to Choose the Right #SocialMedia Channels to Reach Your Customers http://t.co/WCVQLyKh3Y #contentmarketing — Jay Baer (@jaybaer) September 28, 2014
2. Deirdre Breakenridge – @dbreakenridge – CEO of Pure Performance Communications, speaker, author of Social Media and Public Relations & PR 2.0, adjunct professor & co-founder of #PRStudChat.
A4.Many channels & too little time. When you engage, make it meaningful. Add value to the conversation and not noise 🙂 #PRToolkit — Deirdre Breakenridge (@dbreakenridge) September 10, 2014
3. Chris Brogan – @chrisbrogan – NYT Bestselling author & leading authority on owning the game you most want to win.
Our posts on social networks are advertisements for someone’s attention. All social networking is advertising. Just not always for money.
— Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) September 29, 2014
4. Shonali Burke – @shonali – CEO of a social PR biz; measurement/social media geek. Teach @JHUComm. Founder #measurepr. I ♥ shoes, dogs, Elvis & ABBA. Paleo FTW.
Case Study: Denny’s flips its audience with a sassy social media strategy http://t.co/sN6bOcCZjy via @markwschaefer
— Shonali Burke (@shonali) September 29, 2014
5. Johna Burke – @gojohnab – BurrellesLuce EVP, Marketing, Public Relations, IABC, PRSA, Boston Terrier Mom.
#amecatwork solid tips re: working w/ automated sentiment analysis from @alistairtweet pic.twitter.com/aHECSzkHh0 — Johna Burke (@gojohnab) September 15, 2014
6. Michael Cherenson – @mcherenson – Exec VP, Success Communications Group; 2009 PRSA Chair & CEO. Opinions are my own & do not represent my employer/clients. Some tweets are about agency clients.
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do With #Twitter Search http://t.co/zr6827uCHl via @alltwtr — Michael Cherenson (@mcherenson) September 25, 2014
7. Kellye Crane – @KellyeCrane – PR / Social Media consultant (but not the smarmy kind), speaker, blogger, tech junkie. Founder of Solo PR PRO & #solopr chat.
Good ones: 3 Facebook Advertising Tactics to Reach Your Target Audience http://t.co/RBNVbtnPnR #solopr (h/t @SHIFTcomm)
— Kellye Crane (@KellyeCrane) September 19, 2014
8.Dorothy Crenshaw – @dorocren – CrenshawComm.com #PR. Word nerd, fiction fan. Adoptive mom. GA native. PR, communications, fitness, TV, marketing, tech, media, politics, pop culture.
More true than not. RT @scottbix Twitter is where you make friends with strangers; Facebook is just where you learn to hate your friends.
— dorothy crenshaw (@dorocren) September 29, 2014
9. Ron Culp – @Culpwrit – Corporate/agency PR veteran turned pracademic @DePaulU. Consults and blogs on careers. FB page:http://www.Facebook.com/Culpwrit
Best and worst times to post to social media. I prefer posting in the moment I see it. http://t.co/YMLAZqQRim @RGillett23 via @FastCompany — Ron Culp (@Culpwrit) September 29, 2014
10. Gini Dietrich – @ginidietrich – CEO Arment Dietrich. Author @spinsucks, blog and book. Co-author Marketing in the Round. Speaker. Avid cyclist. A foodie. Loves shoes & wine.
Having trouble coming up with blog post ideas? Surely one of these five tools will help http://t.co/o2Cmpw9suf — Gini Dietrich (@ginidietrich) September 30, 2014
11. Jeff Domansky – @ThePRCoach – Searching for intelligent life in the social media universe. | Sharing tips, strategies & insight | Integrating #PR #socialmedia#contentmarketing for results.
Know ’em? 27 Masters of #Marketing and #PR Every Entrepreneur Can Learn From #SM http://t.co/FKa7ZE8Fp1
— Jeff Domansky (@ThePRCoach) October 1, 2014
12. Kevin Dugan – @prblog – Dad, Marketing Geek, Blogger, Instagram Fan & more. Pushing for pragmatism across content, media, data, technology. Also at @empowermm @badpitch@magneticcs.
content leads design; design leads content; both lead experience via @jcolman at #CMWorld – collaboration is key — Kevin Dugan (@prblog) September 10, 2014
13. Sarah Evans – @prsarahevans – Digital correspondent for @PayPal@Cisco @CoxComm @ShortyAwards @iamangelfdn @licensingexpo. Big cheese @sarahsfavesprsarahevans@gmail.com 224.789.8314.
I’m doing a social shopping experiment on Facebook right now. Join in or just stalk: http://t.co/nTAhZxtAVz 🙂 — Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans) September 19, 2014
14. Sally Falkow – @sallyfalkow – Digital PR and social media strategist. Author of SMART News: how to write press releases for the digital age.
How social media is influencing the news -new blog post Pew Research data.https://t.co/SiyWOz77TZ — Sally Falkow (@sallyfalkow) September 25, 2014
15. Jason Falls – @JasonFalls – Husband, Father, Author, Speaker, Humorist. Allegedly wise to the ways of PR, Digital Marketing and Social Media. I like bourbon.
Why Social Media? It’s how you get the content to the peoples. My thoughts at @ThisMoment: http://t.co/tJj9VuUtAP — Jason Falls (@JasonFalls) September 30, 2014
16. Steve Farnsworth – @Steveology – A Forbes Top 50 Social Media Influencer, Demand Generation Content Marketing for B2B High Tech and Chief Marketing Officer at The @Steveology Group.
My new post: 52 Tweetable Tips On How You Can Create More Opportunity, Adventure & Friendship With Others http://t.co/23YONaDaqg — Steve Farnsworth (@Steveology) September 9, 2014
17. Lauren Fernandez – @cubanalaf – social media for a large restaurant company. I eat sushi with a fork and can’t wink. #Packers fan. Maybe I’m a mermaid.
I still think it’s a little odd how Twitter analytics defines engagement + impressions, but it’s useful to see how specific tweets are doing — Lauren Fernandez (@cubanalaf) October 1, 2014
18. Laura Fitton – @Pistachio – MPDG x Viking Warrior. Deeply silly. Fierce optimist. Makes things happen from scratch. NEW Twitter for@Dummies ships 11/14 fka CEO@oneforty. Homesteady.
all the opportunities CEOs can avoid by being “too busy” to mess with @Twitter… http://t.co/LvM7YleQGm — Laura Fitton (@Pistachio) September 25, 2014
19. Dave Fleet – @davefleet – Senior Vice President at Edelman; blogger; running nut; bookworm; gamer; Brit-nadian. Opinions are mine, not my employer’s.
Yuck — Twitter CFO says a Facebook-style filtered feed is coming, whether you like it or not http://t.co/pDyyEcEPrl via @mathewi — Dave Fleet (@davefleet) September 9, 2014
20. Terry Flynn – @TerryFlynn – Public relations researcher & educator at McMaster University. Former national president of CPRS & current Board member of the Institute for Public Relations
Is Ello a big deal or just the latest upstart social network wannabe? @shelholtz & @jangles talk about it on FIR 775. http://t.co/A4SLCEvSKO — TerryFlynn (@TerryFlynn) September 29, 2014
21. Ann Handley – @annhandley – Author. Marketer. Chief Content Officer waging a war on content mediocrity. I’m also @marketingprofs here.
I think the best stories are less about “storytelling” than they are about telling a true story well, with inspiration. empathy. #blogchat — Ann Handley (@annhandley) September 15, 2014
22. Arik Hanson – @arikhanson – Principal-ACH Communications, Minnesota digital PR consultant, blogger,@mimatweet board member, founder#HAPPO, founder @mnblogcon, husband, father, beer snob.
Why Ello isn’t the new Facebook (and the reason has nothing to do with technology) http://t.co/9FAOczw2ie — arikhanson (@arikhanson) September 30, 2014
23. Peter Himler – @PeterHimler – Founder, Flatiron Communications LLC; Forbes contributor; @Medium editor; Blessed w/ 3 exceptional sons & a special wife; Music & tech buff; Maker of the sauce.
Now that Ello has seduced the media herd w/ its anti-@facebook siren call, the pendulum swings back: http://t.co/aAsByMOiy3 — Peter Himler (@PeterHimler) September 29, 2014
24. Kent Huffman – @KentHuffman – Global VP of #Marketing at @Servergy, board member at @CMO_Council and@CXMInstitute, author of @8Mandates, creator of #MarketerMonday, #CXM advocate.
Is your brand a social standard bearer? http://t.co/25fTrC9CKe #SM #SMM #Branding pic.twitter.com/jahsZOJFPq — Kent Huffman (@KentHuffman) September 26, 2014
25. Mickie Kennedy – @ereleases – Founder of eReleases, online leader in affordable press release distribution & press release writing; I also write PR Fuel blog covering PR & public relations.
Don’t Be “That Guy (or Girl)” when Interacting with Journalists on Twitter http://t.co/2AIWN3ax1a #pr #publicity #reporters #twitter — Mickie Kennedy (@ereleases) September 24, 2014
26. Jason Kintzler – @jasonkintzler – Founder @pitchengine. Pearl snaps and web apps in a country where cowboys are kings.
I want an #ello. Not because of ads and all that b.s. manifesto, but because I’m tired of Facebook. #savethedrama — Jason Kintzler (@jasonkintzler) September 29, 2014
27. David Kirk – @davidtheprguy – A public relations consultant for 30+ years specializing in research and crisis management.
3 Steps to Strengthen Your Voice for Social Media | Social Media Today http://t.co/VUxngfLopq — davidtheprguy (@davidtheprguy) September 30, 2014
28. Valeria Maltoni – @ConversationAge – VP, Digital Strategy – design of experiences to help businesses rediscover value of promises and its effect on relationships + culture.
You can view my entire presentation #smxeast here http://t.co/N3wLkLZK0q — Valeria Maltoni (@ConversationAge) September 30, 2014
29. Ty Mays – @PerfectPitchPR – Owner of Perfect Pitch #PR. Love helping brands increase awareness via new and traditional media.
I am the voice of so many brands online I fear I am at risk for an identity crisis. Can anyone else relate? #PR #socialmedia #marketing — Ty Mays, PR Pro (@PerfectPitchPR) September 24, 2014
30. Scott Monty – @ScottMonty – Executive VP of Strategy @SHIFTcomm. Husband, dad, editor & co-host of http://ihearofsherlock.com , generally nice guy. Originally from Boston.
Uh oh, we’re in trouble. It looks like animated gifs work on Ello https://t.co/qE5PnZNXdY — Scott Monty (@ScottMonty) September 26, 2014
31. Amber Naslund – @AmberCadabra – Marketing Exec at [find out…uh…soon]. Author. Musician. Pittie rescue mama. Equestrian. Word Nerd. I solemnly swear I am up to no good.
“Here’s a template for your content marketing strategy!”…that serves no actual, real-world business purpose whatsoever! — Amber Naslund (@AmberCadabra) September 30, 2014
32. Lee Odden – @leeodden – CEO @TopRank Online Marketing. Author, Speaker & Consultant for B2B Content Marketing, Social Media, PR & Search. Proud Dad, World Traveler, Foodie, Beardie.
Messaging builds the brand but keyword messaging makes that brand easy to find. Search = essential for digital marketing. — Lee Odden (@leeodden) September 30, 2014
33. Jeremiah Owyang – @jowyang – Founder of CrowdCompanies.com.
Graphic: People talking about Ello pic.twitter.com/sCsYJHOMq5 — Jeremiah Owyang (@jowyang) September 29, 2014
34. Katie Paine – @queenofmetrics – I’ve been called The Queen Of Measurement, but I prefer Seshat, the Goddess.
ROI Is the Wrong Tool to Justify Social Investments http://t.co/sQeImBkaQZ — no kidding. #measurepr #smmstandards #smmeasure — Katie Delahaye Paine (@queenofmetrics) September 30, 2014
35. Jeremy Pepper – @jspepper – Taking your lunch. Eating your cookies. PR Generalist. Been doing this stuff for 15+ years.
The Need for Middle Ground and Skepticism – Not Hype, Not Contrarianism – On Social Networks (eg, Ello) https://t.co/QqOdwuKlol — Jeremy Pepper (@jspepper) September 29, 2014
36. Christine Perkett – @missusP – CEO; Founder @seedepthinc to measure PR & @PerkettPR | Digital Marketer | Write @Forbes @_workingmother_ | Forbes Marketer to Follow | Speaker | SMBs | Startups.
37 Point Checklist: How to Create Content That Will Increase Your Traffic by Tomorrow Morning http://t.co/ui1WKlR8vv — Christine Perkett (@missusP) September 27, 2014
37. Bob Pickard – @BobPickard – Public relations leader | Social media communicator | Concerned about climate change | Excited about crowdsourcing.
Crisis communications & social media > what’s changed, what remains the same: http://t.co/yrcm5GkHkF | via @JMoyerIPR pic.twitter.com/uqVuMxc63C — Bob Pickard (@BobPickard) September 25, 2014
38. Rich Quigley – @RichQuigley – VP, Synaptic Digital, A Definition 6 Company.
How to Respond to Online Brand and Reputation Attacks http://t.co/uOVfMOXHry — Rich Quigley (@RichQuigley) August 27, 2014
39. Mark Ragan – @MarkRaganCEO – CEO of Ragan Communications. Publisher of @PRDaily, @RaganComms, @RaganHealth, HR Communication.
How Twitter’s ‘Buy’ button will shake up social media http://t.co/voMwOmQ2YZ
— Mark Ragan (@MarkRaganCEO) September 29, 2014
40. Tressa Robbins – @tressalynne – @PRSAStL President 2014, #PRSSA advisor/mentor. VP @BurrellesLuce. PR, Marketing, Social, Media Relations. Rescue dog mom, country girl, redneck yacht club ;).
Twitter for Public Relations: Fact and Fantasy http://t.co/zbRZ3Fr2oA (by @robwynne via @Forbes) #PR #MediaRelations — Tressa Robbins (@tressalynne) September 24, 2014
41. Steve Rubel – @steverubel – Chief Content Strategist for Edelman (@EdelmanPR), AdAge columnist, LinkedIn Influencer and avid sports fan.
How Good Content Drives Engagement by http://t.co/JTSgtrIkcr — Steve Rubel (@steverubel) September 19, 2014
42. Mark Schaefer – @markwschaefer – Chieftain of the blog {grow} & social media bouncer. Consultant, educator, author of Return On Influence, Born to Blog, Tao of Twitter & Social Media Explained.
15 ways to use Twitter to toast your competition http://t.co/XKzQCn8Kz7
— Mark Schaefer (@markwschaefer) September 29, 2014
43. David Meerman Scott – @dmscott – Marketing & Sales Strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of 10 books including The New Rules of Marketing & PR and Newsjacking.
Here’s my take on the #Ello hype “Ello is Ello. Not Facebook.” http://t.co/Ja8cbHkQ4S — David Meerman Scott (@dmscott) September 30, 2014
44. Valerie Merahn Simon – @ValerieSimon Developer of teams, communities, products, communication programs & business. Marketing Executive. Co-founder #PRStudChat & #HAPPO. NYC girl turned suburban mom.
Twitter Bolsters Audience-Based Ad Targeting http://t.co/fQwxNAKkt2 (create lists from emails/ mobile) — Valerie Merahn Simon (@ValerieSimon) September 16, 2014
45. Brian Solis – @BrianSolis – Brian Solis is a well-known digital analyst, keynote speaker, and bestselling author.[1][2][3] He is the principal at Altimeter Group, a research and advisory firm, author of the bestselling books The End of Business as Usual, Engage! and What’s the Future of Business (WTF).
Photo: The conversations about #elllo are fascinating….like when Twitter goes down, Facebook becomes a… http://t.co/A6uH5NXpsM — Brian Solis (@briansolis) September 27, 2014
46. Joan Stewart – @PublicityHound – Publicity/PR expert helps you create free publicity & promote your expertise. Journalist, author, blogger, speaker & proud Cheesehead. Publicity/PR expert helps you create free publicity & promote your expertise. Journalist, author, blogger, speaker & proud Cheesehead.
YouTube can be your “in” with TV producers if you want to get onto their shows. Free training 9/4. http://t.co/wulAKDmZtc — Joan Stewart (@PublicityHound) September 4, 2014
47. Bill Stoller – @PublicityGuru – 25-year PR Pro helping others get their share of publicity & social media; Founder, Free Publicity Newsletter.
10 Awful Mistakes That Kill Your #Twitter Success http://t.co/ql6jgHM8It — Bill Stoller (@PublicityGuru) September 24, 2014
48. Patrick Strother – @PatrickStrother – Strother Communications Group (http://scgpr.com .) Teach #PR Case Studies and Campaign Planning at #UMN. #Education #Marketing #Digital
Facebook’s decline in organic reach and lack of scalability is an insight to the future: “Pay to Play Social Media” pic.twitter.com/c4GTkxyQZ1
— Patrick Strother (@PatrickStrother) September 23, 2014
49. Keith Trivitt – @KeithTrivitt – Vice President of Global Marketing at @MatomyGroup | Husband | Marketer | Runner.
RT @FTPressOffice: @robert_cookson on how Facebook plans to use its data to target advertising across web http://t.co/CpKd7x3Nrw
— Keith Trivitt (@KeithTrivitt) September 30, 2014
50. Heather Whaling – @prtini – Founded @GebenComm to help companies excel in a social world. Fan of @evwhaling, sports, red wine, food without meat & reading: prTini.com
Thanks to @PRSAcentralOhio for inviting me to talk about content marketing as a PR tool. #coprsa
— Heather Whaling (@prtini) September 18, 2014
