Marketing Influencers to Watch 2016

The Buildfire Team
Last Updated May 13, 2026
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Top Marketing Influencers to Follow in 2016

This year promises to be another fast-paced ride for marketers trying to keep up with trends and best practices in the world of online marketing. It’s no surprise that emerging trends—especially in the mobile sphere—are changing the way we consume content and communicate with one another.

Successful marketers today understand these evolutions and have their fingers firmly on the pulse of the modern consumer. Online marketing is fortunate to have a wealth of true gurus, individuals with a broad scope of knowledge and fine-tuned intuition, who influence the way digital marketing is done. They are the trendsetters, the experts who’ve racked up success after success and rank at the top of the field.

Want to know who to watch for wisdom in online marketing in 2016? Check out our list of 15 thought leaders and influencers who are shaping digital marketing this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Emerging Trends: Mobile trends are significantly altering content consumption and communication.
  • Influencer Impact: Top marketers are shaping digital marketing with their expertise and success stories.
  • 2016 Influencers: A curated list of 15 thought leaders to follow for marketing insights.
  • Rand Fishkin’s Influence: Known for his SEO expertise and contributions to inbound marketing.
  • Joe Pulizzi’s Contributions: Founder of the Content Marketing Institute and a key figure in content marketing.

1. Rand Fishkin

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Image courtesy of Moz.com

If you’re in marketing, you know Rand Fishkin, Wizard of Moz and founder of the company, stands head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to SEO—and most things related to inbound marketing and entrepreneurship. He’s an author of marketing bibles such as SEO: Insights from the Moz Blogand Inbound Marketing, as well as the co-founder of Inbound.org.

You can follow him and get access to his marketing wisdom here:

Follow Rand on Twitter

Read Rand’s personal blog

Check out Rand’s presentations on SlideShare

2. Joe Pulizzi

Joe-Pulizzi

Image courtesy of JoePulizzi.com

Joe is the founder of the influential Content Marketing Institute and a respected author and keynote speaker. He literally wrote the book on content marketing (Get Content Get Customersand is one of the top influencers in the world of content marketing. His fourth book, Epic Content Marketingwas listed as a must-read business book by Fortune Magazine. He’s a prolific author, columnist, and podcaster (check out This Old Marketing  and Content, Inc.).

Access Joe’s amazing online marketing insight here:

Joe Pulizzi on LinkedIn

Joe Pulizzi on Twitter

Joe Pulizzi’s blog at the Content Marketing Institute

8. Larry Kim

larry-kim-2

Image courtesy of MobileMonkey.com

There’s not much about the world of PPC advertising that Larry Kim doesn’t know (or didn’t come up with himself). As the founder of Wordstream, Kim’s a master of online ads, and he knows SEO like the back of his hand. Kim has written four books and is a featured blogger for some of the premier business and marketing websites in the world (Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Moz blog, Search Engine Journal among others). He also wrote the most socially shared article on PPC, according to SEO.com.

Platform Content Type
Forbes Business and Marketing Articles
Inc. Magazine Business and Marketing Articles
Moz Blog SEO and Marketing Articles
Search Engine Journal SEO and Marketing Articles

Catch Larry at one of his many speaking events, or follow his work at:

Larry Kim on Twitter

Larry Kim’s LinkedIn page

Read Larry Kim’s posts on the MobileMonkey blog

Did we skip any of your favorite marketing influencers or thought leaders? Is there someone you’d like to add to our list? Tell us in the comments below and let us know why you follow him or her. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the top marketing influencers to follow in 2016?

Some of the top marketing influencers in 2016 include Rand Fishkin, Joe Pulizzi, and Larry Kim. These individuals have significantly impacted the digital marketing landscape with their expertise and insights.

How can I keep up with digital marketing trends in 2016?

Following industry leaders and utilizing platforms like Buildfire can help you stay updated with the latest digital marketing trends and strategies.

What role does mobile marketing play in 2016?

Mobile marketing is crucial in 2016 as it significantly alters how content is consumed and shared. Tools like Buildfire allow businesses to effectively engage with mobile audiences.

How do influencers impact digital marketing strategies?

Influencers shape digital marketing strategies by sharing their expertise and success stories, which can guide businesses in optimizing their marketing efforts.

What are some effective ways to promote content online?

Effective content promotion can be achieved through social media, influencer partnerships, and platforms like Buildfire that offer comprehensive marketing solutions.

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