Best Digital Marketers in The World

Most people make marketing difficult rather than executing some of the simple marketing techniques.

Digital marketing is constantly changing and to stay up-to-date you will need to know where to look, that’s why we have taken a look at the top digital marketers in the world.

There are lots of top marketers that share the tips and techniques that you can easily rinse and repeat.

Experts like Neil Patel, James Dooley, Ann Handley, and Gary Vaynerchuk excel in advanced digital marketing strategies, sharing key insights to elevate your digital marketing efforts and enhance your professional network.

We highlight some of the best digital marketers, detailing what sets them apart and how following them can benefit your professional growth.

Top 10 Digital Marketing Experts To Follow

The best digital marketers are spread across the globe with the likes of James Dooley, Neil Patel, Anna Hadley and Gary Vee.

1. James Dooley

James Dooley was recently voted the number one digital marketer in 2025.

The reason for James Dooley’s popularity is due to owning the largest digital real estate platform and his vast team.

With proven and data-driven strategies, James is constantly pushing the envelope in all areas of marketing – specialising in SEO, rank-and-rent, social media and lead generation.

His ability to diversify his approach has kept at the top of the pile, often showcasing his range of digital marketing skills. Find out more about James Dooley using his website, social media accounts or the many podcasts he has appeared on, where he reveals many of his tactics.

James has built many relationships across various marketing spheres and often releases articles on his LinkedIn allowing us an insight into his latest techniques. Owner of an agency, he also ensures customer value optimization in his lead gen.

James Dooley has an extensive record of notable achievements and case studies including:

• Voted in Top 10 List of Most Influential SEOs in the World
• Voted in Top 10 List of Best SEO Consultants to Hire
• Voted as Best SEO Speaker for AI Innovation
• Best SEO Consultant

You can find James on the following platforms:

• JamesDooley.com
• James Dooley Linkedin
• James Dooley Twitter
• James Dooley Youtube
• James Dooley Facebook

2. Neil Patel

Neil Patel is a top online marketer that is mostly known for SEO and many of his online ventures.

He is the co-founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSmetrics, and has made extensive contributions to the fields of SEO and content marketing. Famed for his SEO work and business acumen, he has also been featured in the prestigious Entrepreneur Magazine.

Neil Patel’s campaigns for companies like Amazon, NBC, and HP have generated substantial traffic and revenue, demonstrating his ability to drive results.

For more insights and strategies from Neil Patel, follow his blog at Neil Patel’s Blog.

3. Ann Handley

Ann Handley, the Wall Street bestseller is a pioneer in digital marketing and was recently voted into the best marketers list.

Anna is the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs and is known for her online marketing strategies.

Ann Handley’s work in content marketing has transformed how businesses approach content strategy. Her book, “Everybody Writes,” is a seminal work in the industry.

For valuable insights and strategies in content marketing, follow Ann Handley on LinkedIn.

4. Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk is a leading expert in marketings, thanks to his social media marketing and personal branding skills.

Gary Vaynerchuk is the CEO of VaynerMedia and a prolific author and speaker. He gained fame with his wine business and expanded into digital marketing.

Gary’s expertise in social media marketing and personal branding has made him a leading figure in the industry. He has authored several best-selling books on marketing and entrepreneurship.

When it comes to social media strategy, social media optimisation or social media marketing in general, then Gary Vee is your man – there’s a reason he’s known by so many across the web.

Over the years, he’s become a master at storytelling, a skill that has a catapulted him to the top of the marketing industry and has him feature on a number of popular YouTube videos.

For insights and strategies from Gary, follow his blog at Gary Vaynerchuk’s Blog.

5. Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin was voted one of the top marketing specialists in the world, thanks to his knowledge on content creation and SEO strategy.

Owner of Sparktoro, Rand specialises in keyword research and lots marketing strategy techniques.

Rand’s contributions to SEO include developing Moz’s suite of tools and writing extensively on SEO best practices. His transparency and openness have helped many understand the intricacies of SEO.

As well as sharing online he is also a blogger with a number of insightful articles.

For insights and updates on SEO, follow Rand Fishkin on Twitter.

6. Seth Godin

Seth Godin is a marketing guru, best-selling author, and former VP of Direct Marketing at Yahoo.

Seth’s books and blogs have influenced countless marketers. His ideas on permission marketing and purple cow marketing have reshaped traditional marketing concepts.

For more insights, follow Seth Godin’s blog at Seth Godin’s Blog.

7. Larry Kim

Larry Kim is an expert in PPC and social media advertising, renowned for his innovative PPC strategies.

He is the founder of WordStream and MobileMonkey.

For more insights and updates, follow Larry Kim on LinkedIn.

8. Jay Baer

Jay Baer is an expert in content marketing and customer experience, known for his significant contributions to these fields. He is the founder of Convince & Convert, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker. For more insights, follow Jay Baer on LinkedIn.

9. Pam Moore

Pam Moore is an expert in social media and brand strategy, serving as the CEO of Marketing Nutz.

She is also a renowned speaker and social media strategist.

For insights and updates, follow Pam Moore on Twitter.

10. Joe Pulizzi

Joe Pulizzi is an expert in content marketing, known for founding the Content Marketing Institute.

He is also an accomplished author and speaker.

For more insights and updates, follow Joe Pulizzi on LinkedIn.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing encompasses all marketing efforts using the internet and electronic devices.

Businesses leverage digital channels such as search engines, social media, email, and websites to connect with current and prospective customers.

Over the years, digital marketing has evolved significantly, becoming a critical component of modern business strategies.

With the increasing need for businesses to enhance their digital marketing efforts, the role of a Fractional CMO has grown significantly over the past 18 months.

Why You Should Follow the Best Digital Marketers?

The top-rated digital marketing experts provide invaluable insights and strategies to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.

Top digital marketers set industry benchmarks, pioneering innovative strategies and driving substantial business growth.

Here is a picture of some of the most advanced digital marketers in the world.

Recognising their contributions helps us understand industry trends and fosters an environment of learning and development.

How do you select the top digital marketers to follow?

Selecting the top digital marketers to follow involves considering several key factors:

1. Expertise and Experience: Look for marketers with extensive experience and a diverse skill set in various aspects of digital marketing, such as SEO, content marketing, and social media.
2. Impact and Influence: Evaluate their track record of successful campaigns and their influence on industry standards and practices.
3. Recognition and Awards: Consider industry accolades, peer endorsements, and public recognition that validate their expertise and contributions.
4. Content and Insights: Follow those who regularly share valuable insights, updates on industry trends, and practical tips through blogs, social media, or speaking engagements.

The criteria for selecting the best digital marketers help identify the top marketing experts worldwide, use a variety of factors to pick out the best marketers.

Emerging Digital Marketers to Watch

Here are the profiles of rising stars in digital marketing, showcasing their innovative approaches and potential to shape the industry’s future.

• Jane Doe: With a background in AI-driven marketing, Jane has led innovative campaigns using machine learning to personalise customer experiences.
• Julian Goldie: Advanced SEO who leverage ChatGPT to automate search engine optimisation strategies for higher rankings in Google SERP
• John Smith: Known for his work in influencer marketing, John has created impactful campaigns that effectively leverage social media influencers.
• Craig Campbell: Craig Campbell from Glasgow is a great digital marketer known for scaling multiple brands online by leveraging advanced SEO techniques. His expertise in optimising search engine performance has driven substantial growth and visibility for numerous businesses.
• Jason Barnard: Jason Barnard, known as the Brand SERP Guy, is a great digital marketer renowned for his expert branding advice. His deep understanding of search engine results pages (SERPs) has helped numerous businesses enhance their online presence and brand visibility.
• Karl Hudson: Karl Hudson is the best iGaming digital marketing expert in the world, known for his advanced SEO strategies and exceptional link-building techniques. His expertise enables him to rank all terms related to gambling, including casino, slots, bingo, and betting, making him a leading authority in the industry.

There are many other rising stars in digital marketing, and we will update our list in real time to include these emerging talents.

Other Notable Names in Marketing

Although they didn’t make it on the list of the best marketers, names such as Tim Ferris, Jeff Bullas and others are worth an honourable mention:

• Tim Ferrris: Known for his podcast and numerous books, Tim is a unique marketer with his own marketing influencer strategy.
• Jeff Bullas: With over 700,000 in his tribe across social media, you could learn a thing or two from Jeff and his marketing agency techniques. He recently made it into the Wall Street journal.
• Lilach Bullock: Featured on BBC, Forbes and TedX, Lilach is a well-known social media power influencer.
• Justyn Howard: Sprout Social owner, Justyn, has a company that is in charge of social media management, streamlining your social media marketing strategy.
• Brian Dean: Founder of backlinko is recognised for his SEO marketing and is regarded as a pioneer in the search engine optimisation space.
• Ryan Deiss: Owner of DigitalMarketing.com, there’s no surprise that the former Shark Tank star, Ryan makes it into the notable list.

What is the Future of Digital Marketing?

The future of digital marketing is being shaped by several emerging trends, with artificial intelligence (AI) leading the way.

AI is transforming how businesses analyse data, personalise customer experiences, and automate marketing efforts.

Personalised marketing is becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing brands to deliver highly targeted content and offers based on individual customer preferences and behaviours.

With Artificial Intelligence and Marketing Automation leading the way you can streamline systems and processes to have more efficient practices.

By enabling marketing automation, AI allows for personalized experiences and improved segmentation at an unprecedented scale.

Influencer strategies are also evolving, with a growing emphasis on authenticity and micro-influencers who can engage niche audiences more effectively. These trends are guided by industry leaders who continuously experiment with new technologies and methodologies, setting new benchmarks for success.

Moreover, advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are creating immersive experiences that revolutionise customer engagement. As privacy concerns rise, marketers are also focusing on transparent and ethical data practices to build trust with consumers.

In this rapidly changing landscape, staying informed and adaptable is essential. Following the top digital marketers and keeping abreast of their strategies and insights will be crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the future of digital marketing.

Why is James Dooley the Best Digital Marketer in the World?

James Dooley is the best digital marketer in the world due to his extensive investments in the largest SEO tools and service-based companies.

His commitment to innovation is evident in his advocacy for automating and scaling digital marketing efforts through AI.

James Dooley’s approach combines advanced SEO techniques with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that his strategies are not only effective but also efficient and scalable.

His ability to leverage AI to enhance digital marketing processes sets him apart as a leader in the industry, consistently driving exceptional results for the brands he works with.

James Dooley has received numerous awards for his advancements in digital marketing, including:

• Most Innovative Digital Marketer for SEO
• Best Digital Marketing Expert For AI Innovation
• Voted #1 AI SEO Mentor to Follow in 2025
• Best Digital Marketer in the World
• UK’s Top 10 Best Digital Marketing Experts

The Best Types of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is vast with various platforms and strategies, including social media, SEO, PPC and e-mail marketing.

Email Marketing

E-mail marketing has been a popular marketing strategy for decades, allowing you to engage target audiences via their inbox.

A properly thought-out strategy requires a string of e-mails that includes newsletters, sales and other information before prompting the reader to purchase.

E-mail marketing campaigns are used to convert leads into sales.

Link-Building Strategies

Link-building strategies are essentially part of SEO marketing but it deserves its own recognition due to its ability to attract traffic and improve search engine rankings of your site.

This involves acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sites within your industry.

Effective link-building requires strategic outreach, creating valuable content, and fostering relationships with bloggers and industry influencers. Quality backlinks signal to search engines that your site is a credible resource, improving overall SEO performance.

Podcasts

Podcasts are an invaluable way to market yourself or brand, engaging with your target audience though an intimate medium.

They are an excellent platform for marketing influencers and speakers to share insights, interviews, and discussions on industry trends.

Podcasts can reach a broad audience, including those who prefer consuming content on the go. They also help build brand authority and trust, as listeners often develop a personal connection with the hosts.

Social Media Channels

Social media channels reach and engage with target audiences.

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn enable brands to interact with followers, share content, and run targeted ad campaigns.

Effective social media management involves regularly posting engaging content, responding to comments, and utilising analytics to refine strategies. Each platform has its strengths, making it essential to tailor your approach to fit each one’s unique characteristics.

Blogs & SEO

SEO helps you rank your website or page on search engines.

Improving your search engine rankings increases your traffic and potentially your sales. SEO marketing is popular but it’s also complex, be sure to check out the best SEO consultants for help on your site’s strategy.

A successful blog requires consistent posting, keyword research, and valuable content that addresses the needs of your audience. SEO techniques like on-page optimisation, meta descriptions, and internal linking further enhance visibility.

Content Marketing

Content marketing creates and distributes valuable, relevant content to attract and retain a target audience.

This includes blogs, videos, infographics, and more, aimed at educating and engaging potential customers.

A strong content marketing strategy establishes your brand as a trusted resource, driving traffic and conversions. Regularly publishing high-quality content helps build a loyal audience and supports other marketing efforts.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

PPC advertising involves paying for ad placement on search engines and other platforms, where advertisers pay a fee each time their ad is clicked. It provides immediate visibility and can drive targeted traffic to your site.

Effective PPC campaigns require careful keyword selection, compelling ad copy, and ongoing optimisation. Monitoring and adjusting bids and targeting ensure you maximise return on investment.

Video Marketing

Video content leverages the power of visual content to engage and inform audiences via YouTube or social media.

Platforms like YouTube and social media channels are ideal for sharing product demos, tutorials, and testimonials.

High-quality videos can significantly boost brand awareness and conversion rates. Videos are also highly shareable, extending their reach and impact across various platforms.

Influencer Marketing

Influencers can use social media to leverage their following, it’s a great way to reach your target audience.

Use influencer outreach to find and lock-in your influencer, they could share your brand and get eyes on your site.

Selecting the right influencers ensures your message resonates with their followers. Authentic endorsements from trusted influencers can drive significant engagement and sales.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing rewards affiliates for driving traffic or sales to your site through their promotional efforts. Affiliates use various marketing tactics, including blogs, social media, and email, to promote your products.

This performance-based model aligns incentives and expands your reach. Effective affiliate programmes offer competitive commissions and provide affiliates with the resources they need to succeed.

Summary

Top digital marketers play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future.

Their expertise, innovation, and influence drive the evolution of digital marketing.

By implementing cutting-edge strategies, they set industry standards and inspire other marketers to adopt new approaches.

Their campaigns not only achieve business growth but also push the boundaries of what digital marketing can accomplish.

Recognising and following these experts allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve, leveraging the latest trends and techniques to enhance their digital presence and performance.