Ever wondered who's shaping the narrative in the digital realm? Well, it's 2023, and we're here to introduce you to the Top Social Media Influencers who are making waves across various platforms.
October 10, 2023
Whether you're a brand seeking collaboration or just someone who loves to stay updated with the digital world, this list is your ultimate guide. So, let’s dive in!
Social media is no longer just about scrolling through memes or admiring carefully curated selfies. It's an evolving landscape with diverse roles, each contributing to shaping the digital experience. From Social Media Experts who have the ins and outs of algorithms down to a tee, to Community Managers who ensure brands stay on point and engage with their audience—these roles have grown to be crucial components of the digital ecosystem.
Social Media Experts: These are the people who not only understand how to grow an audience but also how to monetize it. They often consult with brands, helping them to navigate the complex waters of digital marketing.
Community Managers: The real MVPs behind every social media page. They are responsible for creating, curating, and managing published content across social platforms, and most importantly, they are the bridge between a brand and its community.
Content Creators: They are the artists, the entertainers, the educators. With their niche-specific content, they manage to strike a chord with a targeted audience, adding value while building a personal brand.
But enough of that; let’s get to the juicy part. Ready to meet the top influencers who are killing it in 2023? Drumroll, please 🥁!
Matt Navarra is a seasoned social media consultant with over 15 years of experience, collaborating with global brands like Google, United Nations, and BBC. In 2018, he founded 'Geekout,' a community and resource hub for social media professionals. Matt is a go-to industry expert, often featured on major news channels, and also curates a weekly newsletter and co-hosts a podcast.
Jack Appleby is a creative strategist and writer with over 10 years of agency experience, spearheading social campaigns for major brands like Microsoft, Verizon, and Spotify. Known for his weekly newsletter, Future Social, and insightful LinkedIn posts, Jack combines his love for social media and creators to offer valuable industry tips.
Sophie Miller, founder of Pretty Little Marketer, aims to inspire young careerists through her community initiative while managing influencer and social media campaigns for big names like Frasers Group, Graze.com, and Kraft Heinz. As a freelance Social Media Manager, Sophie is dedicated to demystifying social media and has collaborated with diverse brands such as Boohoo, Vistaprint, and Adobe.
Elfried Samba leads Community and Social at IOCONIC, a blockchain venture studio, and formerly spearheaded Gymshark's organic social media strategy, significantly boosting its fitness community engagement. A creative storyteller, Elfried has collaborated with various brands and is an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in leadership.
Annie-Mai Hodge is the Head of Brand Development at Atlas SEO and founder of Girl Power Marketing, specializing in crafting strategies that boost brand visibility and engagement for blue-chip companies and SMEs alike. An expert in content curation across various platforms, she stays ahead of digital social trends and shares her keen insights with her followers in her free time.
Samantha Unrau, an athlete and coach with over 10 years in the sports industry, also serves as the Global Director of Social Media Engagement Ops, focusing on building strong brand-consumer relationships. An advocate for working parents, she encourages corporate support during demanding life phases and amplifies the concerns of mothers who feel silenced in conservative workplace environments.
Nicolas Corsaro is a marketing and branding consultant and agency owner, known for his dynamic goal-setting and holistic approach to self-improvement, aiming to become 1% better each day. A proponent of the 75 Hard Challenge and the power of a strong network, he attributes his recent acquisition of his dream car, a McLaren 650S, to visualization and hard work.
Jon-Stephen Stansel, an award-winning social media expert with over a decade of experience, has collaborated with brands like Amazon Prime and the University of Central Arkansas. Currently the Director of Social Media at Chaotic Good Studios, he also co-hosts the Thought Feeder Podcast, teaches social media management courses, and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences.
Zaria Parvez serves as the Global Social Media Manager for Duolingo and is particularly notable for her TikTok portrayals of the Duolingo owl. She prioritizes authentic engagement with learners, recently shedding light on common misconceptions about Duolingo's social media strategy and emphasizing the importance of human connection over pure advertising.
Grace Andrews is the Head of Content for Steven Bartlett and The Diary of a CEO, where she spearheads content management, personal brand building, and strategic growth across multiple platforms. In addition to her core duties, she also speaks on topics like leadership, team culture, and social media values.
Now that you've met the titans of social media, let's talk about why their influence is a big deal, especially for those who wear the "Social Media Expert" cap.
In a digital world filled with noise, authenticity is the key that sets one apart. Social Media Experts bring a genuine voice to the table, which is why their recommendations carry weight. Their influence is not just a product of follower count; it’s also about engagement, trust, and the value they provide to their audience.
Social Media Experts aren't just tweeting or posting photos; they're leveraging various formats to engage with their audience. Here are some iconic formats that have proven successful:
Influencers amplify messages. When they speak, people listen, discuss, and most importantly, act. A single tweet or a story can lead to viral trends, driving not just likes and shares but also conversions. For businesses, especially in the B2B sector, this influence is invaluable.
So there you have it, folks! In a world that is increasingly becoming digitized, Social Media Influencers and Experts are the new-age trendsetters. And the impact they can have on brands and community behavior is not just substantial—it's transformative.