Every July, Major League Baseball’s best gather together to celebrate America’s pastime. Despite rule changes, ballot stuffing and a history of shenanigan-ry, All-Star week gives us the opportunity to watch baseball’s greatest go head-to-head in a truly unique match up. Every year voters select their favorites, based on allegiance and (hopefully) statistics, to create their own perfect lineup. Likewise, the content marketing space has its fair share of All-Stars—those influencers who stepped up to the plate in 2016 and absolutely crushed it. Here’s our personal lineup of the 2016 All-Star Influencers:
“…those influencers who stepped up to the plate in 2016 and absolutely crushed it.”
Author, blogger, podcaster, and tequila enthusiast — Jay has built a career on dictating and understanding the state of marketing—particularly when it involves customer service. A daunting digital presence, Jay is considered the most retweeted man in digital media, a testament to his ability to control his environment as an influencer and speaker better than anyone else in the industry.
2016 Highlight: Published “Hug Your Haters” through Portfolio Publishing
Ever the seasoned veteran, Joe Pulizzi is recognized by many as the “Godfather of Content Marketing.” Author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and orange enthusiast — Joe’s evangelistic approach to redefining the marketing world resulted in a huge payoff this past June.
2016 Highlight: CMI acquired by UBM for $17.6 million
On the heels of his 2015 publication, Optimize, Lee has spent 2016 establishing himself and TopRank as the influencer marketing experts. Lee’s TopRank Marketing Blog is the only content marketing blog to receive three consecutive #1 rankings from the CMI.
After launching the Sophisticated Marketer LIVE, Jason took his talents across the Atlantic to lead LinkedIn’s international presence. Best-selling author, photographer, and international man of mystery — Jason’s rock ‘n roll swagger proves that the best creators follow their own voice.
2016 Highlight: London Relocation to Lead LinkedIn’s Global Content Marketing Efforts
From social and influencers to content and strategy, it seems like Jeff is everywhere. Recognized across the industry as the reliable voice in content marketing. Author, consultant, speaker, and strategist — with a knack for understanding the digital game.
2016 Highlight: Voted #1 Digital Marketing Influencer in 2016 by the Marketing Insider Group
Specializing in B2B strategy and brand relevance, Ardath rode a late wave of 2015 momentum into a strong first half of this year. An author, storyteller, and under-rated veteran of content strategy, you’ll find her speaking at this year’s Content Marketing World, judging the Content Marketing Awards, or enjoying a good romance novel.
2016 Highlight: Listed in Salesforce’s 103 Genuine Marketing Thought Leaders
Recognized by Forbes as the most influential woman in social media, known to all as a premiere Chief Content Officer, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker — Ann brings the diligence and agility necessary to cover the largest portions of the outfield.
2016 Highlight: Content Marketing World Keynote Speaker
Entrepreneur, Snapchat enthusiast, and aspiring owner of the New York Jets. Gary redefined “hustle” on his way from the family wine shop to a multi-million-dollar empire. Gary transformed his regular YouTube series, #AskGaryVee, into a New York Times Best Seller and was an early investor in innovative platforms like Twitter, Medium, and Uber.
2016 Highlight: #AskGaryVee becomes a New York Times Best Seller
The co-founder and former CEO of Moz, Rand is known for a flashy sense of style, 70s pitcher mustache, and SEO excellence. 2016 has seen Moz’s resident wizard step further from the enterprise architecture and into his own personal brand development. By transitioning from analytical engine to content curator, Rand has added a whole new tool to his arsenal and further elevated his style of play.
2016 Highlight: Signed a book deal with Portfolio Publishing
Every July, Major League Baseball’s best gather together to celebrate America’s pastime. Despite rule changes, ballot stuffing and a history of shenanigan-ry, All-Star week gives us the opportunity to watch baseball’s greatest go head-to-head in a truly unique match up. Every year voters select their favorites, based on allegiance and (hopefully) statistics, to create their own perfect lineup. Likewise, the content marketing space has its fair share of All-Stars—those influencers who stepped up to the plate in 2016 and absolutely crushed it. Here’s our personal lineup of the 2016 All-Star Influencers:
“…those influencers who stepped up to the plate in 2016 and absolutely crushed it.”
Catcher: Jay Baer, President, Convince and Convert
Author, blogger, podcaster, and tequila enthusiast — Jay has built a career on dictating and understanding the state of marketing—particularly when it involves customer service. A daunting digital presence, Jay is considered the most retweeted man in digital media, a testament to his ability to control his environment as an influencer and speaker better than anyone else in the industry.
2016 Highlight: Published “Hug Your Haters” through Portfolio Publishing
First Base: Joe Pulizzi, Founder, Content Marketing Institute
Ever the seasoned veteran, Joe Pulizzi is recognized by many as the “Godfather of Content Marketing.” Author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and orange enthusiast — Joe’s evangelistic approach to redefining the marketing world resulted in a huge payoff this past June.
2016 Highlight: CMI acquired by UBM for $17.6 million
Second Base: Lee Odden, CEO, TopRank Marketing
On the heels of his 2015 publication, Optimize, Lee has spent 2016 establishing himself and TopRank as the influencer marketing experts. Lee’s TopRank Marketing Blog is the only content marketing blog to receive three consecutive #1 rankings from the CMI.
2016 Highlight: Top 10 on the Twitter Power 150
Third Base: Jason Miller, Global Content Marketing Leader, LinkedIn
After launching the Sophisticated Marketer LIVE, Jason took his talents across the Atlantic to lead LinkedIn’s international presence. Best-selling author, photographer, and international man of mystery — Jason’s rock ‘n roll swagger proves that the best creators follow their own voice.
2016 Highlight: London Relocation to Lead LinkedIn’s Global Content Marketing Efforts
Shortstop: Jeff Bullas, CEO, Jeffbullas.com
From social and influencers to content and strategy, it seems like Jeff is everywhere. Recognized across the industry as the reliable voice in content marketing. Author, consultant, speaker, and strategist — with a knack for understanding the digital game.
2016 Highlight: Voted #1 Digital Marketing Influencer in 2016 by the Marketing Insider Group
Right Field: Ardath Albee, CEO, Marketing Interactions
Specializing in B2B strategy and brand relevance, Ardath rode a late wave of 2015 momentum into a strong first half of this year. An author, storyteller, and under-rated veteran of content strategy, you’ll find her speaking at this year’s Content Marketing World, judging the Content Marketing Awards, or enjoying a good romance novel.
2016 Highlight: Listed in Salesforce’s 103 Genuine Marketing Thought Leaders
Center Field: Ann Handley, CCO, MarketingProfs
Recognized by Forbes as the most influential woman in social media, known to all as a premiere Chief Content Officer, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker — Ann brings the diligence and agility necessary to cover the largest portions of the outfield.
2016 Highlight: Content Marketing World Keynote Speaker
Left Field: Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO, VaynerMedia
Entrepreneur, Snapchat enthusiast, and aspiring owner of the New York Jets. Gary redefined “hustle” on his way from the family wine shop to a multi-million-dollar empire. Gary transformed his regular YouTube series, #AskGaryVee, into a New York Times Best Seller and was an early investor in innovative platforms like Twitter, Medium, and Uber.
2016 Highlight: #AskGaryVee becomes a New York Times Best Seller
Pitcher: Rand Fishkin, Wizard of Moz, Moz
The co-founder and former CEO of Moz, Rand is known for a flashy sense of style, 70s pitcher mustache, and SEO excellence. 2016 has seen Moz’s resident wizard step further from the enterprise architecture and into his own personal brand development. By transitioning from analytical engine to content curator, Rand has added a whole new tool to his arsenal and further elevated his style of play.
2016 Highlight: Signed a book deal with Portfolio Publishing