There are many, many social media "gurus" out there -- in fact, there are 444 people who describe themselves as social media gurus in their Twitter bios, according to Tweepsearch.
How do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
Here are our picks for the best social media gurus on Twitter for marketers and salespeople to follow: They're the ones who offer tips for effective communication on the micro-blogging service, have the best engagement with their followers and are just fun to read.
1. Steve Rubel
@steverubel
Followers: 46,379
Rubel is a senior VP at communications firm unit Edelman Digital. He's like your personal black book: making notes of events to go to, tagging people who will be there and offering insights on how to tweet better. His twitter lists are also a great resource if you've got some focused following on your agenda.
Sample tweet: Day 2 of MIXX looks great next week - Facebook and Twitter execs speaking. I should be there. http://j.mp/ajZAWp
2. Social Media Insider
@socialmedia411
Followers: 74,629
This great feed by social media expert and founder of Text Capital Jeff Pester is followed by all the major advertising and marketing publications out there, so you probably should follow him, too. His links themselves are worth it: A hodge-podge of social-media related articles, tips and tricks.
Sample tweet: Facebook is down for some users - Site uses Twitter to let everyone know (WSJ) http://bit.ly/91gYd0 #TablesTurned :)
3. Scott Monty
@scottmonty
Followers: 44,639
Monty is the head of social media at Ford, and a great example for those still scratching their heads over how to integrate social networking into their marketing and PR strategies. Watch how he gives a big, impersonal company a reachable, human personality.
Sample tweet: The THX sound in my new Lincoln reminds me of this Simpsons scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3_HHZFi0As [VIDEO]
4. Clay Shirky
@cshirky
Followers: 78,508
Shirky is not just a social media guru but an Internet guru, which means he's pretty much a guru of everything. Everyone in the marketing world with a twitter presence is following him, and if that's not reason enough, every tweet is quotable and notable.
Sample tweet: "When the Internet wants something badly enough the truth doesn't matter." @Mike_FTW, on @BPGlobalPR not being his work.
5. Shiv Singh
@shivsingh
Followers: 11,328
Singh is the author of "Social Media Marketing for Dummies" and the head of digital for PepsiCo, probably one of the brands out there making the best use of social media. He has a spot-on insight into the mind of a consumer, making him perfect for marketing pros looking for some quick coaching tips.
Sample tweet: As a consumer I'm having too many conversations with too many brands I don't care for. Can I order some low fidelity marketing?
Write to Shareen Pathak
