8 Marketing Bloggers to Watch in 2009

December 23, 2008 · Comments

8 Making a list of any kind is deadly. You miss people. You upset people. You exclude people. Lists are downright dangerous. And yet, I want to show you 8 bloggers that you should be reading, if you’re not already. How about this: if you think your blog or someone you admire is should be on the radar for 2009, feel free to add a link to it in the comments. (Please note that doing so will probably raise the dander of my spam filter, so I’ll have to fish you out most likely). Fair?

Oh, and if you don’t like my list, make your own. Link back here and people will find it and see what you you think. That would be fun.

8 Bloggers to Watch in 2009

**Update: Marshall Kirkpatrick, superstar from ReadWriteWeb, made a nifty OPML file if you want to subscribe to these guys all in one whack.** Thanks, Marshall!

Social Media Explorer – Jason Falls is not only an advertising guy, but a pioneer. His work in 2008, including tweeting a race for a company are the kinds of things that you can expect from him. Jason is quite the thinker. He raced into the public eye in 2008, but I think his best work is still ahead of him. Stay tuned.

Conversation Agent – Valeria Maltoni has been knocking the cover off the ball for a while over on her blog, but still, I feel she’s undervalued. Her work is consistent, has strong strategy elements, and leads one to think about execution. I recommend her work highly, and if you’re not on board yet, get there.

Feeds – Jennifer Leggio writes about social media for Ziff Davis. I think her writing has been solid all year long, and I expect even more quality posts in 2009. It’s frankly one of two blogs I still read over at Ziff. She’s a great writer, and delivers balanced thinking and ideas.

Danny Brown – Danny has roared up out of nowhere. His blog is a consistent read, and the quality is improving every day. I find myself gnawing on his posts and deciding how they might impact things. For 2009, I hope Danny turns that insight out and away from the social media crowd and starts exploring his thoughts on various verticals. I think he has the chops to deliver good stuff in those areas.

Very Official Blog – Shannon Paul makes great pieces that help me better understand the hybrid mindset from traditional PR and marketing into the new stuff. Her perspective and sense of humor bring me a lot of happiness each time she posts. Keep an eye on this one. She’s a force of nature.

Take Me To Your Leader – First off, if I owned this domain, I’d cherish it. Freddie Laker’s who I know from this little outfit, and he spoke at this year’s New Marketing Summit, which is where I got a glimpse into Freddie’s style. I hope to see more deconstruction and analysis in 2009. I’m watching you, Laker.

Technotheory – not only is Jared Goralnick the creator of AwayFind, he’s a thinker. Jared and I got together a few months back, and that one conversation has spawned several changes in how I do business, from something as simple as buying a new laptop bag to more strategy-level things, Jared keeps me thinking.

Learn to Duck – Micah Baldwin isn’t new to blogging nor is he new to marketing. But he’s someone I’m watching. His work is always thought-provoking, and gets me moving in a new direction. If you don’t add Micah, you’re missing a voice that will impact your thinking.

**Update: Marshall Kirkpatrick, superstar from ReadWriteWeb, made a nifty OPML file if you want to subscribe to these guys all in one whack.** Thanks, Marshall!

Veterans

Here’s a quick listing of people I love and follow for their perspective that aren’t exactly new, but still worth perusing, while I’m writing a post with links in it. This list doesn’t include the obvious people that you already read like Seth or Brian or Darren. You know about them. But are you reading:

Your Turn

Either add a comment or write a blog post with YOUR picks. I bet you’ll find some different ones. Let’s see what comes of it. And if you’re not on my list, I probably still read you. I’ve got hundreds of people I’ve started reading by way of my Rockstars page. Are you on it? (If you’ve submitted recently, it takes about 2 weeks for me to add you).

Photo credit, makou0629

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  • Brett Borders
    I just started a new social marketing blog called Social Media Rockstar.
  • I just started a new social media blog called Social MEdia Rockstar featuring insights into the culture and sociology of social media, and interviews with thought leaders. I'm going full force with it for 2009... check it out!
  • Thanks for this great list, Chris. With so many new social media "experts" popping up lately, it's nice to see a solid list of people who are the real deal in marketing. I'm not particularly a marketer, but align closely with marketing, PR & branding firms to handle their Facebook strategy and development - optimized Facebook business pages, ad campaigns and Facebook for business training... I'll definitely be reaching out to some of the people on this list.

    Hazel Grace
    www.facebook.com/socialbees
  • Thanks for the mention, Chris! It really means a lot coming from you. I hope you and your readers have a lovely holidays!
  • I have been reading http://jimsmarketingblog.com trying to get a UK perspective because I have had an incredible surge of teen entrepreneurs with interesting niche concepts coming from there as of late.

    @teenbizcoach
  • Awesome! Found some new great bloggers to follow! Thanks Chris.
  • Not sure if my blog fits the bill as a "marketing blog", but it does have some interesting marketing and advertising discussions. Take a look.

    www.zachheller.com
  • Great list, Chris. You introduced me to a couple I didn't already know. One addition I would make: Beth Harte's blog, The Harte of Marketing. (on Twitter as @BethHarte) She's someone to watch in '09.
  • Also, my blog is www.socialbeesstrategy.com - we just launched Socialbees about 6 weeks ago, but have seen a huge amount of growth so expect to see a lot more from us in 2009!


    Hazel Grace
    www.facebook.com/socialbees
  • Great list, but you still missed out http://jimsmarketingblog.com - one of the UK's finest!
  • Ah, Chris. I love the voices you called out above; many of them on my radar but a couple not, so thanks for that. My favorite for the year is probably Shannon; her strength of voice and curiosity always (always) gives me a new perspective.

    I'm also loving Adam Cohen's blog, A Thousand Cuts. He's newish, but he's got his feet on the ground and his head in the game. I can't wait to see what he comes up with this year.

    Thanks for including me, too. I enjoy the challenge of my blog, and I'd probably be writing it even if no one was listening. But this year, I've got a new fire lit under me, so look the hell out. Cheers. :)
  • I never expected anyone to read the stuff I write so I am especially delighted that someone as amazing as you actually finds enjoyment and insight in what I'm able to share. You encouraged me from the very beginning and I will never ever forget that. Ever.
  • Chris, you have given me a couple of new people to learn from - that is terrific! Thank you for your kind words and mention. I endeavor to earn the confidence and attention of my readers and colleagues and look forward to being able to share more of the doing and executions - with the caveat that repeatable depends on your own circumstances.
  • Chris,
    I rarely say anything negative about anyone or offer anything but positive feedback, however there is a glaring omission in this list. Basically, when I write about other people work, if I can't say something good, I just don't mention the art show, book, video, etc. I am rotten at false flattery.
    However, I must protest a glaring omission in this blog article..
    It concerns a blogger I follow for advice, inspiration and ideas of how to get my visual and inspirational message out effectively. This blogger not only gives good advice but consistently demonstrates how to reach people. I like to follow people who are examples.
    Who is this?
    YOU!
    Following you has impacted my thinking more than anyone in my now all of four weeks since I became active on Twitter.
    I watch how you interact. You are amazingly generous.
    I follow many of your links, which are usually helpful.
    One resulted in good PR for me from Highlights for Children, because I really was (and am) a Highlights kid. Their visual puzzle searches had an impact on the Visual Exercise/Experiences that I developed for the Art of Seeing The Divine e books. I suppose it helped me visualize the world in a new way and in a way led to my painting using symbols of strokes. But, I never would have known about the opportunity to promote Highlights, give back and also get PR, without your helpful Twitter of the link. Thanks.
    I will check out the helpful recommendations and links in this blog. I am sure I will earn more as I have come to trust you.
    So thanks for this blog. And thanks for being you!
    Your fan,
    Judy Rey Wasserman
    On Twitter: judyrey
  • @judyrey - well thanks! I think it'd be a bit cheeky to put myself on a list that I wrote though, eh? Despite some people's opinion of me, I'm not exactly in the self-promoting business. I continue to be in the mindset that if I show you all the cool kids, I'll be the person at the elbow of that discovery. Be at enough elbows, and you're suddenly the go-to person. (That's my super secret trick to getting where I am).
  • Thanks, Chris,
    These are indeed the voices I, too, love reading. They energize, inspire, and get me thinking. I know, they're dangerous in the best way. All of us make each other a little better as we listen, think, have ideas, put 'em out there, and see what comes home. Without a group like these we'd not grow nearly so ...

    Smiling at you!
  • Hi Chris, thanks for this list, lots of new blogs to check out! Two I'd add to the veteran's list is Chris Anderson, The Long Tail, http://www.longtail.com and Guy Kawasaki, How to Change the World, http://blog.guykawasaki.com.
    ~Karin
  • its always interesting to see what others like and dislike. Also, as Valerie, the Conversation Agent alludes to, conversation can change lives. I'll give these a read. I started experimental blogging about a year ago. I don't expect traffic yet and I am not sure I have the time to commit to it -- but I have a new appreciation for people who run truly wonderful and trafficked blogs. Keep on keepin' on Chris -- like your posts on Twitter, which I now follow using feedalizr...what a neat tool, but you do need to be a speed reader if you have more than 20 feeds coming in a minute.

    Andre ( http://redbeardmarketing.blogspot.com )
  • Hey there Chris,

    Thank you from the heart for including me in your list - coming from someone who I respect immensely and is a great focal point for all that is right in social media, it's truly a honor.

    I can only hope that I do indeed step up to the mark and write the stuff that makes both me and my readers think - and if I fail anywhere, I look forward to you and others kicking my backside and telling me where! :)

    There are some blogs I wasn't aware of so thank you for expanding my knowledge base as well - always the best way to learn an improve.

    I'd suggest anyone check out Dave Fleet over at http://davefleet.com - always has great insights and is one of my regular haunts.

    Thanks again, Chris - now the real fun begins... ;-)
  • @Danny - funny you mentioned Dave Fleet. Dave came to mind and always does when I think about you. There's something in common with you two, and I can't put my finger on it.
  • Very good list. A handful that I've not read, so that's a nice holiday present for my RSS reader.

    I'd add Jacob Morgan to the list. Very consistent. Prolific. Makes you think. http://www.jmorganmarketing.com

    I also second the nomination from Connie for Beth's blog. It's rock solid.
  • @ Chris - We're both in Canada and our first name starts with D...? ;-)
  • Vik Duggal
    Highly recommend Andrew Chen's blog - http://andrewchenblog.com titled Futuristic Play
  • Nice list. Always good to find other names.

    Now, you've given me a goal for 2009...make that list.

    On that thought, why not share some criteria so we know what we're being judged against? Of course, we may decide we don't care at that point ;-)

    Happy Holidays
  • Adam Singer over at The Future Buzz takes things head on. Definitely need to be along for the ride!
  • Even with the dozens of blogs I scan/read everyday, you have provided a quality list of several I don't. And your readers have provided even more. Thank you for consistently providing food for thought Chris. Now if you could just come up with a top ten list of ways to have more time to read all the wonderful blogs out there. That would be great.
  • @ Indra - I don't know about Chris, Indra, but I'm seriously thinking of looking at how cloning technology is coming along these days... ;-)
  • Great list...I've been reading 2 of these (Social Media Explorer & TechnoTheory)...found 6 more blogs to add to my reader.
  • I find myself drawn to http://garyvaynerchuk.com more and more. Its direct, harsh but always entertaining and more often than not, gives me lots to think about!
  • Chris, Well, since you offered:
    Here is a blog for those of you who want to keep up with all things related to the world of Franchise Ownership....Trends, Tips, Myths, and News. {Ok. Opinion, too!}
    The Franchise King Blog
    http://thefranchiseking.typepad.com
    Thank you, Chris.
    Joel Libava
    The Franchise King
  • Thanks Chris! I went through them all! Subscribed to some in my Google Reader (does anyone use that? If so, share with me: vikduggal [at] gmail [.] com). Will return the favor.

    Reading some of the posts, I thought I would share my blog too! vik duggal - my turn to talk.

    Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share. Happy Holidays!
  • Hey Chris,

    I added the blogs to my PDA calendar, so an alarm goes off that I need to be reading them in 2009!

    Thanks for all you have done for a newbie to this space. My video production work is still free, in exchange for entry into cool places and networking with guru's.

    Happy safe healthy Christmas and New Years to you and your family, thank them for sharing so much of your time with us, it is appreciated.

    Respectfully,

    Nicholas Chase
    www.twitter.com/nachase
    http://donotreadthisblogunless.blogspot.com/ (soon to be WordPress 2.7 on my site..)
  • I love Ed Lee's Blogging Me, Blogging You

    He's an FH colleague now, but I was an avid reader well before I joined the team. Check him out - though, he's on a bit of a hiatus at the moment.
  • I'm showcasing Social Media in San Antonio....
    http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/technolog...
  • Thanks for sharing the list Chris - will add all that I've missed to the reading rotation. Looking back at the bloggers I've bookmarked this year, here's a couple I'd recommend:

    Jesse Liebman's Social Media & Online Search Marketing:
    http://www.jesseliebman.com

    Jacob Morgan's Social Media Marketing Strategy, Tactics, and Tools: http://www.jmorganmarketing.com

    Idea for another list ... best (or at least interesting) new marketing videocasts? Check out the musings on social media and marketing at The Social 7: http://www.thesocial7.com

    Happy Holidays to everyone.
  • Oh pshaw. Thanks CB. I'm sure the flowers had nothing to do with your decision to include me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll don my coonskin cap and go pioneering some more.

    Thanks. And thanks for pointing to the other great bloggers on the list. Beth Harte, Jay Baer and Michael Glass should be on your list, too, by the way. My two cents.
  • Dude, I know I just turned 35 and all last week, but I'm an old timer now? *laugh*

    Love that there is an OPML file so I could add everyone here in one fell swoop. Very handy.

    Thanks for the inclusion. You've made 2008 a fun year and I can't wait till 2009.
  • Thanks for the list Chris. It's always great to read new folks.
    I'll be checking each and everyone of your up & comers tonight. I read Blogging Heroes earlier this year and was a bit surprised about the consistency in the volume of blogs read by the top guys. All read about 200 daily.

    Bruce
  • Really great list, included some long time reads as well as some new people to inspire. Much appreciated!

    `Arianne
  • Chris,

    I would recommend that people add Chris Garrett's blog http://www.chrisg.com As you may know, he co-authored "ProBlogger" with Darren Rowse.

    John
  • Thanks for sharing them, I have just subscribed to most of them!
  • Totally agree that Valeria and Shannon rock! Inspiration abounds! Also, having met and talked with Jared earlier this year, he not only gets you thinking but a genuinely nice person too.
  • Fantastic list with a lot that I currently follow but some to add onto my GReader.

    I also echo the sentiments of Connie and mention Beth Harte (The Harte of Marketing) as someone to definitely watch in 2009, if you haven't already in '08. Great stuff that will get you thinking.
  • Great list Chris. Someone I just discovered who has been writing amazing stuff but is not well known (yet) is David Henderson http://www.davidhenderson.com/ Former CBS News national correspondent turned marketer. His book which came out this week is called The Media Savvy Leader. Buy it. Read it.
  • Marshall rocks! I'd add Geoff Livingston at Livingston Buzz to the list.
  • Useful info Mr. Brogan. Thanks! I'd add Andy Wibbels, Josh Klein, and I've also marked Skelliewag as one I'd like to start reading backwards, if you know what I mean.

    They don't post very often (once a week or less) but their articles are important. Some writers serve you up useful tips and tactics. These guys give you real food for thought.

    All the best,

    Simon
  • Thanks for this terrific list Chris, really spiced up my google reader. I posted about it on our Ning at http://www.chrisbrogan.com/8-marketing-bloggers... Hope you stop by and leave us a comment. Ciao, Lance
  • Wow, I'm a "veteran" - not "one to watch?" I feel like I graduated or somethin'! Thanks very much, Mr. Brogan. Happy Holidays to you & your family!
    Best,
    Todd
  • Hmmm, I just reread my comment above and thought I'd summarize it with a dash of inspiration for you all - let's all kick butt in 2009!
  • I'm going to start calling Todd "Grandpa Defren" ":)

    Thanks again Chris. I'm very honored to be on this list, in such great company. No pressure though, right?

    I read Shannon and Jason and Micah regularly. I'll definitely start reading the others.

    Some of my consistent favorite marketing bloggers are Dave Fleet (http://www.davefleet.com) and Kyle Flaherty (http://www.engageinpr.com). I learn so much from them, so I definitely recommend folks subscribing there, too.
  • congrats to everyone on the list, jason thanks for mentioned my blog on there as well, much appreciated :)
  • @ Jacob. I feel bad for not mentioning you as well, now - yours is also one of the ones that I regularly read, great stuff. So let me remedy that now and suggest that both you and Dave Fleet would be my recommendations! :)
  • five years of Blogging and I'm old already. The best part? Coming from you, this is a huge compliment. Thanks for everything Chris... and I mean that. You give abundantly and are a shining example of what this space is... and should be.

    Keep on keeping on :)
  • This is an excellent list and I'm glad to see that I already read most of these blogs. But, there were a couple in there that I wasn't subscribed to yet so thanks for some new and great reading material. :)
  • Chris, here is my blog post rebuttal/list:

    http://gamefinanceblog.com/?p=161

    As you can see, I am way to verbose to be contained in a comments section. :P

    Great list!
  • Dr. Scott is an marketing professor who has some interesting posts and links and guest bloggers. . good blogger. . great teacher . . http://www.scotttesta.com/
  • I honestly feel Dawn Foster should have a place in this list!
    http://fastwonderblog.com/
  • This is a great list. I'm such a huge fan of Jason Falls and the crew at Social Media Explorer and I love Valeria's content so much. I didn't know of the other six blogs before, but I'm going to have a lot of great reading material to go through, I'm sure! (Why watch for them in 2009 an onward? I can suppose that the archives have REALLY valuable information, especially for the aforementioned two blogs.)

    Thanks Chris for the holiday awesomesauce. ;)
  • @Danny - you totally deserve to be on that list, as do all the others on there. Congratulations.

    @Chris - Danny and I are actually the same person - notice how we're never in the same place at the same time? I just praised myself, in fact.

    I'll also especially second Feeds as a great site to watch - Jennifer has sparked several posts from me over the last few months. Always a good thoughtful read. "Grandpa Defren" continues to inspire too, as always.
  • Chris,
    Great write up.
    Thx.
    - Samepoint.com
  • Chris:

    Great list. I have been reading some of those that you have listed, but I have a lot more that I need to add to my list. It has been a challenge, but I have now gotten into the habit of adding a post daily to my marketing blog.

    I'd love to hear your comments. www.joelwarady.typepad.com

    Joel
  • Great list and many of my daily reads are in this post. I would add....

    Beth Harte (The Harte of Marketing)
    An Bui (An With 1 N)
    Brains on Fire
    CK's Blog
    Katie Chatfield (Get Shouty)
    Chris Thilk (Movie Marketing Madness)
    Lisa Hartmann (New Media Lisa)
    Gavin Heaton (Servant of Chaos)
    Pat Coyle (Sports Marketing 2.0)
  • cheapsuits
    Marshall Kirkpatrick's OPML file is nice. I did some fooling around and created an actual blog for all eight of these up and comers: http://8for2009.blogspot.com/
  • @ Dave Fleet. Shh, you'll give the game away. Damn, now I'm talking to MYSELF in that case... ;-) Cheers Dave, appreciate it fella.
  • I have to say I was waiting for you to make a post of this nature. I've always been taught to become the best you must learn from the best. Which also includes learning from who the influencer's follow. As a result I have a serious influx of material to read now. Thank you.
  • Hi, Chris. I see a lot of the people I follow on Twitter and whose blogs I read already; I'll take this as affirmation I'm exposing myself to some good influencers in the worlds of marketing, communications, and new media. The next step would be to continue expanding my range, and fortunately I get to do that, too, with all the information that gets shared.

    My personal favorites include Jason Falls, Beth Harte, Amber Naslund, Shannon Paul, Jason Baer, Brian Solis, Mack Collier, Jeremiah Owyang, David Armano, Charlene Li, and Liz Strauss. I hope to meet as many of these smart, inspirational people as possible at SxSW in March.

    One blog I read that might be interesting to those with an ad agency or branding background would be Smoke and Meers by Sam Meers (http://smokeandmeers.blogspot.com). Sam has an intriguing writing style that is only surpassed by his branding insight. His writing and tweets aren't necessarily as voluminous as some others, but I suspect that's b/c he's deeply engaged in client work.

    Lastly, this post of yours is even stronger evidence of your community building and generous nature. Thank you for casting the light on so many others.

    Heather
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