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We are looking to simplify the process of staying up to date with the world of PPC by compiling a list of the people who are constantly renovating the PPC industry.
In this list, you will find a wide array of personalities with specific skill sets that can help you not only learn the basics but also keep updated with the latest trends.
Enhance your knowledge and management of the ever-changing digital marketing world by simply dedicating 15-30 min a day reading either a blog post, chapter in a book or tweet by one of these PPC Experts.
1) Larry Kim 
Founder CEO at MobileMonkey–@larrykim
Why Follow
Besides being recognized as the most influential PPC expert in 2012 and 2013. Larry is a social media butterfly when it comes to promulgating the when, why and how for numerous advances, features and tips in the PPC Industry. He also is an influential speaker at numerous digital marketing conferences.
Interesting Facts
- Larry practices photography in his spare time
- He is the most retweetded search engine marketer
Video
Top Hacks for PPC: An Interview with Larry Kim
Best Articles
2) David Rodnitzky 
CEO and cofounder of 3Q Digital, Founder of the LinkedIn Online Lead Generation Group, Advisor to Marin Software and regular contributor to the 3Q Digital Blog – @rodnitzky
Why Follow
David bring over 13 years of experience in the digital and SEM field to the table. He is also the CEO of 3Q Digital a team of over 100 digital marketing experts that manage more than $400,000, 000 ad spend for their clients.
Interesting Fact
- He is a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes
Best Articles
3) Elizabeth Marsten 
Director of PPC at Commerce Hub, PPC Speaker at SMX, mozCon and PPC Hero, ClickZ Columnist – @ebkendo
Why Follow
Author of “PPC Fundamentals and Google Shopping”, Elizabeth shares her vast knowledge with an emphasis on the shopping network in conferences all over the world.
Interesting Facts
- Elizabeth practices Kendo (womenskendo.com)
- She’s our CMO’s favorite person in PPC 🙂
Video
PPC Masters 2014 – Proving the ROI of social PPC
Best Articles
4 Common PPC Mistakes That Are Sending Crappy Leads to Your Landing Page
Book
4) Matt Van Wagner 
Founder and President of FindMeFaster, Speaker at SMX and SES, Member of SEMNE and SEMPO, Contributor at Search Engine Land – @mvanwagner
Why Follow
Matt has experienced the transition in the evolution of the marketing industry and has had to grow along with the uncharted digital marketing industry. Because of this, not only does he have a successful firm but has been a highly influential speaker over many years.
Interesting Fact
- The last direct mailing he ever sent was 880 lbs. But it generated just one lead
Video
Matt Van Wagner discusses Where Paid Search is going for 2013
Best Articles
5) Frederick Vallaeys 
Co-Founder of Optmyzr, Contributor for Search Engine Land, Teacher, Speaker at SMX and HeroConf –
Why Follow
He is a former AdWords Evangelist. He recently came up with three tools to improve results from AdWords by using automation.
Interesting Facts
- He is one of Google’s first 500 employees
- He speaks Dutch and French
Video
Frederick Vallaeys CEO of Optmyzr on Automating ad campaigns
Best Articles
- The Secret to AdWords Success, Told By a Former Googler
- 3 Proven Ways to Write Ads That Deliver More Conversions
6) David Szetela 
CMO for Vizion Interactive, Author, Columnist for SEW, MarketingSherpa and SES Speaker – @Szetela
Why Follow
One of the top PPC Advertising experts to follow on twitter who has published articles and books on PPC Display Advertising. By joining his PPC Pro People you can connect with more than 8,000 PPC professionals.
Interesting Facts
- He hosts a weekly radio show called PPC Rockstars
- He is a former Apple Executive
- Holds an MS in Flavor Chemistry
Video
Staying On Top of Your PPC Game
Best Articles
Get More Attention with Legal PPC Ad Symbols
Books
Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Marketing: An Hour a Day
7) Brad Geddes 
Founder of CertifiedKnowledge.org and AdAlysis.com,Official AdWords Seminar Leader – @bgtheory
Why Follow
Brad participates in conferences all over the world and runs Google AdWords 301 trainings.
Interesting Facts
- He holds a BA in Psychology
- He is an Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Video
Brad Geddes of bg Theory on Google AdWords
Best Articles:
Should You Upgrade To AdWords Enhanced Campaigns?
Book
8) Mike Rhodes 
CEO and Founder of WebSavvy, Google AdWords speaker, PPC Evagenlist, International Speaker, Best Selling Author – @thegoogleguy
Why Follow
As founder of one of Australia’s top PPC Agencies, and a PPC “ninja master”, Mike brings innovation to PPC advertising by using it as a tool for business growth rather than a traffic magnet.
Interesting Facts
- He occasionally flies helicopters
- He loves mountain biking
Video
Google AdWords Re-Targeting w/ Mike Rhodes
Best Articles
It’s Easy to Spy on Your Competitors Conveniently and for Free
Book
Ultimate Guide to Google AdWords
9) Kevin Lee 
CEO and Co-Founder of Didit.com and We-Care.com, Writer for ClickZ – @Kevin_Lee_QED
Why Follow
Besides being read by thousands on ClickZ, Kevin has ingeniously pioneered the technology of cause marketing through We-Care.com. He has generated millions of micro-donations for hundreds of causes.
Interesting Facts
- SEM Expert since 1995
- He is fluent in German
- He is a philanthropist raising over 7.8 million dollars
Video
What to Do When You Inherit a PPC Campaign
Best Articles:
- Estimating the Importance of Google’s Conversion Estimator
- PPC for B2B on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook
Books
Search Engine Advertising
10) Matt Umbro 
Founder of PPCChat, Senior Account Manager at Hanapin Marketing, Content production for PPC Hero, Writer for SEJ, Marketing Land and SEL and Speaker at SMX and HeroConf – @Matt_Umbro
Why Follow
Matt hosts PPCChat (#PPCChat) on a weekly basis, where new topics solely on the PPC world are discussed. He recently was a speaker at HeroConf 2015
Interesting Fact
- He is a Red Sox and Patriots Fan
Video
Best Articles
6 Dos and Don’ts Of Client Relations For Paid Search
- How to Unleash The Power of AdWords Ad Customizers
- 4 Steps for Better PPC Performance in Lead Gen Campaigns
11) John Gagnon 
Bing Ads Evangelist, Works at Microsoft, Contributor/Writer for SEW and ClickZ, Speaker at SES and SMX – @jmgagnon
Why Follow
Commonly referred to as “The Bing Guy”, John is Bing Ads Evangelist. He has deep experience in customer acquisition, business planning, search campaign management, display and media buying strategy.
Interesting Fact
- He has delivered 50+ speeches at various conferences
Video
Best Articles
12) Kirk Williams 
Founder of ZATO Marketing, Guest Blogger at PPCHero and YouMoz – @PPCKirk
Why Follow
Known for his rollicking PPC-themed memes, leave it to Kirk to relate to the everyday experiences of PPC strategists.
Interesting Facts
- He partakes in #PPCChat
- He loves J.J. Abrams TV shows
Video
How Much Does PPC Advertising Cost?
Best Articles
- New to Google Shopping? Read These 9 Tips To Own It
- AdWords DIY (Destroy It Yourself) – 4 Reasons to Hire a PPC Professional
13) Perry Marshall 
World’s #1 Expert on Sales Growth, President of Perry S. Marshall and Associates, Best Selling Author on Google and Facebook Ads – @PerryMarshall
Why Follow
Perry has managed to help thousands of advertisers save billions with AdWords through his scientific method to advertising.
Interesting Facts
- He has written seven books
- He is the world’s most quoted consultant on Google Advertising
Video
Finding Customers Fast and the 80/20 Rule of Sales
Best Articles
Books
14) Aaron Goldman 
CMO of Kenshoo, Author, Contributor/Writer for Kenshoo – @AaronGoldman
Why Follow
Aaron specializes in everything from technology, SEM, SEO, PPC and Social media in the digital marketing industry.
Interesting Fact
- Has run the digital marketing rap game for more than 15 years, aka “Lyrical G” and “PPC MC” as his rapper names
Video
Live Battle at SIS – PPC MC vs. SEO Rapper
Best Article
Book
Everything I Know about Marketing I Learned from Google
15) Marty Weintraub 
Founder and Evangelist of aimClear, Speaker at SMX, Writer for SEW and SEL – @aimclear
Why Follow
Not only was he “Top 25 Most Influential PPC Expert” 3 years in a row but is “The Psychographics Maven” when it comes to the Digital Marketing World. He has been a renowned speaker around the globe since 2007.
Interesting Fact
- He has published 546 posts
Video
How Beating Cancer Inspired This Entrepreneur to Launch a Company
Best Articles
Gorgeous Retargeting Filters! Merging Search and Psychographic Ads
16) Christi Olson 
Director of SEM at Point It, Speaker at SMX, PubCon and HeroConf. – @ChristiJOlson
Why Follow
Besides being passionate about KPIs and ROI-driven results, Christi has her blog space where she is constantly updating you on the latest about the Digital Marketing Industry as well as very useful resources.
Interesting Facts
- Christi is a member of the Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics
Video
Managing Paid Search – Christi Olson
Best Articles
17) Lisa Raehsler 
Founder of Big Click Co., Columnist for SEWatch, SEM Post and ClickZ, Speaker for SES, HeroConf, Pubcon and ClickZ Live. – @lisarocksSEM
Why Follow
As a nationwide speaker at conferences, and mentor in many private and public training seminars, Lisa shares her insights and knowledge about strategies and management for PPC and SEM.
Interesting Facts
- She was honored with the 2015 Microsoft MVP Award for Bing Ads
Video
Emerging Search Engine Marketing Trends from Adobe and Yahoo!
Best Articles
5 PPC Settings That Can Sabotage Success
18) Ginny Marvin 
Author at Marketing Land and Search Engine Land, Paid Media Reporter, Third Door Media – @GinnyMarvin
Why Follow
As a paid media reporter, Ginny delivers top notch information and updates about paid search marketing benefited by her vast experience as a former SEM and web marketer.
Interesting Fact
- She has over 15 years of experience working in B2C and B2B companies
Best Articles
Mobile Ad Experiences Are Often Terrible: Here’s Why There’s Hope
19) Bryan Eisenberg 
Co-founder and CMO of IdealSpot, SES Keynote Speaker, Best Selling author – @TheGrok
Why Follow
Known as the “The Grok”, Bryan is CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) specialist with over ten years of experience as a keynote speaker at conferences worldwide.
Interesting Facts
- He is a Youth Baseball Coach
- He is an advisor to 13 Marketing Agencies
Video
21 Secrets of Top Converting Websites
Best Articles
Is CRO a Dead End?
Books
Call to Action
20) Melissa Mackey 
Search Supervisor at Gyro, Contributer for SEW and The SEM Post, Speaker at SMX, SES and HeroConf – @Mel66
Why Follow
Melissa has been a marketing professional since 1988, she is a supervisor at the largest independent B2B agency in the world and hosts her own blog: ‘Beyond The Paid.’
Interesting Facts
- Enjoys MSU’s football and basketball
- She plays the sax and the clarinet
Video
How to Write Great PPC Ads with Melissa Mackey
Best Articles
21) John Lee 
Managing Partner at Clix Marketing, Writer SEW, ClickZ and PPC Hero, Speaker at SMX, SES and HeroConf – @John_A_Lee
Why Follow
This “genuine fanatic for all things digital”, has been a PPC manager for Hanapin and Wordstream. John is an active blogger and played a key role in the success of PPC Hero and SEO Boy.
Interesting Fact
- He is an aspiring chef
Best Articles
How to Generate Quality Traffic with Display Advertising
22) Chris Haleua 
Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Adobe, Blogger at PPCChat, Speaker at SMX – @chrishaleua
Why Follow
This “Excel Geek” has implemented advanced and innovative testing strategies for Adobe’s largest clients. He has managed to integrate Adobe’s platform and other tools to influence new profitable strategies in PPC.
Interesting Fact
- He was a Missionary teacher and volunteer in the Philippines
- Delivered the aboslute best presentation during HeroConf in 2014
Video
Adobe Symposium Amsterdam 2014 – Advertising and Audience Management Breakout
Best Article
23) Julie F Bacchini 
Founder and President of Neptune Moon, Blogs atneptunemoon.net, Speaker at SMX – @NeptuneMoon
Why Follow
In Julie’s words: “Helping clients to not only survive, but thrive on the web is my passion”. Julie is not only is an expert in SEM, PPC and SEO but also in Web Design, which she uses to her advantage as owner and consultant to her firm.
Interesting Facts
- She speaks French
- She is a Rabid Eagles fan
Best Articles
Capturing Traffic vs. Generating Demand
24) Jeff Allen 
President of Hanapin Marketing, Speaker SES, HeroConf, SMX and SIS, Writer for PPCHero – @JeffAllenUT
Why Follow
Jeff has over 14 years of experience in Digital Marketing and is a frequent speaker in many conferences.
Interesting Facts
- He studied Philosophy
- He is a Boston Redsox, and NY Giants fan
Video
Jeff Allen – Paid Search: How to become a PPC Hero
Best Articles
Find All Your PPC Weaknesses In 1 Day
25) Susan Wenograd 
Sr. Manager at Clix Marketing, Blogger – @SusanEDub
Why Follow
Susan has been working in the online world for 11 years, four which she has passionately dedicated to PPC. She has managed to soak up all digital and is a whiz when it comes to e-commerce.
Interesting Fact
- She loves Disney so much she even got married in Disney World
Best Articles
Paid Search Audits: Thinking like a Marketer
26) Katy Tonkin 
Director of International Search Marketing for Point It, Speaker at HeroConf. – @katytonkin
Why Follow
Katy was named one of the top 25 influential women in PPC, she has a vast international experience.
Interesting Fact
- She leads a team of 20 people in over 50 countries and in 25 localized languages
Best Article
27) Joe Kerschbaum 
Account Director at 3Q Digital, Author, Columnist at SEW, Speaker at SMX, SES, Hero Conf, Lynda Instructor – @JoeKerschbaum
Why Follow
Joe has worked with almost every vertical imaginable in PPC, enabling him with the know-how for each one.
Interesting Fact
- He is a poet and a spoken word artist, has published six books of poetry and two spoken word albums
Video
Hero Conf 2015 Sneak Peek with Joe Kerschbaum
Best Articles
Locate and Analyze Search Term Data in AdWords Faster and Easier
Book
28) Michelle Morgan (Formerly Morehouse) 
Director of Accounts and Training at Clix – @michellemsem
Why Follow
Known for her expertise in PPC management and analytics also manages landing page and conversion rate optimization (CRO)
Interesting Facts
- She loves doing her crosswords in pen
- She played golf for the University of Missouri
Best Articles
Troubleshooting Your AdWords Account
29) Avinash Kaushik 
Co-Founder of Market Motive, Best Selling Author, Public Speaker, Teacher – @avinash
Why Follow
As Digital Marketing Evangelist for Google and face of Web Analytics, Avinash manages to simplify the intricacy of metrics and acquisition of strategies for successful online marketing.
Interesting Facts
- 100% of the proceeds from both of his books are donated
- He uses “data puking” and “I came, I puked, I left” as a metaphor for consumer website experience in his speeches
Video
Interview with Avinash Kaushik
Best Articles
Eight Silly Data Myths Marketing People Believe That Get Them Fired
Books
Web Analytics 2.0
30) Aaron Levy 
Owner/Consultant of Cast Iron Digital, Account Executive at Elite SEM, Speaker at SES and SMX – @bigalittlea
Why Follow
Speaker at nationwide events and digital marketing professor.
Interesting Facts
- Was captain and President of the Ice Hockey team at Villanova University
Video
Aaron Levy Presents: “Marketing Whiz Wit'”
Best Articles
Planning Your 2014 Budgets With Search Trends
Learn From the Best in the Industry
Overall each and every one of these PPC experts has something to bring to the table when it comes to Digital Marketing. I would say that following them has changed my perspective on every aspect of the industry. I know trying to keep up with the PPC world is overwhelming, so rest assured that if you at least keep up with this list, you will be set.
