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Staying informed is key to maintaining a lead in the rapidly advancing SaaS industry.
But who do you turn to for that cutting-edge insight? Enter the realm of SaaS influencers – the trendsetters, the thought leaders and the game changers. Following these individuals should become part of your inbound marketing strategies in the SaaS industry.
As a full-service B2B and SaaS marketing agency, we've handpicked a selection of 21 SaaS influencers and experts poised to shape the industry in 2024.
What We'll Cover:
Who are SaaS Influencers?
SaaS influencers are those with the magic touch. They're not just experts; they are visionaries and trailblazers.
With deep-rooted expertise and a significant sway in the SaaS industry, these individuals guide us through the maze of trends, innovations, and best practices, helping SaaS businesses stay on top of what’s hot and what’s not. Many have huge influence and following, so your SaaS business can tap into this as part of your marketing strategy to promote your products and services.
Most of these influencers are front-runners, shaping the direction of the SaaS market with their insights and knowledge, leading the way with transformative action.
How to Find the Right SaaS Influencers to Follow
Navigating the digital world to find the right SaaS influencers is a challenge.
We recommend using tools like BuzzSumo, Twitter, and LinkedIn to discover the most important voices of the moment. Start with keywords that align with your interests in SaaS, and drill down using filters.
Pay attention to the engagement and reach of potential influencers. How genuine is it? What is the response like? Is this person coming from a place of support or self-interest? Beware – not all that glitters is gold. Following the wrong influencer can lead to wasted time and misguided strategies.
Ensure alignment with your goals and values. Want a more hands-on approach? Consider guest blog posting as a way to connect with influencers. It’s not just about finding them; it’s about engaging with them.
21 SaaS Influencers and Experts to Follow
The SaaS industry is like a bustling city, alive with ideas and innovations. In this vibrant landscape, our list of 21 influencers is your guided tour of the city's brightest minds.
These influencers are categorized not by their fame but by their unique impact. From thought leaders to innovators, each one is shaping the SaaS world in their own way. Their perspectives, achievements, and leadership make them stand out above all others.
Here's our list of the 21 SaaS Influencers and Experts to follow in 2024.
Jason Lemkin
Jason Lemkin, often hailed as the godfather of SaaS, is a pivotal figure in the community. From founding EchoSign to becoming a managing director at Storm Ventures, his journey is a testament to his profound impact on SaaS. Jason's insights are invaluable, particularly on SaaS metrics and growth strategies. He's a mentor to many and a beacon for those navigating the SaaS landscape.
Des Traynor
Des Traynor, the co-founder of Intercom, has revolutionized customer communication in the SaaS realm. His focus on improving user experience and engagement has set new benchmarks in the industry. Des combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of customer needs, making his advice crucial for SaaS businesses aiming to enhance user interaction.
David Cancel
David Cancel, the CEO of Drift, is a trailblazer in marketing and customer-centric SaaS solutions. His entrepreneurial journey, founding several startups before Drift, reflects his deep understanding of the SaaS ecosystem. David's approach to business, focusing on building a customer-centric culture and innovative marketing strategies, sets him apart.
April Dunford
April Dunford is renowned for her expertise in positioning and marketing strategies in the SaaS world. She has successfully launched 16 products in her career. April's book, "Obviously Awesome," is a go-to guide for positioning a business. Her work has been pivotal in helping SaaS companies understand and capitalize on their unique market position. April's insights are sought after by startups and established companies alike.
Claire Suellentrop
Claire Suellentrop, co-founder of Forget The Funnel, has made significant strides in the SaaS industry. She specializes in customer-led growth strategies. Claire has helped numerous SaaS companies understand their customers better. This understanding leads to more effective marketing and product development. Her approach is about putting the customer first, a key to success in SaaS.
Hiten Shah
Hiten Shah is a serial entrepreneur and a well-known figure in the SaaS community. He co-founded KISSmetrics, Crazy Egg, and FYI. His expertise lies in product and marketing strategies. Hiten is known for his data-driven approach to solving business problems. He regularly shares his insights on building and growing SaaS businesses. His advice is invaluable for anyone in the SaaS space.
Steli Efti
Steli Efti is the CEO of Close, a sales communication platform. He is a prominent figure in the SaaS sales domain. Steli is known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to sales. He has helped countless SaaS companies improve their sales processes. His advice is practical, actionable, and results-oriented. Steli's contributions have shaped modern SaaS sales strategies.
Lena Requist
Lena Requist, President of ONTRAPORT, is a driving force in the SaaS world. Known for scaling businesses, her leadership has led ONTRAPORT to consecutive rankings on Inc. 500's list of fastest-growing companies. Her focus on business growth, team building, and company culture is invaluable for SaaS leaders.
Liam Martin
Liam Martin, co-founder of Time Doctor and Staff.com, is a leader in remote work solutions. His companies help manage remote teams effectively. Liam's expertise in productivity and remote team management is highly relevant today, making him a key voice in the SaaS community.
Rand Fishkin
Rand Fishkin, the co-founder of Moz and SparkToro, is a big name in SEO and marketing. His work at Moz revolutionized SEO tools for businesses. Rand's current venture, SparkToro, focuses on audience intelligence insights, contributing immensely to digital marketing and SaaS.
Patrick Campbell
Patrick Campbell, CEO of ProfitWell, specializes in subscription software economics. His company provides metrics solutions for SaaS businesses. Patrick's insights into pricing strategies and business growth are highly sought after in the SaaS community.
Holly Chen
Holly Chen is a marketing leader and growth advisor known for her work at Slack and Google. Her skills in digital marketing and growth strategies have really helped companies grow.
Joanna Wiebe
Joanna Wiebe, founder of Copyhackers, is a master of persuasive writing in the SaaS world. Focusing on conversion copywriting, Joanna's work has helped countless SaaS companies improve their messaging, making her a go-to expert for SaaS copywriting.
Brian Balfour
Brian Balfour, CEO of Reforge and former VP of Growth at HubSpot, is an expert in growth and user acquisition. His insights into building and scaling growth teams are invaluable, making his approach a blueprint for many in the SaaS industry.
Aazar Ali Shad
Aazar Ali Shad, the VP of Growth at Userpilot, is known for his expertise in user onboarding and retention. His work helps SaaS companies improve user experience, focusing on customer success crucial for SaaS growth.
Ashley Greene
Ashley Greene, CEO of Instratify, is an expert in customer research and insights. Her work helps SaaS companies understand their customers deeply, making her approach to customer-driven growth strategies highly effective.
Ryan Robinson
Ryan Robinson is a content marketing consultant known for his work with Fortune 500 companies and startups. His content marketing and SEO advice is great for SaaS companies aiming to boost their online presence.
Dave Gerhardt
Dave Gerhardt, CMO at Privy and former VP of Marketing at Drift, is a leader in conversational marketing. His work has shaped modern marketing strategies in SaaS, making his approach to marketing and brand building innovative and effective.
Alli Blum
Alli Blum, a SaaS onboarding specialist, helps companies improve user onboarding experiences. Her focus on making users successful with SaaS products is crucial for SaaS companies looking to improve user retention.
Morgan Brown
Morgan Brown, COO at Shopify and former VP of Growth at Facebook, is a growth and marketing expert. His experience in scaling businesses is unparalleled, making his insights invaluable for SaaS companies aiming for rapid growth.
Aira Bongco
Aira Bongco is a digital marketing strategist and writer who specializes in content marketing and social media. Her work is important for SaaS companies looking to improve their online presence and grow.
The Power of Networking in the SaaS Industry
Networking in the SaaS industry isn't beneficial—it's essential.
It's more than just meeting people; it's about building relationships that help everyone grow and learn. These connections can lead to working together on projects, creating new products, and developing advanced market strategies.
Imagine a world where ideas flow freely between experts and collaboration leads to groundbreaking services and products. This is the reality in a well-networked SaaS community.
The long-term benefits of a strong professional network in the SaaS industry are immense. Such networks offer continuous learning, mentorship, and access to otherwise unreachable opportunities. They're a treasure trove of insights and experiences, invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in the SaaS world.
Check out this resource for more insights into building these crucial relationships, especially in B2B marketing for SaaS.
[Image Suggestion] An illustrative image depicting a network of professionals collaborating and exchanging ideas, symbolizing the power of networking in the SaaS industry.
Building Relationships in SaaS
Your network in the SaaS industry is essentially your net worth.
Networking with industry influencers offers numerous benefits, including access to new insights, trends, and strategies, all vital for success in the SaaS sector. These connections go beyond mere contacts; they lead to mentorship, collaboration, and inspiration.
Take action now by engaging with these influencers. Follow their insights, join discussions, and share your views. This proactive approach is key to building a strong professional network. Use social backlinking websites to expand your connections and impact in the SaaS community. These sites help you meet and build important relationships with experts and colleagues in the industry.
If you need more advice on growing your network, contact MADX Digital.
