9 Social Media Blogs You Should Be Reading

Who: Mari Smith
Why: Mari Smith is a social media specialist with a ridiculous amount of Facebook knowledge. She is a regular speaker and keynote presenter at different marketing and social media events and she just recently authored the book “Facebook Marketing An Hour A Day”. If you seek any type of information on Facebook marketing Mari should be the first person you turn to for advice.
Where: You can find Mari on Facebook, @marismith or on her Blog

Who: Jason Falls
Why: Jason runs the site Social Media Explorer and he describes himself as a social media educator and strategist who helps companies understand the social web. His blog could be considered a best of as he writes on just about every topic related to social media from measurement to search marketing to public relations. I was fortunate enough to hear Jason speak at the Social Media Success Summit 2010 and came away thoroughly impressed with his knowledge and how well he communicates the topics to the audience.
Where: You can find Jason at his Blog or @jasonfalls

Who: Jay Baer
Why: Jay is a social media strategist and consultant who runs the blog Convince and Convert and has worked with over 700 brands. His blog is full of fantastic information on social media strategies and free social media tools.
Where: Like most everyone else on this list Jay can be found on his Blog, @jaybaer and Facebook.

Who: Social Media Examiner
Why: Social Media Examiner was founded by Michael Stelzner and has quickly become the first place I go to every morning as I know there will be a well researched quality article related to social media posted every day. You’ll find case studies, interviews with others in social media, how-to’s, reviews and much more.
Where: You can find Michael Stelzner @mike_stelzner and you can find Social Media Examiner @smexaminer, on Facebook and of course at socialmediaexaminer.com

Who: Mashable
Why: Mashable is the social media guide and the content on the site ranges from coverage of Facebook to Apple and Apple products to Google to Twitter along with how-to guides and social media statistics Mashable really can lives up to their billing as the social media guide.
Where: Find the social media guide at Mashable.com, @mashable and of course Facebook.

Who: Inside Facebook
Why: If you need any information about what is happening in the Facebook environment than Inside Facebook needs to be added to your RSS reader of choice immediately. They give you the straight facts on what’s going on with the Facebook platform, the development environment and stats on the most popular applications. If you need even more information regarding Facebook they offer a premium subscription.
Where: Find them at InsideFacebook.com, @insidenetwork or on Facebook

Who: CopyBlogger
Why: In order for your blog to be successful online you need to not only be passionate about your subject matter but you also need to be able to produce great content for your site. CopyBlogger is the site you need to teach you how to write and craft good compelling content and eye catching finger clicking headlines.
Where: To learn the secrets of great copy writing visit CopyBlogger.com or @copyblogger

Who: Kikolani
Why: Kikolani is a blog I’ve just recently begun reading but have found the information already to be invaluable. On the site you’ll find information about blogging, social media strategies and anything else related to becoming a successful blogger.
Where: Find the blog at Kikolani.com, @kikolani or like her on Facebook.

Who: Gary Vaynerchuk
Why: Gary Vaynerchuk is a social media juggernaut with personality bigger than any of the social media platforms can contain. He’s loud, drops f-bombs, abrupt and to the point and you’ll either love the guy or hate him but either way you’ll listen to every word he says because you know he’s right.
Where: The better question is where isn’t Gary? Find his blog at GaryVaynerchuk.com, or find him at Facebook or @garyvee

Feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment below with the social media blogs you read and the people you follow in the social media realm.