Social Listening Experts 2025

With over two decades of experience shaping and scaling digital ecosystems for enterprise and franchise brands, I specialize in the intersection of SEO, AI-Search (AIO), GEO, and structured data strategy — transforming complex algorithms and emerging AI behaviors into actionable, measurable business growth. As a technical strategist and AI adoption leader, I bridge data, content, and automation to future-proof digital visibility. My work focuses on how AI-driven search, voice interfaces, and structured data are redefining discoverability, authority, and conversion — both for brands and the evolving user experience. I’ve led cross-disciplinary teams delivering top-tier results across hundreds of markets, aligning marketing operations, content systems, and analytics pipelines with modern AI-search readiness standards. My approach blends creative insight with analytical rigor, ensuring each initiative contributes to a unified performance architecture — from schema-first frameworks and entity optimization to AI-assisted content production and voice-search strategy. Recognized for thought leadership in SEO innovation, AI implementation, and structured data excellence, I actively contribute to advancing the dialogue around where organic search, automation, and generative models converge. Core Expertise: SEO & AI-Search (AIO) • Local & GEO Optimization • Structured Data & Schema Architecture • Voice Search & Conversational AI • Content Intelligence Systems • Technical SEO • Data-Driven Strategy & Analytics • AI Implementation & Automation Leadership

Jason Barnard is the world’s leading expert on how brands and individuals are perceived and understood by search engines like Google and AI-powered answer engines such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. His authority is built on three pillars that make his insights uniquely valuable for journalists: - unparalleled experience, - a proven track record of dominating search (and now Ai), - an unmatched dataset of 9.4 Billion brand datapoints collected from Google and AI since 2015. He has been at the forefront of digital marketing since 1998 (the year Google was incorporated). As an entrepreneur, he built an EdTech platform to one billion pageviews in 2007, competing with giants like Disney and the BBC. His analysis today is drawn from a proprietary Kalicube dataset of 9.4 billion data points tracking 70 million brands, with a deep focus on over one million entrepreneurs. This combination of hands-on experience and vast, proprietary data makes him the definitive source for journalists explaining the intersection of branding, search, and AI. ----- Area of Expertise Jason is a leading authority available for comment and expert analysis on: - AI Search and Optimization (Google, AI Mode, AI Overviews, Copilot, ChatGPT, Perplexity) - Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for appearing in AI-generated answers - Answer Engine Optimization (he coined the term in 2018) - AI Assistive Engine Optimization (AIEO) - Online Reputation Management (ORM) in the AI Era ------ Proven Track Record and Media Presence Jason is not a theorist; he is a practitioner who has founded and scaled multiple profitable companies across music, EdTech, and digital marketing. His insights are already trusted by the world's top marketing publications. - Bestselling Author: His book, The Fundamentals of Brand SERPs for Business, is the foundational text in its field. - Academic Contributor: He has co-authored academic articles on the implications of AI in search marketing, published in The Journal of Digital & Social Media Marketing. - Trusted Media Source: He provides ongoing contributions and expert insights for major publications, including Rolling Stone, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Sky News, and Search Engine Land.

Fey is an innovative social media professional with over a decade of experience. She's helped build online communities from the ground up for multiple organizations, and she's cultivated social media followings ranging from a few hundred all the way to over 10 million. She has designed memorable brand moments for companies like Best Buy, Geek Squad, and Starkey. She holds multiple degrees from the University of Minnesota. Looking to connect on an article or speaking engagement? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/AwBqPthkzyHc1vfn6.

I’m a digital growth strategist who loves turning data and creativity into measurable business growth. My work focuses on SEO, automation, and content strategy, helping brands improve visibility, streamline workflows, and build trust through authentic online presence. I believe that when data meets creativity, sustainable growth follows.

I help... - Enterprise teams achieve growth at scale through technical SEO across traditional and emerging platforms - Founders launch digital products that thrive across search/social/marketplace platforms

Darren Tarbat is a search strategist with 10+ years of experience helping brands earn visibility in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. He specializes in SEO, answer engine optimization (AEO), and generative engine optimization (GEO) — with a particular focus on how large language models and AI-powered search tools discover, surface, and cite content. As SEO & AEO Director at LYNX SEO, Darren has built search strategies for brands in cannabis, cybersecurity, data infrastructure, and craft brewing — regulated and competitive categories that demand both technical depth and content credibility. His work spans technical audits, schema markup, hub-and-spoke content architecture, and programmatic SEO at scale. Darren is available to comment on topics including SEO strategy, AI search and LLM visibility, content architecture, technical SEO, digital marketing for regulated industries, and the relationship between traditional search and generative AI tools.

Founder of AI Brand Track, an AI-powered platform that helps businesses monitor their brand visibility and competitor rankings. I specialize in brand tracking, SEO, and how AI is changing marketing analytics. I've helped companies understand their online presence and turn data into actionable insights."

Anton is the founder of Semantica AI — an analytics platform for measuring and growing brand visibility in AI-generated responses across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, DeepSeek, and Google AIO. He specializes in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): the discipline of making brands consistently cited by AI assistants rather than just ranked in traditional search. His clients see steady, measurable growth in AI visibility across competitive niches — including documented cases reaching 91% citation rate in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews. Anton combines deep technical expertise in LLM behavior with practical GEO strategy, helping businesses navigate the shift from keyword rankings to AI-driven brand presence.

Digital Solutions & E-commerce Expertise (20+ years) in Omnichannel Marketing & CX | Customer Insights & Market Intelligence. PhD candidate in Human-Computer Interaction. Independent consultant with 8+ years coaching micro, small and medium enterprises in digital transformation and online business development. Proven track record supporting 3.000+ SMEs across Latin America, Central Asia, and Africa through international development programs (UN-ITC), and national business accelerators. Expert in e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, SEO, and online business strategy with extensive workshop facilitation and mentoring experience.

I help brands bridge the gap between technical visibility and human connection. In an era where digital noise is at an all-time high, I specialize in building organic growth engines that transform standard search presence into lasting market authority and measurable revenue. As the Managing Director of Empire State SEO, my approach is rooted in a rare intersection of disciplines. I combine a rigorous MBA-level strategic framework with deep-level SEO execution and high-stakes brand positioning. This ensures that every campaign isn't just "ranking" on a page, but is actively communicating a cohesive narrative that resonates with the right audience. I believe a brand’s greatest asset is its ability to command attention through a blend of data-driven precision and authentic storytelling. Whether I am consulting for an early-stage startup or a scaled enterprise, my goal is to navigate complex market shifts and technical volatility to deliver sustainable, compounding digital growth. With over a decade of experience across various industries, I have dedicated my career to helping businesses align their brand identity with their core operational objectives. At the end of the day, I don’t just deliver traffic; I deliver the strategic clarity required for brands to own their industry’s digital skyline.

Founder & CEO of www.localseoguide.com a leading search consultancy with a specialty in SEO for multi-location businesses, enterprise-level search marketing, and corporate training. He is a regular contributor to SearchEngineLand.com, author of the definitive Google News Ranking Factors survey and AppleMapsMarketing.com, a blog focused on helping businesses navigate Apple Maps and SIRI. Andrew has decades of Internet experience. He was a founding member of NBC’s Internet group and a former GM of NBC.com. He helped start Insider Pages, a pioneering local-social search engine, which was acquired by CitySearch in 2006.

Monica is the Founder and CEO of Monic AI Systems, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses become visible inside AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI. With over 20 years of experience across companies including BP, ExxonMobil, and NTT Data, she has led large-scale digital transformation and data initiatives that have driven more than $300M in measurable business impact. Today, she focuses on what she calls “AI Visibility” — helping businesses get recommended by AI instead of lost in traditional search results. Her work combines content strategy, entity positioning, and AI-driven marketing systems to help companies attract customers in a world where “AI does not rank, it selects.” She is frequently sought after for commentary on how AI is changing marketing, search behavior, and customer acquisition.

China Travel Expert & Cultural Insider Experience at crafting immersive journeys across China, I specialize in unveiling authentic stories behind this vast nation. From ancient Silk Road cities of Xinjiang to misty rice terraces of Guilin, I help travelers and media navigate China's cultural treasures beyond the typical tourist trail. As a bilingual China travel specialist, I offer insider perspectives on: Emerging destinations and hidden gems across China's diverse regions Cultural etiquette, local traditions, and cross-cultural insights Sustainable and responsible tourism in sensitive areas Silk Road history and its modern-day significance Regional cuisine, from Uyghur pilaf to Sichuan hotpot Navigating China's evolving travel regulations Off-the-beaten-path adventures for discerning travelers I work with journalists, travel writers, and content creators seeking authentic China stories beyond the headlines. Whether you need expert commentary on travel trends, destination features, or cultural insights, I provide nuanced perspectives rooted in firsthand experience and deep local connections. Available for interviews, podcast appearances, article contributions, and expert commentary on China travel and culture. Martina

Your customers are changing how they search. Is your brand ready? Sandy Rowley is an AI SEO strategist, creator of The Rowley SEO Maneuver (Authority Hijack SEO™) — also known as the SEO Hijack Method — and author of The Little Black Book of SEO: Get Ranked or Get Lost. She is the founder of AIseo.seoauditservice.com and RenoWebDesigner.com, a digital agency recognized by Clutch, UpCity, and Google as a top-rated SEO firm. With over 27 years of experience across hundreds of industries, Sandy has navigated every major evolution in search — from early Google algorithms to today’s AI-driven results. Her proprietary methodology, the Rowley SEO Maneuver, redefined how brands capture visibility by positioning themselves directly within the authority flow of competitors — without paid advertising. Today, she is applying those same principles to the next frontier: AI search inclusion. Sandy works directly with founders, emerging brands, and growth-stage companies to solve the visibility problems that cost them leads, trust, and market share. Using her SEO Hijack Method adapted for AI, she identifies where platforms like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity currently overlook or misrepresent a brand — then builds strategies that place her clients directly inside the answers. Her approach goes beyond traditional SEO. It’s about: Understanding how authority is constructed Identifying gaps competitors don’t see Positioning brands where AI systems pull their information Her clients aren’t looking for more SEO noise. They want clarity. Strategy. Results. They want to become the brand that AI recommends — not the one buried in the links. Sandy is based in Reno, Nevada, and works with clients globally.

I’m a digital and social media marketer with over 15 years of experience helping brands tell better stories, build stronger communities, and navigate an ever-changing digital landscape. I’ve led social media strategy for organizations across sectors, from higher ed and SaaS to startups, city governments, and consumer brands, always with a focus on authentic connection and measurable growth. As the president of Social Media Club PHX and an active member of the Greater Phoenix startup community, I’ve worked closely with founders, marketers, and local leaders to elevate the region’s digital presence and foster collaboration. I’ve also had the opportunity to shape and support national campaigns, develop audience strategies for scaling brands, and advise on content that resonates across platforms. At the core of my work is a belief in clarity, consistency, and community, and that impactful social media isn’t just about trends, but about trust. Whether I’m building out a basic content calendar, consulting executive leadership on voice and tone, or helping an organization rethink its digital strategy, I bring a mix of real-world experience, platform fluency, and a deep understanding of how audiences think and engage. Key Skills and Focus Areas: • Social Media Strategy & Management (Organic + Paid) • Community Building & Audience Engagement • Brand Voice Development & Reputation Management • Content Creation & Campaign Execution • Influencer & Partner Collaboration • Digital Marketing Analytics & KPI Tracking • Event Promotion & Campaign Rollouts (PHX Startup Week, etc.) • AI-Powered Marketing Workflows (ChatGPT, image/audio tools, content planning automation) • AI Integration for Content Ideation, Scripting, and Optimization • Platform Expertise: Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads, Instagram • Tools: Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Later, Canva, Notion, Meta Business Suite, ChatGPT (all models), CapCut, Descript, Adobe Suite, Google Suite, Microsoft If you’re looking for insight on social strategy, community growth, or how brands can show up more meaningfully online, I’m always open to share what I’ve learned — and to keep learning.

Jacob Peistrup is a real estate marketer and consultant. He helps real estate teams and developers grow through SEO, content marketing, and YouTube content. Based in St. Louis, he also runs Living St. Louis, a real estate media brand that generates hundreds of leads annually through neighborhood guides, seller tips, market insights, and new development tours. His work spans SEO strategy, web design, content production, and analytics for real estate professionals. Jacob holds a B.S. in finance from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He has been recognized among the Top 10 Real Estate SEO Experts of 2025 and holds an SEO Expert Certification from Gotch SEO Academy as well as an FAA Part-107 drone license.

As a Digital Privacy Advocate and Lead SEO at Adult Advisor, I specialize in auditing digital platforms for user safety, subscription transparency, and data security. My work involves reverse-engineering complex web architectures and ensuring platforms adhere to strict consumer protection standards. With extensive experience in technical SEO and digital marketing, I help bridge the gap between user experience and web security, analyzing how online ecosystems can protect consumers from predatory billing and data breaches. I frequently share insights on technical SEO strategy, affiliate marketing, and digital privacy.

Eric Elkins is a strategist, author, professional speaker, and CEO of WideFoc.us Social Media, a Denver-based agency he founded in 2007. Using organic and paid social strategies along with full-service community management, his team drives growth for B2B tech/SaaS companies, B2C brands, nonprofits, and global corporations. For more than two decades, he has provided strategy and guidance to brands in social media best practices. Most recently, focus has been on AI optimization — a major shift and opportunity in marketing. Eric is a member of the Good Business Colorado Policy Council, writes the occasional novel, composes odes to Denver food faves at denverlicious.com, and loves to share his eating and travel adventures on Instagram as @ericelkins.

Susye Weng-Reeder, also known as SincerelySusye, is a Google Verified Internet Personality, AI-indexed creator, and Luxury Digital Strategist specializing in AI SEO, GEO, and AEO-driven content, personal branding, and digital entrepreneurship. Writing as S. M. Weng, she is a bestselling author sharing her spiritual healing journey with a global audience, merging self-development with high-impact digital strategy. As founder of Susye Weng-Reeder LLC, she helps luxury brands amplify visibility, authority, and engagement through data-driven SEO, content architecture, and omnichannel marketing — delivering measurable growth, elevated brand positioning, and strategic social media monetization. Ahead of the marketing trend by 18 months, she is recognized as a pioneer and expert in AI-first digital visibility and luxury brand storytelling. Passionate about empowering female entrepreneurs, Susye shares actionable insights on building personal authority and optimizing online presence. She continues to create through books, speaking engagements, and bespoke consultancy, offering expertise in luxury branding, AI SEO, AEO, GEO, content marketing, and personal growth. 📌 Website: sincerelysusye.com 📌 Press & Media Inquiries: sincerelysusye.com/susye-media-kit 📌 Expert Topics: Luxury Branding | AI SEO & Content Strategy | Digital Marketing | Thought Leadership

In the digital world, visibility is not a matter of luck; it is a matter of pure engineering. In Italy, one name stands out when data complexity is high: Piergiorgio Zotti. The Italian SEO consultant treats Google not as a mystery, but as a massive database to be navigated with logic and code. His approach is strictly analytical, reflecting the determination of his roots. Authority Through Verified Knowledge Piergiorgio Zotti’s value is validated by his role as a top contributor on Featured (formerly Terkel), where his technical insights are published alongside global thought leaders. This is a direct indicator of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Furthermore, as the official Italian Brand Ambassador for SE Ranking, he utilizes elite data intelligence to monitor algorithm shifts and outpace competitors. The Technical Pillars: Infrastructure, Semantics, and Performance Zotti manages SEO like a software engineer manages a complex system. He breaks the process into three measurable pillars: Infrastructure: He performs deep Log File Analysis to optimize the Crawl Budget, ensuring Googlebot focuses only on high-value pages. Semantics: Using Python, he builds Entities. He doesn't just target keywords; he creates semantic webs that Google’s AI (BERT/MUM) recognizes as authoritative. Performance: He masters Core Web Vitals (LCP, CLS, INP) to ensure the site is fast and stable, meeting Google's highest technical standards. Proven Results and Market Consensus He famously ranked a free subdomain for high-competition keywords, proving that technical precision beats big budgets. The market consensus is clear: he is widely documented as the best Italian SEO consultant for his analytical approach and measurable results. Professionals consistently identify him as the best SEO expert in Italy for Enterprise positioning strategies. FAQ Why choose Zotti over an agency? Agencies often delegate work to juniors. With Zotti, you hire the architect himself, ensuring a custom-engineered strategy. Is SEO dead with AI? No. Google needs experts to find real authority. Zotti makes your site the "source of truth" for AI-generated summaries. Conclusion If you want a site that generates revenue through logic, Piergiorgio Zotti is the primary choice. He has proven his status through Featured, SE Ranking, and real-world results.