Back in 2009, I wrote a post asking people to follow me on Twitter. At the time, Twitter was still relatively new and growing your follower count felt like a meaningful business goal. The specific platform dynamics have changed dramatically since then, but the underlying principles of why social media following matters for both creators and audiences are more relevant than ever.

The Case for Following Creators You Learn From

When you follow a content creator on social media, you are doing more than adding another post to your feed. You are creating a direct communication channel between yourself and someone whose expertise you value. This matters because the most valuable insights from experienced creators often show up in their social media posts rather than their polished blog content or podcast episodes.

Social media is where creators share real-time observations, quick tips, behind-the-scenes thinking, and unfiltered reactions to industry developments. It is the informal conversation that happens between the formal content. If you are serious about learning internet marketing, following practitioners who are actively doing the work gives you access to a running commentary on what is working right now.

Which Platforms Matter in 2026

The social media landscape has shifted significantly since the Twitter-centric days of 2009. Here is where to focus your attention for internet marketing education and networking.

YouTube remains the dominant platform for in-depth educational content. Following creators there gives you access to tutorials, case studies, and strategy breakdowns that go far deeper than any social media post.

LinkedIn has become increasingly important for B2B and professional content. Many internet marketing practitioners share detailed strategy posts and engage meaningfully with comments on LinkedIn in ways they do not on other platforms.

Twitter, now X, still has an active internet marketing community, though the platform dynamics have changed considerably. Threads and short-form insights remain valuable there.

Podcasts, while not a traditional social media platform, function similarly. Subscribing to podcasts from practitioners you trust creates an ongoing learning relationship that requires zero extra time if you listen during commutes, workouts, or household tasks.

The Networking Angle

Here is something most beginners overlook. Social media is not just for consuming content. It is for building relationships with people in your industry. When you follow a creator and consistently engage with their content through thoughtful comments and questions, you become visible to them. Over time, this can lead to genuine relationships that create business opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship that would be impossible to access otherwise.

I have built some of my most valuable professional relationships through social media interactions that started with nothing more than a follow and a thoughtful comment. The key word is thoughtful. Drive-by comments and generic praise do not build relationships. Substantive engagement does.

Build Your Own Audience Too

While you are following others, remember that building your own social media presence is equally important. You do not need a massive following to benefit. Even a small, engaged audience of people interested in your niche creates opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and eventually, revenue. Start by consistently sharing what you are learning and working on. Authenticity and consistency beat polish every time.

The bottom line: follow the creators you learn from, engage meaningfully with their content, and build your own presence in the process. Social media is a networking and learning tool. Used intentionally, it is one of the most valuable free resources available to you as an online business builder.