Ann Handley
Ann Handley is a world renowned marketing expert, bestselling author, and the first ever Chief Content Officer. She leads MarketingProfs, a global education platform for marketers, and is the author of Everybody Writes and Content Rules. Ann’s work has shaped the way businesses approach content and communication, earning her recognition from Forbes, IBM, and LinkedIn. She is a sought after speaker, an influential voice in digital strategy, and a tireless advocate for clarity, creativity, and connection in marketing.Biography
Ann Handley is a pioneering force in modern marketing and one of the most respected voices in content strategy today. As the world’s first Chief Content Officer, she redefined what content means in business, elevating it from a marketing tactic to a core driver of growth and customer engagement. At the helm of MarketingProfs, a global marketing education company with over 600,000 subscribers, Ann leads initiatives that empower marketers with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.
An acclaimed author and keynote speaker, Ann is the writer behind the Wall Street Journal bestseller Everybody Writes, widely regarded as an essential guide to effective business communication. She also co authored Content Rules, the foundational text on content marketing that continues to influence marketers across industries. Her thought leadership has earned her widespread recognition, including mentions in Forbes as the most influential woman in social media and one of the top 20 women bloggers by ForbesWoman.
Ann’s impact on digital marketing began early. She co founded ClickZ, one of the first sources for digital marketing news, and sold it in 2000. Her insights have since been featured in Entrepreneur, Inc., NPR, Huffington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. IBM named her one of seven people shaping the future of marketing, a testament to her forward thinking approach and unmatched ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and wit.
As a LinkedIn Influencer and one of the most followed marketers on Twitter, Ann’s voice reaches hundreds of thousands worldwide. Yet, despite her accolades, she remains grounded and authentic. Based in Boston, she balances her professional life with her passions: a love for writing inspired by E. B. White, a fondness for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and the simple joy of tap dancing. Her tiny house office, where she writes surrounded by vintage typewriters, is as unique and charming as her perspective on marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ann Handley speaks on content marketing, digital communication, storytelling, brand voice, writing for business, and the future of marketing. She also addresses how teams can elevate their content to better connect with audiences in both B2B and B2C spaces.
Ann is the author of Everybody Writes and co author of Content Rules. Both are bestselling and widely used in marketing teams around the world. Her work has helped shape the foundation of modern content marketing.
Ann is a perfect fit for marketing professionals, communications teams, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and writers. Her talks are especially impactful for B2B organisations and companies that value clear, engaging content strategies.
Absolutely. Ann has spoken in more than 24 countries and for high profile organisations including NASA, Mastercard, Disney, Chase, and Yale. She is one of the most sought after voices in marketing today.