It is becoming increasingly apparent that social media is playing a massive role in business that will only increase in the future.

For contractors who don't know where to start with social networking phenomenon Twitter, Freelance Folder writer Laura Spencer has listed the best tweeters to follow.

Each person on the list, she says, shares good and timely information that will benefit the businesses of most freelancers.

Vitaly Friedman, publisher of the Smashing Magazine blog and Noupe @smashingmag, has the most followers on Ms Spencer's list at 301,912 - a sure sign she is well worth it and won't block up your feed with the inane comments many Twitter fans are prone to.

Also on the list is @chrisbrogan, expert on the use of new media in business, @unmarketing which is online marketing expert Scott Stratten's account and @chrisguillebeau - small business expert.

This comes after news that holding business and social events online is becoming increasingly common practice, with one creative agency choosing to hold their office Christmas party via Twitter.