Brian McKandie, 67, was found dead at Fairview Cottages in Badenscoth, Rothienorman, on Saturday 12 March.
Two men were reportedly seen speaking to Mr McKandie on the Friday beforehand between about 17:00 and 18:00.
Police Scotland said it was thought Mr McKandie suffered a "violent attack".
Det Ch Insp Iain Smith said: "We are appealing for these two men who were seen speaking to Mr McKandie to come forward and speak to us to see if they have information that could assist with our investigation.
"We don't have a detailed description of the two men but one is thought to be in his 20s and the other in his 30s or 40s.
"Additionally, anyone else who was in the area at the time or has information, no matter how insignificant you think the information could be is encouraged to come forward."
Police investigating the murder of a man in Aberdeenshire want to trace two people who may have visited the victim the day before he was found.