Top 15 SEO Experts You Should Follow
By Sam Nguyen
In the ever-competitive world of online presence, mastering SEO is no longer optional but necessary. Following industry-leading SEO experts is imperative to ensure you’re keeping up with the most effective strategies and tactics.
The Criteria For Selection SEO Experts To Follow
First and foremost, the experts’ experience in the field was considered, as a longer tenure often indicates a more robust and reliable knowledge base.
In addition to experience, significant contributions to the industry were also weighed heavily. These contributions could come in the form of pioneering research, the development of innovative tools, or the creation of platforms that have elevated the practice of SEO. Equally important was the level of engagement these experts maintain with the community. Those who provide real-time updates and timely responses were viewed as more valuable due to the ever-changing SEO landscape.
Authority and credibility were other crucial factors; experts who have been published, have speaking engagements, or have received endorsements from industry peers scored higher on the list. Lastly, recommendations and endorsements from peers were considered a genuine testament to an expert’s skill and influence, further solidifying their place as an authority in the field.
The Best SEO Experts
Rand Fishkin
Rand Fishkin, born on July 10, 1979, is a well-known American entrepreneur and the founder and former CEO of Moz, a top SEO software company. He is also an author, with books like “Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World” and “The Art of SEO” to his name.
Fishkin is especially known for his skills in on-page SEO and analytics. His work through Moz has shaped today’s SEO best practices.
His combination of tech know-how and candid business advice sets Fishkin apart. This makes him a valuable resource for SEO experts and those just starting their business journey. His authority in the field is backed by years of experience, his writings, and numerous public speaking engagements.
For more technical SEO knowledge, check out his LinkedIn profile, Twitter, and Medium, where he shares deeper insights.
Brian Dean
Brian Dean is a leading expert in the SEO field, best known for founding Backlinko, a popular educational platform focused on SEO with over 5 million readers and offering practical, easy-to-follow advice. Brian has been featured in Success Magazine, which calls him “the world’s foremost expert on search.”
He is often described as a “Unicorn among a sea of donkey SEOs.” His ability to break down complex SEO topics into simple, actionable tips sets him apart. His blog is packed with case studies and data-driven strategies useful for SEO pros of all levels. He’s known for making complex subjects easy to understand.
You can follow him in various places online to stay updated on his latest advice. His blog, Backlinko, is a must-read. He also has a YouTube channel where he posts educational videos. You can follow him on Twitter at @BrianEDean.
Barry Schwartz
Barry Schwartz is a well-known blogger and expert in search engines and marketing with over 15 years of experience in this area. He founded the Search Engine Roundtable and is also the News Editor at Search Engine Land.
Schwartz focuses broadly on search engine optimization but is particularly interested in news, updates, and trends. He’s often one of the first to report on changes in search engine algorithms and what they mean for SEO strategies. His reports are straightforward, making them easy to understand whether you’re new to SEO or an industry veteran.
To keep up with his latest insights, you can follow him on Twitter @rustybrick. He also has a YouTube channel dedicated to Search Engine Roundtable. You can check out his blog on the Search Engine Roundtable website for more in-depth articles.
Danny Sullivan
Danny Sullivan is an American expert in SEO and digital marketing with a career that’s lasted over 20 years. He founded Search Engine Watch in 1997 and later helped start Search Engine Land. Nowadays, he works at Google as their Public Liaison for Search, helping people understand how Google Search operates.
Danny is well known for his deep knowledge of search algorithms, especially those used by Google. He has experience as a journalist and analyst, and now he brings insider information from Google to the public.
If you want to understand how Google Search works, Danny’s insights are invaluable. His years of experience give him a broad view of the SEO world.
To stay updated with Danny’s insights, you can follow him on Twitter. He also contributes to Google’s official blog and other platforms like Search Engine Land and Search Engine Watch.
Neil Patel
Neil Patel is a bestselling author and co-founder of companies like Crazy Egg and Hello Bar. He was named a top 100 entrepreneur under 30 by former President Obama and has helped big companies like NBC and HP increase their revenue. Born in London and educated at Cypress College, Neil is a leading expert in digital marketing.
He specializes in content marketing, increasing website traffic, and keyword research. Neil has also created tools like Ubersuggest to help businesses in these areas. Forbes ranks him among the top 10 marketers.
What sets Neil apart is his ability to explain complex SEO topics in a simple way. The Wall Street Journal considers him a top web influencer, and his daily tips are essential for anyone looking to improve their online presence.
To keep up with Neil, you can read his blog at Neil Patel blog, watch his daily YouTube videos, or follow him on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. His content is easy to understand, making it simple for followers to stay current on the latest trends in SEO and digital marketing.
Matt Cutts
Matt Cutts is an American software engineer who began working at Google in 2000. There, he created SafeSearch, Google’s tool for filtering out explicit content.
He’s best known for improving Google’s search quality by fighting spam. At the USDS, he used tech to improve government services. This dual experience makes him a unique expert on how technology can meet different needs, from improving search engines to enhancing public services.
Matt Cutts is a well-respected authority in the SEO industry because of his work at Google, and his time at USDS shows his broader tech expertise.
You can follow him on Twitter, where he has over 492,000 followers, or read his blog for deeper insights. He’s also given TED Talks that are available on YouTube.
Eric Enge
Eric Enge is a seasoned SEO expert and founder of Stone Temple Consulting, an SEO firm that has worked with Fortune 100 companies. He’s won awards like Search Marketer of the Year in 2016 and is also a co-founder of Pilot Holding, a consulting company in fields like SEO and digital marketing.
He’s known for his deep expertise in search engine algorithms and content marketing. He’s also an author with books like “The Art of SEO,” and a frequent speaker at industry conferences.
What sets Eric apart is his willingness to share his knowledge. He writes for well-known publications like Search Engine Land and teaches on platforms like Coursera. Whether you’re new to SEO or an industry veteran, Eric’s insights are highly valuable.
You can stay updated with Eric by following him on Twitter at @stonetemple. He also shares tutorials and talks on YouTube. For deeper insights, check out his courses on Coursera and his frequent contributions to SEO blogs.
Bill Slawski
Bill Slawski was a leading figure in the SEO world, with a career spanning more than 25 years before his passing on May 17, 2022.
He was best known for his deep dive into search engine technology, especially patents and white papers. He was a trusted expert in specialized areas like Semantic SEO and information retrieval.
Though he is no longer with us, his impact on the SEO community remains strong. Seen as a mentor and friend by many in the field, his insights continue to be valuable. His blog, SEO by the Sea, stands as an enduring resource for understanding the finer points of search engine technology.
While he was active, Slawski mainly shared his knowledge through his blog and on Twitter. Both platforms are still rich resources for anyone wanting to delve into the complexities of SEO.
Joost de Valk
Joost de Valk is a veteran internet entrepreneur from the Netherlands. Starting his career as a consultant and blogger in 2004, he’s most famous for founding Yoast, a WordPress SEO plugin that turned into a multi-million dollar business. He sold Yoast to Newfold Digital in 2021.
Joost’s expertise lies in SEO software development, especially WordPress plugins. He’s also skilled at turning small digital projects into profitable businesses, as seen with Yoast SEO.
Known as one of the original heavy hitters in the SEO world, following Joost provides valuable entrepreneurial and SEO scaling tips. He’s also committed to improving the web through open-source projects, making his work diverse and impactful.
For the latest from Joost, you can follow him on Twitter @jdevalk, where he often shares updates and insights. He’s also active on his personal blog, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, where he discusses various SEO topics in detail.
Ann Smarty
Ann Smarty is a versatile expert in SEO and digital marketing with a rich, varied background. She’s worked in multiple roles, including as an affiliate manager in entertainment, a freelance SEO consultant for celebrities, and an in-house SEO consultant in e-commerce. She’s also the founder of MyBlogU and the Brand and Community Manager at Internet Marketing Ninjas.
Ann is best known for her deep knowledge of link-building and content marketing. She writes for well-known outlets like Search Engine Journal and Practical Ecommerce and is slated to speak at the 2023 SEO Summit focusing on link building for bloggers.
What sets Ann apart is her holistic approach to SEO. She covers a range of topics from link building to reputation management, offering practical, actionable advice. She also provides free guides, courses, and tools, making her a go-to source for hands-on SEO strategies.
For more from Ann, check out her blog at seosmarty.com, which features blog posts, courses, and consulting services. She’s also active on Twitter @seosmarty, sharing the latest in SEO and engaging with her community. You can also find her work on platforms like HubSpot Blog, Convince & Convert, and Udemy.
Vanessa Fox
Vanessa Fox is a Seattle-based author and SEO expert with a notable career. She wrote the highly praised book “Marketing in the Age of Google,” founded Google Webmaster Central, and also started her own company, Nine By Blue.
Vanessa excels in understanding how people behave online and how businesses can engage them effectively. She uses web analytics to shape SEO strategies, making her an expert in both the technical and strategic aspects of SEO.
What sets Vanessa apart is her holistic approach to SEO. She goes beyond basic tactics to provide strategies that align with a company’s overall business goals. Her work has earned her the title of a “cyberspace visionary,” showcasing her deep knowledge of SEO and online marketing.
For the latest from Vanessa, you can follow her on Twitter, where she frequently posts updates. Her personal website and blog are also great resources. Moreover, she is active on LinkedIn and serves as an Editor at Search Engine Land, allowing multiple avenues to benefit from her expertise.
Izzi Smith
Izzi Smith is an SEO expert based in Munich with a strong focus on technical SEO and user experience. She’s currently a Senior Manager in Ecommerce at “in a nutshell – kurzgesagt.” Before this, she was the Technical SEO Team Lead at Ryte and SEO Manager at Sixt rent a car. With more than six years in the field, Izzi is also an award-winning speaker who emphasizes the importance of organic growth.
Izzi stands out for her expertise in SERP optimization, Structured Data, User Experience (UX), and technical SEO. She has a deep understanding of both the US and UK markets, which adds another layer to her skills.
What makes Izzi unique is her ability to simplify complex SEO topics. She offers practical tips through her speaking engagements and is highly regarded for her actionable advice.
To stay updated with Izzi’s insights, follow her on Twitter @izzionfire, where she posts industry news, opinions, and even SEO memes. She’s also active in SEO conferences, and her YouTube videos offer a wealth of information. You can also find her latest work and insights on her personal website, izzismith.com.
Cyrus Shepard
Cyrus Shepard started his SEO career in 2009, boosting a wine business’s sales from $500,000 to $2.5 million within a year. In 2010, he joined Moz, a well-known SEO company, where he gained even more expertise. He later founded Zyppy SEO, a platform focused on helping people increase their Google traffic.
Cyrus is best known for his skills in keyword research and internal linking. His content often explores detailed aspects of SEO, offering actionable, data-driven tips that apply to various industries.
What sets Cyrus apart is his ability to make complex SEO topics simple. His current work in developing internal linking tools shows his dedication to providing practical SEO solutions.
To stay updated, follow Cyrus on Twitter @CyrusShepard. You can also find detailed articles and guides on the Zyppy website. Additionally, he’s active on LinkedIn, where he shares updates and connects with other SEO professionals.
Glenn Gabe
Glenn Gabe is a veteran in the field of digital marketing, with a particular focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). With over two decades of experience, he is the founder of G-Squared Interactive (GSQi) and has contributed to esteemed industry platforms like Search Engine Land and Search Engine Journal.
Gabe’s areas of expertise include Google algorithm update recovery, technical SEO audits, and SEO training. He has also given valuable insights into local SEO through deep analysis of “Local Guide Program” queries in Google Search Console. His exhaustive examinations of algorithmic changes for both Google and Bing make him a reliable resource for keeping up with the often complex shifts in search engine behavior.
His personal blog and contributions to platforms like Search Engine Land offer detailed analyses and insights. For real-time updates, his Twitter account @glenngabe is a must-follow. Glenn is also active on LinkedIn and has participated in various SEO-related discussions on YouTube.
Matt Diggity
Matt Diggity is a highly regarded SEO expert from the United States. He founded several companies, including Diggity Marketing, LeadSpring, The Search Initiative, and Authority Builders. He’s also the mind behind The Affiliate Lab and hosts the Chiang Mai SEO Conference.
What sets Matt apart is his data-driven approach to SEO, which he calls “test-based SEO techniques.” This approach eliminates guesswork and focuses solely on proven results. He’s especially good at affiliate marketing and offers a step-by-step guide through The Affiliate Lab on how to succeed in competitive niches.
Additionally, he offers SEO coaching and detailed tutorials that make understanding complex topics easier. His blog, Diggity Marketing, is packed with useful SEO information. He’s also active on YouTube, where he delves into real-world, test-based techniques. You can also follow him on Twitter @mattdiggityseo, where he shares his thoughts on the latest SEO trends, including the role of AI.
Bottom Line
The 15 SEO experts highlighted in this blog offer a wealth of experience, insights, and actionable strategies to help you navigate search engine optimization’s complexities. Following them is not just a recommendation but a stepping stone to mastering SEO in today’s digital landscape.
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