Learn from the top masters guiding brands to SEO success in 2024. Connect with these insightful innovators adapting to constant Google algorithm shifts.
”Top SEO Experts You Should Be Following”- Search engine optimization moves fast. Each algorithm shift opens new opportunities while closing others. To rank in 2024, you need experts who live and breathe these changes.
That’s why we researched the leading authorities driving innovation in modern SEO. From enterprise consultants to scrappy strategists, these diverse technologists, creatives and data geeks compose our list of the top 20 SEO experts to follow now.
They are the trailblazers finding opportunities in AI, automation and emerging platforms. The speaking pioneers revealing new tactics on the conference circuit. The agency pros growing seemingly unbeatable search footprints for F500 brands.
Connect with these visionaries and unlock novel SEO ideas tailored to today’s search landscape. Learn which risks bring rewards and where outdated tactics now fail.
In 2024, opportunity belongs to those who see around corners. Here are the guides lighting the path forward.
Who are SEO Experts?
According to Backlinko, An SEO expert (also known as an “SEO specialist”) is someone that optimizes websites in order to achieve higher search engine rankings. Put another way: An SEO expert is someone that knows how to get more traffic from search engines.
What Makes a Great SEO Expert? More Than Just Technical Skills?
Optimizing meta tags is just the tip of the iceberg. The ‘’best SEO experts offer so much more than just on-page optimizations’’.
The top SEO specialists provide holistic digital strategies that boost your overall presence and profitability. This includes skills like:
- Identifying untapped keywords and traffic opportunities through insightful research
- Writing compelling, keyword-optimized website content that engages visitors
- Applying design and technical expertise to enhance user experience
- Promoting and managing campaigns across emerging channels like video and social media
- Building high-quality backlinks from relevant sites to improve authority
- Staying ahead of Google algorithm changes and leveraging new opportunities
- Providing strategic guidance to transform your online presence and capture growth.
SEO expertise goes beyond isolated tactics. The leading specialists understand how to combine data, technology and creativity to build brands, capture audiences and maximize your entire digital ecosystem.
Does your SEO expert offer this blend of technical excellence, creative thinking and business growth strategy? If not, it may be time for an upgrade.
How We Compiled this List of Top SEO Experts:
The first step was conducting extensive research to identify influential leaders in the SEO space. I explored industry publications, conference speaker lists, author indexes, and SEO company leadership rosters to create a broad list of potential candidates.
Next, we evaluated each potential expert against important criteria:
- Years of experience optimizing sites or conducting SEO research
- Frequency of publishing actionable tips and insights publicly
- Speaking roles and presentations at major SEO conferences
- Professional achievements like awards, recognitions, or books authored
- Focus on providing strategic and inventive advice vs basic introductions
- Active engagement through blogs, social media, podcasts and videos.
We specifically looked for those consistently driving innovation through cutting-edge tactics or emerging optimization opportunities like AI. Diverse backgrounds in enterprise SEO, technical optimizations, outreach strategies, etc. were prioritized as well.
The goal was a well-rounded list that highlighted rising authorities, seasoned veterans, consultants driving results for major brands, and agency thought leaders. Geographic diversity was also considered.
After applying these criteria, we ranked the finalists by influence based on metrics like social followers, presence on “top expert” lists, and domain authority of their company sites. The top 20 composed the final list.
The process combined both manual research and data-driven benchmarking to select standout experts.
Top 20 SEO Experts to Follow Right Now
Staying on top of the latest trends and tactics in SEO requires following insightful experts across platforms. Here are 20 leading SEO professionals, researchers and authors you should connect with:
1. Brian Dean
Brian is the founder of Backlinko focusing on actionable SEO and content marketing advice. He combines data-driven research with step-by-step tutorials to help site owners grow organic traffic and revenue.
2. Neil Patel
Neil is a top online marketer and co-founder of Neil Patel Digital. He provides practical tips on SEO, content creation and conversion optimization through blogs and videos. Neil takes a data-driven approach to marketing.
3. Nathan Gotch
Nathan Gotch is an experienced SEO specialist and founder of a leading digital marketing agency called Gotch SEO Academy. With many years in the industry, Nathan has helped Fortune over 100 companies and top global brands achieve and maintain dominance in competitive search landscapes.
4. Edward Worlanyo Bankas
Edward is a passionate SEO expert dedicated to helping the Ghanaian businesses maximize their online presence. With certifications from Google, SEMrush and experience from top marketing firms, Edward leverages data-driven strategies to improve organic rankings and traffic, he is also the co-founder of Focus Agency Ghana.
5. Rand Fishkin
Rand is the founder of Moz and SparkToro who pioneered the concept of “white hat SEO.” His in-depth guides provide actionable tips for ethical, effective optimization. Follow Rand for insights into keyword targeting, content strategy and SEO best practices.
6. Aleyda Solis
Aleyda is an SEO consultant, speaker and author. She is an authority on technical SEO, site migrations and international SEO. Her focus is helping enterprises achieve success through technical audits and optimization.
7. Eric Enge
Eric started Perficient’s digital marketing practice and co-founded Stone Temple Consulting. He is renowned for expertise in link building, content development and keyword research. Eric co-authored “The Art of SEO.”
8. Danny Goodwin
Danny is Managing Editor at Search Engine Journal, covering the latest news and guides around search marketing. Danny writes actionable posts on technical SEO, video optimization and link building strategies.
9. Kerry Jones
Kerry is an SEO consultant who trains businesses in on-page optimization, technical SEO and link building. She provides tailored audits and strategies to startups, agencies and SMBs seeking to improve organic visibility.
10. Britney Muller
Britney is Senior SEO Science Manager at Moz and host of the “MozPod” podcast. She delivers in-depth training on technical SEO, page experience optimization and link building through blogs and videos.
11. Marcus Tandler
Marcus began his digital marketing career at just 15 and is now an award winning on-page optimization expert and founder of Ryte. He is renowned for technical SEO insights and training.
12. Ross Tavendale
Ross is an internationally recognized SEO and founder of Edge Analytics focusing on large enterprise SEO. Follow Ross for insightful presentations on voice search optimization, site architecture and advanced link building tactics.
13. Dawn Anderson
Dawn is an strategic SEO consultant who has trained Fortune 500 companies in organic growth. She is an analytics expert focused on site performance to maximize conversions and ROI from SEO efforts.
14. Cyrus Shepard
Cyrus is a top enterprise SEO consultant who co-founded Zyppy, now part of Moz. He is an authority on site migrations, mobile optimization and local search ranking growth.
15. Aja Frost
A prolific writer at HubSpot, Aja delivers research-backed advice on everything from keyword optimization to link building outreach that drives results. Her actionable tips help grow organic presence.
16. Kyle Roof
As Director of SEO at Moz, Kyle stays on top of constant Google algorithm updates and helps enterprises adapt through strategic optimization. He trains in technical SEO, site audits and keyword targeting.
17. Ross Dunn
Ross is an international SEO speaker and consultant who founded Step Forth. He provides tailored SEO solutions for SMBs and trains in technical optimization, site speed, outreach and modern link building strategies.
18. John Cooper
Jon Cooper is the founder of Point Blank SEO, an SEO training resource. His expertise in link building and outreach has made him a trusted authority in the SEO community, and his actionable insights have helped businesses succeed in their SEO efforts.
19. Wil Reynolds
Wil Reynolds is the founder of Seer Interactive, a highly respected digital marketing agency. Known for his data-driven approach to SEO, Reynolds helps businesses optimize their online presence and achieve tangible results.
20. Julie Joyce
Julie Joyce is the founder of Link Fish Media and an expert in link-building strategies. With her extensive experience, she has helped businesses improve their link profiles and enhance their organic search visibility.
Following these diverse yet authoritative voices provide holistic education across all facets of modern organic search marketing. Their insights will fuel successful SEO strategies.
Conclusion
These leading ”20 Top SEO Experts You should be Following” have significantly impacted search engine optimization, helping businesses worldwide achieve remarkable organic growth.
Their expertise and insights have proven invaluable in all aspects of SEO, from technical SEO to content optimization to link building to algorithm updates. As the SEO landscape continues to evolve, these experts will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
