What if one scroll through your feed could change how you rank on Google?
SEO expertise keeps evolving, but the best in the field have always mixed creative strategy with data-backed precision.
Keeping up with the top SEO experts will help you move beyond trends and learn tactics that actually work.
These thought leaders are helping you increase visibility, organic traffic, and qualified leads in a sustainable way.
So if you’re interested in data-driven strategies, here are the 20 SEO voices worth following.
Insider tip: Are you tired of black hat techniques that never work? Bluethings helps you with end-to-end SEO management. We systematically reverse-engineer Google's algorithm to help brands dominate SERPs and get consistently more SQLs.
Why Following SEO Experts Is Non-Negotiable
SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility and growth. But the ground keeps shifting.
Google rolls out thousands of updates every year. New tech keeps surfacing, like LLMs that give rise to LLM SEO. User habits change faster than anyone can keep up.
For marketers and business leaders, keeping pace is survival.
That’s why following true SEO experts matters.
They cut through the noise. They reveal weaknesses in algorithms, share tactics that actually work, and help you see what’s coming next. You can even learn some aggressive SEO techniques from them. That way, you can do content strategy adjustments quickly.
It’s like having a trusted circle of mentors in your feed. People who’ve tested, failed, and refined their methods so you don’t have to.
They keep you sharp, save you time, and help you make decisions that move the needle.
How We Selected These Experts
We didn’t pick names based on popularity. This list comes from clear criteria focused on consistent, high-impact value for the SEO community. We looked for:
- Proven expertise and track record: each expert shows real results and deep knowledge across areas like technical SEO, content strategy, and analysis of algorithm updates.
- Community contribution: they share insights through blogs, social posts, webinars, and talks, helping raise the standard for everyone.
- Actionable insights: their advice goes beyond theory, offering data-backed tactics you can apply and test.
- Forward-thinking perspective: they anticipate change and help others prepare for where search is heading next.
The 20 SEO Experts You Should Follow
Following top SEO experts gives you high-value insights in a noisy space. You get real-time updates on algorithm news, tested strategies, and forward-looking analysis.
Meet the 20 SEO experts who turn insights into action and results you can count on:
1. David Morneau – The Creator-Driven SEO Strategist
Follow: inBeat.co, https://www.linkedin.com/in/morneaudavid/
David Morneau co-founded Bluethings Agency, a nimble SEO company powered by global experts. The SEO team he leads produces awesome results, like improving Axify’s organic performance by 175%.
So David Morneau isn’t only a “thought” leader; he’s a doer.
Of course, it helps that he can genuinely foresee changes in the algorithm and adapt to them. For example, here’s one of his posts predicting the power of Bing SEO and generally, LLMs in SEO:
David intuited the power of AI long before it became cool. He harnessed that power by encouraging his team to adopt it and create awesome GPT builders that brought great results.
If you connect with him, those are the kinds of insights you can expect.
David is also the founder of inBeat Agency, a micro-influencer and paid media company helping brands grow their organic reach through authentic engagement.
Being the CEO of these two companies helps David offer the best tactics for his clients, but also for his followers.
For example, David’s companies can join forces to produce awesome creator-led SEO campaigns.
That said, David Morneau touches on many topics, including influencer marketing, content analytics, and modern search tactics to show how community content now drives measurable search performance.
He’s one of the few connecting SEO with collaboration, AI ideation, and creator ecosystems. In his LinkedIn article “The Ultimate Guide to Spying on Your Competitors”, he shares a clear framework for monitoring competitors, exposing keyword clusters and content gaps ready for action.
David also breaks down how UGC powers SEO.
Authentic creator posts, review videos, and brand mentions send strong trust signals that lift rankings. He clearly explains how creator content builds authority, improves dwell time, and strengthens brand searches across channels.
What makes him key for your SEO strategies:
· He integrates UGC and SEO to show how creator content drives organic reach.
· David turns social and content audits into quick, actionable SEO insights.
· He shares how AI tools and GPT workflows speed up keyword research and topic mapping.
· He connects engagement metrics with search intent to unite paid and organic growth.
Key areas of expertise: SEO strategy, UGC SEO, influencer-driven search growth, community-based marketing, AI-enhanced content strategy, and competitive SEO intelligence.
Why you should follow him:
- David excels in turning modern marketing experiments into clear, usable SEO lessons.
- He’s an expert at showing how creators and communities can become top-ranking assets.
- He’s reframing how storytelling and organic search work together.
Signature resource: “The Ultimate Guide to Spying on Your Competitors” is a detailed walkthrough of how to uncover your competitors’ SEO and content strategies using public data, social signals, and keyword intelligence.
Insider tip: If your content strategy feels stagnant, follow David’s UGC SEO approach. Identify your most passionate customers or micro-influencers, repurpose their authentic posts into optimized on-page assets, and track engagement metrics in Search Console. Pair this with competitive keyword intelligence to uncover content gaps your audience already talks about. You’ll see how community content can outperform traditional SEO tactics in visibility and conversions.
That’s the kind of holistic insight you’ll get if you start working with David. He and his team specialize in fusing influencer strategy, SEO data, and creative experimentation to turn every piece of content into a ranking opportunity.
2. Brian Dean – The Pioneer of Backlinking
Follow: Backlinko.com
When it comes to link building, Brian Dean has been setting the tone for over a decade. He founded Backlinko, published data-rich studies, and refined the famous “Skyscraper Technique”.
What makes him key for your SEO strategies:
- He analyzed 11.8 million Google search results and found pages ranking #1 had, on average, 3.8× more backlinks compared to positions #2-#10.
- His blog and newsletter remain staples for anyone working on content marketing with a search intent focus, backlink strategy, and solid data.
Key areas of expertise: Backlinking, content optimization, keyword research, search engine rankings, structured data, SEO vs GEO.
Why you should follow him:
- He makes complicated strategies simple.
- He blends technical SEO with content marketing.
- He speaks to both agencies and in‐house teams.
Signature resource: “We analyzed 11.8 million Google search results. Here’s what we learned about SEO” is a deep dive that ties link building, content length, domain authority, and search engine behavior together.
3. Neil Patel – Master of Content Marketing
Follow: neilpatel.com
Neil Patel lives at the intersection of digital marketing, content strategy, and technical SEO. He co-founded NP Digital, launched the keyword research tool Ubersuggest, and regularly publishes guides on search engine optimization and internet marketing.
What makes him relevant:
- His agency worked with brands such as Adobe and Western Union and recorded a 487% increase in organic search share of voice in one case.
- He talks frequently about how content marketing must serve search engine behavior, matching user intent and aligning with algorithm changes.
Key areas of expertise: Content marketing, content optimization, keyword research, search engine rankings, search intent analysis.
Why you should follow him:
- He covers the entire funnel: from keyword research to content strategy to conversion.
- He provides agency and in-house teams with actionable frameworks and tools.
- He adapts advice for both enterprise and SMB contexts (which suits you if your team size is 10-500).
Signature resource: “What Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)? + New Updates” on his site is a deep primer on Search Engine Optimization, search engine behavior, and user intent.
4. Rand Fishkin – The Wizard of SEO Strategy
Follow: sparktoro.com
Rand Fishkin is a figure many across digital marketing recognize for his long-term record in SEO and search strategy. He co-founded Moz (with his mom) and now helps SEO professionals dominate search engine rankings, leverage algorithm updates, and understand the search intent evolution.
Why he matters:
- Under his leadership, Moz grew from a blog to a software company with over 200 employees and $50 M+ in revenue.
- He speaks openly about algorithm adaptation, how search trends shift, and how you need a long-term, sustainable SEO strategy.
Key areas: Technical SEO strategy, search engine behavior, search intent evolution, and current search trends.
Why follow him:
- He gives big-picture views that suit executives (rather than granular tactics only).
- He translates complicated strategies into practical choices you can measure.
- He keeps you aware of algorithm changes and search intent shifts, both critical for strong search engine rankings.
Signature resource: “Zero-Click Marketing” (Turing Fest 2024). Rand explains how Google algorithm changes impact user intent and, as a result, your organic traffic.
5. Aleyda Solís – The Queen of Technical SEO
Follow: aleydasolis.com
Aleyda Solís is one of the strongest voices in technical SEO. She’s the founder of Orainti, an international SEO consultancy that works with SaaS and e-commerce brands worldwide. Her expertise runs deep in structured data, Core Web Vitals, and algorithm adaptation.
She built LearningSEO.io, which has lots of free resources from the basics of search engine optimization to more in-depth SEO metrics and tools.
Plus, she dissects industry news all the time because she attends conferences at Google Search Central Live, BrightonSEO, and more. Aleyda Solis also explains how she applies these current algorithm updates in her real projects.
Her SEO audits go beyond standard diagnostics, connecting crawl efficiency, structured data, and Core Web Vitals to measurable business outcomes.
Clients have reported solid organic traffic increases after implementing her recommendations, highlighting her ability to turn technical improvements into tangible growth.
Why she matters:
- She combines technical expertise with actionable business insights.
- Her frameworks simplify structured data implementation, Core Web Vitals optimization, and algorithm adaptation.
- She empowers teams to turn technical audits into measurable ranking improvements.
Why follow her:
- She makes highly technical SEO concepts easy to implement.
- She demonstrates how technical improvements directly affect organic performance.
- She provides guidance for both global brands and smaller digital teams.
Signature resource: "The 10 Steps AI Search Content Optimization Checklist." You’ll learn how to optimize content for AI-driven search engines step-by-step. The piece looks at different things you’ll want to learn more about, from content crawlability to chunk-level retrieval and answer synthesis.
6. Joost de Valk – WordPress SEO Authority
Follow: https://joost.blog/
Joost de Valk created the Yoast SEO plugin, which powers over 13 million active WordPress sites worldwide. He makes technical SEO accessible to non-developers by automating structured data, canonical URLs, and meta handling.
He also writes on algorithm updates and Core Web Vitals, translating complex SEO strategies into actionable product features.
Why he matters:
- His plugin gives smaller businesses a real chance to compete in search engines.
- He simplifies technical SEO, making it practical for content teams.
- He explains algorithm updates and Core Web Vitals in ways non-experts can act on.
Key areas: WordPress SEO, content optimization, structured data, and understanding algorithm impacts.
Why follow him:
- He translates technical SEO into clear, actionable steps.
- He shows how content and structure interact for better rankings.
- He keeps teams aware of practical implications from Google updates.
Signature resource: The CMS market share analysis. This report appears twice per year and is based on information from the HTTP Archive. Use it to find out what the most popular CMSes are.
7. Barry Schwartz – The Search Engine Reporter
Follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustybrick/
Barry Schwartz founded Search Engine Roundtable, the fastest daily source of algorithm news and updates. He also writes for Search Engine Land and appears on Google Search Central webinars. His reporting delivers near-immediate insights on algorithm changes.
Why he matters:
- He publishes analysis of updates within hours, helping teams respond quickly.
- His work tracks core and spam updates to keep SEO managers informed.
- His reporting provides clarity during volatile ranking periods.
Key areas: Algorithm changes, update analysis, Google Ads, Google Business Profile optimization, and more
Why follow him:
- He delivers real-time updates that executives can rely on.
- His analysis simplifies complex algorithm changes.
- He helps teams anticipate and adjust to Google updates.
Signature resource: RustyBrick, a web construction firm specializing in web development, design, optimization, and more:
8. Danny Sullivan – Google’s Search Liaison
Follow: https://searchengineland.com/author/danny-sullivan
Danny Sullivan is Google’s Search Liaison, providing public insight into how search engines evaluate pages. Before Google, he co-founded Third Door Media, the company that gave birth to Search Engine Land. His posts clarify algorithm updates, search intent shifts, and content strategy adjustments.
Why he matters:
- He confirms the causes behind ranking changes.
- He explains search engine behavior from the source.
- He guides teams on content and algorithm alignment.
Key areas: Search intent, algorithm environment, SEO content, and AI in SEO.
Why follow him:
- He provides authoritative insight from inside Google.
- He makes search intent and algorithm guidance actionable.
- He keeps teams informed about ranking factors directly from the source.
Signature resource: Danny has authored several insightful posts that delve into Google's search mechanisms.
9. Lily Ray – AI-Driven SEO Visionary
Follow: lilyray.nyc
Lily Ray leads SEO at Amsive Digital and researches E-E-A-T signals and AI’s impact on search rankings. Her case studies link content quality with algorithm updates. In 2024, she analyzed 1,000+ sites to study Core Web Vitals and organic visibility after major Google updates.
Why she matters:
- She connects AI integration with SEO strategy.
- She provides data-driven insights on content quality and rankings.
- She tracks Core Web Vitals and algorithm shifts to guide action.
Key areas: Algorithm updates, search intent, E-E-A-T, Core Web Vitals, content optimization
Why follow her:
- She translates AI and algorithm trends into practical SEO steps.
- She shows how content quality drives measurable search results.
- She provides executive-friendly analysis of search changes.
Signature resource: Her repository of articles is a valuable collection of pieces on algorithm changes and user intent trends.
10. Marie Haynes – E-E-A-T Specialist
Follow: mariehaynes.com
Marie Haynes focuses on E-E-A-T in content, penalty recovery, and algorithm updates. She runs Marie Haynes Consulting, helping sites regain visibility after core updates and manual actions. You can really use her advice, especially if you’ve ever used shady tactics like CTR manipulation.
Her analysis links Google guidelines to real-world search behavior.
Why she matters:
- She helps businesses recover from algorithm penalties.
- She translates E-E-A-T principles into actionable strategies.
- She provides trusted guidance on search engine behavior.
Key areas: Algorithm updates, search intent, content strategy, technical expertise
Why follow her:
- She gives clear frameworks for content expertise and trust.
- She shows how to recover and strengthen site authority.
- She keeps executives aware of algorithm impacts on rankings.
Signature resource: She has extensively covered the topic of E-E-A-T in SEO via her website.
11. Cyrus Shepard – SEO Experimenter Extraordinaire
Follow: zyppy.com
Cyrus Shepard is the founder of Zyppy and a former SEO lead at Moz. He drills into technical SEO, search engine behavior, and algorithm adaptation.
Why he matters:
- He published a study of 23 million internal links across 1,800 websites showing that pages with ~0-4 internal links averaged 2 clicks from Google Search while pages with 40-44 got ~4× more.
- He argues that brand search volume (weak brand signals) is a stronger insulating factor than many backlink strategies.
Key areas of expertise: Search intent evolution, algorithm manipulation, and technical SEO strategy.
12. Britney Muller – Data-Driven SEO Innovator
Follow: britneymuller.com
Britney Muller worked as a Senior SEO Scientist at Moz and now runs her own consultancy at the intersection of AI, content optimization, and SEO.
Why she matters:
- Her posts and articles cover traditional SEO as well as new developments, including Google’s AI mode.
Key areas of expertise: Technical expertise in AI-driven SEO, content strategy adjustments, and algorithm updates.
13. Ross Hudgens – Link-Building Specialist
Follow: Siege Media
Ross Hudgens is the founder and CEO of Siege Media, a content marketing and SEO agency specializing in high-impact link building and strategic content campaigns.
Why he matters:
- He leverages data-driven outreach and content strategies to improve search engine rankings, enhance brand authority, and drive sustainable organic growth.
Key areas: Link building, content marketing, SEO strategy, and integrating user experience and brand development into search performance.
14. Kevin Indig – Growth-Focused SEO Strategist
Follow: Kevin Indig - Growth Advisor
Kevin Indig is a growth lead and SEO strategist who specializes in enterprise SEO, systematic search analysis, and current search trends.
Why he matters:
- Indig outlines how to run a comprehensive SEO strategy while leveraging content optimization, structured data, and algorithm changes.
Key areas: Search volume analysis, search engine behavior, and digital marketing growth.
15. Olga Zarr – ROI-Centric SEO Advisor
Follow: olgazar.com
Olga Zarr focuses on turning SEO efforts into measurable business outcomes for larger brands. She brings content strategy and technical SEO together, helping you follow SEO metrics that move the needle.
Why she matters:
- She emphasizes understanding algorithm impacts, core update rollout responses, and building a comprehensive strategy that shows results.
Key areas: Search engine rankings, content strategy adjustments, and digital marketing publications.
16. Matthew Woodward – Conversion-Focused SEO Blogger
Follow: Search Logistics
Matthew Woodward is a UK-based SEO expert and founder of Search Logistics. He touches on SEO strategies, conversion rate optimization, and affiliate marketing insights.
Why he matters:
- Woodward shares case studies showing how content optimization, keyword research, and internal linking drove measurable results for publishers.
Key areas: Content strategy, keyword research, and internet marketing.
17. Glen Allsopp (ViperChill) – High-Impact SEO Blogger
Follow: viperchill.com
Glen Allsopp is the founder of Detailed.com, a platform known for its in-depth SEO research and data-driven insights. Previously, he operated ViperChill, a blog where he shared his experiments with SEO, content marketing, and link building.
Why he matters:
- Allsopp is recognized for his innovative approaches to SEO, including the use of zero-volume keyword strategies and content optimization techniques.
18. Dan Petrovic – Innovative SEO Researcher
Follow: DEJAN
Dan Petrovic is Managing Director of DEJAN and former Head of Research at Sitebulb, specializing in data-driven SEO experiments and algorithm analysis.
Why he matters:
- Petrovic runs studies on how search engines interpret content, structure, and technical SEO factors, helping brands adapt to algorithm changes.
Key areas: Search engine behavior, technical SEO audits, and complex SEO strategies.
19. Cindy Krum – Mobile-First SEO Advocate
Follow: MobileMoxie
Cindy Krum is the founder and CEO of MobileMoxie, a consultancy that can help you with mobile and AI-driven SEO strategies.
Why she matters:
- Krum is a globally recognized speaker and thought leader in mobile search, structured data, and search engine behavior in this mobile-first world we live in.
20. Bastian Grimm – Advocate of Technical Excellence
Follow: bastiangrimm.com
Bastian Grimm is the CEO and co-founder of Peak Ace AG, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in large-scale international SEO.
Why he matters:
- With over 20 years of experience, Grimm is renowned for his expertise in technical SEO, algorithm adaptation, and optimizing site architecture for improved search engine rankings.
The Evolution of SEO Expertise
Search engine optimization used to be about keyword stuffing, PBN networks, and basically manipulating the algorithm.
That world is gone.
Search engines now read context, understand user intent, and reward structured data. The shift forced marketers to get smarter about technical SEO, content strategy, and algorithm updates.
And remember that Google Search dominates the space with around 82% global market share.
So, each algorithm update shakes up rankings, traffic, and how we define SEO strategies. Those changes shape how digital marketing teams plan campaigns and measure results.
Early SEO experts focused on backlinks and keyword research. Then came the rise of content marketing. Now it’s about content depth, LLM SEO, and the ability to adapt fast after every algorithm change.
A single algorithm update can swing traffic overnight. When Google rolls out its core updates, tracking tools record sharp volatility across sectors.
That’s why understanding search engine behavior matters as much as crafting a strong content strategy.
Real SEO experts use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Search Console to run systematic search audits. They analyze keyword research data, shifts in search intent, and search volume trends to guide every move.
The goal isn’t traffic for traffic’s sake. The main aim is visibility that matches user intent and drives measurable conversions.
Consistent content creation still wins because it keeps sites fresh, builds strong brand search signals, and shows search engines that your site delivers value. That’s what pushes long-term search engine rankings, along with solid link-building and technical optimizations.
And looking forward, you’ll need to learn how to use LLM SEO to gain more leads even if your organic traffic or impressions will show a different story.
How to Learn from These SEO Experts
Learning from top SEO experts requires consistent engagement and curiosity. Here’s how to get started:
- Subscribe to their blogs and newsletters: Experts regularly share their search intent expertise, research, case studies, and actionable tips that you can implement immediately.
- Follow them on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn: Many share real-time updates, algorithm insights, and practical experiments you won’t find elsewhere.
- Replicate small experiments from their case studies: Testing tactics on a small scale lets you see what works for your site before committing fully.
- Benchmark your metrics after each Google update: Track traffic, rankings, and conversions to measure the impact of changes and optimize strategies accordingly.
That’s how you can gradually integrate expert insights into your own SEO workflow, transforming theory into measurable results.
The Bottom Line: Stay Ahead or Fall Behind
SEO is constantly evolving, and falling behind even for a few months can mean losing visibility, traffic, and revenue. Staying informed through trusted voices can save you months of trial and error and give your campaigns a competitive edge.
One expert insight can spark a strategy that dramatically improves rankings, user engagement, or conversion rates. Plus, they can help you get back on your feet after algorithm changes much faster.
The difference between competing and leading in search comes down to whose advice you follow and how quickly you act on it.
So, follow David Morneau and get in touch with Bluethings today to make SEO your unfair advantage in 2025.
Whether it’s technical optimization, content strategy, or AI-driven insights, our expert guidance can help you anticipate changes, adapt faster, and secure long-term visibility.
