Top SEO Experts to Follow for Cutting-Edge Insights

It’s hard to believe that 15 years have flown by since I began my journey in Search Engine Optimization.

Back then, the world of SEO was simpler, yet daunting in its own way.

The only site I leaned on for guidance was Moz, and the two names I held in high regard were Matt Cutts and Rand Fishkin—giants who shaped my understanding of the craft.

Over the years, as SEO evolved from a niche practice into an essential digital marketing pillar, the industry saw an explosion of talent and groundbreaking ideas.

More experts emerged, each contributing uniquely, helping businesses climb the search rankings and achieve their dreams.

Some legends, like Matt Cutts, have since left the scene, carving out new paths.

Others, like the brilliant Bill Slawski, left us too soon but continue to inspire, with their teachings resonating even beyond his passing in 2022.

Today, the world of SEO is rich with experienced professionals.

Their insights and techniques are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in this ever-competitive field.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of top SEO experts you should follow—individuals who will guide you with practical tips and keep you ahead of the game.

Why Following Industry Experts is Important

Search engines, particularly Google, are constantly updating their algorithms to provide better search results, and what worked last year—or even last month—might not be effective today. This is where following industry experts becomes invaluable.

SEO experts in this list dedicate their time to studying, testing, and understanding these changes.

They not only keep up with the latest developments but often anticipate shifts in the industry. By sharing their knowledge, they help others avoid common pitfalls and adapt their strategies to remain competitive.

Here are the profiles of ten SEO experts who consistently deliver high-value content, actionable advice, and thought leadership that shapes the industry.

• Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan)

Why Follow: Danny Sullivan is a renowned figure in the SEO industry with over two decades of experience. He co-founded Search Engine Land and has played a pivotal role in educating marketers about search engine optimization.

Now, as a public liaison for Google search, Danny provides valuable insights directly from the source. He shares updates on Google’s search policies and algorithm changes, making him a must-follow for anyone serious about SEO .

What You’ll Learn: Expect updates on search algorithms, Google’s latest features, and detailed explanations about how search engines work. Danny’s inside perspective at Google is unmatched.

John Mueller (@JohnMu)

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John Mueller is a Search Advocate at Google, where he coordinates Search Relations efforts. His role involves connecting Google’s internal Search engineering teams with website creators and optimizers, facilitating a mutual understanding between Google’s search mechanisms and the web ecosystem.

Mueller is known for his active engagement with the SEO community. He regularly participates in forums, social media discussions, and live Q&A sessions, providing insights into Google’s search algorithms and best practices for website optimization. His contributions are highly regarded for their clarity and depth, making him a valuable resource for staying updated on SEO trends and Google’s search policies.

In addition to his advocacy work, Mueller has addressed various SEO topics, including the importance of technical SEO, the impact of algorithm updates, and effective content strategies. His guidance helps webmasters and SEO professionals navigate the complexities of search engine optimization, ensuring their practices align with Google’s standards.

For those seeking to enhance their understanding of SEO and Google’s search operations, following John Mueller’s insights is highly recommended.

Neil Patel (@neilpatel)

Why Follow: As the co-founder of several successful companies like Crazy Egg and Ubersuggest, Neil has made a name for himself as a leading voice in SEO. He provides easy-to-understand content that is accessible to both beginners and advanced marketers. Neil’s actionable advice and step-by-step guides make him an invaluable resource for improving your SEO strategy.

What You’ll Learn: Neil covers a wide range of topics, from keyword research and link building to content marketing and conversion optimization. His practical tips are designed to be implemented immediately, making his advice highly actionable.

Rand Fishkin (@randfish)

Why Follow: Rand Fishkin co-founded Moz and SparkToro and has been a driving force in the SEO community for years. Known for his in-depth research and data-driven insights, Rand offers a unique perspective on SEO and digital marketing. His focus on transparency and ethical marketing practices makes his advice trustworthy and relevant.

What You’ll Learn: Rand’s content goes beyond traditional SEO, touching on audience intelligence, market research, and data-driven marketing strategies. His insights are particularly valuable for marketers looking to better understand their target audience.

Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick)

Why Follow: Barry Schwartz is the founder of Search Engine Roundtable. He is one of the most prolific writers in the SEO industry, covering the latest updates, algorithm changes, and trends in real time. His role as CEO and President of RustyBrick, Inc., a prominent web development firm, further underscores his expertise in the field. Previously, Schwartz contributed to Search Engine Watch and now serves as a news editor at Search Engine Land, a site established by SEO pioneer Danny Sullivan. Barry’s content is often the first to break major SEO news, making him a key resource for staying up-to-date.

What You’ll Learn: Follow Barry for breaking news in the SEO world, detailed analyses of algorithm updates, and in-depth coverage of industry events like SMX and Google conferences.

Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe)

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Why Follow: Glenn Gabe is an SEO consultant at G-Squared Interactive (GSQi) with over 27 years of experience in digital marketing. He specializes in algorithm update recovery, technical SEO audits, and SEO training. Glenn has assisted numerous companies across various industries, including publishing, e-commerce, health and medical, and finance, in improving their organic search performance.

What You’ll Learn: Glenn shares in-depth analyses of Google’s algorithm updates, technical SEO insights, and case studies on his blog, “The Internet Marketing Driver.” His content provides actionable advice on recovering from algorithmic hits, enhancing site quality, and staying updated with the latest SEO trends.

Following Glenn Gabe will keep you informed about the latest developments in SEO and equip you with strategies to improve your website’s search performance.

Aleyda Solis  (@aleyda)

Why Follow: Aleyda Solis is a leading international SEO consultant whose expertise makes her a valuable follow on X. As the founder of Orainti, her boutique SEO consultancy, Aleyda offers bespoke strategies and ongoing support tailored to businesses ranging from multinational corporations to startups. Her approach is especially effective in competitive industries and complex environments, where personalized and scalable SEO solutions are essential for driving organic search growth. Aleyda’s deep knowledge and hands-on experience in international SEO ensure that her followers gain access to advanced insights and strategies to enhance their global search presence.

What You’ll Learn: Aleyda shares tips on technical SEO, international SEO strategies, and mobile optimization. Her content is highly detailed and practical, offering actionable steps to improve your site’s performance.

Brian Dean (@BrianEDean)

Why Follow: Brian Dean is the founder of Backlinko, a site that offers some of the best SEO training resources available. Known for his detailed, in-depth guides, Brian has become a go-to expert for anyone looking to improve their search rankings. His expertise in link building, content marketing, and on-page SEO is widely recognized.

What You’ll Learn: Brian’s content is packed with actionable strategies for building backlinks, improving content, and optimizing websites. His case studies and step-by-step guides are particularly valuable for hands-on learners.

Cyrus SEO (@CyrusShepard)

Why Follow: Cyrus Shepard is a well-known SEO consultant and former lead SEO at Moz. He offers deep insights into search engine algorithms, content optimization, and link-building strategies. Cyrus is also known for his clear and concise communication, making complex SEO topics easy to understand.

What You’ll Learn: Cyrus provides expert advice on on-page SEO, content strategy, and Google algorithm updates. His content is perfect for those who want to stay informed about the latest SEO best practices without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon.

Lily Ray (@lilyraynyc)

Why Follow: Lily Ray is the SEO Director at Amsive Digital and a recognized authority on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) and Google’s core updates. With a strong technical background and a track record of building award-winning SEO departments, Lily excels in solving complex SEO challenges. Her expertise spans retail, e-commerce, B2B, and CPG sites, and she’s known for her deep dives into algorithm updates and technical SEO issues.

What You’ll Learn: Lily provides detailed insights into how Google’s core updates affect websites, particularly regarding E-E-A-T. Her content is essential for improving their site’s credibility and rankings.

Marie Haynes (@Marie_Haynes)

Why Follow: Marie Haynes is an SEO consultant who specializes in Google penalty recovery and algorithm analysis. She has helped numerous websites recover from Google penalties and regain their rankings. Marie’s content is particularly valuable for those dealing with the aftermath of algorithm updates or manual actions. She is set to release a book, SEO in the Gemini Era: The Story of How AI Changed Google Search, reflecting her belief in AI’s transformative impact on both search and our world.

What You’ll Learn: Marie offers expert advice on penalty recovery, algorithm updates, and technical SEO. Her detailed case studies and analyses provide actionable steps for recovering lost traffic and improving site performance.

Duane Forrester (@DuaneForrester)

Why Follow: A veteran in the SEO industry, Duane Forrester has held prominent positions at Bing and Yext. With extensive direct experience in content development, ad campaign planning, managing ad buys, and running email and social media programs, Duane offers a comprehensive perspective on digital marketing. He has authored two McGraw-Hill books on digital marketing and conversion optimization. During his tenure with Satya Nadella’s team at Bing, he launched Webmaster Tools and contributed to Schema.org.

What You’ll Learn: Forrester offers deep insights into SEO from both search engine and enterprise perspectives. You’ll gain practical advice on content strategy, mobile SEO, and voice search optimization, equipping you with the tools to excel in today’s digital marketing industry.

The Bottom Line

Following industry experts ensures you’re always equipped with the latest information, proven strategies, and actionable advice. Whether you’re looking to improve your rankings, drive more traffic, or stay ahead of the latest trends, these experts are your key to success. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best!