TOP 50 SEO Experts in the World: The SEO GOATs

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, SEO remains a cornerstone of success for businesses and brands worldwide. As the founder of Kito Agency, I’ve had the privilege of observing and learning from some of the brightest minds in the SEO industry. Today, I’m excited to share my list of the Top 50 SEO Experts in the World—individuals who have not only mastered the art and science of SEO but have also significantly influenced the industry through their thought leadership, innovative strategies, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

1. Rand Fishkin

Co-founder of Moz and SparkToro, Rand Fishkin is a trailblazer in the SEO world. Known for his insightful blogs, Whiteboard Friday videos, and his latest venture, SparkToro, Rand continues to influence the digital marketing space with his deep understanding of SEO, content marketing, and audience intelligence.

2. Neil Patel

Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, Neil Patel is a household name in digital marketing. His blog, podcast, and online tools have empowered millions to improve their SEO strategies. Neil’s influence in the industry is unparalleled, making him one of the most recognized experts in the field.

3. Brian Dean

As the Founder of Backlinko, Brian Dean is renowned for his actionable, data-driven SEO strategies. His expertise in link building and content marketing has made Backlinko one of the most trusted resources for SEO professionals worldwide.

4. Danny Sullivan

Public Liaison for Search at Google, Danny Sullivan has been an influential figure in SEO for decades. Before joining Google, he founded Search Engine Land, where he helped shape the SEO industry with his insights and news coverage.

5. Barry Schwartz

CEO of RustyBrick and Executive Editor of Search Engine Roundtable, Barry Schwartz is a key figure in the SEO community. His consistent coverage of industry news and updates makes him a go-to resource for SEO professionals.

6. Aleyda Solis

International SEO Consultant and Founder of Orainti, Aleyda Solis is a highly respected expert in the field. She is also a frequent speaker at global SEO conferences and an author, sharing her extensive knowledge on technical SEO and international SEO strategies.

7. Cyrus Shepard

As the Founder of Zyppy and former lead at Moz, Cyrus Shepard is an authority on SEO, content optimization, and site audits. His insights and strategies have helped countless businesses improve their search rankings.

8. Bill Slawski

The Director of SEO Research at Go Fish Digital, Bill Slawski was a pioneer in the SEO industry, known for his deep dives into Google patents. His work provided valuable insights into the inner workings of search engines and their algorithms.

9. Joost de Valk

Founder of Yoast, the world’s most popular SEO plugin for WordPress, Joost de Valk has made SEO accessible to millions of website owners and developers. His contributions to the SEO community are invaluable.

10. Ann Smarty

SEO Expert and Community Manager at Internet Marketing Ninjas, Ann Smarty is known for her expertise in content marketing, guest blogging, and community building. Her work continues to inspire and educate SEO professionals.

11. Marie Haynes

Owner of Marie Haynes Consulting, Marie specializes in Google penalties, algorithm updates, and E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Her consultancy has helped numerous websites recover from penalties and improve their search performance.

12. Glenn Gabe

As an SEO Consultant at G-Squared Interactive, Glenn Gabe is a recognized expert in Google algorithm updates and technical SEO. His in-depth analysis and case studies are widely respected in the SEO community.

13. Vanessa Fox

Creator of Google Webmaster Central and Author of “Marketing in the Age of Google”, Vanessa Fox is a significant figure in SEO. Her work has had a lasting impact on how webmasters and marketers approach SEO.

14. Eric Enge

Principal at Perficient Digital, Eric Enge is a thought leader in SEO and digital marketing strategy. He is known for his research-driven approach to SEO and his contributions to industry-leading publications.

15. Lily Ray

Senior Director of SEO and Head of Organic Research at Amsive Digital, Lily Ray is recognized for her expertise in algorithm updates, E-A-T, and content strategy. She is a frequent speaker and contributor to leading SEO publications.

16. Anup Sarker

Co-founder of the KiTo Agency, Anup Sarker is an expert in SEO and content strategies. As a regular contributor to Search Engine Journal, his insights are widely respected in the SEO community.

17. Jennifer Slegg

Founder of The SEM Post, Jennifer Slegg is an expert in Google algorithms and search engine marketing. Her detailed coverage of industry updates has made The SEM Post a trusted source for SEO news.

18. John Mueller

Webmaster Trends Analyst at Google, John Mueller is a key figure in the SEO community. He provides valuable insights into Google’s search algorithms and best practices through his regular interactions with webmasters.

19. Andrew Shotland

Founder of Local SEO Guide, Andrew Shotland is a leading expert in local SEO. His strategies have helped countless businesses improve their visibility in local search results.

20. Greg Gifford

Vice President of Search at SearchLab, Greg Gifford is well-known for his expertise in local SEO and automotive marketing. His engaging presentations and practical advice have made him a favorite at SEO conferences.

21. Jono Alderson

Special Ops at Yoast, Jono Alderson is a digital strategist, marketer, and technologist specializing in SEO and web performance. His work at Yoast has helped shape the future of SEO for WordPress users.

22. Larry Kim

Founder of MobileMonkey and WordStream, Larry Kim is a top influencer in PPC and SEO strategies. His innovative approaches to digital marketing have earned him a place among the top experts in the industry.

23. Julie Joyce

Owner of Link Fish Media, Julie Joyce is a link building expert and a frequent contributor to Search Engine Land. Her practical advice on link building is highly regarded in the SEO community.

24. Mike King

Founder of iPullRank, Mike King is a recognized expert in SEO and digital marketing with a deep understanding of technical SEO. His innovative strategies have helped many businesses achieve their digital marketing goals.

25. Kristine Schachinger

CEO of Sites Without Walls, Kristine Schachinger is known for her expertise in website architecture, SEO, and accessibility. She has helped numerous websites improve their search performance and user experience.

26. Ross Hudgens

Founder of Siege Media, Ross Hudgens is an expert in content marketing and SEO. His focus on high-quality, scalable content has helped many businesses achieve success online.

27. Britney Muller

An SEO Consultant and Data Scientist, Britney Muller is known for her work at Moz and her expertise in technical SEO and data-driven strategies. She is a frequent speaker at industry events and a respected voice in the SEO community.

28. Amit Singhal

Former Senior Vice President of Google Search, Amit Singhal played a pivotal role in developing Google’s core search algorithms. His contributions to the search industry have had a lasting impact on how search engines operate today.

29. Fernando Angulo

Head of Communications at SEMrush, Fernando Angulo is a prominent figure in the SEO tool industry and a frequent speaker at global conferences. His work at SEMrush has helped shape the tools and strategies used by SEO professionals worldwide.

30. Mark Traphagen

VP of Product Marketing and Training at seoClarity, Mark Traphagen is an expert in SEO and digital marketing strategies. His thought leadership and contributions to the industry have earned him widespread recognition.

31. Will Critchlow

CEO of SearchPilot, Will Critchlow is an expert in SEO testing and optimization strategies. His innovative approach to SEO has helped businesses of all sizes improve their search performance.

32. Matthew Woodward

An Award-Winning Digital Marketer and Blogger, Matthew Woodward provides in-depth SEO tutorials and strategies. His blog is a go-to resource for SEO professionals looking to improve their skills.

33. Bastian Grimm

CEO and Director of Organic Search at Peak Ace AG, Bastian Grimm is a leading expert in large-scale international SEO. His work has helped multinational companies achieve success in competitive markets.

34. Paddy Moogan

Co-founder of Aira, Paddy Moogan is a well-known expert in link building and content marketing. His practical advice and strategies have helped many businesses improve their SEO performance.

35. Dawn Anderson

Managing Director at Bertey, Dawn Anderson is an expert in technical SEO and machine learning. Her research-driven approach to SEO has made her a respected voice in the industry.

36. Gary Illyes

Webmaster Trends Analyst at Google, Gary Illyes is a key figure in the SEO community. His insights into Google’s search algorithms and best practices are highly valued by SEO professionals.

37. Stephan Spencer

Co-author of “The Art of SEO” and Founder of Netconcepts, Stephan Spencer is an expert in SEO strategy and ecommerce. His book, “The Art of SEO,” is considered a must-read for anyone serious about SEO.

38. Kevin Indig

A Growth Advisor and Former Director of SEO at Shopify, Kevin Indig is known for his expertise in scaling SEO for large websites. His strategic insights have helped many businesses achieve exponential growth.

39. Paul Shapiro

Head of SEO at Shopify, Paul Shapiro is known for his technical SEO expertise and innovative strategies. His work has helped Shopify become a leader in the ecommerce space.

40. Mindy Weinstein

Founder of Market MindShift, Mindy Weinstein is a recognized expert in SEO, digital marketing, and content strategy. Her work has helped many businesses improve their online presence and reach their target audiences.

41. Rebecca Gill

An SEO Consultant and Educator, Rebecca Gill specializes in SEO training and WordPress optimization. Her practical advice and hands-on training have empowered many to succeed in SEO.

42. Casie Gillette

Senior Director of Digital Marketing at KoMarketing, Casie Gillette is an expert in content marketing and SEO. Her work has helped many B2B companies achieve success in highly competitive markets.

43. Phil Rozek

Founder of Local Visibility System, Phil Rozek is a top expert in local SEO and reputation management. His strategies have helped many small businesses improve their visibility in local search results.

44. Nick Eubanks

CEO of From the Future, Nick Eubanks is known for his expertise in keyword research and SEO strategy. His innovative approaches have helped many businesses achieve their digital marketing goals.

45. Kimberly Bowman

SEO Manager at Siemens and Founder of Marketing Divas, Kimberly Bowman is recognized for her work in SEO and digital marketing strategy. Her expertise has helped many businesses navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.

46. Nathan Gotch

Founder of Gotch SEO, Nathan Gotch is an SEO expert and educator known for his comprehensive SEO training programs. His content has helped thousands of marketers improve their SEO skills.

47. Joy Hawkins

Founder of Sterling Sky, Joy Hawkins is a leading expert in local SEO and Google My Business optimization. Her insights have helped countless businesses improve their local search presence.

48. Julie Adams

An SEO and Digital Marketing Consultant, Julie Adams is known for her expertise in content strategy and site audits. Her work has helped many businesses improve their search rankings and user experience.

49. Martha van Berkel

Co-founder of Schema App, Martha van Berkel is an expert in schema markup and structured data. Her work has made it easier for businesses to implement structured data and improve their search visibility.

50. Tim Soulo

CMO and Product Advisor at Ahrefs, Tim Soulo is an influential figure in SEO, known for his work in content marketing and SEO tools. His contributions to Ahrefs have made it one of the most trusted tools in the industry.

These 50 SEO experts have significantly shaped the landscape of search engine optimization, offering invaluable insights and strategies that have helped businesses across the globe thrive in the digital age. Whether through their innovative tools, educational content, or hands-on consulting, these professionals are the GOATs of SEO, and their contributions continue to inspire and guide the next generation of digital marketers.

Who do you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments or tag them below!