Top SEO Experts to Follow in 2019

Search engine optimisation changes constantly. In 2019, businesses and marketers are adapting to mobile-first indexing, changes to Google’s search results, growing interest in structured data and the continuing importance of high-quality content. Following experienced SEO professionals can help make sense of these developments and turn industry news into practical advice.

There is no single, definitive list of the “top” SEO experts. The people below are recognised for their work, research, education or reporting, and each brings a different perspective to the field.

Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin, co-founder of Moz and founder of SparkToro, is known for making complex marketing ideas easier to understand. His writing and presentations cover search, audience research and the wider challenges of building a sustainable marketing strategy. In 2019, his work at SparkToro also highlights the value of understanding where an audience spends its time online, beyond search engines alone.

Aleyda Solis

International SEO consultant Aleyda Solis is a leading voice on technical and international search optimisation. Her advice is especially useful for businesses operating across several countries or languages, where site structure, localisation and indexing can become complicated. She also shares practical resources and regular industry updates for SEO professionals.

Brian Dean

Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko, is known for detailed guides on content marketing, link building and on-page SEO. His work focuses on actionable techniques and clear explanations, making it useful for marketers looking to improve the visibility and usefulness of their content.

Marie Haynes

Marie Haynes specialises in Google search quality issues, including algorithm updates and manual actions. Her analysis can help website owners understand possible reasons for changes in organic traffic and assess whether their content and practices align with Google’s guidelines. Her work is particularly relevant to businesses investigating sudden ranking or traffic declines.

Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz, founder of Search Engine Roundtable, is one of the most active reporters covering search industry news. His reporting helps readers keep up with Google announcements, search feature changes and discussions among SEO professionals. For practitioners who need timely updates, his coverage is a useful daily read.

Danny Sullivan

Danny Sullivan has spent much of his career explaining search to the public, first as a journalist and later in his role as Google’s Search Liaison. In 2019, his communications help provide context around how Google Search works and how the company approaches changes to its systems. His updates are useful for separating confirmed information from speculation.

Cyrus Shepard

Cyrus Shepard is known for his work on SEO strategy, content and website optimisation. His research and practical recommendations encourage marketers to look beyond individual ranking factors and consider how a site’s content, structure and user experience work together.

Neil Patel

Neil Patel is a digital marketing entrepreneur and educator whose content covers SEO, analytics, content marketing and growth. His guides and tools are aimed at a broad audience, from small business owners to marketing teams. As with any widely shared marketing advice, readers should test recommendations against their own data and business goals.

Lily Ray

Lily Ray is recognised for her work in SEO strategy and analysis, particularly around Google algorithm updates and website quality. Her research offers useful perspectives for businesses in competitive sectors and for teams seeking to understand how broader search changes may affect their visibility.

How to learn from SEO experts

Following experts can help you stay informed, but no single person can provide a guaranteed formula for ranking well. Search performance depends on a site’s audience, competition, technical foundations and the value of its content. Use expert advice as a starting point, then test changes carefully and measure the results.

• Look for evidence, examples and clear explanations behind recommendations.
• Check whether advice is current, especially when it concerns Google’s guidelines or ranking systems.
• Prioritise useful content, sound technical foundations and a positive experience for visitors.
• Track organic traffic and conversions, not rankings alone.
• Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed positions or instant results.

Final thoughts

The SEO experts worth following in 2019 offer different strengths: industry reporting, technical insight, international expertise, content strategy and clear education. Keeping up with their work can help you understand the changing search landscape, but lasting results come from applying relevant advice thoughtfully and focusing on what best serves your audience.

 

Essential Tips for Evaluating Top SEO Experts in 2019

1. Treat “top SEO experts of 2019” lists as subjective, not definitive rankings.
2. Study Rand Fishkin’s work on audience research and search behaviour.
3. Explore Aleyda Solis’s international SEO advice.
4. Learn link-building techniques from Brian Dean’s case studies.
5. Follow Marie Haynes for guidance on Google updates and quality issues.
6. Use Barry Schwartz’s coverage to track SEO news from 2019.
7. Check experts’ results, methods and client references before hiring.
8. Prioritise advice based on evidence, not promises of instant rankings.

Treat “top SEO experts of 2019” lists as subjective, not definitive rankings.

Treat lists of the “top SEO experts of 2019” as a useful starting point, not a definitive ranking. SEO covers many specialisms, from technical optimisation and content strategy to local and international search, so the right expert depends on your needs. Consider each person’s experience, evidence and area of expertise, and check that their advice is relevant to your website and current search practices.

Study Rand Fishkin’s work on audience research and search behaviour.

Study Rand Fishkin’s work on audience research and search behaviour to understand how people discover information and which channels they use beyond search engines. His practical insights can help you identify the topics and platforms that matter to your audience, then shape your SEO and content strategy around their real interests rather than assumptions.

Explore Aleyda Solis’s international SEO advice.

Explore Aleyda Solis’s international SEO advice if your business wants to reach customers in more than one country or language. Her practical insights cover topics such as site structure, localisation and helping search engines understand which content is intended for each audience. Use her guidance to shape your approach, then check performance in each target market and refine your strategy based on the results.

Learn link-building techniques from Brian Dean’s case studies.

Learn link-building techniques from Brian Dean’s case studies, which explain how strategies such as creating useful, original content and reaching out to relevant websites can help earn quality backlinks. Rather than copying a tactic blindly, study the approach, adapt it to your audience and resources, and measure whether it brings relevant links and visitors. Focus on providing genuine value: sustainable link-building is about giving publishers a good reason to reference your work, not simply collecting links.

Follow Marie Haynes for guidance on Google updates and quality issues.

Follow Marie Haynes for clear, informed guidance on Google updates and search quality issues. Her analysis can help website owners understand changes in organic traffic, investigate possible causes and review whether their content aligns with Google’s quality guidance. Use her insights as a starting point, then assess them against your site’s own data and circumstances.

Use Barry Schwartz’s coverage to track SEO news from 2019.

Barry Schwartz’s coverage is a useful way to keep up with SEO news from 2019. Through Search Engine Roundtable, he reported on Google announcements, search-result changes and discussions among industry professionals, helping readers follow developments as they unfolded. Use his reporting to spot topics worth investigating, and check important updates against official Google sources before changing your SEO strategy.

Check experts’ results, methods and client references before hiring.

Before hiring an SEO expert, look beyond bold promises and check the results they have achieved for clients with similar goals to yours. Ask how they measure success, what methods they use and whether their approach follows search engine guidelines. Request relevant case studies and, where possible, speak to client references about communication, transparency and the quality of the work. A trustworthy expert should explain their strategy clearly and avoid guaranteeing specific rankings.

Prioritise advice based on evidence, not promises of instant rankings.

When following top SEO experts in 2019, prioritise advice supported by evidence, clear reasoning and real-world results rather than promises of instant rankings. Search performance depends on many factors, and meaningful improvements usually take time. Look for recommendations that explain how to measure success, fit your website and audience, and follow sustainable SEO practices.