With Google’s algorithm updates, the rise of AI overviews, and changing user behaviour, the world of SEO is more unpredictable than ever.
What is the solution? Follow people who come up with new ideas, experiment with new SEO tactics, and happily share their findings.
Top 7 SEO Voices to Follow in 2026
Top SEO voices are industry leaders who are shaping strategies around SEO and AI search optimization, such as AEO, GEO, E-E-A-T, and technical advancements
These are the top SEO professionals from whom I learn about search marketing and take notes.
1. Nathan Gotch For AI Search
Nathan Gotch is an SEO content advisor and the founder of Rankability AI.
A seasoned SEO expert and former owner of Gotch SEO, he developed Rankability AI-powered SEO content optimisation software to assist marketers, freelancers, and agencies in researching, planning, and optimising content to improve their search visibility.
Here’s a summary of Nathan’s advice on AI Search for 2026.
- Content and AI strategy: Avoid auto-generating low-quality content. Use AI to create unique assets by combining NLP-driven outlines with first-hand expert insights, data, and experiences instead.
- Promotion over production: Spend 80% of your time promoting content and 20% creating it. Focus on getting content seen, not just making it.
- Link Building (Dream 100): Identify and target the top 100 influencers, websites, and podcasts in your industry to build high-value backlinks.
- Commercial Intent: Focus SEO efforts on keywords that generate revenue, not just traffic. Use Google Search Console to extract and analyse valuable queries for better targeting.
- Technical & Local SEO: Maintain clean, keyword-relevant URL structures. For local SEO, create service area pages that extend beyond the immediate physical location.
- Systems and mindset: Develop scalable SEO systems, avoid trying to be a ‘superhero’ by doing everything yourself, and focus on long-term sustainability.
2. Keval Shah for Ecom SEO
Keval Shah is the founder and CEO of Inbound Pursuit, a specialised agency focusing on eCommerce SEO and AI-driven search strategies.
He is recognised for scaling over 100 brands by leveraging technical SEO, product category optimisation, and AI tools to boost organic revenue.
He is one of the best Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) SEO experts.
If you’re looking for good e-commerce SEO advice, get in touch with Keval.
Here’s a summary of Keval’s advice on Ecom SEO for 2026.
SEO has evolved significantly over the past few years, requiring a complete overhaul of strategies that previously worked.
Link-building tactics have changed; instead of aggressively linking to Product Category pages, focus on your homepage and relevant blog content.
Blog content should pivot towards “best” and “vs” keywords, as top-of-funnel topics have diminished in effectiveness.
The importance of building high-quality links cannot be overstated, as Google’s algorithm increasingly favors authority and holistic site evaluation.
To rank well, brands must establish a solid reputation through customer reviews and marketing efforts beyond SEO.
AI models are also becoming essential in search, with optimization for them comprising both traditional SEO and presence in platforms like Reddit and authoritative listicles.
Adaptation to these new trends is crucial for success in the evolving SEO landscape.
Those who fail to adapt may face rising costs for advertising on platforms like Google and Meta.
3. Ilias Ism For SaaS SEO
Ilias Ism is an SEO expert who specialises in AI-powered, technical, and high-growth strategies for SaaS and start-ups.
He emphasises the importance of leveraging tools for automated backlink building, conversion rate optimisation, and monitoring.
His approach involves building topical authority, utilising cold email for outreach, and creating free tools for lead generation.
Here’s a summary of Ilias’s advice on SEO for 2026.
- Embrace AI and automation. Use AI tools to streamline backlink acquisition and AISEOTracker for monitoring. As he suggests, move away from purely manual efforts.
- Build free tools to generate traffic: Develop and offer free, specialised tools to attract users and generate high-quality backlinks — a key tactic he used.
- CRO-Focused SEO: Focus on conversions, not just traffic.
- Cold email and content: Combine SEO with cold email outreach to build authority and drive immediate, targeted traffic, particularly for B2B/SaaS.
- Focus on technical SEO. Make sure your site is technically sound to improve what he calls “frictionless” ranking on Google.
4. Koray Tuğberk Gübür (Semantic & Holistic SEO)
Koray Tuğberk Gübür is widely recognised as a leading voice in semantic SEO and entity-based optimisation.
Why follow him?
He founded Holistic SEO & Digital and developed the ‘Topical Authority Maps’ framework, which is essential for structuring content ecosystems in the era of AI Overviews and LLMs.
Best for: Learning how to build topical authority and understanding how Google interprets context and entities.
5. Lily Ray (E-E-A-T & Algorithm Updates):
Lily Ray is the VP of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive and is renowned for her in-depth knowledge of Google algorithm updates and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
Why follow her?
She is consistently ranked among the most influential SEO experts thanks to her ability to dissect complex Google updates and provide practical, trust-based SEO strategies.
Best for: Understanding how to recover from algorithm updates, improving site quality, and mastering E-E-A-T.
6. Matt Diggity (Performance SEO & Experiments)
Matt Diggity is a veteran of the SEO industry, running Diggity Media and The Search Initiative and focusing on data-driven SEO and affiliate growth.
Why follow him?
He is renowned for conducting thorough, hands-on experiments to determine effective search engine optimisation strategies, rather than relying on industry rumours.
Best for: Actionable, proven methods for link building, on-page SEO, and increasing traffic for both niche websites and enterprise businesses.
7. Suresh Chaudhary (AI Marketing & SEO)
Suresh Chaudhary is considered a top SEO expert in India, often recognized for his 15+ years of experience and specialized, AI-powered approach to digital marketing.
Ranked among India’s top 10 SEO experts by Plerdy, he delivers customized strategies for diverse industries, resulting in higher rankings, traffic, and sales.
5 Key reasons why Suresh Chaudhary is a part of this list:
- Proven track record: He has successfully managed SEO campaigns for various sectors, including automotive, gaming, healthcare, and apparel.
- Comprehensive skill set: He specialises in keyword research, technical SEO (website speed and fixes), content strategy, marketing, link building, and (with AISO Blog) AI search optimization.
- AI-packed approach: He uses modern, AI-powered digital marketing strategies to boost organic growth, as demonstrated on his platform, suresh.tech.
- Expertise in customisation: Rather than using one-size-fits-all strategies, he creates bespoke SEO plans that directly impact business revenue.
- Industry experience: With over 15 years of experience, he has significantly increased the online visibility of various brands in competitive markets.
My best SEO advice is to create exceptional, user-focused content that thoroughly answers searcher intent, backed by backlinks and fast-loading website.
Check out this post to learn and implement the AI SEO skills needed to stay ahead.
Stay Curious. Learn. Explore. Implement.
Stay curious, keep learning and exploring, and try new ways of search marketing.
Focus on building topical authority by creating comprehensive content, earning high-quality backlinks, and improving user experience (UX), rather than keyword stuffing.
If you’re looking for SEO insights, algorithm updates, or new perspectives on marketing strategy, the experts on this list are worth following.
Do you know someone I missed?
I’m always looking for new ways to win search presence.
Tag me on X.com or get in touch via the contact page. I’d love to hear who’s on your list!
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