Last updated: January 11, 2024
Our team recently conducted a meta-analysis to determine the top SEO consultants working in 2024. We used publicly-available data, narrowing experts down into categories that correlate with SEO expertise: years of SEO experience, # of SEO books written, # of SEO keynotes given, and social media followers. We also considered each consultant’s client portfolio.
Below are the 8 top-ranking SEO consultants in our dataset. In the table below, we included all the data we uncovered as well as a link to their blog.
The Best SEO Consultants of 2024
| | Name | # Years Experience | SEO Books | SEO Keynotes | Social Media Followers | Specialty | Active SEO Blog? | | | ---------- | ----------------------- | ------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | Evan Bailyn | 18 | 3 | ~260 | ~149,000 | Content-Based SEO | Yes | | 2 | Rand Fishkin | 18 | 3 | ~180 | ~465,000 | SEO Tools | Yes | | 3 | Dana DiTomaso | 20 | 0 | ~200 | ~12,000 | Brand Uniformity | Yes | | 4 | Neil Patel | 16 | 2 | ~80 | ~1,500,000 | SEO Analytics | Yes | | 5 | AJ Ghergich | 17 | 0 | ~15 | ~102,000 | Technical SEO | Yes | | 6 | Marie Hines | 11 | 2 | ~30 | ~32,000 | Backlinking | Yes | | 7 | Robert Rose | 15 | 2 | ~300 | ~40,000 | Storytelling | No | | 8 | Barry Schwartz | 17 | 0 | ~60 | ~147,000 | Google Algorithm, Web Design | Yes |
Evan Bailyn
Evan is the founder and CEO of First Page Sage, the largest SEO firm in the United States. He is a recognized leader in the industry and highly sought after for consulting engagements. Evan’s approach centers on SEO strategy and using SEO for long-term lead generation.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Evan’s consulting style prioritizes “a deep strategic analysis” of keywords, site layout, and conversion content. He is a “master of understanding how to create content that ranks #1”, which is particularly useful in today’s age of generative AI. |
Rand Fishkin
Rand is another familiar voice in the digital marketing industry. He helped found Moz in 2004 and now heads Sparktoro which creates SEO tools to aid companies in identifying and connecting with their target audience. He is an accomplished author and is available for speaking as well as consulting.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Rand is “fun and engaging” and gives “insightful” advice, drawing on his “deep” knowledge of SEO. |
Dana DiTomaso
Dana’s approach to SEO focuses on the importance of knowing your audience. She emphasizes using market research, the application of digital tools to leverage data and establishing brand uniformity. She is available for consulting as well as speaking engagements.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Dana is “engaging, funny, and informative“, as well as a “consummate professional“. Her consulting style is “top quality, thorough, and grounded in immense experience“. |
Neil Patel
Neil is best known for providing advice and insight on SEO content marketing on his blog. As the founder of Crazy Egg and Kissmetrics, he often stresses the importance of good analytics toolsF. He has also authored two books and is available for consulting.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Neil delivers “actionable advice on both technical and on-page SEO”, leading to a “rewarding and positive experience” for his clients. |
AJ Ghergich
AJ is a principal at Brado, which utilizes AI and data analysis to help companies better understand their target audience and anticipate their needs, which enables more targeted marketing. Brado stresses the use of technology and a wide portfolio of marketing channels; including paid search and SEO.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | AJ Ghergich is a “proactive, accessible” consultant who provides thought provoking conversations” about SEO. |
Marie Hynes
Dr. Marie Haynes is both an author and consultant. She heads a team of SEO professionals at Marie Haynes Consulting and consistently creates content that covers how to build links, improve reader time on-page and understanding Google algorithms. Dr. Haynes is an expert in backlink audits and is a regular speaker at SEO conferences.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Marie Haynes is “completely obsessed with trying to understand how Google assesses quality” which leads her to conduct “detailed website review containing a range of practical solutions” for various client types. |
Robert Rose
Robert’s approach to SEO and content marketing emphasizes engaging and educating the audience through storytelling. He has published two books on content strategy and is The Content Advisory founder, where you can connect with him.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Robert’s “deep marketing expertise“ leads to “transformational experiences” that guide companies to “think differently“ about SEO. |
Barry Schwartz
Barry leads web development company Rusty Brick. He’s best known for his work reporting on SEO news via Search Engine Land and on social media. He also founded the Search Engine Roundtable which provides news about SEO and the content marketing industry.
| Summary of Online Reviews | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Barry is someone with “their pulse on the Search Engine Industry,” which has made them “one of the leading voices in the SEO industry globally.” |
Top SEO Consultants by Industry – 2024
Our team has also compiled lists of the top SEO consultants for 4 different industries. Their results are shared below.
| The Top SaaS SEO Consultants of 2024 | | | | ---------------------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------------- | | # | Name | Clients | | 1 | Evan Bailyn | Salesforce, Equinix, US Bank | | 2 | AJ Ghergich | Github, Owler | | 3 | Aleyda Solis | Krisp, Turo | | 4 | Jono Alderson | Microsoft |
| The Top Healthcare SEO Consultants of 2024 | | | | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | # | Name | Clients | | 1 | Barry Schwartz | Alternative to Meds Center, CPR Certified | | 2 | Evan Bailyn | Dignity Health, City of Hope, Institute on Aging | | 3 | Pete Meyers | N/A | | 4 | Cyrus Shepard | N/A |
| The Top Real Estate SEO Consultants of 2024 | | | | ----------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------ | | # | Name | Clients | | 1 | Evan Bailyn | Corcoran, Apollo Group, We Buy Ugly Houses | | 2 | Pete Meyers | N/A | | 3 | Aleyda Solis | Sniffspot | | 4 | Cyrus Shepard | N/A |
| The Top Financial SEO Consultants of 2024 | | | | --------------------------------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------------------ | | # | Name | Clients | | 1 | Barry Schwartz | FM Home Loans, Collectibles Exchange | | 2 | Evan Bailyn | US Bank, Capital One, SoFi | | 3 | Aledya Solis | Trade Republic | | 4 | Jono Alderson | N/A |