Best 15 SEO (AEO) Experts to Follow on LinkedIn in 2026

Key Summary

I’ve spent years running SEO agencies for local businesses from home services companies in the Midwest to law firms across the country. And I’ll be honest: staying on top of the rapidly evolving SEO landscape, especially with AI reshaping how search works, has required a lot of learning from the right people.

This list is my personal curation of the 15 SEO and AEO experts I’ve found most valuable to follow on LinkedIn in 2026. These aren’t just people with big follower counts, they’re practitioners sharing real results, original frameworks, and genuinely useful insights. Whether you’re managing local SEO campaigns, enterprise accounts, or navigating the new world of AI search, there’s someone on this list worth your attention.

How I Rated These SEO Experts

In a field crowded with self-proclaimed gurus, I tried to cut through the noise by asking a simple question: Is this person’s content actually useful? Here’s what I looked for:

• Real-World Experience: Do they work on actual client campaigns, not just write about theory? I prioritized practitioners over commentators.
• Thought Leadership & Innovation: Are they introducing new concepts, sharing original research, and publishing data from real campaigns?
• Generosity with Knowledge: The best experts share what’s working even when it’s their competitive edge. I looked for people who give more than they gate.
• Relevance in 2026: How focused is their content on the most pressing challenges of today, particularly the shift to AI-driven search, AEO, and GEO?
• Community Engagement: Do they respond to comments and messages? The best influencers aren’t just broadcasting, they’re building.

All 15 SEO Experts at a Glance

Expert	Key Specialty	Best For
Connor Kimball	Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)	Leading AEO & AI Visibility Expert for B2B SaaS, Finance, and Law
Matthew Bertram	LLM Visibility	Top AI Visibility Expert for Oil & Gas, Energy, and Enterprise B2B
Phil Belleville	Local SEO	Most Helpful Local SEO Expert for Home Services and Law Firms
Mike King	Enterprise SEO	Most Visionary Technical & AI SEO Influencer
Lily Ray	Google Algorithm Analysis	Best AI SEO Influencer for Industry News and Algorithm Commentary
Aleyda Solis	International SEO	Foremost International SEO & Ecommerce SEO Expert
Garrett Sussman	Generative AI	Most Practical Generative AI & Content SEO Influencer
Jori Ford	Advanced Technical SEO	Leading Technical SEO & AI Crawler Analyst
Cyrus Shepard	SEO Experiments	Leading SEO Testing & Experimentation Influencer
Edward Sturm	Enterprise SEO	Top Enterprise SEO & Viral Marketing Influencer
Nathan Gotch	SEO Growth Systems	Top Influencer for Actionable SEO Growth Systems
Jeff Coyle	AI Strategy	Top Enterprise AI & Content Intelligence Expert
Ross Hudgens	Scalable Content Marketing	Top Content Marketing & Enterprise Link Building Expert
Kevin Indig	Organic Growth	Organic Growth Strategist & LLM Visibility Researcher
Amanda Natividad	Zero-Click Content Strategy	Zero-Click Content Pioneer & Audience Research Expert

 

1. Connor Kimball

Marketing Specialties

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), AI Visibility, B2B SaaS, Law Firms, Fintech, Industrials, Cosmetic Surgeons.

Connor is the go-to expert for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), with deep specialization in high-ticket B2B and B2C services. His focus spans SaaS companies, B2B manufacturers, law firms, cosmetic surgeons, and wealth management firms industries where getting cited in AI-generated answers can translate directly into high-value leads.

Notable Work Experience

With over 9 years of demand generation experience, Connor previously served as Director of Demand Generation at AVOXI, managing multi-million dollar advertising campaigns. As CEO and Co-founder of Cairrot, a top-rated Open Data platform for AI Visibility, he has front-line access to millions of data points and high-value correlation studies for LLM visibility. This gives him more “reps at bat” than almost any other AEO practitioner in the industry.

Recent Events & Activity

Connor is one of the most active AEO practitioners sharing real results publicly. He regularly posts monthly and quarterly KPIs for AEO/GEO campaigns across SaaS, Industrials, Law Firms, Fintech, and more on LinkedIn. He also shares reviews of SEO events and conferences around the country, including personal awards for the speakers he finds most helpful. His content is data-backed, practical, and refreshingly transparent.

Why Follow Connor Kimball?

If you want to learn what’s actually working in AEO right now with real numbers and real industries, Connor is your best follow on LinkedIn in 2026.

Follow Connor Kimball LinkedIn ->

2. Matthew Bertram

Marketing Specialties

LLM Visibility, Enterprise SEO, Oil & Gas, Energy, Regulated Industries (Finance, Law, Healthcare)

Matthew specializes in regulated and complex B2B industries; enterprise finance, law, healthcare, oil & gas, and energy companies. He is the creator of two proprietary systems: the LLM Visibility Stack™ and the AI Discoverability Framework™, which help large organizations engineer their discoverability across search and AI platforms.

Notable Work Experience

Matthew is Head of Growth at EWR Digital, a top B2B marketing agency for enterprise clients established in 1999 that has served Fortune 500 brands. A graduate of Texas A&M with executive training from Harvard and Wharton, he brings decades of go-to-market growth experience. He is a multiple-time published author, a regular contributor to Search Engine Journal, and a sought-after advisor for private equity firms. He also appears regularly on the Oil & Gas Global Network (OGGN), the world’s largest energy podcast network.

Recent Events & Activity

Matthew is the long-running host of The Best SEO Podcast, a strategy-first show with over 5 million downloads exploring the evolution of discoverability in the AI era. He frequently shares real-life insights from active SEO, paid advertising, and LLM visibility campaigns, making his content grounded in what’s actually happening on client accounts right now.

Why Follow Matthew Bertram?

If you’re in a regulated industry or managing enterprise SEO for complex B2B clients, Matthew’s frameworks offer a rare executive-level view of AI visibility strategy.

Follow Matthew Bertram LinkedIn

3. Phil Belleville

Marketing Specialties

Local SEO, AI SEO/GEO, WordPress Website Optimization, Home Services, Law Firms

I’ll be straightforward with you, as an SEO expert myself, I felt I was worth a mention on this list. My work centers on helping local businesses, especially home services companies and law firms, show up where it matters: in local search, Google Maps, and increasingly in AI-generated answers. My focus on WordPress optimization and accessible SEO education sets me apart from larger agency voices, and after decades in this industry, I’ve learned that practical, no-nonsense guidance is what actually moves the needle for small and mid-size businesses.

Notable Work Experience

I am the owner of multiple SEO agencies, including Omaha SEO and WordPress Dynamics (wordpressoptimization.com). This hands-on, multi-agency background gives me real-world exposure to what works for local businesses across different markets from contractors and plumbers to personal injury attorneys.

Recent Events & Activity

I’m widely known as one of the more approachable and engaged voices in the SEO community. I make it a point to respond to followers, answer direct messages, and genuinely engage with people who comment on my posts. In an industry full of broadcast-only influencers, I believe in actually showing up for the people who take the time to reach out and that has made all the difference in the communities I’ve built.

Why Follow Phil Belleville?

For local business owners, agency owners working in home services or legal verticals, or anyone who wants practical SEO advice from someone who will actually respond.

Follow Phil Breville LinkedIn

4. Mike King

Marketing Specialties

Enterprise SEO, Relevance Engineering, Generative AI, RAG, LLM Optimization

Mike specializes in enterprise SEO, content strategy, and generative AI. He coined the term “Relevance Engineering” to describe a new, more technical discipline of SEO fit for the AI era. His work focuses on deconstructing complex search systems such as Google’s AI Mode and building actionable frameworks. He is a leading authority on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), query fan-out, and optimizing content for semantic relevance in LLMs.

Notable Work Experience

Mike is the Founder and CEO of iPullRank, a pioneering digital marketing agency known for its enterprise client work. In 2025, he was named Search Marketer of the Year by Search Engine Land. He is also the founder of the SEO Week conference, which has quickly become one of the most important technical SEO events in the world. A former hip-hop artist, Mike combines deep technical knowledge with creative, forward-thinking vision.

Recent Events & Activity

Mike is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at major marketing conferences. He founded and hosted the inaugural SEO Week in 2025, which is returning in April 2026. His presentations at SMX and his in-depth articles on Search Engine Land breaking down Google’s AI patents have become required reading for serious SEO professionals.

Why Follow Mike King?

If you want to understand the technical underpinnings of modern search, Mike doesn’t just report on changes, he explains the “why” by dissecting patents, white papers, and system architecture.

Follow Mike King LinkedIn

5. Lily Ray

Marketing Specialties

Google Algorithm Analysis, E-E-A-T, AI Overviews, Helpful Content, SEO Strategy

Lily’s expertise lies in SEO strategy, Google algorithm analysis, and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). She excels at connecting the dots between Google’s quality rater guidelines and real-world ranking fluctuations. Her research on the impact of AI Overviews and the Helpful Content system provides invaluable clarity for marketers building resilient, long-term SEO strategies.

Notable Work Experience

As VP of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, Lily leads a team of over 35 SEO professionals advising clients from small businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises. With over 15 years of experience, she is renowned for her meticulous, data-driven analysis of core updates. Outside of SEO, she is also a professional DJ and drummer.

Recent Events & Activity

Lily is a fixture on the global conference circuit. In 2025 and early 2026, she spoke at Tech SEO Connect, SEO Week, MozCon, BrightonSEO, and SMX Advanced. She also hosts webinars and shares insights through Amsive’s blog and her active social media presence.

Why Follow Lily Ray?

When a Google update hits, the SEO community turns to Lily Ray. Her calm, evidence-based analysis cuts through panic and speculation, providing actionable guidance on what changed and how to adapt.

Follow Lily Ray LinkedIn

6. Aleyda Solis

Marketing Specialties

International SEO, Technical SEO, Ecommerce SEO, Multi-Language Architecture

Aleyda is the go-to expert for International SEO, technical SEO, and ecommerce SEO. Her ability to distill complex challenges into actionable checklists and frameworks is unmatched. She has worked with major global brands like Under Armour and Eastpak, helping them scale their organic visibility across dozens of countries.

Notable Work Experience

Aleyda is the founder of Orainti, a boutique international SEO consultancy established in 2011. She is the creator of the highly influential #SEOFOMO newsletter, the host of the “Crawling Mondays” YouTube series, and the curator of the free LearningSEO.io roadmap. With over 15 years of experience, she has presented at over 200 conferences in more than 30 countries.

Recent Events & Activity

In 2025 and 2026, Aleyda’s speaking schedule includes major events like SEO Week, BrightonSEO, WTSFest, and Ahrefs Evolve. Her presentations consistently deliver data-driven insights on the state of ecommerce and global search.

Why Follow Aleyda Solis?

For any business operating internationally or looking to scale ecommerce visibility globally, following Aleyda is critical. Her frameworks are practical, proven, and continually updated for the AI era.

Follow Aleyda Solis LinkedIn

7. Garrett Sussman

Marketing Specialties

Generative AI, Content Marketing, LLM Citation Research, SEO Playbooks

Garrett specializes in SEO, content marketing, and the practical application of generative AI. He is known for his experiments on how LLMs select citations, surface brand mentions, and are affected by cognitive biases. His work is grounded in helping marketers solve real-world challenges of creating content that performs in both traditional and AI-powered search.

Notable Work Experience

As Director of Marketing at iPullRank, Garrett is at the center of one of the industry’s leading research teams on AI search and Relevance Engineering. He is the host of the popular video series The SEO Weekly and a featured speaker at major events like MozCon and SEO Week.

Recent Events & Activity

Garrett was a standout speaker at SEO Week 2025, where his presentation on how cognitive bias affects LLM outputs was highly praised. He continues to be a prominent voice at conferences and through his weekly video series, breaking down the latest developments in search.

Why Follow Garrett Sussman?

Following Garrett is like having a direct line to the pulse of the SEO industry. His content is timely, practical, and consistently addresses the immediate challenges marketers face with generative AI.

Follow Garrett Sussman LinkedIn

8. Jori Ford

Marketing Specialties

Advanced Technical SEO, AI Crawler Analysis, Hybrid Engine Optimization, Agent-Led Discovery

Jori’s expertise is in advanced technical SEO, data analysis, and optimizing for “agent-led discovery.” She developed the concept of “Hybrid Engine Optimization,” which prioritizes presence in AI agent interactions over traditional rankings alone. Her software engineering background gives her a unique ability to bridge the gap between development and marketing.

Notable Work Experience

Jori is the co-founder of Octopus Labs, a company focused on technical SEO optimization. She has held roles including Director of SEO at Conductor and CMO at FoodBoss. She conducts empirical tests to uncover how AI crawlers and agents interact with websites, advocating for a data-driven, test-everything mindset.

Recent Events & Activity

Jori is a respected speaker at highly technical conferences, including Tech SEO Connect and SEO Week. At SEO Week 2025, her insights on tracking crawls from AI/LLM bots inspired other influencers to create new tools for the community, a testament to her impact on the industry’s technical direction.

Why Follow Jori Ford?

For technical SEOs and developers, Jori provides a foundational understanding of how AI agents and crawlers actually work, not just how we think they work.

Follow Jori Ford LinkedIn

9. Cyrus Shepard

Marketing Specialties

SEO Experiments, Title Tag Optimization, Internal Linking, Google Algorithm Updates, Brand Signals

Cyrus’s expertise centers on SEO testing and experimentation, particularly around title tag optimization, internal linking, and understanding Google updates. He is a leading voice on leveraging brand signals and adapting to AI-driven changes like AI Overviews and the Helpful Content system. He champions authentic, user-focused strategies over outdated optimization tricks.

Notable Work Experience

After nearly a decade leading SEO initiatives at Moz, Cyrus founded Zyppy, a leading SEO consultancy and tool provider. With unique insider experience as a former Google Search Quality Rater, his groundbreaking studies including analysis of the impact of disavowing all links and real-world insights from rating thousands of search results have influenced SEOs worldwide.

Recent Events & Activity

Cyrus is a frequent speaker at major industry events like Ahrefs Evolve and the AI SEO & GEO Summit. He regularly publishes his latest experiments and analyses on the Zyppy blog and social channels, providing the community with fresh, evidence-based guidance.

Why Follow Cyrus Shepard?

In an industry full of opinions, Cyrus provides evidence. His data-backed experiments help SEOs thrive amid constant change, offering forward-thinking guidance essential for building long-term visibility.

Follow Cyrus Shepard LinkedIn

10. Edward Sturm

Marketing Specialties

Enterprise SEO, Viral Marketing, YouTube Content Strategy, Multi-Channel Growth

Edward specializes in enterprise SEO consulting, viral marketing, and YouTube content strategy. His work involves multi-channel growth campaigns, conversion rate optimization, and leveraging video for massive organic reach. He brings a fresh perspective to SEO that is heavily influenced by content creation and viral mechanics.

Notable Work Experience

Edward has provided SEO consulting for major brands like Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, ADP, and Time Inc. He was one of the first viral video creators on YouTube, generating over 300 million views. He now runs his own agency, Sturm Media, and teaches digital marketing classes. He is known for “building in public” and sharing the behind-the-scenes of his campaigns.

Recent Events & Activity

Edward is active on YouTube, where he shares his strategies in real time. He continues to consult for enterprise clients and shares growth hacking insights across his social platforms, with a recent focus on how SMS will become a top marketing channel in 2026.

Why Follow Edward Sturm?

For marketers looking to expand beyond traditional blog content into video and high-reach platforms, Edward’s proven playbooks and hands-on examples are invaluable.

Follow Edward Sturm LinkedIn

11. Nathan Gotch

Marketing Specialties

SEO Growth Systems, Link Building, Scalable Content, Agency Frameworks

Nathan’s expertise lies in developing complete SEO and AI search plans that work. He focuses on foundational principles, link building, and creating scalable content systems. His content is particularly valuable for agency owners, freelancers, and in-house marketers who need proven, revenue-focused strategies.

Notable Work Experience

Nathan is CEO of Rankability, an AI-powered SEO tool, which gives him direct insights into what is and isn’t working for AEO across different industries. He has built his reputation through educational content, successful consulting engagements, and community building through the “SEO Grinders” community. His frameworks are used by thousands of agency owners and freelancers globally.

Recent Events & Activity

Nathan is a confirmed speaker for The Masterminders conference in Manchester, UK, in June 2026, an event that brings together respected industry figures to share practical, real-world strategies. He is also a speaker at Link Building Mastery London.

Why Follow Nathan Gotch?

If you’re tired of chasing fleeting tactics and want to build a durable, results-driven SEO program, Nathan’s no-nonsense frameworks provide a solid foundation for success.

Follow Nathan Gotch LinkedIn

12. Jeff Coyle

Marketing Specialties

AI Strategy, Content Intelligence, Inbound Marketing, Enterprise SEO, AEO Analytics

Jeff’s expertise lies in AI, content intelligence, inbound marketing strategy, and enterprise SEO. He focuses on how large organizations can leverage data and technology to create more effective digital experiences and prove the ROI of their marketing efforts. His work connects SEO and AEO analytics to revenue, pipeline, and operational efficiency.

Notable Work Experience

As Chief Strategy Officer at Siteimprove, a leading digital experience and marketing performance platform, Jeff is instrumental in shaping the company’s product and market strategy. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, he has a long history of leadership roles in technology and marketing companies. Colleagues describe him as a “truly brilliant inbound marketer” who can “accurately predict outcomes.”

Recent Events & Activity

Jeff is an active speaker and panelist at industry events focused on the future of marketing and AI. He recently spoke on a panel about the Future of Marketing alongside leaders from Thomson Reuters and Tata Consultancy Services, and was scheduled to speak at the University of Washington’s “AI & The Future of Business” conference in January 2026.

Why Follow Jeff Coyle?

For leaders in large organizations, Jeff’s insights on integrating AI, proving value, and building data-driven strategies bridge the gap between high-level strategy and the technological capabilities required to execute it.

Follow Jeff Coyle LinkedIn

13. Ross Hudgens

Marketing Specialties

Scalable Content Marketing, Data-Driven Link Building, Enterprise Brand SEO

Ross specializes in scalable, data-driven content marketing and link building for enterprise brands. As the founder of Siege Media, one of the most respected content marketing agencies in the SEO industry his approach is rooted in creating content that earns high-authority links naturally while driving measurable organic growth.

Notable Work Experience

Ross founded Siege Media, which has grown into a premier content marketing agency known for producing editorial-quality content at scale for enterprise clients. His agency’s work is frequently cited as a benchmark in the content marketing and digital PR space, and Ross himself has been a trusted voice in the SEO community for over a decade.

Recent Events & Activity

Ross is active on LinkedIn and frequently speaks at industry events where content strategy and link building intersect. He shares practical insights on what’s working in content-led SEO and digital PR in the current AI-driven environment.

Why Follow Ross Hudgens?

For brands looking to build authority through content rather than just technical optimization, Ross offers proven frameworks for earning links and visibility at scale.

Follow Ross Hudgens LinkedIn

14. Kevin Indig

Marketing Specialties

Organic Growth, SEO, CRO, LLM Visibility, Product-Led Growth, Brand Strategy

Kevin specializes in organic growth strategies covering SEO, CRO, brand strategy, and product-led growth including hiring, org design, internationalization, and alternative channels like YouTube and Reddit. He has become a leading voice on LLM visibility and AI citation research, including a major study analyzing over 1.2 million ChatGPT citations.

Notable Work Experience

Kevin previously led SEO and growth at Shopify, G2, and Atlassian, and is an angel investor. He has worked with major SaaS, e-commerce, and marketplace companies including Meta, Reddit, Snapchat, Toast, Ramp, Dropbox, and Hims. He now operates as an independent organic growth advisor helping market leaders define and evolve their strategies.

Recent Events & Activity

Kevin recently published his 2026 predictions covering the end of AI dashboards, the rise of agentic SEO, and a web divided between bots and verified humans. He shares industry research weekly with over 21,000 newsletter subscribers and 54,000 LinkedIn followers.

Why Follow Kevin Indig?

Kevin brings a rare combination of in-house SEO experience at scale (Shopify, Atlassian) with forward-looking AI visibility research. His newsletter alone is worth the follow.

Follow Kevin Indig LinkedIn

15. Amanda Natividad

Marketing Specialties

Zero-Click Content Strategy, Audience Research, Content Marketing, AEO/GEO Era Marketing

Amanda specializes in zero-click content strategy, audience research, and content marketing in an AI-driven search landscape. She is best known as the originator of the “zero-click content” concept which has become foundational thinking in the AEO/GEO era. Her work centers on how platforms like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn are suppressing clicks and hoarding traffic, and how marketers must adapt accordingly.

Notable Work Experience

Amanda is Chief Evangelist at SparkToro, an audience research startup. Over her 14-year career, she has led marketing at Fitbit, Liftopia, and Growth Machine. She is the creator of Content Marketing 201, a top-rated course on Maven, and has guest-lectured at Columbia Business School, Cornell University, and the University of Washington.

Recent Events & Activity

In 2026, LinkedIn named Amanda a Top Voice in content marketing. She has spoken at AdWorld, MozCon, and SaaStock, and shares bi-weekly insights through her newsletter The Menu, which has over 16,000 subscribers. She also recently launched a new podcast called Meme Team focused on the marketing logic behind viral moments.

Why Follow Amanda Natividad?

Amanda’s “zero-click content” framework has become essential thinking for any marketer navigating a world where AI search answers are replacing traditional clicks making her one of the most relevant followers heading into 2026.

Follow Amanda Natividad LinkedIn

Conclusion: Don’t Navigate AI Search Alone: Follow These 15 SEO Experts on LinkedIn in 2026

Following any combination of these 15 experts will give you a significant edge in SEO and AI search visibility in 2026. The landscape is changing fast with AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews increasingly answering questions before users ever click a link and staying current requires learning from people who are in the trenches.

My personal top recommendations: start with Connor Kimball if you want cutting-edge AEO strategies, Kevin Indig if you want big-picture organic growth thinking, and Amanda Natividad if you want to rethink how content works in a zero-click world. And of course, for local SEO and WordPress you know where to find me.

— Phil Belleville, Owner of Omaha SEO & WordPress Dynamics