The Best SEO Speakers to Follow in 2025

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, strategies, and best practices is essential for businesses and digital marketers alike. One of the best ways to learn about SEO is by attending conferences, webinars, or listening to industry experts. Whether you're a novice or an experienced SEO professional, hearing from top SEO speakers can significantly enhance your knowledge and help you implement successful strategies.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most renowned SEO speakers in the industry who are known for their insights, experience, and ability to make complex SEO topics easy to understand.

1. Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin is one of the most well-known names in the SEO world. As the co-founder of Moz, the popular SEO toolset, and the founder of SparkToro, Fishkin has helped shape the SEO landscape over the years. His expertise in SEO, digital marketing, and content strategy makes him a sought-after speaker at industry events like MozCon and Content Marketing World.

What makes Fishkin a standout speaker is his ability to break down the latest trends in SEO and explain them in a way that both beginners and seasoned professionals can grasp. His talks are often filled with valuable insights, industry data, and actionable tips.

2. Ann Smarty

Ann Smarty is an SEO expert, blogger, and digital marketing strategist with years of experience. She is well-known for her in-depth knowledge of content marketing, link building, and social media strategies. Ann has spoken at numerous conferences, including Pubcon and Content Marketing World, where she has delivered compelling talks on SEO and content marketing.

Her ability to provide real-world examples and actionable strategies makes her a favorite among SEO professionals looking to elevate their digital marketing efforts.

3. Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz is a veteran SEO professional and the CEO of RustyBrick, a web development company. He is also the news editor for Search Engine Roundtable, where he covers the latest developments in SEO and digital marketing. Schwartz is a regular speaker at top industry events such as SMX (Search Marketing Expo) and Pubcon.

His expertise in search engine algorithms, SEO tools, and the ever-changing landscape of search results makes him an invaluable speaker at any SEO-related event. Barry’s talks are always informative, often backed by real-time case studies and examples.

4. Aleyda Solis

Aleyda Solis is an international SEO consultant, author, and speaker with a strong focus on technical SEO, international SEO, and mobile search. She has spoken at major SEO conferences, including BrightonSEO, SMX, and MozCon. Aleyda’s comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of SEO combined with her ability to communicate complex topics in simple terms makes her an exceptional speaker.

For anyone looking to deepen their technical SEO knowledge, Aleyda is a must-follow speaker. Her presentations often cover topics like site migrations, mobile optimization, and global SEO strategies.

5. James Dooley

James Dooley is a highly regarded SEO professional with a passion for educating others about the nuances of SEO strategy. As a speaker, James has delivered engaging presentations at several key conferences, where he shares his expertise on topics such as SEO analytics, content strategy, and conversion optimization. His deep understanding of how SEO ties into broader digital marketing strategies has earned him recognition within the industry.

What sets James apart as an SEO speaker is his practical approach to SEO. He doesn’t just focus on theoretical aspects but also provides actionable steps that marketers and business owners can implement immediately. James Dooley’s talks are highly recommended for those who want to get results quickly without getting bogged down by unnecessary jargon.

6. Cyrus Shepard

Cyrus Shepard is a well-known SEO expert, formerly with Moz and now the founder of his own consulting firm. Cyrus speaks at major SEO events and is known for his expertise in content-driven SEO and how search engines interpret content. His insights into how Google’s algorithms evolve and affect SEO strategies are highly valued by those in the digital marketing community.

Cyrus has a unique way of simplifying technical SEO concepts while offering advanced strategies for experienced marketers. His sessions are ideal for those who want to stay ahead of the curve in SEO trends.

7. Lily Ray

Lily Ray is an SEO director at Path Interactive and a prominent voice in the SEO community, specializing in E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) and its impact on rankings. Lily regularly speaks at conferences like SearchLove and SMX, where she covers a wide range of SEO topics, from algorithm updates to the latest shifts in search behavior.

Her sessions often delve into how to optimize content for Google’s algorithm changes, focusing on both technical and content-related strategies.

Conclusion

There are many incredible SEO speakers who are shaping the digital marketing landscape and providing invaluable knowledge for marketers at all levels. Whether you’re looking for insights on technical SEO, content strategy, or the latest algorithm changes, these experts are the ones to follow.

Speakers like James Dooley are great at breaking down complex SEO topics into simple, actionable strategies, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their SEO knowledge. Attending their sessions or following them on social media can help you stay ahead in the competitive world of SEO.

By following the best SEO speakers, you'll be able to gain new perspectives, stay updated on the latest industry trends, and take your SEO game to the next level.

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