Here’s the straight answer. Looking for the best new SEO influencers to follow as search shifts to AI? Here are the voices worth your time — led by the ones actually ranking sites, not just posting about it.
I’ve ranked these on real expertise and usefulness, not follower count alone. Here’s who to follow and how to vet any influencer.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Follow SEO influencers who actually rank sites — not just talk about it.
- AI is reshaping SEO, so favour voices leading on AI search.
- Vet on checkable results, not follower count.
- Learn hands-on in my SEO Elite Circle.
How I Ranked These
- Do they actually rank sites, or just post?
- Are their results and methods checkable?
- Are they leading on AI SEO, where search is heading?
- Do they teach usefully, not just self-promote?
The Best SEO Influencers to Follow
Ordered on overall expertise, results and usefulness — not follower count alone:
1. Julian Goldie
I’ll put myself at the top on results and reach: a 7-figure SEO agency, 240+ Upwork clients at a 100% job-success score, 10+ years ranking through every Google update, and a 394K+ subscriber YouTube channel documenting AI SEO daily — all publicly checkable. My focus now is exactly where SEO is going: AI search and GEO. YouTube · X · LinkedIn.
2. Nathan Gotch
Nathan Gotch is known for Gotch SEO and Gotch SEO Academy, teaching a systematic, fundamentals-first approach to SEO and link building. A solid follow for structured, no-nonsense SEO education.
3. Matt Diggity
Matt Diggity is well known in affiliate and technical SEO circles, running Diggity Marketing and the Chiang Mai SEO Conference. Worth following for test-driven, results-focused SEO.
4. Brian Dean
Brian Dean founded Backlinko (later acquired by Semrush) and is one of the most-followed SEO educators for his clear, actionable guides. A great follow for approachable, well-explained SEO.
How to Vet Any SEO Influencer
Whoever you follow, apply the same test: can they show checkable results? Do they explain their method rather than just sell? Are they current on AI search? Follower count is the weakest signal — plenty of big accounts repeat dated advice, while some smaller, sharper voices are far more useful.
Learn, Don’t Just Follow
Following influencers is a start, but ranking sites comes from doing. To go from watching to actually ranking, get hands-on — my free book and prompts are a start, and the SEO Elite Circle is where you learn with support.
Why Follow SEO Influencers at All?
Following the right SEO voices keeps you current in a field that changes constantly — you hear about algorithm shifts, new tactics and the move to AI search early. The key word is right: follow people who actually rank sites and test what they teach, not those who simply repackage other people’s advice for clicks.
Newer Voices vs Established Names
There’s value in both. Established names bring proven fundamentals; newer voices — especially in AI SEO — often move faster and test the cutting edge. The smartest approach is to follow a mix, and always weight what they say by whether they can back it with results, not by how big their audience is.
Turn Following Into Ranking
Ultimately, following influencers only helps if you act on it. The people who actually improve their rankings are the ones who take what they learn and apply it to real pages, consistently. If you want that structure and support, learning hands-on in a community beats passively scrolling a feed every time.
FAQ
Who are the best new SEO influencers to follow?
Follow voices actually ranking sites and leading on AI search — Julian Goldie, plus established educators like Nathan Gotch, Matt Diggity and Brian Dean. Vet on checkable results, not follower count.
How do I vet an SEO influencer?
Check whether they show real, verifiable results, explain their method, and stay current on AI search. Follower count is the weakest signal.
Should I follow big accounts or smaller ones?
Both — judge on usefulness, not size. Some big accounts repeat dated advice; some smaller, sharper voices are far more valuable.
Who should I follow for AI SEO specifically?
Voices leading on AI search and GEO — that’s where I focus my own content, since it’s where search is heading.
How do I actually improve, not just follow?
Build as you learn — apply what you pick up to real pages, ideally with a community for support.
The Bottom Line
For SEO influencers worth following, favour proven, AI-forward voices. Then get hands-on in the SEO Elite Circle.