Which SEO influencers are most worth following in 2026? See my top 22 most helpful AI SEO influencers in 2026, including detailed profiles on 11 of the most helpful influencers to follow when learning AEO.
Key Summary
- As the Director of Strategy and Growth at EWR Digital, part of my job is to stay on top of latest and greatest SEO knowledge, and this has only become more important with the rise of AI Search engines changing the game for marketers
- Every lead and existing customer we had at EWR Digital in 2025 asked us about AI SEO or “AI Visibility”, so I’ve had to spend the last 12 months learning as much about this new skillset as possible.
- I’ve relied on several paid consultants and free content from online SEO influencers to catch up my knowledge set. Our recent AI SEO results for clients has me feeling extremely confident in our internal knowledge, which was already high.
- I’ve included detailed profiles of the 11 SEO influencers I find most helpful for learning AI Search and LLM ranking strategies, as well as 11 more “rising” experts who I have my eyes on in 2026.
Who Are The Most Helpful AI SEO Influencers and Experts to Follow in 2026?
Traditional ranking factors are now just one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), also known as Answer/AI Engine Optimization (AEO) or LLMO, and overall online discoverability. To stay ahead, marketers must follow the thought leaders who are not just observing these changes but actively shaping the future of search.
This guide highlights the 11 most essential SEO influencers to follow in 2026, from technical pioneers and AI strategists to enterprise leaders and content visionaries. Following these experts will provide you with the data-backed strategies, experimental insights, and forward-thinking frameworks needed to win in this new era.
How I Rated These Influencers:
In a field crowded with self-proclaimed gurus, identifying true influence requires a multi-faceted approach. These rankings are not based on follower counts alone, but on a holistic evaluation of how helpful and relevant each influencer is to follow if you want insights into SEO and AEO in 2026.
I considered several key factors:
- Real-World Experience: Does the influencer actively work on real client campaigns, especially at the enterprise or high-stakes level? We prioritized practitioners over pure theorists.
- Thought Leadership & Innovation: Are they introducing new concepts (like Mike King’s “Relevance Engineering” or Jori Ford’s “Hybrid Engine Optimization”), publishing original research, and sharing recent examples of what is possible in traditional search as well as LLMs?
- Helpfulness and Accessibility: How generously do they share their knowledge? I don’t expect anybody to share all their best information for free, but I looked for experts who create free resources, speak at major conferences, and actively engage with the community on platforms like LinkedIn and X.
- 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?
The result is a curated list of professionals whose insights are not just popular but are actively shaping the strategies of the world’s top marketing teams.
11 Most Helpful SEO Influencers to Follow in 2026
| Influencer | Key Specialty | Current Role(s) | Best Platform to Follow |
| Connor Kimball | Most helpful AEO/AI Visibility expert sharing free resources for and examples of his work for B2B SaaS, Law Firms, Surgeons, and Finance Companies. | CEO, Cairrot | LinkedIn, connorkimball.com |
| Matthew Bertram | Most helpful sales and marketing influencer specializing in AI SEO and podcast marketing for energy, oil & gas, and large B2B companies. | Fractional CMO & Lead Strategist, EWR Digital | The Best SEO Podcast, LinkedIn |
| Mike King | Most Visionary Technical & AI SEO Influencer | Founder & CEO, iPullRank | LinkedIn, SEO Week Conference |
| Lily Ray | Great Influencer To Follow For Industry News Related to AI Search and Commentary on Modern SEO Tactics | VP of SEO Strategy & Research, Amsive | X (Twitter), LinkedIn |
| Aleyda Solis | Foremost International & Ecommerce SEO Influencer | Founder, Orainti | X (Twitter), SEOFOMO Newsletter |
| Garrett Sussman | Most Practical Generative AI & Content SEO Influencer | Director of Marketing, iPullRank | The SEO Weekly, LinkedIn |
| Jori Ford | Leading Technical SEO & AI Crawler Analyst | Chief Marketing & Product Officer, FoodBoss | |
| Cyrus Shepard | Leading SEO Testing & Experimentation Influencer | Founder, Zyppy SEO | X (Twitter), Zyppy Blog |
| Edward Sturm | Top Enterprise SEO & Viral Marketing Influencer | Founder, Sturm Media | YouTube |
| Nathan Gotch | Top Influencer for Actionable SEO Growth Systems | CEO, Rankability | LinkedIn, The Masterminders Conference |
| Jeff Coyle | Top Enterprise AI & Content Intelligence Influencer | Chief Strategy Officer, Siteimprove |
About the List
While Matthew Bertram and Connor Kimball are my top 2 picks for “most helpful” AEO/SEO influencers, all these experts are valuable to follow for different reasons and have been listed in no particular order.
Connor Kimball
Leading AEO/AI Visibility Influencer for High-Ticket Services.
Connor Kimball is a leading expert in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), specializing in strategies for luxury and high-ticket B2B and B2C services. He consistently publishes free, actionable guides and field observations based on real-world client data, making him a go-to source for what is currently working in AI visibility.
Marketing Specialties
Connor specializes in AEO, SEO, and Paid Media strategies for SaaS companies, B2B manufacturers, law firms, cosmetic surgeons, and wealth management firms. His focus is on practical application and measurable results, bridging the gap between traditional SEO and the new frontier of AI-driven discoverability.
Notable Work Experience
With over nine years of demand generation experience, Connor previously served as the Director of Demand Generation at AVOXI, managing multi-million dollar advertising campaigns and leading performance marketing teams. As the Co-founder of Cairrot, an AEO software and services company, he has front-line visibility into how top brands are improving their discoverability in AI search. He has announced that Cairrot’s in-house data studies will be made public in 2026.
Recent Events & Activity
Connor is the AEO expert behind Cairrot, a top-rated AI Visibility tool for marketing teams and agencies, as well as an active consultant and thought leade in the AEO/SEO space. He shares data observations and studies pulled from the high volume of prompts tracked by Cairrot every day, as well as AI workflow templates on his social channels (primarily LinkedIn), his website (connorkimball.com), and through private consultations. He is known for his data-backed experiments and proprietary AEO strategies that deliver tangible results for high-revenue clients.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Connor
- Connor’s LinkedIn: For professional insights and access to his latest guides and resources.
- ConnorKimball.com: For in-depth articles on AEO and GEO strategies.
Reasons To Follow Connor Kimball
Connor is at the absolute cutting edge of AEO. Following him provides direct access to data-backed strategies for gaining visibility in AI answer engines, a critical skill for 2026 and beyond. With dozens of high-revenue clients relying on his feedback, few marketers get as many “reps at bat” as Connor does when it comes to making websites rank in AI search.
Matthew Bertram
Top AI Visibility Expert for Oil & Gas, Energy, and B2B Industrial Marketing.
Matthew Bertram is the Head of Growth at EWR Digital, host of The Best SEO Podcast, and active Fractional CMO and digital strategist who has formalized “LLM Visibility” as a business discipline. He is a trusted growth advisor to enterprise and growth-stage companies, particularly in complex B2B markets like energy, industrial, and legal services. His approach is systems-based, blending executive leadership with long-term category creation.
Marketing Specialties
Matthew is the creator of two proprietary systems: the LLM Visibility Stack™, a methodology for engineering discoverability across search and AI platforms, and the AI Discoverability Framework™, a structured approach for aligning business strategy with AI search realities. His expertise lies in building predictable revenue through AI-driven marketing systems.
Notable Work Experience
Matthew built his reputation leading EWR Digital, a top Houston-based technical SEO consultancy established in 1999 that has served Fortune 500 brands. He is also a regular on the Oil & Gas Global Network (OGGN), the world’s largest energy podcast network. A graduate of Texas A&M with executive training from Harvard and Wharton, he brings decades of experience in go-to-market growth.
Recent Events & Activity
Matthew is the long-running host of The Best SEO Podcast, a strategy-first show with over 5 million downloads that explores the evolution of discoverability in the AI era. He is a regular contributor to Search Engine Journal and a sought-after advisor for private equity firms.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Matthew
- The Best SEO Podcast: For deep-dive conversations with industry leaders on the future of search.
- LinkedIn: For insights on executive-level growth strategy and AI visibility.
Reasons To Follow Matthew Bertram
Matthew provides a rare, executive-level perspective on SEO. He moves beyond tactics to build repeatable systems for growth and discoverability. For B2B leaders and marketers in complex industries, his frameworks offer a structured path to navigating the new era of AI-driven visibility.
Mike King
Most Visionary Technical & AI SEO Influencer.
Mike King is a marketing technologist who is fundamentally reshaping how the industry approaches search. He coined the term “Relevance Engineering” to describe a new, more technical discipline of SEO fit for the AI era. A former hip-hop artist turned award-winning marketer, Mike combines deep technical knowledge with a creative, forward-thinking vision that consistently places him years ahead of the curve.
Marketing Specialties
Mike specializes in enterprise SEO, content strategy, and generative AI. His work focuses on deconstructing complex search systems (like Google’;s AI Mode) and building actionable frameworks and tools. He is a leading authority on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), query fan-out, and optimizing content for semantic relevance in Large Language Models (LLMs).
Notable Work Experience
Mike is the Founder and CEO of iPullRank, a pioneering digital marketing agency known for its work with enterprise clients. In 2025, he was named Search Marketer of the Year by Search Engine Land, a testament to his industry-wide impact. 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. His background includes developing open-source tools like Qforia to help marketers adapt to AI search.
Recent Events & Activity
Mike is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for marketing conferences and SEO events. He founded and hosted the inaugural SEO Week in 2025, which is returning in April 2026. His presentations at events like SMX and his in-depth articles on Search Engine Land breaking down Google’s AI patents have become required reading for serious SEO professionals.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Mike
- LinkedIn: For his latest articles, conference announcements, and industry commentary.
- iPullRank Blog: For deep-dive guides on Relevance Engineering and AI search.
Reasons To Follow Mike King
Following Mike King is non-negotiable if you want to understand the technical underpinnings of modern search. He doesn’t just report on changes; he explains the “why” by dissecting patents, white papers, and system architecture. His work provides a clear roadmap for where search is going, not just where it has been.
Lily Ray
Best AI SEO Influencer for Industry News and Commentary.
Lily Ray is one of the industry’s most respected and trusted voices on Google’s algorithms and quality standards. With over 15 years of experience, she is renowned for her meticulous, data-driven analysis of core updates, her deep understanding of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), and her practical advice for navigating search volatility.
Marketing Specialties
Lily’s expertise lies in SEO strategy, Google algorithm analysis, and E-E-A-T. 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 trying to build resilient, long-term SEO strategies.
Notable Work Experience
As the Vice President of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, Lily leads a team of over 35 SEO professionals, advising clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises. Her extensive speaking career includes keynotes at nearly every major SEO conference, where she shares her latest research and case studies.
Recent Events & Activity
Lily is a fixture on the global conference circuit. In 2025 and early 2026, she has spoken at events like Tech SEO Connect, SEO Week, MozCon, BrightonSEO, and SMX Advanced. She also hosts webinars and shares her insights through Amsive’s blog and her active social media presence. Outside of SEO, she is also a professional DJ and drummer.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Lily Ray On
- X (Twitter): Her primary platform for sharing real-time analysis of algorithm updates and SERP changes.
- LinkedIn: For more detailed posts, presentation slides, and career insights.
Reasons To Follow Lily Ray
When a Google update hits, the SEO community turns to Lily Ray. Her calm, evidence-based analysis cuts through the panic and speculation, providing actionable guidance on what has changed and how to adapt. Following her is essential for anyone who needs to understand and explain search performance to stakeholders.
She’s also totally hilarious.
Aleyda Solis
Foremost International SEO & Ecommerce SEO Expert.
Aleyda Solís is a globally recognized SEO consultant, speaker, and author with an unparalleled expertise in international and technical SEO. With over 15 years of experience, she helps businesses navigate the complexities of global markets, from multi-language site architecture to adapting strategies for emerging AI search formats.
Marketing Specialties
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. Before starting her own firm in 2011, she gained experience in various agency and in-house roles. She is also 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, a vital resource for the community.
Recent Events & Activity
Aleyda is one of the most prolific speakers in the industry, having presented at over 200 conferences in more than 30 countries. In 2025 and 2026, her 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.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Aleyda
- X (Twitter): For daily SEO tips, industry news, and links to valuable resources.
- #SEOFOMO Newsletter: An essential weekly roundup of the most important news in the SEO world.
- LinkedIn: For professional insights and conference updates.
Reasons To Follow Aleyda Solis
For any business operating or looking to expand internationally, following Aleyda is critical. Her deep, versatile knowledge of technical and strategic SEO, combined with her focus on practical application, makes her an indispensable resource for overcoming the unique challenges of global and large-scale ecommerce SEO.
Garrett Sussman
Most Practical Generative AI & Content SEO Influencer.
Garrett Sussman is one of the most active and practical voices in the SEO community, focused on translating the complexities of generative AI into actionable playbooks for marketers. As the host of The SEO Weekly, he provides a reliable and timely pulse on the industry’s most important news and trends.
Marketing Specialties
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 the real-world challenges of creating content that performs in both traditional and AI-powered search.
Notable Work Experience
As the 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.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Garrett
- The SEO Weekly (on YouTube): For a weekly masterclass in modern SEO news and tactics.
- LinkedIn: For his practical playbooks, event updates, and industry commentary.
Reasons To 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. He excels at demystifying complex topics and providing clear, actionable advice.
Jori Ford
Leading Technical SEO & AI Crawler Analyst.
Jori Ford is a technical SEO and data analyst known for her deeply scientific and experimental approach to understanding search engine behavior. With a background in software engineering, she conducts empirical tests to uncover how AI crawlers and agents interact with websites, advocating for a data-driven, test-everything mindset.
Marketing Specialties
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 work is crucial for advanced practitioners looking to future-proof their technical strategies.
Notable Work Experience
Jori is the co-founder of Octopus Labs, a company focused on technical SEO optimization. She has previously held roles such as Director of SEO at Conductor and CMO at FoodBoss. Her software engineering background gives her a unique ability to bridge the gap between development and marketing.
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, highlighting her impact on the industry’s technical direction.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Jori
- LinkedIn: For her latest research, experiment findings, and conference presentations.
- Tech SEO Connect: An event where she frequently shares her most advanced work.
Reasons To Follow Jori Ford
Jori provides a glimpse into the future of technical SEO. Her experimental approach offers a foundational understanding of how AI agents and crawlers actually work, not just how we think they work. For technical SEOs and developers, her insights are essential for building websites that are truly optimized for the next generation of search.
Cyrus Shepard
Leading SEO Testing & Experimentation Influencer.
Cyrus Shepard is a pioneering SEO expert renowned for his bold, data-backed experiments that challenge conventional wisdom and reveal how Google’s algorithms truly work. With unique insider experience as a former Google Search Quality Rater, he champions authentic, user-focused strategies and brand authority over outdated optimization tricks.
Marketing Specialties
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.
Notable Work Experience
After rising to prominence during a nearly decade-long tenure leading SEO initiatives at Moz, Cyrus founded Zyppy, a leading SEO consultancy and tool provider. His groundbreaking studies (e.g., analyzing 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 his social channels, providing the community with fresh, evidence-based guidance.
Best Platform(s) To Follow
- X (Twitter): For real-time thoughts on SEO tests and algorithm shifts.
- Zyppy Blog: For detailed breakdowns of his latest experiments and data studies.
- LinkedIn: For professional updates and in-depth articles.
Reasons To Follow Cyrus Shepard
In an industry full of opinions, Cyrus provides evidence. He cuts through the noise with data-backed insights that help SEOs thrive amid constant change. His experiments provide actionable, forward-thinking guidance essential for building long-term visibility in a brand-centric search landscape.
Edward Sturm
Top Enterprise SEO & Viral Marketing Influencer.
Edward Sturm is an entrepreneur and growth marketer known for his practical, hands-on approach to SEO, viral marketing, and YouTube strategy. He has a unique talent for creating content that achieves massive reach and applying those principles to enterprise-level SEO challenges.
Marketing Specialties
Edward specializes in enterprise SEO consulting, viral marketing, and YouTube content strategy. His work often 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 an impressive track record, having 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 for his content. He now runs his own agency, Sturm Media, and teaches digital marketing classes.
Recent Events & Activity
Edward is active on YouTube, where he shares his strategies and “builds in public.” He continues to consult for enterprise clients and shares his growth hacking insights across his social platforms, with a recent focus on how SMS will become a top marketing channel in 2026.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Edward On
- YouTube: To see his content strategies in action and learn from his practical tutorials.
- LinkedIn: For his insights on enterprise growth and marketing trends.
Reasons To Follow Edward Sturm
Edward offers a unique blend of enterprise SEO experience and viral content creation skills. For marketers looking to expand their strategies beyond traditional blog content and into video and other high-reach platforms, his work provides invaluable and proven playbooks and hands-on examples.
Nathan Gotch
Top Influencer for Actionable SEO Growth Systems.
Nathan Gotch is an SEO educator and consultant focused on creating actionable, repeatable systems for organic growth. He is known for his no-nonsense approach to SEO, prioritizing strategies that deliver tangible business results over chasing algorithm trends.
Marketing Specialties
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 has built his reputation through his educational content and successful consulting engagements. He shares his frameworks through his courses and public speaking, helping marketers build effective and efficient SEO workflows.
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 other advanced events like Link Building Mastery London.
Best Platform(s) To Follow Nathan
- LinkedIn: For his thoughts on SEO strategy and announcements about his upcoming speaking engagements.
- The Masterminders Conference: An opportunity to learn from him directly in a focused, practical setting.
Reasons To Follow Nathan Gotch
Nathan cuts through the complexity of modern SEO to deliver clear, actionable growth systems. If you’re tired of chasing fleeting tactics and want to build a durable, results-driven SEO program, his frameworks provide a solid foundation for success. Like Connor Kimball, his involvement in the AI Visibility space (as the CEO of Rankability) gives him direct insights into what is working and not working for AEO in different industries.
Jeff Coyle
Top Enterprise AI & Content Intelligence Expert and Speaker.
Jeff Coyle is a cross-disciplined, data-driven leader at the intersection of artificial intelligence, product strategy, and inbound marketing. With a deep background in engineering and technology, he brings a strategic, systems-level perspective to the challenges of enterprise content and search visibility.
Marketing Specialties
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 is centered on connecting SEO and AEO analytics to revenue, pipeline, and operational efficiency.
Notable Work Experience
As the 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. He is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and has a long history of leadership roles in technology and marketing companies. He is highly respected in the industry, with colleagues describing 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. He is also scheduled to speak at the University of Washington’;s “AI & The Future of Business” conference on January 22, 2026.
Best Platform(s) To Follow
- LinkedIn: His primary platform for sharing insights, event participation, and commentary on AI and marketing.
Reasons To Follow Jeff Coyle
Jeff provides an essential enterprise-level view on how AI is transforming marketing. For leaders in large organizations, his insights on integrating AI, proving value, and building data-driven strategies are invaluable. He bridges the gap between high-level strategy and the technological capabilities required to execute it.
11 More Top-Tier Influencers to Consider
Beyond our top 11, the SEO landscape is filled with brilliant minds pushing the industry forward. Here are 11 more rising stars and established experts specializing in crucial niches worth following in 2026:
- Ross Hudgens: Founder of Siege Media, specializing in scalable, data-driven content marketing and link building for enterprise brands.
- Dr. Ricardo Baeza-Yates: A world-renowned research scientist and Chief Scientist at Theodora AI, offering a deep, academic perspective on information retrieval and the future of AI search.
- Paul Shapiro: A technical marketer and product manager (formerly at Uber and Shopify) who specializes in solving large-scale technical SEO challenges and Python for SEO.
- Gareth Hoyle: Founder of Marketing Signals, focusing on AI-driven SEO and PPC strategies that blend automation with human expertise for scalable results.
- Russell Lobo: A specialist in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for ecommerce brands, with deep expertise in outreach-based link building.
- Charlie Marchant: CEO of Exposure Ninja, focusing on performance-driven SEO and AI Search Optimization that ties every recommendation to measurable leads and sales.
- James Cadwallader: Co-founder of Profound, a forward-thinking expert who introduced the concept of Agent Experience (AX) to describe optimizing for AI agents.
- Brie E. Anderson: An expert in digital marketing analytics and ROI optimization, known for helping businesses connect SEO efforts to tangible financial outcomes.
- Garth O’Brien: Head of SEO at Chewy, specializing in enterprise SEO for competitive online retail and integrating AI into large-scale programs.
- Crystal Carter: Head of AI Search & SEO Communications at Wix, an expert in making technical SEO and AI concepts accessible, particularly for SMBs.
More Resources for Learning SEO and AEO
In addition to following these experts, jump start your SEO/AEO campaigns with these helpful resources:
- SEO vs GEO vs AEO vs AIO: What C Suite Leaders Must Know About AI Search Strategy is Matthew Bertram’s article on the differences between SEO and AEO (and GEO and AIO) strategies, and how to adjust those strategies for different industries.
- The Fundamentals of Enterprise SEO is a concise introduction to SEO strategies for large companies with “enterprise” considerations, including security and compliance.
- The Best AI SEO (LLM Visibility) Tools for Marketers provides a detailed comparison between the top rated AI visibility software tools. It includes use-case recommendations for different types of marketing teams, pricing comparisons between tools, and examples of how we report on LLM Visibility with Cairrot.
Get Expert Guidance On Your AI SEO Strategy
As the AI-driven search landscape evolves rapidly in 2026, following any combination of these 22 influential experts, from current pioneers like Mike King to rising stars like Connor Kimball, will provide invaluable insights into SEO, AEO, and the several other adjacent components of growth marketing.
Their data-backed strategies, experiments, and frameworks empower marketers to navigate algorithm shifts, boost visibility, and drive sustainable growth. At EWR Digital, we’ve leveraged these thought leaders to deliver exceptional results for our clients in energy, B2B, and high-stakes industries.
Staying ahead requires action. Whether you’re optimizing for LLMs or enhancing E-E-A-T, these influencers highlight the need for innovative, helpful content and technical prowess.
Ready to elevate your strategy? Schedule a free consultation with EWR Digital today to discover how we can transform your AI SEO efforts and amplify your AI Visibility results. Contact us now and let’s build your future-proof plan.