Top 35 Local SEO Leaders to Follow

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Updated: July 22, 2016

Digital marketing, specifically Local SEO, is extremely challenging and only getting more so with the addition of new Google algorithms, Mobile updates, Phantom Updates and the removal of Local Packs. How do you keep up with all of the changes and fluctuations in the local area?

When Google declared that content was king, the digital space exploded into a mess of content and most of it is crap. The challenge is navigating through the garbage and finding real information – gems of content you cant go without, nuggets you want to share which benefit your clients and then ultimately, your bottom line.

Below is a list of my 35 Go-To Peeps when it comes to Local SEO. These are, in my opinion, the top Local SEO people/companies which continually produce relevant, timely and high quality information. These are the people I turn to when I want no-nonsense, breaking information.

1. Mike Blumenthal

Bio: From Mike himself, “General curmudgeon that loves biking, technology and local search. Partner at LocalU, GetFiveStars and blumenthals.com” Must Read: http://blumenthals.com/blog/2014/11/15/google-achieves-100-monetization-above-the-fold-with-new-pak/

2. Andrew Shotland

 

Bio:  I currently provide clients with SEO and SEM consulting services. I specialize in local search engine optimization but I work on all types of sites. Clients include large media and e-commerce companies, Web 2.0ish start-ups and even my local cabinet guy (I got a great deal on custom cabinets).

Must Read:  http://www.localseoguide.com/did-local-directories-get-hit-by-googles-doorway-page-algo/

3. David Mihm

Bio:  David Mihm has created and promoted search-friendly websites for clients of all sizes since the early 2000’s. David co-founded GetListed.org, which he sold to Moz in November 2012. David writes about Local Search on the Moz blog and his annual Local Search Ranking Factors project is among the most important studies of Local SEO. He previously served on the Board of Directors of SEMpdx, Portland’s search marketing trade organization, as Director of Partnerships from 2008 – 2010 and SearchFest Director in 2011, and currently serves on its Advisory Board. Must Read:  https://moz.com/blog/local-hummingbird-results 

4. Phil Rozek

 

Bio:  Although I spend lots of time in front of the computer, I’ve always been an outdoors guy.  I can’t refuse a long hike.  I’ve spent probably 150 days and nights camping.  Chopping wood is my idea of fun.

Must Read:  http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2015/04/06/25-principles-of-building-effective-city-pages-for-local-seo/

5. Mary Bowling

Bio: Mary’s been specializing in SEO and Local Search since 2003 and always tries to approach internet marketing from the viewpoint of a small business owner. When she’s busy with Ignitor Digital or LocalU, she’s skiing, snowboarding, rafting, mountain biking or hiking in the high country of Colorado where she lives. Must Read: http://localu.org/blog/rules-for-google-plus-local-for-business-listings/

6. Barry Schwartz

 

Bio:  Barry Schwartz is Search Engine Land’s News Editor and owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics.

Must Read:  http://searchengineland.com/google-adds-link-to-place-food-delivery-orders-make-doctor-appointments-more-220517

7. Danny Sullivan

Bio:  Danny Sullivan is a Founding Editor of Search Engine Land. He’s a widely cited authority on search engines and search marketing issues who has covered the space since 1996. Danny also serves as Chief Content Officer for Third Door Media, which publishes Search Engine Land and produces the SMX: Search Marketing Expo conference series. Must Read:  http://searchengineland.com/googles-news-listings-beyond-traditional-205213

8. Rand Fishkin

 

Bio:  Rand Fishkin uses the ludicrous title, Wizard of Moz. He’s founder and former CEO of Moz, co-author of a pair of books on SEO, and co-founder of Inbound.org. Rand’s an unsaveable addict of all things content, search, & social on the web,

Must Read:  https://moz.com/rand/chart-show-seo-dying/

9. Search Engine Land

Bio:  Search Engine Land features daily search engine industry news & trends in search marketing (SEM) – paid search advertising (PPC) and search engine optimization (SEO) plus expert analysis, advice, tips, tactics and How To Guides for search marketing.

10. Linda Buquet

 

Bio:  Google+ Local Optimization Specialist offering consulting, ADVANCED Google+ Local Training and Local SEO Courses for SEOs, marketing consultants and agencies. Also offer “White Label” local search reseller services and runs the LocalSearchForum.

11. Local Search Association

Bio:  The Local Search Association is the largest trade organization of companies engaged in local advertising and marketing.

12. Darren Shaw

 

Bio:  Darren has been tinkering with websites and SEO for over sixteen years. He loves local SEO and the local search community, and has had the good fortune to speak at a handful of great conferences like Mozcon, Searchlove, and SearchFest.

13. Nyagoslav Zhekov

Bio:  Nyagoslav has been in the local search industry for the past 3 years, since before he graduated from university. And while he loves doing local SEO, he tries to balance work and personal time. Must Read:  http://www.whitespark.ca/blog/post/40-unravelling-the-mystery-of-bad-nap-data

14. Greg Gifford

 

Bio:  Greg Gifford is the Director of Search and Social at AutoRevo, a software company that provides websites and online marketing to used car dealers all over the country.

Must Read:  http://searchengineland.com/10-common-mistakes-avoid-local-websites-213668

15. Casey Meraz

Bio:  Casey Meraz is obsessed with local search and everything about it. I am blessed to have a great team of people behind me. On occasion I update My Blog with local tips, but I typically keep my posts with my companies. Must Read:  https://moz.com/blog/11-ways-local-businesses-can-get-links

16. Gyi Tsakalakis

 

Bio:  Gyi Tsakalakis founded AttorneySync and EPL Digital to help lawyers and business owners earn meaningful and valuable attention online because that’s where clients and customers are looking. 

He regularly writes about things “searchy,” particularly as they relate to marketing a law firm.
 
For what it’s worth, he has a BA in Philosophy from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University. In other words, he’s a recovering attorney (not practicing) who overly romanticized the practice of law.
 
He also has an unhealthy relationship with football, especially when it comes to Michigan Football. He misses coaching and is happy to discuss various strategies and techniques of defensive front seven play.

Must Read:  http://www.attorneysync.com/blog/social-media-local-seo-visibility/

17. George Freitag

Bio:  For the last 5 years, George has driven SEO strategies for all kinds of businesses. Current focuses include technical SEO, local, analytics, and video SEO. Prior to all of that, George studied both creative and technical writing. Must Read:  http://www.portent.com/blog/video/get-on-that-map-local-seo-video-webinar.htm

18. Seer Interactive

 

Bio:  Seer is an industry leader in SEO, SEM, and Analytics. We work with clients that span the globe while delivering a hometown feel to search marketing.

19. Higher Visibility

Bio:  HigherVisibility is a Search Marketing Firm that has been nationally recognized as a leading professional SEO Company. Memphis based serving nationwide.

20. Cori Shirk

 

Bio:  Cori works at SEERInteractive to craft and drive SEO strategies that support clients overall business goals. In addition to managing and executing more traditional SEO efforts, Cori specializes in local search optimization for single location and enterprise clients. She also enjoys craft beer.

Must Read:  http://www.seerinteractive.com/blog/the-best-chrome-extensions-for-seo-and-life-in-general/

21. Mike Ramsey

Bio:  Mike Ramsey is the President of Nifty Marketing and NiftyLaw.  He takes part annually in Moz’s Local Search Ranking Factors study and is a founding faculty member of Local University. Mike also dabbles in photography and runs a hobby e-com site called Photo Pie Backdrops.  Mike has a wonderful wife, a rascal of a little boy, and two princesses. Must Read:  https://moz.com/blog/guide-to-local-content-strategy-and-marketing

22. Nick Rink

 

Bio:  Nick runs Smart Local Marketing which helps independent businesses attract more local customers through search and social media. Based in Wimbledon, south west London, Smart Local has clients throughout the UK. Having started in a sales and marketing role for a traditional manufacturing business, Nick found his way into online marketing around 2008 and for the past 3 years has focused purely on local search marketing. Keeping track of everything that’s changing in the land of local search is a full time job in itself and Nick curates a weekly local search roundup on Google+.

Must Read:  http://smart-local.co.uk/claim-business-apple-maps-connect-uk/

23. Bright Local

Bio:  BrightLocal offer local SEO tools and Local Citation Building for local search agencies, search consultants & local businesses.

24. Joy Hawkins

 

Bio: A Google My Business Top Contributor. Also works at Imprezzio Marketing and specializes in Local SEO and Google Adwords.

Must Read:  http://imprezziomarketing.com/seo-blog/google-2/step-by-step-guide-to-finding-duplicate-google-plus-listings-on-mapmaker-part-1/

25. Whitespark

Bio:  Advance your local search, improve rankings, and get more business with Whitespark’slocal SEO tools and managed services.

26. Cody Baird

 

Bio:  Involved with all things “search” since 2005. In 2011, I founded milkmen.com, a firm specializing in local search marketing and local brand strategy.

My vision is to shine a light on local greatness.  The Beaumont Hotel, Tacodeli, Franklin BBQ, Kid Focus Dentistry or the Driskel in Austin.  I cringe to think of a world with Applebee’s but no Franklin BBQ, Hyatt’s but no Driskell Hotel.  I love the little guy.  I am the little guy.  We have soul and heart.  We love our hometown and our neighbors and do what is best for them.

27. Dan Leibson

Bio:  Data driven marketer & head of local search @ Local SEO Guide. Beer geek, nerd and foodie. Must Read:  http://www.localseoguide.com/why-is-this-closed-listing-not-like-other-closed-listings/

28. James Robinson

 

Bio:  Local SEO expert: Managing over 1400 local businesses on Google Places/Google+ Local/Google My Business/Whatever Google calls it this week!

28. Will Reynolds

Bio:  Serial Underdog at SEER Interactive doing SEO, Marketing, & Stuff, I am whatever you say I am. Must Read:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nl7uFI26C4&utm_content=buffer6df56&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

29. LocalU

 

Bio:  Local U brings together some of the top minds in local search, including representatives from Google Places and Bing Places.

30. Aaron Weiche

Bio:  Aaron Weiche is an Internet marketer and web design expert in Minneapolis, MN. Aaron is COO at Spyder Trap and speaks nationally on SEO, Local search, mobile, web design and more. Must Read:  http://www.aaronweiche.com/2014/08/reviews-forever-changing/

31. Dejan

 

Bio:  Dan Petrovic, the managing director of DEJAN, is Australia’s best-known name in the field of search engine optimisation. Dan is a web author, innovator and a highly regarded search industry event speaker.

Must Read:  http://dejanseo.com.au/link-memory-seo-experiment-result/

32. SEMrush

Bio:  SEMrush is created by SEO/SEM professionals for SEO/SEM professionals. We have the knowledge, expertise, and data to help you take your projects to the next level.

33. Samantha Kate

 

Bio: Samantha Molyneaux is a Local SEO & Link Building Specialist from Chicago, IL. She has worked with local businesses – both large and small – to help achieve and improve their visibility on the major search engines. With 10+ years of experience and background in web design, web development, global marketing and business administration, Samantha is able to help her clients on many levels of business marketing, both SEO and through traditional methods. Samantha is currently the face of link building and a source for Local SEO insight for one of the largest insurance companies in the world.

34. ahrefs.com

Bio:  Analyze websites, track social media, build backlinks – Ahrefs has you covered. Try our marketing and SEO tools Site Explorer and Content Explorer today!

35. OptiLocal Local SEO

Bio:  We specialize in #LocalSEO for SMBs of any niche. Our core mission is to offer a one-stop quality service to clients who want to dominate their local presence.

What do you think? Did I miss anyone you believe should be on the list? Who are your go-to sources for information on Local SEO?

I've been in the Local SEO game for over a decade. I help all sorts of small businesses gain traction in Local, and have extensive experience with Lawyers and Insurance Agents. I really enjoy helping small businesses with their local marketing. I also dig whiskey, hockey, and smoked meats.

7 thoughts on “Top 35 Local SEO Leaders to Follow”

  4. Great list you have here. In my opinion, you listed almost all of my resources for local SEO. Maybe, one more will be Serpstat – Competitive Analysis and Keyword research tool. Sometimes use it as an alternative to Semrush.

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