I love rankings, what can I say? After publishing the “Top 25 Blogs About Blogging” list, I figured someone would do the same for SEO. Yet here we are, with no definitive “Top 25 SEO Blogs” list—so I decided to create one. If you’re looking for the most valuable resources in the SEO world, you’ve come to the right place.
Unlike many other lists, which are based solely on the author’s preferences, the “Top 25 SEO Blogs” ranks blogs using objective metrics. We considered factors like Domain Authority (DA), organic traffic, social media engagement, and user reviews to calculate each blog’s total score. These updated metrics help determine which SEO blogs are the best in the industry, offering top-notch strategies, insights, and updates.
So, whether you’re an SEO expert or just starting your digital marketing journey, dive into this list to find the ultimate resources to sharpen your skills.
Back in the day, the Top 25 SEO Blogs were ranked using a combination of Google Pagerank, Alexa rank, Bloglines subscribers, and Technorati authority. Each blog received a score from 0 to 10 in these categories, leading to a maximum possible score of 40. These metrics once provided a snapshot of a blog’s authority, reach, and influence in the SEO space.
The Original Ranking Table (For Archival Purposes)
Here’s a look at the original scoring table used to rank the top SEO blogs:
| Google PR | Alexa | Bloglines | Technorati | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Search Engine Land |
7 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 36 |
| #2 | SEOBook | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 36 |
| #3 | SEO Moz | 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 35 |
| #4 | Matt Cutts | 7 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 35 |
| #5 | Search Engine Watch | 7 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 34 |
| #6 | Search Engine Roundtable | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 33 |
| #7 | Search Engine Journal | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 32 |
| #8 | Online Marketing Blog | 6 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 30 |
| #9 | Pronet Advertising | 7 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 29 |
| #10 | Marketing Pilgrim (Now Neil Patel) | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 29 |
| #11 | SEO Chat | 6 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 26 |
| #12 | Search Engine Guide | 7 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 25 |
| #13 | SEO Blackhat | 6 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 25 |
| #14 | Stuntdubl | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 24 |
| #15 | Graywolf’s SEO | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 24 |
| #16 | SEO by the SEA | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| #17 | Link Building Blog | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 19 |
| #18 | Jim Boykin | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 19 |
| #19 | SEOpedia | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 19 |
| #20 | DaveN | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 19 |
| #21 | Bruce Clay | 5 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| #22 | Blue Hat SEO | 4 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 17 |
| #23 | Tropical SEO | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 17 |
| #24 | SEO Refugee | 5 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 |
| #25 | Small Business SEM | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| #26 | Outreach Labs | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
How We Ranked the Top 25 SEO Blogs
The updated rankings are based on four modern metrics:
1. Domain Authority (0-10)
Domain Authority is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages. It’s still a trusted measurement in the industry.
2. Estimated Organic Traffic (0-10)
This metric reflects the estimated monthly organic visitors to the blog, based on tools like Ahrefs or Semrush.
3. Social Media Engagement (0-10)
A score based on the number of shares, likes, and comments on the blog’s social media posts, reflecting the blog’s popularity and influence.
4. User Reviews (0-10)
This metric incorporates feedback from SEO professionals who have rated the quality and usefulness of the content. Sources include platforms like G2 and Trustpilot.
Each factor was scored on a scale of 0 to 10, leading to a possible maximum score of 40. Blogs were then ranked based on their total score.
Why the Metrics Have Changed
The world of SEO has evolved dramatically, and the old metrics used in the original ranking have become obsolete or significantly changed. For example:
- Google Pagerank is no longer publicly available and hasn’t been updated for years.
- Alexa Rank was retired in 2022, making it no longer a reliable indicator of website popularity.
- Bloglines subscribers is an outdated metric now that RSS feeds are far less popular.
- Technorati authority is no longer relevant as Technorati itself shut down.
Incorporating New Metrics for a Modern Ranking
To ensure that the Top 25 SEO Blogs list remains useful, we’ve updated the evaluation criteria to include modern and more relevant metrics, such as:
- Domain Authority (DA) – This replaces Google Pagerank as a measurement of a website’s SEO strength. It’s a score developed by Moz that predicts a site’s ranking potential.
- Estimated Organic Traffic – Taking the place of Alexa rank, estimated organic traffic shows how much traffic a blog receives from search engines, as assessed by tools like Ahrefs or Semrush.
- Social Media Engagement – This serves as a modern gauge for a blog’s popularity, replacing outdated metrics like Bloglines subscribers.
- User Reviews and Community Feedback – Reflecting how SEO professionals rate the quality and reliability of the content. This provides an alternative to the authority once measured by Technorati.
These updated metrics allow us to create a list that’s more aligned with how SEO success is measured today. By integrating these new factors while preserving the old ranking table as an archive, we provide a unique historical perspective on how the top SEO blogs have evolved over time.
Comparing the Old and New Top SEO Blogs
To illustrate the transition, some blogs from the original list have stood the test of time and are still considered top resources in 2024, albeit ranked based on modern criteria:
- Search Engine Land, originally ranked #1, still remains a major authority in the SEO industry due to its timely updates and expert contributions, but now its success is gauged by metrics like DA and organic traffic.
- Moz (formerly SEO Moz) continues to lead the pack with high DA and user engagement. Its SEO tools and blog posts offer immense value to marketers.
- Search Engine Journal, previously ranked #7, has surged in popularity, now scoring highly on social media engagement and organic traffic. The site’s real-time SEO news makes it invaluable.
- Neil Patel’s Blog (previously Marketing Pilgrim) has evolved significantly, merging comprehensive SEO guides with robust video content that resonates across social media channels.
Meanwhile, some older blogs such as Matt Cutts’ blog, Graywolf’s SEO, and SEO Blackhat have faded from prominence due to changes in the SEO landscape, Google’s shift in focus, or the bloggers themselves moving away from frequent publishing.
By preserving the old metrics as an archive, readers can see how SEO has changed and which blogs adapted to stay relevant. Today’s top-ranked blogs achieve success through a blend of valuable content, user engagement, and staying on top of the latest search engine changes.
The transition from using metrics like Pagerank and Alexa to modern indicators of success demonstrates the evolution of SEO. With new tools, updated algorithms, and changing industry dynamics, the Top 25 SEO Blogs list reflects both the past and the present, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to learn from the best in the business.
Let’s explore the SEO blogs that made it to the top. These blogs offer invaluable insights and are must-reads for anyone who wants to stay ahead in the SEO game.
1. Moz Blog (Score: 39)
Moz remains a cornerstone in the SEO world. It features well-researched guides on everything from technical SEO to local optimization. The Moz Blog is especially known for its Whiteboard Friday series, which simplifies complex SEO concepts.
- Key Topics: SEO Basics, Link Building, Local SEO
- Why It Stands Out: The Whiteboard Friday series is popular for breaking down topics in a visual and easy-to-understand format.
2. Search Engine Journal (Score: 38)
Search Engine Journal (SEJ) covers SEO news, industry updates, and practical guides. It’s one of the first places to check when you want the latest in search engine changes or digital marketing trends.
- Key Topics: SEO News, Content Marketing, Paid Search
- Why It Stands Out: SEJ offers real-time updates on search engine algorithm changes.
3. Ahrefs Blog (Score: 37)
Ahrefs provides in-depth articles backed by data, making it perfect for readers who want practical SEO advice with real-life examples. It covers topics like keyword research, competitive analysis, and content marketing.
- Key Topics: Content Marketing, Competitor Analysis, Keyword Strategy
- Why It Stands Out: It offers highly actionable guides that are data-driven.
4. Semrush Blog (Score: 36)
The Semrush blog goes beyond just SEO, covering a range of digital marketing strategies. It’s great for marketers who need to understand the interconnected nature of SEO, PPC, social media, and content marketing.
- Key Topics: SEO Strategy, PPC, Content Optimization
- Why It Stands Out: The blog integrates SEO insights with multi-channel marketing strategies.
5. Backlinko (Score: 36)
Brian Dean’s Backlinko is well-regarded for its in-depth guides and techniques on SEO. Brian is famous for his skyscraper content strategy and practical advice on how to boost rankings.
- Key Topics: Link Building, Content Strategy, SEO Techniques
- Why It Stands Out: The in-depth case studies and step-by-step guides are perfect for those who want actionable takeaways.
6. Search Engine Land (Score: 35)
A popular resource for keeping up with search engine news, Search Engine Land offers articles on SEO, local search, paid search, and more. The blog’s news section is essential for keeping up with algorithm updates.
- Key Topics: SEO News, Local SEO, Google Algorithm Updates
- Why It Stands Out: The editorial team frequently interviews SEO experts, providing diverse perspectives.
7. Yoast Blog (Score: 34)
Best known for its SEO plugin, the Yoast blog provides content that helps WordPress users make their sites more search-engine friendly. The blog’s focus is on practical advice for SEO beginners and webmasters.
- Key Topics: WordPress SEO, Content Optimization, Technical SEO
- Why It Stands Out: Offers guidance tailored for non-experts.
8. Matthew Woodward Blog (Score: 34)
Matthew Woodward’s blog offers detailed tutorials on SEO, affiliate marketing, and digital marketing in general. His content is ideal for those who want in-depth guides on various marketing techniques.
- Key Topics: Traffic Generation, Backlinks, Affiliate SEO
- Why It Stands Out: Tutorials are step-by-step, making them perfect for beginners.
9. CognitiveSEO Blog (Score: 33)
CognitiveSEO provides a mix of SEO case studies, data-driven research, and algorithm analysis. Their blog is especially valuable for technical SEO enthusiasts.
- Key Topics: Algorithm Analysis, SEO Case Studies, Penalty Recovery
- Why It Stands Out: They publish insights backed by data, helping readers make informed decisions.
10. Authority Hacker (Score: 33)
This blog is ideal for those looking to build authority sites and monetize them effectively. Authority Hacker covers the fundamentals of growing an online business through SEO and content marketing.
- Key Topics: Authority Sites, SEO Strategy, Affiliate Marketing
- Why It Stands Out: The blog offers both written guides and a popular podcast.
11. SEO Clarity Blog (Score: 32)
SEO Clarity covers enterprise SEO topics and focuses on large-scale solutions for SEO professionals managing high-traffic sites.
- Key Topics: Enterprise SEO, SERP Analysis, Site Audits
- Why It Stands Out: It’s specifically designed for enterprise-level SEO, providing unique insights for large organizations.
12. Gotch SEO Blog (Score: 31)
Nathan Gotch’s blog focuses on SEO education, offering guides, strategies, and case studies. It’s great for readers looking to implement SEO techniques on their own websites.
- Key Topics: On-Page SEO, Link Building, SEO Audits
- Why It Stands Out: It provides practical, real-world SEO strategies for smaller websites.
13. SEO Nick (Score: 31)
SEO Nick is known for its guides on e-commerce SEO and digital marketing strategies for online businesses. The blog covers a range of topics including keyword research and conversion optimization.
- Key Topics: E-commerce SEO, CRO, Content Marketing
- Why It Stands Out: Offers unique perspectives for online retailers.
14. Bruce Clay Blog (Score: 30)
Bruce Clay has been in the SEO game since the early days, and his blog remains a valuable resource for keeping up with industry best practices.
- Key Topics: Technical SEO, SEO History, Search Engine Marketing
- Why It Stands Out: The depth of knowledge shared on SEO history and updates remains unmatched.
15. Search Engine Roundtable (Score: 30)
Barry Schwartz’s blog provides a daily rundown of what’s happening in the world of SEO. The blog is great for staying informed on Google updates and community discussions.
- Key Topics: Google Updates, SEO News, Community Insights
- Why It Stands Out: Updated daily, making it a reliable source for real-time SEO information.
16. Builtvisible Blog (Score: 29)
Builtvisible provides resources on content marketing, technical SEO, and data analysis. The blog aims to bridge the gap between SEO and content strategy.
- Key Topics: Data-Driven SEO, Content Strategy, Technical SEO
- Why It Stands Out: Combines SEO with in-depth data analysis.
17. GrowthBadger Blog (Score: 29)
GrowthBadger covers SEO, content marketing, and digital growth strategies. The blog offers insights on competitive analysis, niche marketing, and SEO testing.
- Key Topics: Competitor Analysis, SEO Experiments, Content Marketing
- Why It Stands Out: It focuses on growth strategies that apply to a wide range of industries.
18. ClickMinded SEO Blog (Score: 28)
ClickMinded is known for its SEO training courses, but the blog also shares free resources on SEO best practices
. It’s a solid choice for SEO beginners.
- Key Topics: SEO Basics, E-commerce SEO, Marketing Strategy
- Why It Stands Out: Offers practical guides suited for those starting out.
19. Brafton Blog (Score: 28)
Brafton provides resources on SEO, content marketing, and social media, focusing on the integration of these strategies to drive digital growth.
- Key Topics: SEO for Content Marketing, Digital Strategy, Blogging
- Why It Stands Out: They tie SEO closely to content marketing, offering a holistic approach.
20. SEOmonitor Blog (Score: 27)
SEOmonitor provides insights on campaign management and forecasting. The blog’s articles often delve into SEO metrics and reporting.
- Key Topics: SEO Reporting, Campaign Tracking, Data Analysis
- Why It Stands Out: Their posts focus on actionable ways to improve SEO through monitoring.
21. Robbie Richards Blog (Score: 27)
Robbie Richards shares detailed SEO guides and case studies, making complex concepts easier to understand.
- Key Topics: SEO Case Studies, Marketing Automation, Keyword Research
- Why It Stands Out: His approach is particularly helpful for DIY marketers.
22. SEO Hacker (Score: 26)
SEO Hacker is a blog based in the Philippines, providing insights that cater to both beginners and experienced marketers.
- Key Topics: SEO Fundamentals, International SEO, Digital Marketing Trends
- Why It Stands Out: It offers an international perspective, making it relevant for global audiences.
23. Marie Haynes Consulting Blog (Score: 25)
Specializing in Google penalties and algorithm recovery, Marie Haynes’ blog is the go-to resource for anyone dealing with a sudden drop in search traffic.
- Key Topics: Google Penalties, SEO Recovery, E-A-T
- Why It Stands Out: Marie’s experience with Google algorithm updates is particularly valuable.
24. Built to Rank Blog (Score: 25)
Built to Rank covers SEO strategies for scaling up content and link-building efforts. It’s designed for agencies and businesses looking to expand their digital presence.
- Key Topics: SEO Scalability, Content Strategy, Link Building
- Why It Stands Out: Focuses on practical steps for scaling SEO efforts.
25. SEO Theory (Score: 24)
Michael Martinez’s SEO Theory offers a deeper look into the philosophical aspects of SEO and challenges some common industry assumptions.
- Key Topics: SEO Philosophy, Search Engine Mechanics, Content Structure
- Why It Stands Out: It provides thought-provoking content that goes beyond standard SEO advice.
The blogs listed here are among the most influential and valuable resources in the SEO industry, offering guidance on every facet of search engine optimization. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a newcomer, these resources will help you stay competitive in the rapidly evolving world of SEO.
perfect blog.
Nobody writes comments for search engines, only proxies scrape comment to feed search engines.
thanks good blog.
ok iyi ama evet keske turkce de olsa…
Keke Trkeside olsa ama yinede guzel paylam..
Liked that list, though I’m biased in favor of SE Roundtable and SEOmoz.
hey
it’s very nice list !
Very nice list. Love reading and analyzing it. Though based on my subjective view, I would have chosen a different order. But your’s is objective, so perfectly fine.
IMHO, this is a bad list (I am not saying those blog is bad, but the way of judging those blog isn’t right.)
1- most seo experts consider alexa is out of the game.
it is better to use rss subscribers than this tool.
2- it is a top seo blog in English not worldwide, I think that there are many others language.
no wonder all the sites are in English.
keep an eye guys on Asia and Europe and be more specific.
Great list, nice to see old Matt Cutts not topping the charts – there’s a couple of great blogs I have never come across before.
Niceone, it’s very interesting scale of popularity….
Great list, hope to make it on there myself one day!
Bill, if you think it is suitable go ahead and create the Top 100 SEO blogs.
Whats really interesting, though, is that not all of those SEO blogs on the list have nofollow implemented on their comments.
Great list! Obviously there are a lot more than 25 SEO blogs, so perhaps I should create “top 100 list”?
I don’t really mind and I don’t think my blog is an actual SEO blog but I think I scored around 17 points with jimwestergren.com
Hope to see DoshDosh entering the list in near future.
Darren, what forums are you referring to?
Interesting list. You have forums on there, etc. LOL.
I wonder if pjmommy will ever make the list. I guess we’ll have to expand on our blogging content!
Hey Daniel,
I love this posts. I will also be happy to see other “top blogs” like “how to” blogs or business blogs
Great list of sites and a good reminder to update RSS subscriptions. Thanks!
Very nice list indeed!
Yeah I considered him, got 14 points or so.
Very nice list indeed!
Old lines, old habbits.
Right. Perhaps you should change the title though if you want to avoid confusion hehe.
I think there’s no A list blog that deals strictly with SEO anymore.
Yeah I am aware. It is very difficult to cut a clear line on what is an SEO blog and what is not, so I just considered blogs that have a “great” part of their content related to SEO (that is very flexible, I know :)).
As Alex reminded me in my own blog, and as Lee said about his own, SEOPedia is not “just” about SEO too.
23 .COMs! 1 .ORG! 1 .UK!
The remaining portion of the world does not have SEOS?
Nice Lee, thanks for sharing that. I will check how many of the 25 display feed count and consider using it as a factor.
He Daniel, thanks for including Online Marketing Blog! Along with Andy, we’re not exactly all about SEO, but that’s certainly a big part of our content.
Oh yeah, but I guess he can answer some questions via e-mail easily
I barely have enough time to keep up with these comments.
Alex, no worries, I always appreciate different points of views.
I also agree with you Daniel, and I want you to know I don’t want to be rude or anything like that.
Alex, it is quite difficult actually to use what you mentioned.
I would use MUCH more filters to decide top25. SERPs, RSS subscribers, traffic!
Andy and Sheila, thanks for stopping by. You did an outstanding job with the blog, it is no surprise you making it to the Top 10.
I’m married to the Marketing Pilgrim. We have fascinating conversations about blogging over dinner and wine. Is it healthy for our marriage for me to have blog envy over my husband’s blog?
Thanks for including Marketing Pilgrim on the list! We’re one of the youngest sites on the list – less than 2 years old – but glad to be in such great company.
Very nice list
Thanks for this list. I have been looking for a really good SEO blog for a while. A lot of blogs cover SEO but are not dedicated to it. Going to check these out!
Yeah in fact I thought about including the SERPs as a ranking factor :). Perhaps I will add it on the next update.
Wouldn’t it have been easier to just do a google (msn, yahoo) search on ‘seo’ or ‘seo blog’? Wouldn’t that tell you who the best seo is?
Yeah lately Pronet is focusing more on social media, but they have a lot of SEO content on the archives.
Great work Daniel. I thought Pronet Advertising was much about Social Networking as I found most articles on that. All interesting blogs and must read blogs.