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.
Nice post, thanks for helpful list…
Great list. I am regular reader of matt and Searchengineland. Thanks for share.
Daniel, thanks a lot for putting together the list! I’m working on an blog post that picks “20 best SEO blogs analyzed”. Should be out this Wednesday. Thanks for great content, I’m definitely linking back!
SEO is helpful for optimizing the website as well as increasing the page Thank you for the SEO link, i was looking for good seo links.ranking and comparison of yahoo seo, google and other seo.
Thank you for the SEO link, i was looking for good seo links.
Hi Daniel,
I admire the author of this post. There are more than thousands of SEO companies out on the web and you can’t compete with them if your not equipped with proper knowledge.
Great List. Definitely I will learn more about SEO reading some content from these blogs.
Some huge SEO blogs you have listed there. And what’s up with Matt Cutts? His SEO tips are clouded in this mysterious, over-hyped perception that because he is 1 degree away from the Google founders, he somehow has answers (1st page, 1st position). Meh!
SEO is helpful for optimizing the website as well as increasing the page ranking and comparison of yahoo seo, google and other seo..it is not possible…I really appreciate the graph showing how they rank in google, alexa, etc.This is a excellent resource! Thanks!
Nice ,thanks for sharing a great list.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 informative part of their content related to SEO and I will definitely take a look in these sites.
I really believe that SEO is one of the great tool for a website.
Thanks for the great list! I have been searching for something like this for quite some time. From the ones listed, I found Search Engine Journal to be the best. There are a lot of high quality articles that can really be put to a good use. Another great blog I’m visiting on daily basis is SEO Moz. Definitely worth checking out.
Great info , thanks. In the vast ocean of SEO advice it is always nice to find pages with actually useful stuff. It seems that it comes down to sheer amount of hours spent that brings results – this helps to focus!
Thank you so much for such a great list of SEO blogs. I really appreciate the graph showing how they rank in google, alexa, etc. Also was first to rank on my keyword. Impressive! Thanks again!
Daniel,
Daniel,
The field of SEO consists of such a large breadth of knowledge and techniques that one needs to engage a high volume of resources to ascertain with a fairly high level of confidence how to even begin applying the best practices to one’s site.
Hi Daniel Scocco,
“Wouldnt it have been easier to just do a google (msn, yahoo) search on seo or seo blog? Wouldnt that tell you who the best seo is? ”
Love the research, great stuff! We will be there shortly!
Where is the position this Blog?? nice sharing .
Nice List!
SEO is such a vast field and you must begin to take the initiative and learn it yourself in order to master it and really benefit from all that it has to offer. This is a great list and these blogs are a great start to anyone that is interested in learning SEO.
I can’t believe Masters of SEO didn’t make the cut. Oh well, great list anyways. I am sure that these resources will continue to be useful to the public as SEO becomes more and more of a real need in todays business market.
I do agree that SEO is a vast field and you got to teach yourself new techniques always and be keen about what’s on the market. And also what are popular things; for that you must gain lots of lots experience all the time to catch up with market. About your blog I must say its really informative and I have learn a lot from here. Thanks for that.
Great information. Thanks for posting it. I will be checking out each one of these sites to learn more about SEO. I’ve been learning SEO methods for only a year and a half as of this comment, but I still have much more to learn.
Great list, hope to make it on there myself one day!
Thanks for putting this list together. I could stay careless about what each blog’s rankings are but I can list my top favorites:
Did I forget to mention I found this blog through Google Search Engine searching for: seo blog
Really nice blogs, I will clearly have a look at them now
Thanks for sharing this.
This list is a must see list for SEO starters and SEO pro’s.
it is my first time visiting here, its a great site with a great articles, thanks for share.
I am still not sure how Alexa helps with ratings now that google isn’t using page rank anymore – does google simply look up Alexa’s ranking now?
Great List. SEO is very important and this is great! Thank you.
Good Job ! and Matt Cutts is Google for the record !
I like visiting Matt Cutts site.
What about you? I think you are good at SEO
Interesting post, thank’s is to share knowledge