The 25 Best SEO Consultants and Freelancers for 2026 (100% Unbiased Rankings)

Finding the Right SEO Consultant

The SEO industry reached $68 billion in revenue last year. Sounds impressive until you realize what it means for your business.

There are thousands of people calling themselves SEO consultants. Most shouldn’t be.

I’ve spent 19 years in this game. Built Enlimited from scratch. Worked with 320+ businesses across SaaS, healthcare, legal, real estate, and enterprise.

Here’s what I see over and over: Most “best SEO consultant” lists are complete garbage.

Most “Best Of” Lists Are Complete Fluff

They rank people based on follower counts. Social media buzz. Who paid for placement. Sometimes, it’s just whoever knows the writer.

The cost of getting this wrong is brutal.
I’ve seen businesses waste over $50,000 on the wrong SEO freelancer. Six months of budget down the drain. Zero results to show for it.

One client came to us after hiring a “top-rated” consultant who promised first-page rankings in 30 days. Three months later, their traffic had dropped 40%.

The Real Problem. Too Many Bad Options

Search “hire SEO consultant,” and you’ll get 50 different lists. Each claims to be “unbiased.” Most are anything but.

Some consultants buy their way onto these lists. Others get featured because they’re good at self-promotion, not because of their client results.

The real challenge? Separating signal from noise.
There is a significant difference between top-tier agencies charging $25,000 or more per month and mid-tier specialists who deliver a better ROI at $3,000 to $8,000 per month.

Most businesses don’t need the enterprise solution. They need the right specialist.

The Enlimited SEO Talent Evaluation Framework

That’s why we built our evaluation framework.

We analyzed hundreds of consultants using 13 specific criteria. No bias. No pay-to-play. Just data.

Authority metrics matter, but results matter more.
We looked at documented case studies. Client retention rates. Revenue impact. Technical expertise. Industry recognition.

This ranking differs because our methodology is distinct.

We’ve ranked 25 mid-tier SEO consultants and freelancers who consistently deliver results. These aren’t the most prominent names. They’re the best performers.

What You’ll Get in This Guide

Our complete evaluation methodology. Why do we score consultants the way we do. What red flags to avoid.

Detailed profiles of all 25 SEO consultants. Their specializations. Proven results. Who they’re best for.

A practical framework for choosing the right SEO consultant for your business. Budget considerations. Evaluation questions. Contract tips.

Stop gambling with your SEO budget. Use data to make better decisions.

Let’s dive into how we actually evaluate SEO talent.

Enlimited SEO Evaluation Framework

Most SEO consultant rankings are broken. They focus on the wrong things.

Follower counts don’t predict client results. Neither do fancy websites or smooth sales pitches.

Why Traditional Rankings Fail

I’ve seen “top-rated” consultants with 100,000+ followers deliver zero ROI. Meanwhile, specialists with 5,000 followers generate millions in client revenue.

The problem? Most rankings use vanity metrics.

They look at social media buzz. Speaking gigs. Industry awards. They are all nice to have, but they don’t tell you if someone can actually grow your business.

Here’s what’s wrong with most “best SEO consultant” lists:

• Pay-to-play schemes where consultants literally buy their way onto rankings. Follower count bias equates to more followers with better results.
• Agency-sponsored content created to promote specific agencies or friends. Zero measurable criteria with no real methodology behind the rankings.

Our Data-Driven Approach

We built our framework around what actually matters: results.

After working with over 320 businesses for 19 years, I know what separates good SEO consultants from great ones.

We evaluated 13 specific criteria across three core areas:

1. Authority Metrics (40% weight): LinkedIn presence and engagement quality. Published content that demonstrates real expertise. Industry recognition from peers, not just followers.
2. Proven Results (35% weight): Documented case studies with specific metrics. Client testimonials with measurable outcomes. Revenue impact, not just traffic increases.
3. Technical Skills (25% weight): Proficiency with tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Screaming Frog. Relevant certifications from Google and major platforms. Problem-solving approach to complex SEO challenges.

How We Score Each Consultant

Every consultant gets rated 1-5 on each criterion. No exceptions. No shortcuts.

A score of 1 means basic competency. A 5 means industry-leading expertise with documented proof.

We weight the scores based on what drives business results. Authority gets you noticed. Results get you hired. Technical skills get the work done.

• The math is simple: (Authority × 0.40) + (Results × 0.35) + (Technical × 0.25) = Final Score

What Makes This Different

We didn’t accept self-reported metrics. We verified case studies. We checked client references. We analyzed their actual work.

No SEO consultant paid for placement. No friends got special treatment. Just an objective analysis of who consistently delivers.

Quality assurance process:

• Cross-referenced all case studies and client claims
• Verified certifications and credentials
• Analyzed published content for technical accuracy
• Checked client retention rates where possible

The result? 25 SEO consultants who actually move the needle for their clients.

Next, let’s look at who made the cut and why.

About This Evaluation

This ranking was compiled by Mohsin Ali, founder of Enlimited, with 19 years of marketing experience and a proven track record of:

• 320+ businesses transformed across SaaS, healthcare, legal, real estate, and enterprise
• $45M+ revenue generated for clients through strategic marketing campaigns  
• 45,000+ qualified leads delivered using data-driven growth strategies
• 230% average ROI increase achieved for client campaigns

Our Methodology Validation:

• Cross-referenced all case studies and client claims with public records
• Verified certifications and credentials through official platforms
• Analyzed published content for technical accuracy and depth
• Checked client retention rates and testimonials where possible
• Peer-reviewed by industry experts and cross-referenced with independent sources

Why This Ranking Matters:
Unlike sponsored lists or popularity contests, this evaluation focuses on documented results, client outcomes, and measurable business impact. Every consultant was assessed using the same rigorous criteria with no pay-for-placement opportunities.

Enlimited’s Authority:
As a Houston-based growth marketing agency, Enlimited has worked with Fortune 500 companies, including Verizon, Halliburton, and Konica Minolta, giving us unique insight into what separates good SEO consultants from exceptional ones.

Top 25 SEO Consultants and Freelancers

After evaluating hundreds of SEO consultants using our rigorous framework, here are the 25 professionals who consistently deliver measurable business outcomes.

1. Sara Taher: The technical authority
2. Connor Gillivan: The serial entrepreneur
3. Saad Raza: The results-driven specialist
4. Jairo Guerrero: The revenue systems builder
5. Jeremy Moser: The authority builder
6. Anna York: The AI integration expert
7. Louis Smith: The ecommerce specialist
8. Sam Thuillier: The revenue channel builder
9. Rob Hoffman: The content machine builder
10. Liam Fallen: The technical AI pioneer
11. Mark Williams-Cook: The SEO experimenter
12. Sarvesh Shrivastava: The revenue multiplier
13. Steve Toth: The AI-SEO strategist
14. Kristina Azarenko: The technical SEO educator
15. Areej AbuAli: The community builder
16. Bill Gaule: The B2B SEO specialist
17. Samantha North: The AI automation expert
18. Viktoria Medvedko: The link building specialist
19. Lidia Infante: The international SEO expert
20. Jessica Lam Hill Young: The B2B content strategist
21. Nick Jordan: The content distribution expert
22. Robbie Richards: The SaaS search strategist
23. Dmytro Klimchuk: The senior SEO expert
24. Tyler Dixon: The local SMB specialist
25. Akmela Priya: The B2B growth strategist

#1. Sara Taher

LinkedIn Headline: “Organic Search Consultant. SEO Speaker & Author, Python DS ML Enthusiast, Ex Startup Founder, MMSc”

Why She Ranks #1:
Sara Taher combines exceptional technical skills with startup grit. A rare combination in the SEO world.

With over a decade of hands-on SEO experience, a Computer Engineering degree, and MIT-certified training in Data Science and Machine Learning, she brings a level of precision that most SEO consultants don’t even discuss.

She doesn’t just analyze data. She automates it.

Using Python, Sara builds custom SEO tools that scale insights and performance.

She has been featured in Search Engine Journal and Search Engine Land and speaks at industry panels, such as Toronto SEO IRL. As a former founder herself, she understands what business owners actually care about: growth, not just rankings.

Specialization:

• Technical SEO powered by Python automation and data-driven systems

Standout Quality:

• A rare blend of coding skills, data science rigor, and real entrepreneurial experience

Best For:

• SaaS companies and enterprise teams that need scalable, technical SEO solutions backed by measurable ROI

#2. Connor Gillivan

LinkedIn Headline: “Scaling my 4 B2B companies w/ SEO. Daily posts about the process. 7x Founder (Exit in 2019).”

Why He Ranks #2:
Connor doesn’t just talk SEO. He scales businesses with it.

He’s built and exited seven companies, including a $12M+ ARR exit of FreeUp to The HOTH in 2019. Today, he’s running four B2B ventures, all powered by SEO:

• TrioSEO (agency)
• EcomBalance (eComm bookkeeping)
• AccountsBalance (agency bookkeeping)
• Outsource School (remote hiring platform)

Connor’s edge? He shares everything he’s doing in real-time on LinkedIn daily. His posts aren’t theory. They’re built from the trenches.

Backed by a business degree from the University of Colorado and media coverage in Inc., Forbes, and Entrepreneur, Connor’s credibility is real.

More importantly, he treats SEO like a system, one that drives sustainable, compounding growth.

Specialization:

• B2B SEO strategy, growth systems, and scaling through organic traffic

Standout Quality:

• A proven operator who’s built and exited 8-figure companies using SEO

Best For:

• Founders and growth-stage B2B teams looking to scale with structured, ROI-focused SEO systems

#3. Saad Raza

LinkedIn Headline: “Top Rated SEO Specialist – Top 3% on Upwork – I Help Businesses to Skyrocket Their Website Traffic, Sales, & Revenue Through SEO.”

Why He Ranks #3:

Saad Raza is what it looks like when skill meets relentless consistency.

With over a decade of experience in SEO and a Top 3% badge on Upwork, Saad has built a reputation not through hype but through tangible results.

He’s worked with more than 1,000 clients across local and global markets. That kind of scale doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from showing up, delivering, and getting results people want to stick with. His 98% client retention rate proves it.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Karachi University and certifications from Google, HubSpot, SEMrush, and Moz Academy. But it’s his freelance platforms that tell the real story.

Whether on Upwork or Fiverr, Saad’s track record is built in the most competitive arenas, where your next client is one scroll away.

His focus is simple: traffic, conversions, and revenue. No fluff. No vanity metrics. Just real business growth.

Specialization:

• Revenue-focused SEO for small and medium-sized businesses

Standout Quality:

• Battle-tested in competitive freelance marketplaces with a 98% client retention rate

Best For:

• Business owners who want a high-performing SEO consultant with real proof of ROI

#4. Jairo Guerrero

LinkedIn Headline: “SEO Growth On All Search Engines With My 5-Elements Revenue-Driven SEO System | +6M Revenue With SEO Campaigns | Trained +100 Companies | Software Engineer | Co-founder @ Organic Hackers”

Why He Ranks #4:

Jairo Guerrero doesn’t just optimize websites. He builds full-scale SEO revenue systems.

He’s a software engineer by training and a strategist by execution. As co-founder of Organic Hackers, he has helped clients drive over $6 million in revenue through search.

His proprietary 5-Elements SEO system has been implemented across more than 100 companies. This isn’t a theory. It’s tested and battle-ready.

Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top 5 SEOs by Favikon in 2024, Jairo brings both technical depth and business clarity. He served as an official judge at the Search Awards 2024 and was a featured speaker at SEO Benelux.

His SE Ranking case study highlights a 100x traffic increase, and he’s driven growth for brands like NuBest Nutrition, Shuffly, and HeadshotlyAI.

What makes Jairo different is his systems thinking. He doesn’t follow trends. He creates sustainable structures that scale.

Specialization:

• Cross-platform search optimization using a proprietary revenue-focused SEO framework

Standout Quality:

• Tech-rooted SEO strategies backed by real revenue wins and global brand experience

Best For:

• Companies ready to invest in scalable SEO systems built for performance, not just visibility

#5. Jeremy Moser

LinkedIn Headline: “CEO @ uSERP — Your SEO & Link Building Growth Team | Forbes 30 under 30 | The Link Building Agency You Hire When ROI is Priority #1”

Why He Ranks #5:

Jeremy Moser built a $3.3 million SEO agency by the age of 29. That’s not hype; it’s disciplined execution.

He’s the co-founder and CEO of uSERP, a team of over 50 people powering growth for some of the biggest names in SaaS, including Monday.com, ActiveCampaign, Freshworks, and Hotjar.

Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Marketing & Advertising in 2023, Jeremy is more than a link builder. He’s a growth operator who understands that authority links are only valuable if they drive meaningful results.

He holds a marketing degree from the University of Denver, co-owned Wordable (acquired in 2020), and regularly shares insights in Forbes and Search Engine Journal.

From his base in Denver, Jeremy serves clients worldwide with a results-driven model that connects high-authority backlinks to measurable business outcomes.

Specialization:

• Enterprise link-building and digital PR strategies for high-growth SaaS

Standout Quality:

• Proven track record in scaling a performance-driven agency backed by global SaaS case studies

Best For:

• SaaS startups and scale-ups ready to invest in authority-building strategies that convert into revenue

#6. Anna York

LinkedIn Headline: “SEO meets AI | 10x Your Brand’s Success with Proven Tactics 📈 | Follow ➡️ for actionable How-to guides!”

Why She Ranks #6:

Anna York is bridging the gap between traditional SEO and the future of AI-powered optimization.

With over eight years as a senior digital marketing consultant, Anna isn’t just using AI tools. She’s building AI systems that automate analysis, optimize strategies, and save marketers hours of manual work.

Based in Hamburg and working with clients worldwide, Anna is recognized for her practical approach to SEO automation. Her recent appearance on The AI Marketer’s Playbook podcast positioned her as a go-to voice in the AI-SEO space.

She shares how-to content consistently on LinkedIn, breaking down technical topics into practical, easy-to-apply strategies.

Her philosophy? SEO is evolving rapidly, and success today requires understanding user intent, behavioral signals, and automation that scales effectively.

Specialization:

• AI-integrated SEO strategy and workflow automation for modern marketers

Standout Quality:

• Early mover in AI for SEO with real-world applications and tools that solve time and resource challenges

Best For:

• Marketing teams and founders looking to integrate AI into their SEO workflows without losing strategic control

#7. Louis Smith

LinkedIn Headline: “Helping you increase traffic and conversions | eCommerce SEO and Shopify Specialist £100M+ Generated | Building a 7-fig DTC biz”

Why He Ranks #7:

Louis Smith has turned eCommerce SEO into a results machine. £100M+ in documented client revenue is not a claim; it’s proof.

With over nine years of experience focused exclusively on eCommerce platforms, Louis brings the kind of platform-specific depth that most SEO consultants don’t. His background in computing adds a technical edge to his strategy.

He has worked with brands like Lenovo, Otrium, Ling’s Moments, and LifeHack, real players in the enterprise e-commerce space.

He’s served more than 200 clients, been featured on Yahoo, and appears regularly on podcasts to break down practical eCommerce SEO.

Louis knows his platforms cold, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento. He’s not just optimizing stores. He’s building one of his own, a 7-figure DTC brand in the making.

Manchester-based but working globally, he shares no-fluff eCommerce SEO tips daily on LinkedIn.

Specialization:

• eCommerce SEO with hands-on expertise across Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento

Standout Quality:

• £100M+ in revenue generated for clients through platform-specific SEO strategies

Best For:

• Retailers and eCommerce brands who want proven SEO execution tailored to their tech stack

#8. Sam Thuillier

LinkedIn Headline: “I Turn SEO into Your #1 Revenue Channel | 300+ Companies Transformed | Let’s Talk Strategy”

Why He Ranks #8:

Sam Thuillier helps businesses stop treating SEO like a traffic game and start using it as a revenue engine.

He’s worked with over 300 companies, transforming how they think about and measure SEO success.

Sam’s edge is clarity. He positions SEO as a core growth channel, not just a line item in a marketing report.

His LinkedIn content reflects that he is focused, strategic, and grounded in what actually drives business growth.

He skips the vanity metrics and leans into what business owners care about: pipeline, conversions, and long-term ROI.

If your goal is to make SEO your highest-performing growth channel, Sam brings the strategy and execution to back it up.

Specialization:

• Revenue-driven SEO strategy aligned with business outcomes.

Standout Quality:

• Track record of helping 300+ businesses turn SEO into their top revenue generator.

Best For:

• Companies ready to shift from traffic-focused tactics to long-term SEO systems that drive revenue

#9. Rob Hoffman

LinkedIn Headline: “Building 7-figure sales channels with SEO content | CEO of Contact Studios (we’re hiring!)”

Why He Ranks #9:

Rob Hoffman transformed a $50 apartment in Colombia into a multi-million-dollar agency that powers brands like Kajabi, Beehiiv, and others.

This isn’t a marketing fairytale. It’s what happens when grit meets systems thinking.

His story? He moved to Colombia with almost nothing, lived next to gang activity, and built a content engine that now generates over $ 300,000 in monthly revenue.

One of his biggest wins was helping a CBD startup turn $ 50,000 in seed funding into an 8-figure business using SEO.

Through Contact Studios, Rob delivers “content as a service” to fast-growing tech brands. They’ve helped generate over $ 10 million in client revenue and built a digital community with more than 14 million touchpoints.

His SEO content strategies even caught the attention of Google CEO Sundar Pichai. He’s been featured on top podcasts for his frameworks and unconventional content systems.

Rob doesn’t just create content. He builds scalable content machines that run 24/7 and compound over time.

Specialization:

• SEO content strategy and high-volume, systemized content production

Standout Quality:

• Built a high-revenue agency from nothing using replicable, client-proven SEO frameworks

Best For:

• Tech companies and startups are ready to scale content without burning out their teams.

#10. Liam Fallen

LinkedIn Headline: “Technical SEO & AI automations | Join 1,800+ marketers: LiamFallen.com”

Why He Ranks #10:

Liam Fallen is pushing technical SEO into the future. Where AI does the grunt work and strategy drives growth.

He’s not just talking about AI. He’s building it. Liam invested 273 hours creating an AI agent that crawls pages, optimizes content, clusters topics, and audits performance. That’s real innovation, not theory.

With a background in criminology, a sharp analytical lens, and a former Premier League youth career under his belt, Liam brings a refreshingly unique mix of rigor and realness.

He’s also funny. Ricky Gervais once told him to become a comedian. His LinkedIn audience agrees.

Today, 1,800+ marketers subscribe to his newsletter for no-BS advice. His audits are clear, strategies are executable, and his automation tips help SEO freelancers and consultants get more done in less time.

Specialization:

• Technical SEO combined with AI-powered automation and system design.

Standout Quality:

• Built custom AI SEO tools and explains them in a way that’s both smart and accessible

Best For:

• Growth-focused teams ready to integrate AI into their SEO stack and streamline technical workflows

#11. Mark Williams-Cook

LinkedIn Headline: “🧪 Unsolicited ✅ #SEO tips and SEO experiments”

Why He Ranks #11:

Mark Williams-Cook is the experimenter-in-chief of the SEO world. He doesn’t guess, he tests.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Mark serves as the Digital Marketing Director at Candour and is the founder of AlsoAsked. This tool converts search questions into actionable strategies.

What sets him apart? He runs real SEO experiments and shares the results openly. His LinkedIn feed, filled with raw insights and “screaming into the void” posts, is a goldmine of practical advice.

He also created one of YouTube’s most viral comedy videos, which has racked up 88 million views, proving he understands content beyond search.

Mark has launched and exited multiple businesses like AFK Apparel, AutoStumble, and TopDog Harnesses. He’s not just talking theory; he’s been in the trenches.

Featured on SEO Arcade and other podcasts, he leads conversations on brand authority and entity optimization. His thinking is sharp, forward-looking, and rooted in data, not hype.

Specialization:

• SEO experimentation, technical strategy, and SERP behavior analysis

Standout Quality:

• Two decades of experience with real-world testing and proven frameworks

Best For:

• Companies that want to stop guessing and start using SEO backed by evidence and real data

#12. Sarvesh Shrivastava

LinkedIn Headline: “I help Businesses 10x their revenue with SEO | Favikon-Ranked Top 2 SEO Consultant”

Why He Ranks #12:

Ranked #2 SEO Consultant by Favikon, Sarvesh Shrivastava doesn’t just drive traffic. He multiplies revenue.

With over 12 years of experience, he has helped eCommerce brands scale rapidly. Started in a small town in India, where online business was rare, and built a career on raw execution.

His results tell the story:

• 3000% traffic growth for a Shopify home brand
• 500% profit lift for a footwear business
• 291,000 monthly visitors for a mid-sized eCommerce site

Sarvesh excels on platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento and understands the unique SEO requirements of each.

He has built an audience of over 29,000 on LinkedIn by sharing actionable insights and advice. Featured on Republic World, he’s also recognized beyond the SEO world.

His approach is rooted in testing. Every strategy he shares is backed by numbers, not opinions.

Specialization:

• eCommerce SEO with a focus on profit, traffic, and compounding results

Standout Quality:

• Favikon-recognized with real case studies showing massive revenue impact

Best For:

• eCommerce businesses serious about scaling revenue through repeatable SEO systems

#13. Steve Toth

LinkedIn Headline: “Your 🌱 Search Consultant / join ainotebook.com & seonotebook.com 22k+ subs. Follow if you love AI & SEO.”

Why He Ranks #13:

Steve Toth built not one but two of the most influential newsletters in the SEO world, SEO Notebook and AI Notebook, with a combined subscriber base of over 22,000.

As the CEO of Notebook Agency and former SEO lead at FreshBooks, Steve isn’t just talking strategy. He’s delivered it at scale. He doubled FreshBooks’ organic traffic year over year and helped the brand secure over 1,000 featured snippets, as well as a #1 ranking for a 90,000 search volume keyword.

What sets Steve apart is his ability to connect the dots between AI and SEO. While the industry debates whether AI will replace search, Steve is already building systems that use both.

Recognized by Ahrefs as one of the 7 Best Marketing Newsletters, he brings thought leadership with tactical depth.

Based in Toronto and advising B2B companies globally, Steve is a regular podcast guest and a sought-after voice on AI-powered search strategy.

Specialization:

• AI-integrated SEO and B2B organic growth systems

Standout Quality:

• A trailblazer in AI + SEO with a proven enterprise record and 22,000+ loyal newsletter readers

Best For:

• B2B companies that want to future-proof their SEO with smart, AI-ready strategies

#14. Kristina Azarenko

LinkedIn Headline: “Become confident in technical SEO -> techseo.pro”

Why She Ranks #14:

Kristina Azarenko is on a mission to make technical SEO accessible without requiring a single line of code.

With over 10 years of experience, Kristina is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, international speaker, and creator of the TSP Method. A framework that has helped over 30,000 students master technical SEO.

What sets her apart is simplicity. Her flagship course, Tech SEO Pro, holds a 4.7/5 rating and walks users through real-world examples, audits, migrations, redirects, and canonical implementations.

Kristina proves you don’t need a coding background to become confident in technical SEO. She has developed frameworks used by content management systems that run hundreds of websites.

Her teaching combines technical clarity with psychological insights, particularly when working cross-functionally with development teams.

Toronto-based with a global audience, she has been featured on leading SEO platforms and remains a go-to expert for anyone looking to sharpen their technical skills.

Specialization:

• Technical SEO training, website audits, and scalable migration support

Standout Quality:

• A proven educator who simplifies complex SEO topics for professionals without coding backgrounds

Best For:

• SEO freelancers and consultants who want to master technical SEO and lead site migrations with confidence

#15. Areej AbuAli

LinkedIn Headline: “Building a community for Women in Tech SEO & beyond”

Why She Ranks #15:

Areej AbuAli didn’t just build a brand. She built a movement.

As the founder of Women in Tech SEO, she has created a 10,000+ member global community, providing women in the industry with a platform for visibility, connection, and support.

With over 10 years of experience, Areej has held key agency and in-house SEO roles at Zoopla, Papier, and Verve Search. Her foundation is strong. A Computer Engineering degree plus an MBA in Information Technology.

She runs her own consultancy, Crawlina, and speaks on global stages like SMX, BrightonSEO, and MozCon. Areej is also a Google Women Techmaker Ambassador UN Women UK delegate and was featured on the BIMA 100 Champions for Change list in 2024.

She’s the author of “Community Building for Marketers,” proving that she doesn’t just do the work. She shares the blueprint.

Her technical SEO expertise cuts across verticals: property, health, fashion, retail, and travel.

Specialization:

• Technical SEO consulting and brand-led community building

Standout Quality:

• Built a thriving global SEO community while actively leading high-impact SEO projects

Best For:

• Brands that want expert technical SEO with the added edge of community-building experience

#16. Bill Gaule

LinkedIn Headline: “SEO for B2B Companies 📈 Drive Customer Acquisition with Your Blog”

Why He Ranks #16:

Bill Gaule doesn’t just do B2B SEO. He lives it.

With over six years in the field across agencies, startups, and consulting, Bill focuses solely on B2B customer acquisition through strategic SEO and content marketing.

He’s the founder of SERPsculpt and also leads communications and strategy at The Digital Scot. His work is sharp, focused, and results-driven.

• Bill’s approach is straightforward: use blog content to drive real customer acquisition. He teaches companies how to turn SEO into a lead-generating system, not just a traffic source.
• Fun fact: He’s fully fluent in Italian, having taught English in Italy, which demonstrates his ability to communicate and connect across cultures.

His LinkedIn is full of actionable content for B2B marketers. He’s not chasing followers. He’s building frameworks.

Specialization:

• SEO and content strategy for B2B companies focused on lead generation

Standout Quality:

• Crystal-clear positioning and methodology for turning blogs into customer acquisition channels

Best For:

• B2B service providers who want SEO strategies that actually drive pipeline and revenue

#17. Samantha North

LinkedIn Headline: “AI-automated growth systems for B2B service businesses | PhD in social data science👩‍💻”

Why She Ranks #17:

Samantha North doesn’t just talk AI. She builds businesses with it.

With a PhD in social data science, Samantha founded Digital Emigre in 2020 and scaled it to six figures through pure organic traffic. In 2025, she launched Emigre Systems, an AI automation agency helping B2B service brands streamline content and lead gen.

Her background is deep. A former journalist featured in Al Jazeera, CNN, BBC Radio, and the Financial Times, she brings more than a decade of content creation experience and a research mindset to everything she does.

Samantha’s AI systems have helped brands like BVNK, Paddle, Salsify, and Brandwatch simplify complex content operations and boost output without adding headcount.

She also runs a fast-growing newsletter where 800+ founders subscribe for actionable AI automation strategies.

Specialization:

• AI automation systems for content creation and lead generation in B2B service industries

Standout Quality:

• PhD-backed systems builder with proven six-figure results and deep publishing experience

Best For:

• B2B companies ready to automate content workflows and scale lead generation with AI

#18. Viktoria Medvedko

LinkedIn Headline: “High-DR link building services || Founder at Getmentioned.today”

Why She Ranks #18:

Viktoria Medvedko knows how to turn backlinks into business growth.

As the founder of Getmentioned.today, she’s built a boutique link-building agency known for delivering measurable outcomes, not fluff metrics.

Her client wins speak for themselves:

• 62% traffic lift from just 30 high-DR links
• 601% increase in traffic value (from $13K to $93K)
• 150K organic traffic boost through focused link-building campaigns

Viktoria has led campaigns for in-house SEO teams and enterprise clients across various competitive sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, and SaaS.

What makes her different is her focus on editorial links with lasting value. No junk directories or black-hat tricks – just smart, high-authority placements that compound over time.

Specialization:

• Editorial link-building and digital PR for high-growth companies

Standout Quality:

• Documented traffic and revenue gains from strategic, high-DR backlink campaigns

Best For:

• Brands looking to scale SEO visibility through quality links that move the needle

#19. Lidia Infante

LinkedIn Headline: “International SEO consultant with over a decade of marketing experience and a strong focus on SEO and content strategy”

Why She Ranks #19:

Lidia Infante brings deep international SEO experience to the table, spanning Europe, the US, and Australia.

Currently, she is the Head of International SEO at SurveyMonkey, having previously served as Senior SEO Manager at Sanity.io. Her academic foundation includes a master’s degree in e-commerce and digital business, which adds a sharp commercial lens to her SEO strategies.

Her impact is measurable:

• Grew monthly traffic to 5.5 million pageviews (25x increase)
• Boosted qualified leads by 68% year-over-year

Lidia is a regular speaker at MozCon, BrightonSEO, UnGagged, and WTSFest and is frequently featured in top industry podcasts and publications.

Her strength lies in combining international SEO with a content strategy that actually drives results, especially for SaaS, media, and e-commerce brands targeting multi-market growth.

Specialization:

• International SEO and multi-market content strategies for growth-stage brands

Standout Quality:

• Proven ability to scale traffic and leads across global markets with a content-first approach.

Best For:

• Companies expanding across borders and needing expert international SEO guidance.

#20. Jessica Lam Hill Young

LinkedIn Headline: “Content marketer figuring out the next project. Prev. founder at the brand creatives, a boutique agency for SEO, copy, and content programs. B2B copywriter. Solo mom of 3 living in Bali.”

Why She Ranks #20:

Jessica Lam Hill Young has achieved what most content strategists aspire to. She built it, scaled it, and delivered results.

As the founder of The Brand Creatives, a boutique agency, she helped enterprise teams develop comprehensive content systems that spanned the full funnel, combining SEO, sales enablement and thought leadership.

She’s not just a strategist. She’s a builder. Jessica’s hands-on approach in B2B SaaS helps businesses align content with sales objectives and build stories that convert.

Her background blends creativity with structure. From conversion copy to strategic content ops, she brings a rare combo of clarity, empathy, and business acumen.

Now based in Bali and raising three kids solo, Jessica brings grit and perspective to every project. She leads with clarity and builds with care, precisely what most B2B teams need.

Specialization:

• B2B content systems and SEO-driven copy that fuels sales and trust

Standout Quality:

• Built and led a content agency with a strong focus on enterprise content execution and enablement

Best For:

• SaaS and B2B companies need content that drives authority, pipeline, and meaningful conversations.

#21. Nick Jordan

LinkedIn Headline: “Drove 100k Paid Customers for an A16z 🚀 | ContentDistribution.com”

Why He Ranks #21:

Nick Jordan took ContentDistribution.com from a $500 solo gig to a high-performance agency serving brands like ClickUp, DoNotPay, and Privacy.com.

He doesn’t just talk numbers. He delivers them. Nick helped take DoNotPay from 0 to 1.5 million monthly organic visits, generating over 100,000 paid customers along the way.

He’s also the founder behind SEO SaaS tools Workello and ClusterAI, both rooted in his belief that consistent, high-quality content is the real growth driver.

Nick’s philosophy? Skip the fluff. Scale content systematically. Own your outcomes.

With six brands grown from zero to 100,000+ monthly organics and an agency success rate near 100% (vs. the 37% industry average), the results speak for themselves.

Specialization:

• Content-first SEO strategy for SaaS companies with systemized content production

Standout Quality:

• Built an agency with nearly perfect execution results, scaling brands from zero to high-volume organic traffic

Best For:

• SaaS companies ready to grow through predictable, content-driven SEO frameworks

#22. Robbie Richards

LinkedIn Headline: “Co-Founder @ Virayo – SaaS Search Marketing Agency | Strategist, Trainer, Speaker.”

Why He Ranks #22:

Robbie Richards is the co-founder of Virayo, a search marketing agency laser-focused on B2B SaaS growth.

What sets Robbie apart is his in-depth understanding of the SaaS buyer journey and how to align search intent with business objectives.

His approach combines strategy and execution, enabling software brands to increase visibility and drive a qualified pipeline, not just clicks.

A regular speaker and trainer, Robbie teaches teams how to move beyond generic SEO checklists and build search systems that actually fuel growth.

He’s helped B2B SaaS brands across different stages, from early traction to scaled acquisition, get real, compounding results from search.

Specialization:

• Search marketing strategies tailored for SaaS growth and B2B lead generation.

Standout Quality:

• Agency co-founder with a repeatable playbook for SaaS customer acquisition via search

Best For:

• SaaS companies looking for strategic SEO systems that convert traffic into customers

#23. Dmytro Klimchuk

LinkedIn Headline: “Senior SEO Expert ⚡️ SEO Services. Done right ✔️”

Why He Ranks #23:

Dmytro Klimchuk brings a rare discipline to the SEO world: precision.

His positioning is simple, do SEO right the first time. No shortcuts, no hacks, just proper strategy, implementation, and execution.

He’s built a reputation through consistent LinkedIn insights and a strong emphasis on SEO fundamentals. Dmytro shares regular updates on best practices, algorithm shifts, and tactical wins that matter to real businesses.

What makes him stand out isn’t his flashy claims. It’s his focus on doing the work thoroughly and systematically.

Specialization:

• Full-scope SEO with a strong focus on technical precision and foundational execution

Standout Quality:

• Senior-level experience with a no-nonsense approach to doing SEO the right way

Best For:

• Businesses that want reliable, detail-oriented SEO systems built to last

#24. Tyler Dixon

LinkedIn Headline: “Building sales converting machines for Local SMBs | Contact Local.”

Why He Ranks #24:

Tyler Dixon turned a bold career pivot into a fast-growing SEO success story.

At 24, he left a finance job at BNY Mellon and relocated from London to Dubai. Within two years, he had built a multiple 6-figure SEO agency helping local SMBs generate real sales.

Now working with Contact Studios, he’s also the co-founder of AiFlow, founder of SEOWith.AI, and a consultant at Byword. He brings a business lens many SEO consultants lack, shaped by his experience in global investment firms.

Tyler’s work fills a much-needed gap. He brings SEO firepower to small businesses often overlooked by big agencies. His strategies are grounded in one goal: turning local search into local revenue.

Specialization:

• Local SEO and conversion optimization systems for small and medium-sized businesses

Standout Quality:

• Financial and business background with proven success in building scalable SEO solutions for local markets

Best For:

• Local SMBs looking for sales-driven SEO strategies that turn traffic into revenue

#25. Akmela Priya

LinkedIn Headline: “Marketing Leader | 12+ Years Turning Insights into Impact 🚀 | B2B Growth Strategist | Cloud Transformation & GenAI Marketing | LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider 🏅”

Why She Ranks #25:

Akmela Priya brings over 12 years of digital marketing experience, with a sharp focus on cloud transformation and GenAI marketing, two fast-growing sectors in the B2B space.

As a LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider, Akmela has led strategies for 100+ projects across startups, agencies, and enterprise tech firms. He’s managed millions in ad spend, optimized hundreds of websites, and delivered real, compounding growth.

What sets him apart? A strong mix of technical understanding, platform execution, and go-to-market agility. He has helped early-stage companies scale rapidly through clever positioning and agile SEO frameworks.

His experience at top agencies in India provides him with a global perspective and deep roots in execution.

Specialization:

• B2B growth strategy for cloud, SaaS, and AI-powered products

Standout Quality:

• Decade-plus experience driving growth across emerging tech and AI-focused sectors

Best For:

• Tech companies and startups in cloud and AI looking to scale with a strategic SEO consultant

Key Insights and Trends

After evaluating hundreds of SEO consultants, clear patterns emerge. The best performers share specific traits that set them apart from the crowd.

What Makes Mid-Tier SEO Consultants Successful

Specialization beats generalization every time.

The top-ranked consultants don’t try to be everything to everyone. They pick a lane and dominate it.

Sara Taher focuses on technical SEO with Python automation. Louis Smith owns eCommerce platforms. Saad Raza specializes in revenue-focused results for SMBs.

Industry expertise matters more than follower counts.

Connor Gillivan built multiple B2B companies using SEO. Jairo Guerrero documented $6M+ in client revenue. Jeremy Moser works exclusively with venture-backed SaaS companies.

They understand their clients’ business models. They speak the language. They know what metrics actually matter.

• Results-driven positioning wins clients. The best SEO consultants lead with outcomes, not activities. They showcase revenue impact, not just traffic increases.
• Technical depth plus business acumen equals success. Top performers combine technical skills with strategic thinking. They understand that SEO isn’t just about rankings. It’s about business growth.

Geographic and Market Trends

Global talent is everywhere.

Our top 25 span multiple continents. Geographic location matters less than expertise and results.

Emerging markets produce exceptional talent.

Some of our highest-ranked SEO freelancers come from markets like Canada, India, Pakistan, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. They offer world-class expertise at competitive rates.

Cost-effectiveness varies by region. You can find excellent specialists at $3,000-5,000 monthly from emerging markets, while similar expertise costs $8,000-15,000 from established markets.

Specialization Patterns for 2026

AI integration is becoming standard.

Half of our top consultants integrate AI tools into their workflows. Python programming, automation, and data science skills are increasingly valuable.

Platform expertise drives demand.

Shopify, WordPress, and SaaS platform specialists command premium rates. Technical implementation knowledge separates good from great.

Industry-specific knowledge wins.

Healthcare, legal, real estate, and SaaS consultants outperform generalists. Deep vertical knowledge creates competitive advantages.

The future belongs to specialists who combine technical expertise with business understanding.

Choosing the Right SEO Consultant

Choosing the right SEO consultant isn’t about finding the cheapest option. It’s about finding the right fit for your business size, budget, and goals.

Matching Consultant to Business Needs

For Startups and Small Businesses

Budget smart: $2,000-$5,000 monthly gets you quality work without breaking the bank.

Look for results-focused SEO freelancers like Saad Raza or Tyler Dixon. They understand cash flow constraints and focus on ROI.

Key questions to ask:

• What revenue impact have you delivered for similar businesses?
• Can you show me three case studies with real numbers?
• How often will you report progress?
• Walk me through how you’d audit our site’s Core Web Vitals
• How do you approach international SEO for multiple markets?
• Can you share client references I can contact directly?
• What’s your average time to first meaningful results?

Red flags to avoid: Anyone promising #1 rankings in 30 days. One-size-fits-all approaches. Lack of transparency about methods.

For Mid-Market Companies

Budget range: $5,000-$15,000 monthly for specialized expertise.

Target specialized SEO consultants with industry knowledge. Think Jeremy Moser for SaaS or Louis Smith for eCommerce.

• Integration needs: Your consultant must work with your existing team. Tool integration matters. Reporting systems need to align.
• Success metrics: Lead generation, conversion optimization, market share growth. Not just traffic increases.

For Enterprise Organizations

Budget: $15,000+ monthly for strategic-level consulting.

Seek strategic SEO consultants with enterprise experience like Sara Taher or Connor Gillivan.

• Complex requirements: Multi-site management, international SEO, compliance issues. These need specialized expertise.
• Long-term partnership: Ongoing optimization, team training, strategic planning. Think partnership, not project work.

Evaluation Process Framework

Week 1: Initial Screening

• Review portfolios and case studies
• Check references and client testimonials
• Assess technical knowledge depth
• Evaluate communication style and responsiveness

Week 2: Deep Dive Assessment

• Request strategy presentation for your specific business
• Test tool proficiency and methodology
• Assess team integration capabilities
• Review reporting and measurement approach

Final Decision Criteria

Cultural fit trumps technical skills. The best SEO consultant for your business aligns with your communication style and values.

Look for proven results in similar businesses. Industry experience matters more than follower counts.

• Contract best practices: Performance-based compensation when possible. Clear KPIs. Regular review cycles. Exit clauses for both parties.

The right SEO consultant becomes a growth partner, not just a vendor.

SEO Consultant Hiring Mistakes

I’ve seen businesses make the same costly mistakes over and over. Here’s how to avoid them.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest SEO consultant often costs the most long-term.

A $1,000/month consultant who delivers zero results is more expensive than a $5,000/month specialist who drives real revenue.

Hidden costs of poor SEO:

• Lost revenue from missed opportunities
• Time wasted on ineffective strategies
• Damage control after bad implementations
• Starting over with a new consultant

Calculate ROI, not just cost. A good SEO consultant pays for themselves through results.

The True Cost of Cheap SEO

A $1,000/month consultant who delivers zero results costs you:

• Lost revenue: $50,000+ in missed opportunities
• Recovery time: 6-12 months to fix damage
• Opportunity cost: Competitors gaining market share
• Total hidden cost: $150,000+ over 12 months

Falling for Unrealistic Promises

Anyone promising “#1 rankings in 30 days” is lying.

SEO takes 3-6 months minimum to show meaningful results. Algorithm changes happen constantly. No one controls Google’s rankings.

Red flags to avoid:

• Guaranteed rankings
• Instant results promises
• Secret techniques or insider connections
• Refusal to explain their methods

Neglecting Cultural and Communication Fit

Skills matter. Communication matters more.

The best SEO consultant for your business responds quickly. Reports clearly. Integrates well with your team.

Ask about:

• Reporting frequency and format
• Communication preferences
• Team collaboration style
• Time zone compatibility

Overlooking Specialization Needs

Generic SEO consultants deliver generic results.

Match specialization to your needs:

• eCommerce? Hire Louis Smith or Sarvesh Shrivastava
• SaaS? Consider Jeremy Moser or Connor Gillivan
• Technical issues? Look at Sara Taher or Liam Fallen
• Local business? Tyler Dixon specializes in SMBs

Due Diligence Checklist

Before hiring any SEO consultant:

• Verify case studies with real client names
• Check references and testimonials
• Confirm certifications and credentials
• Assess tool access and proficiency
• Evaluate reporting processes
• Test communication responsiveness

The bottom line? Take time to evaluate correctly. The right SEO consultant becomes a growth partner. The wrong one becomes an expensive lesson.

The Future of SEO Consulting

SEO is changing fast. The SEO consultants who adapt will thrive. The ones who don’t will disappear.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Industry

AI integration is becoming standard across the industry.

Half of our top 25 consultants already use AI tools in their daily workflows. Sara Taher programs Python for SEO automation. Liam Fallen built an AI agent that crawls pages and automatically fixes content.

Voice search is completely reshaping keyword strategy.

Conversational queries are growing exponentially. The best SEO consultants optimize for how people actually talk, not just how they type into search boxes.

Core Web Vitals matter more than ever before.

Google cares deeply about user experience now. Page speed, mobile optimization, and technical performance directly impact rankings in ways we’ve never seen.

E-A-T has become the new ranking factor.

Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness. Google wants to see real credentials and proven expertise from content creators and businesses.

Skills Evolution for 2026 and Beyond

Data science integration is becoming essential.

The future belongs to consultants who can analyze data, like Sara Taher and Jairo Guerrero. Python programming and automation skills are becoming as important as traditional SEO knowledge.

Cross-channel thinking separates good from great.

SEO no longer exists in isolation. The best SEO consultants understand how organic search connects to paid ads, social media, and email marketing campaigns.

International expertise opens new opportunities.

Global businesses need SEO freelancers who understand multilingual SEO and cultural nuances across different markets.

What This Means for Businesses

Select forward-thinking SEO consultants who continually invest in their own learning. The industry evolves quickly. Your consultant should evolve with it.

Think in terms of long-term partnerships, not short-term projects. The best results are achieved through sustained collaboration and ongoing optimization.

The future belongs to consultants who combine technical expertise with business intelligence.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Finding the right SEO consultant doesn’t have to be a gamble anymore.

After 19 years in this industry and working with 320+ businesses, I’ve learned one thing: methodology beats guesswork every time.

Key Takeaways

• Specialization trumps follower counts in every scenario.
• Sara Taher’s Python automation skills matter more than her 42,000 followers. Saad Raza’s 98% client retention rate speaks louder than social media buzz.
• Proven results consistently outperform promises.
• Connor Gillivan built and exited companies using SEO. Jairo Guerrero documented over $6 million in client revenue. These aren’t claims. They’re facts.

The correct methodology finds the right consultant. Our framework is practical because it focuses on what truly drives business growth.

Your Action Plan

• Step 1: Define your SEO needs clearly. Are you a startup needing ROI-focused results? A SaaS company requiring technical expertise? An eCommerce brand seeking platform specialists?
• Step 2: Set realistic budgets for quality work. Quality SEO consulting starts at $2,000-$5,000 monthly for small businesses. Mid-market companies should budget $5,000-$15,000. Enterprise needs $15,000+.
• Step 3: Use our rankings strategically. Shortlist 3-5 SEO consultants who match your industry, budget, and specialization needs.
• Step 4: Follow our evaluation framework systematically. Check case studies. Verify references. Test communication styles.
• Step 5: Start with pilot projects first. Test compatibility before making long-term commitments.

How Enlimited Can Help

We’ve generated over $45M for our clients by choosing the right growth partners.

• SEO consultant matching: We help you find specialists who fit your business model and budget perfectly.
• Performance auditing: Ongoing evaluation ensures your SEO consultant delivers promised results consistently.
• Strategic guidance: Long-term SEO planning that aligns with your growth goals and business objectives.

The best SEO consultant for your business aligns expertise, approach, and results with your specific needs. Use this framework to hire SEO consultant talent wisely.

Best SEO Consultants – FAQs