While it’s subjective to say who the “smartest” SEO in the world is, there are some SEO experts who are widely recognized for their contributions, expertise, and thought leadership in the SEO industry.

Some of the top figures in the SEO world include…

Rand Fishkin

• Who He Is – Co-founder of Moz and SparkToro, Rand Fishkin is one of the most influential figures in SEO. He has a vast knowledge of SEO and digital marketing, and his insights have helped shape the industry.
• Why He’s Smart – Fishkin is known for his deep understanding of search engine algorithms, digital marketing strategies, and his ability to communicate complex SEO concepts in a digestible way. He is also the author of “Lost and Founder,” a book about startups and marketing.

Neil Patel

• Who He Is – Co-founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSmetrics, Neil Patel is a renowned digital marketer and SEO expert. He is known for his detailed blog, podcasts, and digital marketing courses.
• Why He’s Smart – Patel has a remarkable ability to drive massive traffic and generate leads through strategic SEO. His content is often data-driven, offering actionable advice based on real-world case studies.

Barry Schwartz

• Who He Is – Founder of Search Engine Roundtable and News Editor at Search Engine Land, Barry Schwartz is a highly respected SEO expert and industry journalist.
• Why He’s Smart – Schwartz is known for staying on top of the latest trends and algorithm changes in the SEO world. His insights help businesses and SEO professionals adapt to the ever-evolving search landscape.

Marie Haynes

• Who She Is – Founder of Marie Haynes Consulting, Marie Haynes is known for her expertise in Google penalties, algorithm updates, and quality SEO.
• Why She’s Smart – Haynes is recognized for her in-depth knowledge of Google’s quality guidelines and how they impact rankings. She specializes in recovery from Google penalties and optimizing websites for long-term success.

Aleyda Solis

• Who She Is – Aleyda Solis is an international SEO consultant, speaker, and author of “SEO, Las Claves Esenciales.” She has been recognized for her expertise in technical SEO and international SEO.
• Why She’s Smart – Solis is known for her ability to optimize websites for different regions and languages, as well as her detailed approach to technical SEO, mobile-first indexing, and site migrations.

Danny Sullivan

• Who He Is – Co-founder of Search Engine Land and now Google’s Public Liaison for Search, Danny Sullivan is an expert who has been at the forefront of SEO for many years.
• Why He’s Smart – Sullivan has helped shape the SEO industry and worked directly with Google, offering insights into how Google’s algorithms work. His work has helped countless businesses understand the nuances of search engines.

Cyrus Shepard

• Who He Is – Founder of Zyppy, and a former Moz SEO expert, Cyrus Shepard is an experienced SEO consultant and expert.
• Why He’s Smart – Shepard is known for his focus on technical SEO, link building, and content strategies. He is also an advocate for practical, results-oriented SEO tactics.

There’s no definitive answer to who the “smartest” SEO in the world is, as the SEO industry is vast and ever-evolving. Figures like Rand Fishkin, Neil Patel, Barry Schwartz, and others mentioned above have established themselves as top experts whose insights and contributions have shaped modern SEO practices.