InformYou might say that what works in SEO is 10% fact and 90% opinion! Let’s face it: there’s nothing more likely to fill your favourite social media channels with ‘gurus’ promoting their latest SEO musings than a Google Algorithm update or supposed code leak.
In a world where search engine algorithms are, at best, closely guarded secrets and, at worst, unknowable black boxes, how do we keep up with the latest best practices or cutting-edge techniques?
Fortunately, there are many well-respected resources to help you sort the facts from the fiction, and here I will share my favourites.
Best resources for SEO newcomers
If you are just finding your feet in SEO, I’d recommend keeping things simple to begin with. As I’ve already mentioned, it’s a world awash with opinions and conjecture. Try to keep up with everything, and you’ll likely miss the wood for the trees.
The following resources are great for those who are learning or just need to keep an eye on the most significant changes and updates.
Google Search Central
https://developers.google.com/search
Google itself has not always been hugely transparent. However, their Swiss-based Search Relations team, led by John Mueller, Gary Illyes, and Martin Splitt, has massively improved the communication between Google and site owners/SEOs in recent years.
Search Central is the access point to Google’s SEO Starter Guide and related content, but it also now incorporates regular blogs and video content.
The Search Central YouTube channel is a great place to access regular content, including Google’s How Search Works series, news updates, and recordings of ‘Office Hours’—regular Q&A sessions with real-world users.
One Search Central resource I always refer people to is Google’s guide to Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content. This is a great place to begin when thinking about how Google measures the quality of content across the web.
Following Search Central’s social channels (listed on the main page above) will also mean you don’t miss a thing.
Google Search Liason
The official ‘Google Search Liason’ is Danny Sullivan, a former SEO expert, journalist and founder of Search Engine Watch.
While it’s not a great source of actionable tips or insights, the Search Liason X account is a good place to watch for any significant breaking news and algorithm updates from Google. Follow on X, and you won’t miss anything regarding major Google Search announcements.
If you’re looking at these resources and struggling to know where to start, an alternative might be to join me for our 1-day Introduction to SEO course.
However, some of you will want to expand on your existing knowledge, so next, we’ll look at some more in-depth resources.
Best resources for more experienced SEOs
While Google probably has the best intentions, once you’ve been in search for a while, you start to understand that you need more than Google’s take on SEO to know how things function in the real world.
The following resources will keep you up to date with major changes and give you deeper insight into the strategies and tactics that are really impacting the SERPs.
Just remember, there are few absolute truths in SEO. It always pays to be sceptical about anything you read and, where possible, conduct your own tests to see what works for you!
Search news sites
Keep your eyes on these sites, and their associated social media channels, and you won’t miss much in the world of search.
Search Engine Journal: SEJ is an essential resource for staying updated on SEO trends. The blog features contributions from industry experts and covers a wide range of topics, including SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media.
Search Engine Land: Another news site known for timely updates on SEO and PPC.
SEO industry blogs
There are a huge number of agencies and tool providers out there creating high-quality blogs and guides about SEO. Here are a few of my go-tos.
Moz: Moz is one of the most respected names in the SEO industry, and its blog is a goldmine of information. It features content from the Moz team and guest posts from respected industry insiders.
Ahrefs: Ahrefs is a leading SEO tool provider. You can expand your SEO and marketing knowledge here with detailed tutorials and case studies.
SearchPilot A/B Tests: SearchPilot is an SEO testing platform led by recognised industry figure Will Critchlow. A great feature of their blog is the regular SEO test case studies they publish, where they put theory to the test in real-world scenarios.
Backlinko: Founded by SEO expert Brian Dean, Backlinko is renowned for its in-depth content. Brian’s approach to SEO is highly practical, focusing on strategies that yield results.
SEO experts and influencers
These are just a few of my favourite SEO influencers and industry figures who regularly contribute across various platforms, blogs, podcasts, or events. Follow their social media channels to get their latest insights.
Aleyda Solis is an international SEO consultant and the founder of Orainti. She’s recognised for her expertise in technical SEO and international SEO strategies.
Brodie Clark is Australia's best-known name in Search Engine Optimisation, at least according to Brodie Clark! True or not, he’s a good follow for regular SEO news, tips, studies & tools.
Glenn Gabe is well recognised as one of the ‘Godfathers’ of SEO. There might be a few contenders for that title, but the man’s been in the industry for as long as anybody.
Fery Kaszoni posts a fair bit of social ‘chatter’ but also shares some great insights, SEO experiments and Digital PR case studies.
Kristina Azarenko is a technical SEO specialist who excels at breaking down and simplifying complex topics.
Katelyn Bourgoin is not actually an SEO at all, but SEO should not be just about driving traffic to your site. It’s just as important to make sure users do what you want them to once they get there. Katelyn’s a marketing psychologist with some great tips on UX /CRO. Her ‘Why We Buy’ newsletter is well worth signing up for.
SEO forums and communities
Engaging with the SEO community can provide real-time insights and answers to your most pressing questions. Here are some of the best.
Reddit: The SEO subreddit is a vibrant community where SEO professionals discuss the latest news, share tips, and offer advice. It’s a great place to ask questions and learn from others’ experiences.
Moz Q&A Forum: Another excellent resource for answering your SEO questions. The community here is highly knowledgeable, and the discussions are often very detailed and informative.
Black Hat World: While the name might suggest otherwise, Black Hat World isn’t just about black hat SEO tactics. The forum covers a wide range of topics, including white hat SEO, affiliate marketing, and digital marketing in general. It’s an excellent place to learn about all aspects of SEO, though it’s essential to approach the advice here with a critical eye.
Are you still wanting more SEO knowledge?
Following all of these resources should certainly keep you busy. Just don’t forget that the best SEO comes from getting stuck in and trying the things you’ve learned on your site!
If you’d prefer to expand your knowledge with some in-person training, you can also view our range of SEO courses here or below.
Chris Hutty
