Local SEO moves fast, and the best way to keep up is to follow the people driving it forward. This list covers 17 of the most respected local SEO experts in 2026, from Google Business Profile specialists to technical search strategists. Whether you run a business or manage SEO for clients, these are the voices worth adding to your feed.
Local search has never been more competitive. Google updates its local algorithms constantly, AI is reshaping how search results surface, and the rules around Google Business Profile optimization seem to shift every few months. Keeping up on your own is genuinely difficult. The good news? Some of the smartest people in local SEO share what they know publicly, regularly, and for free.
This list is built for SEO professionals, agency owners, and business operators who want to stay sharp in local search. Each profile covers what the expert does, why their work matters, and where you can follow them. These are not influencers posting generic tips. These are practitioners who run experiments, publish case studies, build tools, and speak at the industry’s biggest conferences.
If you want better local rankings in 2026, start by learning from the people who understand the space better than anyone else.
Who Are the Top Local SEO Experts to Follow in 2026?
- Greg Gifford – Chief Operating Officer at SearchLab Digital
Greg Gifford is one of the most recognizable figures in local SEO, and for good reason. As Chief Operating Officer at SearchLab Digital, Greg oversees strategy and operations at one of the most respected local search agencies in the country. He is also one of the most sought-after speakers on the conference circuit, known for delivering fast-paced, high-value presentations packed with actionable takeaways.
Greg specializes in local SEO for multi-location businesses, with deep roots in the automotive industry. His ability to break down complex local search concepts into practical, implementable steps has earned him a loyal following across the industry.
Where to follow Greg: X (formerly Twitter) at @GregGifford and LinkedIn.
- Darren Shaw – Founder of Whitespark
Darren Shaw built Whitespark into one of the most trusted names in local SEO tools and research. Based in Canada, Darren founded the company with a focus on helping businesses improve their visibility in local search through better citation management, rank tracking, and Google Business Profile optimization.
His most significant contribution to the industry is the annual Local Search Ranking Factors survey, which he co-authors with Joy Hawkins. This report is the closest thing local SEO has to a definitive guide on what actually drives rankings, and it is cited by professionals across the globe every year.
Beyond research, Darren publishes detailed guides, shares practical citation strategies, and breaks down GBP optimization in ways that make complex topics accessible. If you want to understand the fundamentals of local search, Darren’s content is a great place to start.
Where to follow Darren: X at @DarrenShaw_, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
- Colan Nielsen – VP of Local Search at Sterling Sky
Colan Nielsen serves as VP of Local Search at Sterling Sky, one of the premier local SEO agencies in North America. Colan is widely regarded as one of the most technically precise local SEO specialists in the field. His focus is on the details that actually move rankings, not the surface-level advice you find in most beginner guides.
His areas of expertise include Google Business Profile optimization, citation building, local schema markup, and service-area business configuration. He regularly publishes case studies that show exactly how specific changes affected rankings, which makes his content genuinely useful for practitioners trying to troubleshoot their own campaigns.
Colan is also active in the Local Search Forum, where he answers questions and engages with the broader community.
Where to follow Colan: X at @ColanNielsen and LinkedIn.
- Miriam Ellis – Local SEO Specialist and Writer
Miriam Ellis has built a strong reputation as one of the most prolific and thoughtful writers in local SEO. She has been cited as one of the top five most prolific women writers in the SEO industry, and her work at Moz has reached a significant audience of both practitioners and business owners.
Miriam contributes long-form guides, opinion pieces, and research-backed articles to the Moz blog, covering everything from GBP strategy to local content planning. She has been a regular participant in the Local Search Ranking Factors survey for years and also helps moderate the YouMoz community forum.
In addition to her writing career, Miriam has been running a web design and local SEO shop since 2003, which means her advice is grounded in real client experience.
Where to follow Miriam: X at @Miriam_Ellis_.
- Tim Capper – Local SEO Consultant and GMB Product Expert
Tim Capper is a UK-based local SEO consultant at Online Ownership and a recognized Google Business Profile Product Expert. His involvement with Google’s support community gives him early exposure to emerging issues, bugs, and feature changes that many practitioners only discover weeks later.
Tim is particularly well known for his work in the hospitality sector, where he has developed deep expertise in how hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses can improve their local search presence. His content emphasizes ethical local SEO practices, which sets him apart from practitioners who chase shortcuts.
He has been published on platforms like Semrush and has earned recognition from Google as a top contributor for his ongoing work in the Business Profile Help Community.
Where to follow Tim: X at @GuideTwit, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
- Andy Simpson – Senior SEO Specialist at Digital Law Marketing
Andy Simpson is a Senior SEO Specialist at Digital Law Marketing, where he focuses on local and technical SEO for legal businesses. He has been a driving force behind growth at several organizations, combining deep local SEO knowledge with a strong technical foundation.
Andy is particularly active in tracking new AI features in search, making him a valuable voice as Google continues to integrate AI into local results. His X feed is a reliable source of tips, reposts, and commentary covering everything from GBP optimization to technical SEO fixes.
He has also worked as a guest lecturer on WordPress, which reflects his broader digital expertise beyond pure search strategy.
Where to follow Andy: X at @ndyjsimpson, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
- Elizabeth Rule – SEO Analyst at Sterling Sky
Elizabeth Rule is an SEO Analyst at Sterling Sky with expertise that extends well beyond standard local SEO. She specializes in Google Business Profile, multi-location marketing, PPC, UX, and content writing, which gives her a more holistic view of how local search fits into a broader marketing strategy.
Elizabeth manages an impressive client portfolio and is known for executing complex local SEO and paid search campaigns across multiple channels. Her writing background helps her produce compelling content and ad copy as part of integrated campaigns.
She shares timely commentary on local SEO trends and best practices across her social channels, and her posts are consistently practical rather than theoretical.
Where to follow Elizabeth: X at @ownyourserp, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
- Stefan Somborac – Local SEO Analyst at Sterling Sky
Stefan Somborac has made an interesting professional transition. Previously the founder of Marketing Metrology, a local SEO consultancy based in the Greater Toronto area, Stefan now works as a Local SEO Analyst at Sterling Sky. This move reflects both his expertise and the trust Sterling Sky places in specialists with deep, data-driven backgrounds.
Stefan loves working with numbers. His approach to local SEO is analytical and methodical, built on a genuine understanding of how data translates into business outcomes. He works with both single-location and multi-location businesses, helping them identify the marketing channels and optimization strategies that will have the most measurable impact.
Where to follow Stefan: X at @StefanSomborac, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
- Tricia Clements – Founder of The Biz Watchdog
Tricia Clements founded The Biz Watchdog, an agency focused on helping small businesses get found in local search. Her work centers on GBP optimization, local content strategy, and building the kind of consistent review presence that supports long-term rankings.
Tricia believes that local SEO success comes from combining solid technical optimization with genuine, helpful content. She is also active in social media marketing and produces video content covering a range of SEO and content strategy topics, which makes her one of the more accessible voices on this list for business owners who are newer to local search.
Where to follow Tricia: X at @yourbizwatchdog and LinkedIn.
- Craig Mount – Founder of Classy Brain
Craig Mount runs Classy Brain, a digital marketing and lead generation company, and brings a distinctive creative perspective to local SEO strategy. He is a Google Product Expert, a contributor at Search Engine Land, and an active participant in the Local Search Forum, where he engages with complex questions from practitioners across the industry.
Craig champions the idea that great local SEO is not just about technical optimization. He argues that user experience and content quality are inseparable from sustainable rankings. He holds certifications from Brainlabs and has spent over six years building his reputation in local search. Outside of SEO, Craig volunteers as an English tutor.
Where to follow Craig: X at @thecraigmount and LinkedIn.
- Dani Owens – Founder of Pigzilla
Dani Owens is the founder of Pigzilla, a local SEO agency and white-label SEO provider with over a decade of experience in the field. She has worked with businesses of every size, from single-location shops to large enterprises, and has developed a reputation for making local SEO training genuinely engaging and effective.
Dani is one of the most respected trainers in the industry. Her content and resources have been quoted and shared by some of the biggest names in SEO, which speaks to the quality of what she produces. She is known for making complex strategies approachable without dumbing them down.
Where to follow Dani: X at @Dannanelli and LinkedIn.
- Amy Toman – SEO Analyst at Digital Law Marketing
Amy Toman is an SEO Analyst at Digital Law Marketing and a specialist in local SEO for the legal industry. Over the course of her career, she has audited and edited more than 300 websites for SEO, giving her an extensive practical foundation that few practitioners can match.
Amy is a recognized Google Product Expert for Google Business Profile and is known for her detailed guidance on review strategy and local optimization for service businesses. She speaks at seminars, contributes to podcasts, and writes articles that consistently earn respect from her peers. Her expertise is particularly valuable for law firms trying to compete in highly competitive local markets.
Where to follow Amy: LinkedIn and Bluesky.
- Cori Graft – Associate Director at Seer Interactive
Cori Graft has built an impressive career at Seer Interactive, rising from SEO lead to Associate Director. Her scope covers SEO, SEM, content strategy, and local search, and she is known as much for her leadership as for her technical expertise.
Cori has built and managed teams that handle client revenue in the millions, and she has been instrumental in developing Seer’s local SEO offerings. She is a strong advocate for empowering the people she leads, which has helped her teams consistently deliver strong results. Her combination of strategic thinking and hands-on execution makes her perspective especially valuable.
Where to follow Cori: X at @corigraft and LinkedIn.
- Brian Barwig – Local SEO Manager at Sterling Sky
Brian Barwig brings more than 15 years of experience to his role as Local SEO Manager at Sterling Sky. He has been involved in local search since its early days, which gives him historical context that younger practitioners simply cannot replicate.
Brian’s X feed is a reliable source of local SEO knowledge, practical tips, and commentary on Google updates as they happen. He regularly shares content from the Sterling Sky blog and contributes his own commentary on the trends shaping local search. He is also recognized for his expertise in business analysis and development strategy, which helps him connect local SEO work to broader business goals.
Where to follow Brian: X at @BrianBarwig and LinkedIn.
- Ben Fisher – Co-founder of Steady Demand
Ben Fisher co-founded Steady Demand with a specific focus on helping businesses and agencies navigate the complexities of Google Business Profile. He holds the status of Google Diamond Product Expert, which puts him in a small group of practitioners who have direct engagement with Google’s product development community.
With over 20 years in digital marketing, Ben’s expertise in GBP features, review management, Google Q&A, citation building, and spam fighting is unmatched by most in the industry. His articles have appeared on Moz, Yelp, and BrightLocal, and his writing consistently delivers insights that are both technically sound and practically applicable.
For any business dealing with a suspended listing, a GBP bug, or a ranking drop they cannot explain, Ben Fisher’s content is often the best place to look first.
Where to follow Ben: X at @TheSocialDude, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
- Phil Rozek – Founder of Local Visibility Systems
Phil Rozek runs Local Visibility Systems, a consultancy built specifically around helping small and mid-sized businesses improve their local search presence. Phil has spent years focused on the types of businesses that need local SEO most: service-area businesses, local shops, professional practices, and contractors.
His blog is full of detailed, no-nonsense guides covering GBP optimization, review acquisition, local link building, and on-page local SEO. Phil is known for his straightforward advice and transparent approach to pricing and strategy. He avoids hype and focuses on what consistently works, which makes his content especially valuable for business owners who are tired of vague recommendations.
Where to follow Phil: X at @philrozek and LinkedIn.
- Mike Blumenthal – Co-founder of GatherUp and Near Media
Mike Blumenthal has been studying and influencing local search since before Google Maps existed. He co-founded GatherUp, a review management platform, and more recently co-founded Near Media, where he serves as an analyst and contributor alongside Greg Sterling and David Mihm.
Mike’s understanding of how local search has evolved over the past two decades gives him a perspective that few can match. He tracks Google’s local experiments, documents new features as they roll out, and consistently connects technical developments to real-world business implications. His analysis of AI’s growing role in local search has become increasingly essential reading as Google Overviews and AI-driven results continue to reshape how local results appear.
Where to follow Mike: X at @mblumenthal, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
How to Get the Most Out of Following These Local SEO Experts
Following 17 experts at once can feel overwhelming, so it helps to be selective at first. Start with the ones whose work aligns with your current challenges.
If you are dealing with a Google Business Profile issue, Ben Fisher, Tim Capper, and Colan Nielsen are the most focused resources. For broad local SEO strategy, Darren Shaw and Phil Rozek offer some of the most actionable and well-organized guidance. If you manage multiple locations, Elizabeth Rule and Brian Barwig cover multi-location marketing in depth. For legal industry SEO specifically, Andy Simpson and Amy Toman are the clearest specialists on the list.
Beyond social media, most of these experts contribute to community spaces like the Local Search Forum, BrightLocal’s learning hub, and industry newsletters from Whitespark and Near Media. Engaging in those communities, rather than just reading passively, will accelerate what you learn.
Why Staying Current With Local SEO Matters More Than Ever in 2026
Google’s local search landscape has changed significantly. AI Overviews now appear above many local results. GBP features are updated more frequently. Review signals continue to carry heavy weight in the local pack. The businesses that keep up are the ones that maintain visibility. The ones that rely on what worked two years ago often find themselves quietly losing ground without fully understanding why.
The 17 experts on this list are the people helping the industry make sense of all of it. Their collective output, published freely through blogs, forums, social media, and conference talks, represents a remarkable body of practical knowledge. For business owners and SEO professionals who want to stay competitive in local search, this is where the real education happens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Local SEO Experts
Who are the most trusted local SEO experts to follow in 2026?
Some of the most widely cited local SEO experts in 2026 include Darren Shaw of Whitespark, Colan Nielsen and Brian Barwig of Sterling Sky, Ben Fisher of Steady Demand, and Mike Blumenthal of Near Media. Each brings a distinct area of focus, from citation building and GBP optimization to AI in local search. Following a combination of these practitioners gives you broad and deep coverage of the local search landscape.
What is the best way to learn local SEO from industry experts?
The most effective approach is to read consistently and implement what you learn. Start by following two or three experts whose content aligns with your specific challenges. Read their blog posts, subscribe to relevant newsletters like Whitespark’s Local Insider or Near Media, and participate in communities like the Local Search Forum. The experts on this list publish enough free content that a dedicated reader can develop strong local SEO knowledge without spending anything.
How often do local SEO best practices change?
Local SEO best practices shift frequently. Google updates its local search algorithms multiple times per year, and the way Google Business Profile works changes on a rolling basis. Major shifts, like the Vicinity update or the rollout of AI Overviews, can significantly alter what drives local rankings. Following active practitioners who track these changes in real time is the most reliable way to stay current.
Is Google Business Profile optimization still important for local SEO in 2026?
Yes. Google Business Profile optimization remains one of the highest-impact activities in local SEO. Experts like Ben Fisher, Tim Capper, Colan Nielsen, and Elizabeth Rule focus heavily on GBP because it directly influences how businesses appear in the local pack and Google Maps. Keeping a GBP listing complete, accurate, and actively managed continues to be a core requirement for local search visibility.
Which local SEO experts focus on small businesses?
Phil Rozek of Local Visibility Systems and Tricia Clements of The Biz Watchdog are two of the most focused voices for small business local SEO. Both emphasize practical, accessible strategies that do not require large budgets or dedicated SEO teams. Dani Owens of Pigzilla is also well regarded for her training resources, which work well for small business owners learning local SEO for the first time.
What social media platform is best for following local SEO news?
X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn are both actively used by the local SEO community. Many of the experts on this list post frequently on X, including Greg Gifford at @GregGifford, Darren Shaw at @DarrenShaw_, and Ben Fisher at @TheSocialDude. Bluesky has also gained traction among local SEO professionals, with Mike Blumenthal, Tim Capper, and Stefan Somborac all active on that platform.
