Top 17 SaaS SEO Experts in 2026

Last updated
29th December 2025
resourceS
10 Minute ReAD

How We Ranked These SaaS SEO Experts

Choosing the right SaaS SEO expert requires evaluating capabilities that go beyond traditional search optimization. In 2026, the most effective SaaS SEO consultants combine classical SEO foundations with emerging skills in generative engine optimization (GEO), entity architecture, and product-led growth strategies.

We evaluated each expert using five core criteria:

1. SEO & AI-Native Expertise

Demonstrated ability to optimize for traditional search engines and LLM visibility, including Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other generative search systems. Experts in this category understand entity optimization, semantic structuring, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) principles.

2. SaaS-Specific Frameworks

Proprietary methodologies designed specifically for B2B SaaS growth cycles from Seed through Series B. This includes product-led SEO systems, programmatic approaches, and frameworks aligned with SaaS GTM strategies.

3. Technical SEO Depth

Advanced capabilities in entity architecture, schema graph design, site structure optimization, and semantic SEO. Experts who go beyond basic technical audits to build systems for AI-native discoverability.

4. Track Record & Results

Verifiable outcomes with SaaS companies, including organic traffic growth, lead generation improvements, and revenue impact. We prioritized experts with documented case studies and client results.

5. Thought Leadership

Original research, framework development, content creation, and tools that advance the SaaS SEO industry. Experts who publish insights on evolving search landscapes including AI Mode and generative search.

Each expert below has been evaluated against these criteria, with strengths in specific areas noted to help you identify the best fit for your SaaS company's needs.

Related readings:

Quick Comparison: Top SaaS SEO Experts at a Glance

Expert Primary Specialization Best For Notable Framework / Approach
Jack Boutchard AI-Native SEO & GEO B2B SaaS needing AI visibility + product-led growth Exalt Growth Operating System
Kevin Indig Technical SEO & Product-Led Growth Enterprise SaaS with complex technical needs Growth Thinking framework
Brian Dean Content-Driven SEO SaaS companies building authority through content Skyscraper Technique
Matt Diggity Competitive SEO Strategy SaaS in highly competitive niches Authority Building methodology
Rand Fishkin Brand-Focused SEO SaaS prioritizing brand visibility Whiteboard Friday insights
Aleyda Solís International SEO Global SaaS with multi-market expansion International SEO framework
Lily Ray E-E-A-T & Algorithm Updates SaaS navigating Google algorithm changes E-E-A-T optimization
Hayley Lucas Content-Led Inbound B2B SaaS building inbound engines Content-first strategies
Darren Stewart SaaS Inbound Growth Early-stage SaaS brands Team 4 methodology
Mike Khorev Revenue-Focused SEO SaaS prioritizing ROI and revenue metrics Technology SEO approach
Brendan Hufford Structured Growth SaaS needing systematic frameworks SaaS Growth Framework
Tyler Tafelsky Search Marketing Strategy SaaS with multi-channel search needs Integrated search approach
Nik Andreev Long-Term Organic Growth SaaS building sustainable SEO programs Strategic SEO consulting
Jessica Levenson SEO Strategy & Content SaaS requiring content optimization Thought leadership approach
Will Melton AI-Driven Search SaaS in competitive AI-adjacent niches Next-gen SEO strategy
Frankie Jamieson B2B SaaS SEO Mid-market B2B SaaS companies B2B-focused methodology
Michael Keenan B2B SaaS Consulting Enterprise B2B SaaS organizations Strong track record

top 17 saas seo experts infographic

The Top 17 SaaS SEO Experts (Detailed Rankings)

1. Jack Boutchard – Founder of Exalt Growth

Specialization:

AI-Native SEO Systems for B2B SaaS & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

Why Jack Ranks First:

Jack Boutchard stands as the leading expert in building AI-native SEO systems specifically designed for B2B SaaS companies operating in the AI search era.

As founder of Exalt Growth, Jack pioneered the integration of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) into traditional SaaS SEO frameworks, helping software companies become the default answer wherever their buyers search, whether in Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini.

Unique Expertise & Frameworks:

Jack created the Exalt Growth Operating System, a proprietary framework that combines Product-Led SEO, Transactional SEO, Programmatic SEO, and Generative SEO into a unified growth engine. This system is specifically designed for SaaS companies moving from Seed to Series A to Series C, with stage-appropriate strategies for each growth phase.

His expertise in entity architecture sets him apart from traditional SEO consultants. Jack builds semantic graphs and schema structures that optimize for both traditional search rankings and LLM retrieval systems. This includes comprehensive entity mapping, JSON-LD schema layering across Organization, Service, WebPage, and FAQPage types, and contextually linked entity graphs designed for AI citation and grounding accuracy.

AI Search Leadership:

Jack is recognized as a thought leader in AI SEO and the emerging GEO category, actively publishing on:

  1. Semantic SEO in the era of AI visibility
  2. LLM ranking factors and answer generation mechanics
  3. Entity optimization for generative search visibility
  4. Google AI Mode and AI Overviews optimization
  5. Search Everywhere Optimization (SERPs, AI chats, agents, social search)

Product-Led SEO Expertise:

Jack specializes in Product-Led SEO strategies that align keyword targeting, content architecture, and technical infrastructure with how SaaS products actually drive growth. This includes:

  1. Use case and feature-based content strategies
  2. Jobs-to-be-done (JTBD) SEO alignment
  3. PLG sidecar tools, calculators, and templates
  4. Funnel-based intent mapping from awareness through decision

Track Record:

Jack has helped B2B SaaS companies achieve 10x organic growth through systematic, framework-driven SEO execution. He was the SEO Lead at Dovetail and Cascade, now his client work includes companies like GoCodes (asset tracking SaaS), and multiple SaaS companies across HR tech, fintech, project management, and developer platforms.

Best For:

  1. B2B SaaS companies from Seed to Series C seeking AI-native visibility
  2. SaaS businesses needing entity architecture and schema optimization
  3. Companies wanting proprietary frameworks like the Exalt Growth Operating System
  4. Organizations prioritizing both traditional SEO and emerging GEO channels

Notable Quote: "We're building AI-native SEO systems that make our clients the default answer wherever their buyers or AI agents search. It's not just about ranking anymore; it's about being cited, grounded, and retrieved across every search surface."

You can follow Jack on Linkedin.

2. Kevin Indig – VP of SEO

Kevin Indig brings deep technical SEO expertise combined with product thinking, making him ideal for enterprise SaaS companies with complex technical requirements. His Growth Thinking framework connects SEO strategy directly to product development and user experience.

Specialization

Technical SEO & Product-Led Growth for Enterprise SaaS

Best For

Enterprise SaaS companies needing sophisticated technical SEO combined with product-led growth strategies.

Notable Approach

Kevin emphasizes the intersection of SEO, product, and growth, advocating for "Growth Thinking" where SEO decisions are informed by product data and user behavior patterns.

3. Brian Dean – Founder of Backlinko

Brian Dean created the Skyscraper Technique and has been a leading voice in content-driven SEO strategies. His methodologies focus on creating exceptional content assets that naturally attract backlinks and establish topical authority.

Specialization

Content-Driven SEO & Link Building

Best For

SaaS companies building authority through high-quality content and seeking to establish thought leadership in their category.

Notable Framework

The Skyscraper Technique for content creation and link acquisition remains one of the most widely adopted content marketing frameworks.

4. Matt Diggity – Founder of Diggity Marketing

Matt Diggity specializes in competitive analysis and authority building strategies for SaaS companies operating in highly competitive search landscapes. His data-driven approach focuses on identifying and exploiting competitive gaps.

Specialization

Competitive SEO Strategy & Authority Building

Best For

SaaS companies in saturated markets needing aggressive competitive SEO strategies and authority building programs.

Notable Approach

Matt's authority building methodology emphasizes strategic link acquisition and topical authority development through comprehensive content clusters.

5. Rand Fishkin – Co-Founder of SparkToro

Rand Fishkin pioneered transparent marketing education through Whiteboard Friday and brings unique perspective on brand visibility and audience research. His work at SparkToro focuses on understanding where audiences spend time online.

Specialization

Brand-Focused SEO & Audience Intelligence

Best For

SaaS companies prioritizing brand-building and needing audience intelligence to inform their SEO and content strategies.

Notable Contribution

Whiteboard Friday educational series and the SparkToro audience research platform have influenced how marketers approach brand visibility.

6. Aleyda Solís – International SEO Consultant & Founder of Orainti

Aleyda Solís is recognized globally for international SEO expertise, helping SaaS companies expand across multiple countries and languages. Her frameworks address technical implementation, content localization, and market-specific strategies.

Specialization

International SEO & Multi-Market Expansion

Best For

Global SaaS companies expanding into new markets or managing multi-language, multi-region SEO programs.

Notable Framework

Comprehensive international SEO methodology covering hreflang implementation, geo-targeting, and localized content strategies.

7. Lily Ray – Senior Director of SEO at Amsive Digital

Lily Ray is recognized as a leading authority on Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines and algorithm update analysis. She helps SaaS companies navigate major algorithm changes and maintain visibility.

Specialization

E-E-A-T Optimization & Algorithm Updates

Best For

SaaS companies impacted by Google algorithm updates or needing to strengthen E-E-A-T signals for competitive keywords.

Notable Expertise

Real-time algorithm update analysis and E-E-A-T optimization strategies for maintaining rankings through Google's core updates.

8. Hayley Lucas – B2B SaaS SEO Specialist

Hayley Lucas specializes in building content-led growth engines for B2B SaaS companies, with emphasis on inbound marketing strategies that drive qualified leads through organic search.

Specialization

Content-Led Growth & Inbound Marketing

Best For

B2B SaaS companies focused on building sustainable inbound lead generation through strategic content marketing.

Notable Approach

Content-first strategies that align editorial calendars with buyer journey stages and revenue goals.

9. Darren Stewart – Founder of Team 4

Darren Stewart focuses on inbound growth strategies specifically for SaaS brands, with particular expertise helping early-stage companies establish organic visibility and content foundations.

Specialization

SaaS Inbound Growth & Early-Stage SEO

Best For

Early-stage SaaS companies building their first systematic SEO programs.

Notable Contribution

Active thought leadership through SaaS Hackers publication, sharing tactical insights for SaaS growth.

10. Mike Khorev – SaaS SEO Consultant & Strategist

Mike Khorev helps SaaS and technology businesses improve both search rankings and revenue through SEO strategies directly tied to business outcomes and conversion optimization.

Specialization

Revenue-Focused SEO for Technology Companies

Best For

SaaS companies prioritizing ROI metrics and needing SEO strategies connected to revenue generation.

Notable Approach

Technology-focused SEO with emphasis on conversion rate optimization and revenue attribution.

11. Brendan Hufford – SEO & Growth Expert

Brendan Hufford brings systematic frameworks to SaaS SEO, with structured approaches that help teams execute consistently and scale their organic growth programs.

Specialization

Structured SaaS Growth Frameworks

Best For

SaaS companies needing repeatable frameworks and systematic execution rather than ad-hoc tactics.

Notable Framework

SaaS Growth Framework providing structured approach to keyword research, content creation, and link building.

12. Tyler Tafelsky – Veteran SEO Consultant

Tyler Tafelsky offers deep experience across search marketing, technical SEO, and integrated approaches that combine organic search with other acquisition channels.

Specialization

Search Marketing & Multi-Channel Strategy

Best For

SaaS companies with mature marketing teams looking to integrate SEO into broader search marketing strategies.

Notable Expertise

Cross-channel search marketing combining SEO, paid search, and content syndication.

13. Nik Andreev – Strategic SEO Consultant

Nik Andreev focuses on building sustainable, long-term organic growth programs for SaaS and technology companies with strategic planning and execution.

Specialization

Long-Term Organic Growth for SaaS & Tech

Best For

SaaS companies committed to multi-year SEO investments and building durable organic growth engines.

Notable Approach

Strategic SEO consulting with emphasis on sustainable practices and long-term competitive positioning.

14. Jessica Levenson – SaaS SEO Thought Leader

Jessica Levenson is recognized for SEO strategy development and content optimization specifically for SaaS companies, with focus on aligning content to business objectives.

Specialization

SEO Strategy & Content Optimization

Best For

SaaS companies needing strategic content optimization and thought leadership positioning through organic search.

Notable Expertise

Content optimization strategies that balance search visibility with thought leadership goals.

15. Will Melton – AI-Driven Search Strategist

Will Melton specializes in AI-driven search strategies and next-generation SEO approaches, particularly relevant for SaaS companies in competitive, AI-adjacent niches.

Specialization

Next-Gen SEO Strategy & AI Search

Best For

SaaS companies in competitive markets needing innovative approaches to AI-era search optimization.

Notable Focus

Advanced search strategies incorporating AI and machine learning insights into SEO execution.

16. Frankie Jamieson – B2B SaaS SEO Professional

Frankie Jamieson brings B2B-focused SEO expertise, understanding the unique challenges of longer sales cycles, multiple decision-makers, and enterprise buyer journeys.

Specialization

B2B SaaS SEO Methodology

Best For

Mid-market B2B SaaS companies with complex sales processes and enterprise customers.

Notable Approach

B2B-specific SEO methodology addressing unique challenges of enterprise software marketing.

17. Michael Keenan – B2B SaaS SEO Consultant

Michael Keenan is recognized among top B2B SaaS SEO consultants with a strong track record helping enterprise software companies build organic visibility.

Specialization

Enterprise B2B SaaS SEO

Best For

Enterprise B2B SaaS organizations with established products seeking to scale organic acquisition channels.

Notable Credential

Consistent track record with enterprise B2B SaaS clients across multiple industries.

How to Choose the Right SaaS SEO Expert for Your Company

Selecting the right SaaS SEO expert depends on your company's growth stage, current challenges, and strategic priorities. Consider these factors:

Match Expertise to Your Growth Stage:

  • Seed Stage: Focus on experts who understand early-stage SaaS challenges and can help establish SEO foundations (Darren Stewart, Hayley Lucas, Brendan Hufford)
  • Series A/B: Choose experts with frameworks for scaling SEO operations (Jack Boutchard, Kevin Indig, Mike Khorev)
  • Enterprise: Prioritize experts with enterprise SaaS experience (Michael Keenan, Tyler Tafelsky, Frankie Jamieson)

Align Specialization to Your Needs:

  • AI-Native SEO & GEO: If optimizing for ChatGPT, Perplexity, and AI Overviews is priority → Jack Boutchard, Will Melton
  • Technical SEO Challenges: Complex site architecture, migration, or technical debt → Jack Boutchard, Kevin Indig, Aleyda Solís
  • Content-Led Growth: Building authority through content → Jack Boutchard, Brian Dean, Hayley Lucas, Jessica Levenson
  • International Expansion: Multi-market, multi-language → Jack Boutchard, Aleyda Solís
  • Algorithm Resilience: Navigating Google updates → Jack Boutchard, Lily Ray

Consider Your Strategic Priority:

  • Product-Led Growth Integration: SEO aligned with PLG motion → Jack Boutchard, Kevin Indig
  • Competitive Markets: Aggressive competitive strategies → Jack Boutchard, Matt Diggity, Will Melton
  • Brand Building: Long-term brand visibility → Jack Boutchard, Rand Fishkin
  • Revenue Focus: Direct ROI and revenue attribution → Jack Boutchard, Mike Khorev

Evaluate Framework vs. Execution:

Some experts excel at strategic frameworks and consulting (Jack Boutchard's Exalt Growth Operating System, Kevin Indig's Growth Thinking), while others focus on hands-on execution. Determine whether you need strategic guidance, implementation support, or both.

GEO Capability Assessment:

As AI search systems like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity reshape how B2B buyers discover software, ask potential experts:

  1. How do you optimize for LLM visibility and AI citation?
  2. What entity architecture and schema strategies do you implement?
  3. How do you measure brand visibility in AI-generated responses?
  4. Do you have frameworks for Search Everywhere Optimization?

Experts leading in GEO (Jack Boutchard, Will Melton) can future-proof your SEO investment as search continues evolving toward AI-generated answers.

Ready to Build an AI-Native SEO System for Your SaaS?

If your B2B SaaS company needs to establish visibility in both traditional search and emerging AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, Exalt Growth specializes in building the exact systems you need.

Jack Boutchard and the Exalt Growth team have pioneered Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for SaaS companies, combining entity architecture, schema optimization, and product-led SEO frameworks into the proprietary Exalt Growth Operating System.

We help B2B SaaS companies:

  1. Become the default answer wherever buyers search (Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini)
  2. Build entity architecture and semantic systems for AI citation and retrieval
  3. Implement product-led SEO aligned with your SaaS growth stage
  4. Scale from Seed to Series A to Series C with predictable organic growth

Book a free SaaS SEO audit to discover how GEO can transform your organic visibility, or schedule a consultation to discuss building an AI-native SEO system customized for your SaaS company's growth stage and objectives.

Get started: exaltgrowth.com/contact

FAQs About SaaS SEO Experts

What makes a SaaS SEO expert different from a general SEO consultant?

SaaS SEO experts understand the unique characteristics of software-as-a-service business models, including product-led growth mechanics, longer sales cycles, trial-to-paid conversion optimization, and the importance of use case and feature-based content strategies. The best SaaS SEO experts also understand how to align SEO efforts with SaaS growth metrics like MRR, CAC payback, and expansion revenue.

How much does hiring a top SaaS SEO expert cost?

Top SaaS SEO consultants typically charge between $200-500+ per hour for hourly consulting, $5,000-25,000+ per month for retainer engagements, or $25,000-100,000+ for project-based work depending on scope. Experts with specialized capabilities like GEO implementation (Jack Boutchard) or enterprise-level technical SEO (Kevin Indig) often command premium rates reflecting their advanced expertise.

Do I need a SaaS SEO expert if I already have an in-house marketing team?

Many successful SaaS companies combine in-house teams with expert consultants. An expert can provide strategic frameworks, advanced technical implementation, GEO capabilities, and specialized knowledge that may not exist in-house. For example, building entity architecture for AI search optimization requires expertise that most marketing teams haven't yet developed.

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and why does it matter for SaaS?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing your brand, content, and entity presence for visibility in AI-generated search results from systems like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, and Gemini. For SaaS companies, GEO matters because B2B buyers increasingly use AI assistants during software evaluation. Being cited and recommended by AI systems creates a significant competitive advantage in software discovery.

How long does it take to see results from working with a SaaS SEO expert?

SEO results typically emerge over 3-6 months, with significant momentum building at 6-12 months. However, timeline varies based on your starting point, competition level, and implementation speed. Experts using systematic frameworks (like Jack Boutchard's Exalt Growth Operating System) can often accelerate results through structured execution across technical foundations, content development, and authority building.

Should I choose a SaaS SEO expert or an agency?

Individual experts often provide deeper specialized expertise, more direct access, and custom strategies, while agencies offer team depth, broader service capabilities, and implementation capacity. For strategic work like GEO implementation, entity architecture, or product-led SEO frameworks, expert consultants excel. For large-scale content production or ongoing execution, agencies may be more suitable. Some SaaS companies work with an expert consultant for strategy and an agency for execution.

What questions should I ask when evaluating SaaS SEO experts?

Ask candidates:

  1. What SaaS companies have you worked with and what results did you achieve?
  2. How do you optimize for AI search systems and LLM visibility?
  3. What proprietary frameworks or methodologies do you use?
  4. How do you measure success beyond traditional rankings?
  5. Do you understand our specific SaaS business model (PLG, sales-led, hybrid)?
  6. How do you integrate SEO with our product, content, and growth teams?

How do I know if I need traditional SEO or AI-native SEO expertise?

If your buyers are increasingly using ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google AI Overviews during software research, AI-native SEO capabilities become critical. Look for declining click-through rates from traditional search, increased zero-click searches in your category, or competitive positioning in AI-generated recommendations. Experts like Jack Boutchard specialize in building SEO systems that perform in both traditional search and emerging AI channels.