Who Leads the Field of International SEO in 2026?

Search engines don’t stop at borders. Whether it’s Google, Bing, or regional search engines like Yandex in Russia or Baidu in China, they all need to figure out how to serve relevant content to users across different countries, languages, and cultures. And doing that at a global scale? It’s a pretty tricky challenge.

That’s where international SEO experts come in. They do more than just optimize websites for search engines; in many ways, they also act as translators of culture, algorithms, and user intent. By 2026, the international SEO landscape has exploded, with predictions that SEO consulting will reach $122 billion globally. International SEO is one of the fastest-growing segments of that market.

So, who’s leading the charge in this field? When it comes to improving search rankings in multiple countries, these are the experts you need to know.

Here are 13 of the top international SEO consultants to watch in 2026:

1. Aleyda Solis

Aleyda has been a fixture in the SEO world for years, and she's widely known for her expertise with hreflang—a technical tool that helps search engines understand which version of a webpage to show based on language and location. Aleyda runs Orainti, a consulting firm, and has written a book called SEO, Las Claves Esenciales. Her strategies have been proven to boost traffic significantly, and she's a frequent speaker at industry events like SMX, Pubcon, and BrightonSEO. You’ll likely see her sharing insights on Twitter, too.

2. Danny Sullivan

Danny Sullivan is a pioneer in the world of search engine marketing. He co-founded Search Engine Land, one of the most influential platforms in SEO. Now, as Google’s Public Liaison for Search, he’s the go-to person for understanding how Google’s algorithms work and how they affect international search rankings. He’s also credited with coining the term "search engine marketing." If you're looking to understand how search engines think, Sullivan’s your guy.

3. Brian Dean

Brian Dean, the creator of Backlinko, has been a huge influence on SEO strategies worldwide. His Skyscraper Technique for link building is still widely used today. While not super technical, his methods are proven to work and are accessible for marketers aiming to reach global audiences. He specializes in creating content that appeals across different countries and languages.

4. Neil Patel

Neil Patel’s name is almost synonymous with SEO. His platform Ubersuggest is used by many for keyword research in various languages. Through Neil Patel Digital, his company works with brands across the globe, helping them optimize content and target audiences in multiple regions. Patel has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top internet marketers, and he remains a major influencer on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube.

5. Danny Sullivan (Again)

Yes, Danny Sullivan appears twice. The reason? While his role has shifted from consultant to Public Liaison for Search at Google, his insights into how Google views international search and rankings remain invaluable for anyone working in global SEO.

6. Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin co-founded Moz and now leads SparkToro, a platform focused on understanding audience behavior. His focus isn’t purely on technical SEO but rather on the psychology of how and why people search differently in different cultures. Understanding these differences is essential for global SEO.

7. Joost de Valk

If you’ve ever used Yoast SEO on WordPress, you’ve used Joost de Valk’s work. His plugin has made SEO accessible for small businesses worldwide, with support for multilingual settings and structured data. Joost’s tools help companies optimize their websites for global audiences without needing a dedicated SEO team.

8. Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz runs Search Engine Roundtable, a blog where he covers every significant update to Google’s algorithms. Keeping up with Google’s changes is crucial for international SEO, as updates can affect different regions in different ways. Barry’s blog is a must-follow for staying informed on the latest trends and updates in SEO.

9. Matt Cutts

While Matt Cutts is no longer directly involved in SEO, his work as Google’s former Head of Webspam continues to influence how SEO is done today. He helped define the "best practices" that most SEO professionals follow. His legacy still shapes international SEO strategies, especially around search quality and ranking criteria.

10. Spencer Stephan

Spencer Stephan is a highly technical SEO expert who’s worked with large organizations worldwide. He’s the co-author of The Art of SEO and specializes in conducting audits, keyword research, and creating robust SEO frameworks that help websites rank in multiple regions and remain stable over time.

11. Cindy Krum

Cindy Krum is the founder of MobileMoxie, and she specializes in mobile SEO—a critical area considering that more than 60% of global searches are made on mobile devices. She focuses on how mobile search differs across countries, especially in markets like India and Germany. If you’re looking to optimize your site for mobile users in multiple regions, Cindy’s expertise is invaluable.

12. Bas van den Beld

Bas is the founder of State of Digital, a platform that combines digital marketing insights with human-centered SEO strategies. He emphasizes that while rankings matter, the real goal of SEO is to connect with people. By incorporating cultural context into search optimization, Bas helps brands engage audiences in different regions more effectively.

13. Fili Wiese

Fili Wiese is a former member of Google’s Search Quality team, and now he helps large organizations with technical SEO. His focus is on ensuring that websites follow best practices to avoid penalties and remain compliant with international SEO standards. If you’re dealing with a site that needs cleanup or guidance to stay on the right side of SEO regulations, Fili is the expert to consult.

Why International SEO Matters in 2026

A few key reasons why international SEO is becoming increasingly critical in 2026:

• Cross-border shopping is booming: Shopify reports that about 76% of online shoppers purchase from stores in other countries.
• Multiple search engines: To succeed internationally, you can’t just focus on Google. You need to optimize for search engines like Baidu, Naver, and Yandex.
• Language is key: According to CSA Research, 75% of people prefer to shop in their native language. Tailoring your content to different languages can significantly improve engagement.
• Trust and cultural relevance: International SEO isn’t just about technical optimization. It’s also about building trust and ensuring that your brand resonates with diverse cultures.

A Quick Note: SEO vs. App Development

SEO and mobile app development share similarities, especially when a U.S. company goes global. Just as websites need to be localized for international markets, mobile apps must also be adapted to fit local languages and user behaviors. This approach is why the field of mobile app development is growing, with developers creating apps that are usable across multiple countries.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, these 13 experts are shaping the future of international SEO. Whether they focus on the technical aspects of SEO, content strategy, or cultural nuances, they’re helping brands expand into new global markets. If you're serious about scaling your business internationally, these are the people you should follow or learn from, whether you’re building a bilingual website or optimizing an app for a global audience.