11 Leaders Share Their Must-Read SEO Books From 2024
Feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of SEO jargon? You’re not alone.
It’s a real pain trying to keep up with all the latest algorithms and best practices, isn’t it? You’re probably thinking, “Where do I even start?”
Take a deep breath and relax. We’ve got your back.
We’ve rounded up 11 top dogs in the industry to spill the beans on their must-read SEO books for 2024.
No more sifting through endless Google results or falling down YouTube rabbit holes.
These experts have done the hard yards, so you don’t have to.
Ready to level up your SEO game without losing your marbles? Let’s dive in.
Here’s what 14 thought leaders have to say.
Link Building Fundamentals Remain Relevant
“The Ultimate Guide to Link Building” is a book written in 2013, yet it remains just as relevant today as it was back then. It was authored by the late Eric Ward, widely regarded as the first “link builder” and the father of link-building strategies and tactics.
While some tactics and strategies may be considered dated, the majority of the concepts in this book provide incredibly insightful fundamentals of digital PR and promotion.
I recommend this book to every SEO professional, as link building is a crucial skill for anyone serious about SEO. You can’t rank for competitive keywords without backlinks.
Jon Kelly, Owner, LinkBuilding.co
Product-Led SEO: The Standout Book
The only SEO book worth reading is “Product-Led SEO” by Eli Schwartz. All the other ones just regurgitate the same stuff in different words.
Chris Burdick, Senior SEO Consultant & Strategist, CB SEO Consulting
Blueprint for SEO Business Success
My favourite SEO book of 2024 is “The SEO Entrepreneur” by Nathan Gotch. The reason this one stands out from among the crowd this year is simple: it gives you a blueprint that you can copy. Nathan explains how he went from dead broke to a successful agency. He provides insight into SEO and business processes that everyone looking to grow a side hustle or agency can benefit from.
Dan Ansaldo, SEO Expert, CopyTrends
Sustainable SEO Through Product Integration
I recommend any SEO to read these two books.
A great book I read recently is “Product-Led SEO” by Eli Schwartz. It focuses on building a sustainable SEO strategy as a product, rather than the traditional approach to SEO.
For example, treat SEO as a core product feature rather than just a marketing strategy. This means integrating SEO thinking from the very beginning of product development, ensuring that site structure, user experience, and content are naturally optimised for search engines as a fundamental part of the product.
This approach builds sustainable, long-term growth rather than relying only on short-term tactics like keyword stuffing or excessive backlinking.
It’s an interesting read compared to other SEO books I’ve read and is aimed at product managers, SEO strategists, and growth teams.
Another fantastic book is “SEO in the Gemini Era” by Marie Haynes. With AI now integrated into our daily lives, this book offers eye-opening insights into how AI and machine learning are transforming Google’s search rankings. It dives into topics like user engagement signals, topical authority, and the impact of AI on search behaviour.
Both are must-reads for SEOs this year.
Danny Howard, SEO Freelancer, Digital North
Encyclopaedic SEO Insights and Agency Efficiency
When it comes to SEO books that have truly impacted my work in 2024, two stand out:
- “The Art of SEO” is a must-have for any SEO professional. This book isn’t just a reference; it’s practically an encyclopaedia of SEO. I’ve found it incredibly useful for deepening my understanding of how search engines tick, mastering keyword research, and crafting SEO-friendly websites. The insights into local SEO were a game-changer, helping me elevate my strategies. And with industry legends like Eric Enge behind it, it’s no surprise it’s such a powerhouse.
- “The SEO Blueprint” by Ryan Stewart is another favourite, especially for those involved in client SEO work. It’s all about systemization—no fluff, just practical advice. The book’s approach to using Google Sheets and Docs to streamline SEO campaigns is genius. It’s made scaling my efforts far more manageable and efficient. The idea that almost every tactical SEO task could be outsourced was eye-opening, allowing me to focus on strategy and client communication. It’s like having a cheat sheet for running an SEO agency, but without any of the shortcuts.
These books have not only enriched my knowledge but also provided actionable strategies that I’ve integrated into my work. If you’re serious about SEO, these are definitely worth the read.
Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime
Improve Writing for Enhanced SEO
It’s not an SEO-specific book, but it does affect my SEO work, startup work, and overall brand. The book is called “This Book Will Teach You How to Write Better” by Neville Medhora.
It’s packed with value and breaks down complex writing frameworks that anyone can learn. It’s quite an easy read and a short book, but it impacts how you share social media posts, talk to clients, send emails, and basically everything else you write.
I highly recommend it to every SEO out there.
Nedim Mehic, Founder, Raft
Ahrefs: A Colourful Beginner's Guide
“SEO Book for Beginners” by Ahrefs is one of my favourite books. It includes all the SEO basics that a beginner needs to know, with proper practical examples and methods presented in the form of images and infographics.
This book is best for beginners who love to read and want to learn about SEO from the start. The SEO book by Ahrefs covers all the essential points and details, from how search engines work to keyword research and link-building basics (Off-Page SEO).
This book has helped me a lot in learning the basics of SEO. Plus, the book’s print is in colour, which makes it more interesting for a beginner to read thoroughly.
Tayyab Akram, Website Content Specialist, Zones, LLC
Aligning SEO with Business Goals
My favourite book of 2024 is “Product-Led SEO” by Eli Schwartz. Unlike many SEO guides, this book focuses on the deeper logic and theory behind SEO rather than offering step-by-step techniques.
It emphasises aligning SEO with business goals, not just driving traffic but also conversions and sales. Schwartz’s insights on user intent and scaling international SEO have been particularly useful. His approach has helped me refine strategies, making my SEO efforts more effective and aligned with long-term growth.
Anna Matviienko, SEO Consultant, Anna Matviienko
Classic SEO Insights Meet AI Updates
As an SEO specialist, I found “The Art of SEO” by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola very helpful in 2024. Despite being a classic, its latest edition offers updated insights on the evolving SEO landscape, especially regarding AI’s impact on search.
Another resource has been “Product-Led SEO” by Eli Schwartz, which has helped me align SEO strategies more closely with overall business objectives.
These books have reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to SEO, going beyond just keywords and backlinks to focus on creating genuine value for users. They’ve helped me develop more effective, long-term SEO strategies for my clients, resulting in more sustainable organic growth.
Kartik Ahuja, Digital Marketer, kartikahuja.com
Advanced Technical SEO
I’d like to recommend a great resource for understanding technical SEO: “Tech SEO Guide: A Reference Guide for Developers and Marketers Involved in Technical SEO” by Matthew Edgar.
This book gives detailed information about technical SEO ideas. It also has practical advice for both developers and marketers to improve website performance.
It covers critical topics such as site architecture, crawling, indexing, and more, making it a valuable guide for anyone looking to enhance their technical search engine optimization skills.
Slavko Kovacevic, Head of SEO, Health Link SEO
Branding Over Keywords for Home Services
One of my all-time favourite books isn’t even about SEO—it’s actually a branding book called “Branded Not Blanded: KickCharge Your Home Service Brand” by Dan Antonelli. I find it incredibly valuable for SEO for two key reasons:
- The book focuses on home service businesses, which is my primary clientele. Understanding their specific needs and challenges is crucial for delivering great search results.
- It highlights the importance of strong branding, including having a memorable name. As an SEO, my first instinct might be to recommend keyword-heavy names like “plumber near me,” but this book explains why a well-thought-out brand name can be far more effective than just focusing on SEO alone.
Turning the Page on SEO Mastery
Feeling a bit drained after all that SEO chat? I bet you’re thinking, “That’s a lot to take in. Where do I even start?” Take a deep breath. It’s perfectly normal to feel a tad overwhelmed. SEO can be a right beast, but you’ve just taken a massive step forward.
Listen up, because this is important. You’re not just any old marketing manager or business owner. You’re a digital pioneer, standing at the frontier of online success. These marketing books aren’t just words on pages; they’re your secret weapons in the battle for online visibility. Every chapter you read in 2024, every strategy you learn, is another arrow in your quiver.
Remember why you started this journey. It wasn’t just to tick a box or keep up with the Joneses. It was to make your mark, to rise above the noise, to connect with your audience in ways you never thought possible. SEO isn’t just about ranking factors; it’s about reaching people, changing lives, and building something truly remarkable.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these books and dive in. Challenge yourself. Push your boundaries. With every page you turn, you’re not just learning SEO; you’re transforming your business, your career, and your future. The digital world is yours for the taking. Now go out there and conquer it! (And create an SEO library!)
If you don’t have the time or patience to learn SEO, but need someone to do it for you, contact us! We’d love to help.
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