SEO pioneer and expert Bill Slawski passes away

We have just learned the shocking news that Bill Slawski, an SEO expert and pioneer, has died.

Slawski was the Director of SEO Research at Go Fish Digital, a digital marketing agency. His company just shared the news of his passing on Twitter, moments ago.

We're devastated to share that our colleague and dear friend, @bill_slawski has passed away. Words simply cannot express our sadness. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Bill. We’ll share much more info and arrangements as it comes available to us. pic.twitter.com/5mD6jqw7XR

— Go Fish Digital (@GoFishDigital) May 19, 2022

SEO by the Sea

For many in our industry, Slawski was probably best-known for his blogging about Google patents and algorithms at SEO by the Sea. He started the SEO by the Sea blog in June 2005.

Contributions to the search community

Aside from writing on his own blog, Slawski contributed articles at many search publications. He was a contributing author here at Search Engine Land from December 2006 to July 2008. You can read Slawski’s articles here.

Community reaction

We are all still in shock and processing this devastating loss.

News quickly spread of Slawski’s passing on Twitter. Here’s just a small sampling of reactions from SEOs, upon learning of Slawski’s death.

So, so sad. He was such a smart and generous man. A true legend in SEO. We'll all miss him tremendously.

— Matt McGee (@mattmcgee) May 19, 2022

RIP Bill. He had a huge influence on me, and I'm thankful he came to see me speak that time I built a huge part of my presentation as a tribute to ways of thinking I learned from him. So sorry to hear this.

— Will Critchlow (@willcritchlow) May 19, 2022

So sad. I've known Bill for more than 20 years. He dropped me a note just recently when he found out my new HQ was in San Diego and I'm due to go there in a couple of weeks. I really valued our long time friendship, and such a great contribution to the industry. RIP Bill.

— Mike Grehan (@mikegrehan) May 19, 2022

I JUST spoke to him a couple of weeks ago about us getting together here in San Diego. He seemed fine and in good spirits.

I was honored to call Bill a friend. An incredible loss personally, and professionally. My deepest sympathies.

— Casey Markee (@MediaWyse) May 19, 2022

Condolences to he entire family, and our entire industry. Bill had such a unique take on SEO that it made everyone stop and rethink what we thought we knew. He will be missed.

— Brett Tabke (@btabke) May 19, 2022

This story is developing. Check back for updates and community reaction shortly.

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