Bruce Clay, known as the Father of SEO, passed away in late May. Bruce Clay started his company before there was even an SEO industry and is known for helping it become a true professional industry. I never met an individual who has contributed more to the industry than Bruce, both in terms of his time, resources, and money.
Bruce Clay, Inc., his company, posted the news on LinkedIn and shared this message:
It was with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our founder and CEO, Bruce Clay.His contributions to the SEO industry spanned over 3 decades where he helped bring countless insights and resources to thousands across the world.
We all mourn this tremendous loss both professionally and personally.
The company posted this tribute video of Bruce, which you all should watch:
In the three decades he served as CEO of Bruce Clay Inc., Bruce wrote 3 books, built tools, spoke at conferences, hosted training events, and helped the company expand internationally. The are hundreds of employees across the world that have contributed to SEO because of his founding principles, and thousands of students who have benefited from his expertise.
The Bruce Clay team told me they are absolutely heartbroken, but they "find strength in the vibrant community and lasting values that Bruce built." "Our teams in the U.S. and around the world remain dedicated to carrying forward the mission Bruce loved so dearly," they added.
Bruce Clay also has supported this site with his sponsorship of my videos for the past several years.
Bruce will be so deeply missed but we know you will be looking down on the industry you helped create!
Forum discussion at LinkedIn.
Here are some public (I won't include private) posts about the passing of Bruce, this industry legend:
Hard to believe Bruce is gone. I’ll still be expecting to see him turn up at some event, always with a smile on his face. He loved the SEO space, which he was part of from the beginning. He loved helping others learn. He’ll be missed. https://t.co/ba6xZVl5ud
— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) June 26, 2026
Oh wow. Huge loss for the community - Bruce was a pioneer in the space and always willing to help others. He was always kind when I met up with him at conferences. A life well lived but man, this hits hard. Rest in peace, @bruceclay https://t.co/5l5iiVw2OJ
— Melissa Mackey (@Mel66) June 26, 2026
Sad news indeed. Bruce was a pillar, the kind of guy you always want to approve of your work. I was reflecting earlier this week just how much Bruce's influence is all through our sales process and client strategy. "Do no harm" applies to SEO work as well!
— Ryan Freeman 🇨🇦⚾ (@RKF) June 26, 2026
He will be greatly… https://t.co/Up1cW7aLAI
Deeply sorry to hear this. A true giant in our field.
— Casey Markee (@MediaWyse) June 26, 2026
He will be greatly missed.
My sincerest sumpathies to the Bruce Clay team and his family. https://t.co/NHfXfiN1b9
RIP Bruce Clay https://t.co/hl3FzznE8R
— Pedro Dias (@pedrodias) June 26, 2026
RIP Bruce Clay 🙏 https://t.co/Ymgc8OTOSE
— Gagan Ghotra (@gaganghotra_) June 26, 2026
That’s very sad to hear. Condolences to Bruce’s family. RIP
— Nick Wilsdon (@nickwilsdon) June 26, 2026
RIP Bruce, the father of SEO!
— Lily Ray 😏 (@lilyraynyc) June 26, 2026
What a legend. 😩🙏🏽❤️ https://t.co/A9ahB9XHvd
Just hearing the news about Bruce Clay. Truly a pioneer in the industry. Never hesitated to pick up the bar tab even when we'd spend the whole evening making fun of him (all in good nature)
— Ryan Jones (@RyanJones) June 26, 2026
RIP Bruce.
I hired Bruce to push 250 engineers through his SEO training at multiple offices, from engineering to content. He knew his stuff. Eventually I could time the jokes. RIP Bruce https://t.co/lTiwo00aZx
— Dennis Goedegebuure (@TheNextCorner) June 26, 2026
A legend... RIP Bruce Clay 🙏 https://t.co/ugiUpwGR1N
— Metehan Yesilyurt (@metehan777) June 26, 2026
Damn.
— Mic King (@VeryWellVersed) June 26, 2026
RIP to the Father of SEO - Bruce Clay. https://t.co/CiXQAiP5y2
there aren't many voices in SEO that i truly trust, but Bruce Clay was one of them. https://t.co/tLiJXLhTiy
— Kate Neuens (@kateneuens) June 26, 2026
