Matt Southern

Matt G. Southern has built a distinguished career in search marketing journalism since joining Search Engine Journal in 2013 as Senior News Writer. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, he specializes in distilling complex SEO concepts and search industry developments into accessible insights. Southern oversees news strategy development at SEJ while producing high-impact coverage of Google algorithm updates, AI integration in search, and content visibility trends. His reporting on Google's AI Overviews linking patterns (43% self-referential) and analysis of LinkedIn engagement metrics have become industry reference points. Prior to SEJ, he honed his expertise as a social media and SEO specialist at Bureau Group, giving him practical experience that informs his analytical reporting style.