Moz

Established as a resource for search engine optimization experts, Moz has evolved into a prominent software-as-a-service (SaaS) company specializing in SEO tools and data. The company's journey began in 2004 when it was founded as SEOmoz by the mother-and-son team Gillian Muessig and Rand Fishkin. Initially, it operated as a blog and online community for SEO professionals to share ideas and research. Fishkin, a University of Washington dropout, had previously worked as a web designer at his mother's marketing firm before venturing out to create a more transparent resource on how search engines operated.

Pivoting from a consulting model, the firm shifted its focus to software development and, in 2007, secured its first round of funding, launching its flagship product, Moz Pro. This subscription-based suite of tools provides businesses with capabilities for keyword research, link building, site audits, and on-page optimization insights. A significant rebranding occurred in 2013, changing the name from SEOmoz to Moz to reflect a broader scope that encompassed content and social media marketing. In June 2021, iContact, a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, acquired Moz, integrating it into a larger digital marketing technology portfolio while maintaining the Moz brand.

The company's business model is centered on providing subscription-based access to its software. Its primary offerings cater to a wide range of clients, from small businesses and digital marketing agencies to large enterprises. Moz generates revenue through tiered subscriptions for its main products: Moz Pro and Moz Local. Moz Pro is an all-in-one SEO toolset that helps clients with tasks like rank tracking, competitive analysis, and technical site audits. Moz Local is tailored for businesses with physical locations, enabling them to manage and synchronize their online business listings across various directories and platforms, as well as manage customer reviews.

Keywords: SEO software, search engine optimization, Moz Pro, Moz Local, Rand Fishkin, Gillian Muessig, keyword research, link building, site audit, digital marketing analytics, inbound marketing, content marketing, local SEO, SERP tracking, domain authority, marketing analytics, Ziff Davis, iContact, SEO tools, marketing software