Rand Fishkin
@randfish.bsky.social
Cofounder of SparkToro, Alertmouse, & Snackbar Studio. Geraldine's husband.
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Tip 50% or better for the next eight days.
Make a reservation for a restaurant in January.
Buy a round for the neighborhood bar.
Be a hero.
Make a reservation for a restaurant in January.
Buy a round for the neighborhood bar.
Be a hero.
December 22, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Tip 50% or better for the next eight days.
Make a reservation for a restaurant in January.
Buy a round for the neighborhood bar.
Be a hero.
Make a reservation for a restaurant in January.
Buy a round for the neighborhood bar.
Be a hero.
"It's Holocaust $#*&"
Exactly. Love these two.
Exactly. Love these two.
December 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"It's Holocaust $#*&"
Exactly. Love these two.
Exactly. Love these two.
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Want a quick way to (potentially) pay for gifts? Take our survey!
We're looking for responses to our 2026 trends report to fully capture the state of the market.
Two responders will be selected for a $500 Amazon gift card. Survey only takes ~3 minutes: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We're looking for responses to our 2026 trends report to fully capture the state of the market.
Two responders will be selected for a $500 Amazon gift card. Survey only takes ~3 minutes: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
December 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Want a quick way to (potentially) pay for gifts? Take our survey!
We're looking for responses to our 2026 trends report to fully capture the state of the market.
Two responders will be selected for a $500 Amazon gift card. Survey only takes ~3 minutes: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We're looking for responses to our 2026 trends report to fully capture the state of the market.
Two responders will be selected for a $500 Amazon gift card. Survey only takes ~3 minutes: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
A nonviolent, fascinating, but still a “firearms in America related story.”
Nothing bad happens, but skip it if you don’t want to read about guns.
It starts with trying to legally and ethically dispose of a gun.
Nothing bad happens, but skip it if you don’t want to read about guns.
It starts with trying to legally and ethically dispose of a gun.
December 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A nonviolent, fascinating, but still a “firearms in America related story.”
Nothing bad happens, but skip it if you don’t want to read about guns.
It starts with trying to legally and ethically dispose of a gun.
Nothing bad happens, but skip it if you don’t want to read about guns.
It starts with trying to legally and ethically dispose of a gun.
www.nubero.ch/blog/017/ never expected to enjoy a piece like this as much as I did (which was a lot!)
More Than Skin Deep – A Polemic on the Importance of Beauty
The Nuberodesign Blog
www.nubero.ch
December 17, 2025 at 10:40 PM
www.nubero.ch/blog/017/ never expected to enjoy a piece like this as much as I did (which was a lot!)
I wonder if younger folks read takes like this and think "I don't care about whether AI or artists made it, just gimme the content,"
aftermath.site/ai-pendleton...
Or are they, too, sad for what we're about to lose.
aftermath.site/ai-pendleton...
Or are they, too, sad for what we're about to lose.
Adventure Time Creator on AI: ‘We’re Cooked’
Pendleton Ward sees his fellow Cartoon Network all-stars’ new Adult Swim special, The Elephant, as “the last squirts of human creativity.”
aftermath.site
December 17, 2025 at 10:29 PM
I wonder if younger folks read takes like this and think "I don't care about whether AI or artists made it, just gimme the content,"
aftermath.site/ai-pendleton...
Or are they, too, sad for what we're about to lose.
aftermath.site/ai-pendleton...
Or are they, too, sad for what we're about to lose.
I'm going to share a dark secret with all of you.
My Kindle reading habits are those of a thirsty, middle-aged white lady who cannot get enough romantasy. And apparently this gentleman is my type?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
My Kindle reading habits are those of a thirsty, middle-aged white lady who cannot get enough romantasy. And apparently this gentleman is my type?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
December 17, 2025 at 5:05 AM
I'm going to share a dark secret with all of you.
My Kindle reading habits are those of a thirsty, middle-aged white lady who cannot get enough romantasy. And apparently this gentleman is my type?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
My Kindle reading habits are those of a thirsty, middle-aged white lady who cannot get enough romantasy. And apparently this gentleman is my type?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
www.reddit.com/r/NewsStarWo...
Seems to me like the solution is what Uniqlo does -- put all the items on the counter and the computer instantly tells you how much you owe and what you're buying. No need to scan.
Seems to me like the solution is what Uniqlo does -- put all the items on the counter and the computer instantly tells you how much you owe and what you're buying. No need to scan.
From the NewsStarWorld community on Reddit: TheStreet: Amazon solves Walmart, Target, and Kroger’s shoplifting problem.
Posted by coinfanking - 48 votes and 49 comments
www.reddit.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:56 PM
www.reddit.com/r/NewsStarWo...
Seems to me like the solution is what Uniqlo does -- put all the items on the counter and the computer instantly tells you how much you owe and what you're buying. No need to scan.
Seems to me like the solution is what Uniqlo does -- put all the items on the counter and the computer instantly tells you how much you owe and what you're buying. No need to scan.
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
A new study of the last 50 years of US pop music shows “a significant increase in stress-related language, alongside declines in positive sentiment and lyrical complexity.”
Societal crises disrupt long-term increases in stress, negativity, and simplicity in US Billboard song lyrics from 1973 to 2023 - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Societal crises disrupt long-term increases in stress, negativity, and simplicity in US Billboard song lyrics from 1973 to 2023
www.nature.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:32 AM
A new study of the last 50 years of US pop music shows “a significant increase in stress-related language, alongside declines in positive sentiment and lyrical complexity.”
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
The Results:
📈 +309% average click difference vs control
📊 +4.32% impressions for the test group
📈 +309% average click difference vs control
📊 +4.32% impressions for the test group
December 12, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The Results:
📈 +309% average click difference vs control
📊 +4.32% impressions for the test group
📈 +309% average click difference vs control
📊 +4.32% impressions for the test group
Today, I read the most important AI post of the year: sparktoro.com/blog/never-a...
It's from @britneymuller.bsky.social. The topic: Why you cannot ask an AI how or why it gave you a particular response. Because it will lie to you 👇
It's from @britneymuller.bsky.social. The topic: Why you cannot ask an AI how or why it gave you a particular response. Because it will lie to you 👇
Never Ask an AI Tool How It Came Up with That Answer - SparkToro
This post on LinkedIn by Britney Muller is, IMHO, the most important short piece on AI you'll read this year. It's so critical to understand what she's
sparktoro.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Today, I read the most important AI post of the year: sparktoro.com/blog/never-a...
It's from @britneymuller.bsky.social. The topic: Why you cannot ask an AI how or why it gave you a particular response. Because it will lie to you 👇
It's from @britneymuller.bsky.social. The topic: Why you cannot ask an AI how or why it gave you a particular response. Because it will lie to you 👇
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
What this makes me think:
We're winning more with humans, Direct, Social, and Referral for the most part indicate that the content we are putting out is getting progressively more eyeballs, more shares, etc. Meaning we are DEFINITELY creating human value and HOPEFULLY algorithmic value too.
We're winning more with humans, Direct, Social, and Referral for the most part indicate that the content we are putting out is getting progressively more eyeballs, more shares, etc. Meaning we are DEFINITELY creating human value and HOPEFULLY algorithmic value too.
December 4, 2025 at 11:46 PM
What this makes me think:
We're winning more with humans, Direct, Social, and Referral for the most part indicate that the content we are putting out is getting progressively more eyeballs, more shares, etc. Meaning we are DEFINITELY creating human value and HOPEFULLY algorithmic value too.
We're winning more with humans, Direct, Social, and Referral for the most part indicate that the content we are putting out is getting progressively more eyeballs, more shares, etc. Meaning we are DEFINITELY creating human value and HOPEFULLY algorithmic value too.
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/the-202...
Thanks to the tireless work of @paddymoogan.bsky.social, our survey of 200+ digital agency owners is now live featuring answers to critical questions about the field's health, growth, and threats. 👇
Thanks to the tireless work of @paddymoogan.bsky.social, our survey of 200+ digital agency owners is now live featuring answers to critical questions about the field's health, growth, and threats. 👇
The 2025 State of Digital Agencies: it's still rough out there, but slowly improving; and is AI really a threat? - SparkToro
Introduction from Rand: I care deeply about the consulting world in digital marketing. These people are my friends, my colleagues, my fellow speakers, and
sparktoro.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/the-202...
Thanks to the tireless work of @paddymoogan.bsky.social, our survey of 200+ digital agency owners is now live featuring answers to critical questions about the field's health, growth, and threats. 👇
Thanks to the tireless work of @paddymoogan.bsky.social, our survey of 200+ digital agency owners is now live featuring answers to critical questions about the field's health, growth, and threats. 👇
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/the-7-m...
Buyer journeys on the web moved from the familiar, funnel-shaped process to a pinball-machine-shaped one... And us marketers are facing 7 problems as a result. My latest #5MinuteWhiteboard 👇
Buyer journeys on the web moved from the familiar, funnel-shaped process to a pinball-machine-shaped one... And us marketers are facing 7 problems as a result. My latest #5MinuteWhiteboard 👇
The 7 Marketing Problems Pinball-Shaped Buyer Journeys Create - SparkToro
Last week, I showed you how Internet buyer journeys have transformed from the cleaner, more predictable funnel model of the 2000-2015 web into something
sparktoro.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:36 PM
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/the-7-m...
Buyer journeys on the web moved from the familiar, funnel-shaped process to a pinball-machine-shaped one... And us marketers are facing 7 problems as a result. My latest #5MinuteWhiteboard 👇
Buyer journeys on the web moved from the familiar, funnel-shaped process to a pinball-machine-shaped one... And us marketers are facing 7 problems as a result. My latest #5MinuteWhiteboard 👇
Best new feature Google's built in years. Yes, including all the AI stuff.
November 30, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Best new feature Google's built in years. Yes, including all the AI stuff.
NEW: sparktoro.com/blog/the-pin...
Buyer journeys don't look like funnels anymore. IMO, they're like pinball machines -- people bounce around between sources before, during, even after purchases to numerous sources of influence regardless of what message you intended to put where 👇
Buyer journeys don't look like funnels anymore. IMO, they're like pinball machines -- people bounce around between sources before, during, even after purchases to numerous sources of influence regardless of what message you intended to put where 👇
The Pinball Customer Journey Has Replaced the Marketing Funnel - SparkToro
I like the marketing funnel. It's a great analogy, and has served me well for years. I *STILL* think it works reasonably well as a way to describe how
sparktoro.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:50 AM
NEW: sparktoro.com/blog/the-pin...
Buyer journeys don't look like funnels anymore. IMO, they're like pinball machines -- people bounce around between sources before, during, even after purchases to numerous sources of influence regardless of what message you intended to put where 👇
Buyer journeys don't look like funnels anymore. IMO, they're like pinball machines -- people bounce around between sources before, during, even after purchases to numerous sources of influence regardless of what message you intended to put where 👇
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/welcomi... I'm honored to announce that the incredibly talented, deeply kind, shockingly on-top-of-everything @kristym.bsky.social has joined SparkToro, Snackbar Studio, & Alertmouse as my Chief of Staff.
💗💗💗
💗💗💗
Welcoming Kristy Morrison as Chief of Staff - SparkToro
Story time—late last year, I developed a painful, still-undiagnosed condition in my hands, likely from repetitive stress. Blah blah chronic pain, it's
sparktoro.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:42 AM
NEW post: sparktoro.com/blog/welcomi... I'm honored to announce that the incredibly talented, deeply kind, shockingly on-top-of-everything @kristym.bsky.social has joined SparkToro, Snackbar Studio, & Alertmouse as my Chief of Staff.
💗💗💗
💗💗💗
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Google Alerts: Sorry we got nothin'
Alertmouse: Golden cheddar baby!! 🧀
Alertmouse: Golden cheddar baby!! 🧀
November 23, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Google Alerts: Sorry we got nothin'
Alertmouse: Golden cheddar baby!! 🧀
Alertmouse: Golden cheddar baby!! 🧀
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Tool of the day: Alertmouse
For finding new brand/keyword mentions on the web, this is the best tool, hands down, for tracking + daily alerts
If you haven't already, try it out. Every day, I've received comprehensive email reports I never would have known about otherwise alertmouse.com
For finding new brand/keyword mentions on the web, this is the best tool, hands down, for tracking + daily alerts
If you haven't already, try it out. Every day, I've received comprehensive email reports I never would have known about otherwise alertmouse.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Tool of the day: Alertmouse
For finding new brand/keyword mentions on the web, this is the best tool, hands down, for tracking + daily alerts
If you haven't already, try it out. Every day, I've received comprehensive email reports I never would have known about otherwise alertmouse.com
For finding new brand/keyword mentions on the web, this is the best tool, hands down, for tracking + daily alerts
If you haven't already, try it out. Every day, I've received comprehensive email reports I never would have known about otherwise alertmouse.com
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Here is the link to donate:
www.sleepout.org/participant/...
www.sleepout.org/participant/...
I'm giving up my bed in solidarity with youth facing homelessness.
I'm giving up my bed for one night in solidarity with youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House.
www.sleepout.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Here is the link to donate:
www.sleepout.org/participant/...
www.sleepout.org/participant/...
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Hey folks, I'm sleeping outside tonight, this is why...
youtube.com/shorts/deKHw...
youtube.com/shorts/deKHw...
Why I'm sleeping outside tonight - and why I would love your support
YouTube video by Wil Reynolds
youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Hey folks, I'm sleeping outside tonight, this is why...
youtube.com/shorts/deKHw...
youtube.com/shorts/deKHw...
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
After much deliberation and a grueling interview process, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a new job and will not need any financial support from my parents to cover the high costs of childcare going forward. #AmericanDream #ThisIsYourCity
November 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
After much deliberation and a grueling interview process, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a new job and will not need any financial support from my parents to cover the high costs of childcare going forward. #AmericanDream #ThisIsYourCity
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
The best advice for freelance journalists today is to be born rich. The second best advice is to marry well. This is not shade.
This week's long-form essay has been a long time in the making, as I go deep into the sad state of freelance journalism over on ESC KEY .CO:
www.esckey.co/the-death-of...
This week's long-form essay has been a long time in the making, as I go deep into the sad state of freelance journalism over on ESC KEY .CO:
www.esckey.co/the-death-of...
RIP freelance journalism: Candid advice to the young writers the world needs to read
Every year, freelance journalism pays less. A typical gig today pays 80% less than the same assignment in 2001. It is no longer a sustainable career. It is, more often, a side-hustle, or the domain of...
www.esckey.co
November 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The best advice for freelance journalists today is to be born rich. The second best advice is to marry well. This is not shade.
This week's long-form essay has been a long time in the making, as I go deep into the sad state of freelance journalism over on ESC KEY .CO:
www.esckey.co/the-death-of...
This week's long-form essay has been a long time in the making, as I go deep into the sad state of freelance journalism over on ESC KEY .CO:
www.esckey.co/the-death-of...
www.hcn.org/issues/57-11... is a beautifully written account of a beautiful project.
It's the kind of piece no AI could write, where the author's passion for the subject and love for the people shines through.
It's the kind of piece no AI could write, where the author's passion for the subject and love for the people shines through.
Heavy metal is healing teens on the Blackfeet Nation - High Country News
In response to youth suicides, teachers show students the power of headbanging at Fire in the Mountains festival.
www.hcn.org
November 18, 2025 at 4:28 PM
www.hcn.org/issues/57-11... is a beautifully written account of a beautiful project.
It's the kind of piece no AI could write, where the author's passion for the subject and love for the people shines through.
It's the kind of piece no AI could write, where the author's passion for the subject and love for the people shines through.