Rand Fishkin
@randfish.bsky.social
Cofounder of SparkToro, Alertmouse, & Snackbar Studio. Geraldine's husband.
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.
nautil.us/the-surprisi... great advice
"Sticking with impossible goals can take a real toll, with research suggests it can lead to higher stress, poorer well-being, and even physical health costs. But letting go and—crucially—reengaging with new goals, was found to restore purpose and well-being.”
"Sticking with impossible goals can take a real toll, with research suggests it can lead to higher stress, poorer well-being, and even physical health costs. But letting go and—crucially—reengaging with new goals, was found to restore purpose and well-being.”
The Surprising Benefits of Giving Up
The Surprising Benefits of Giving Up: Ditching or adjusting goals in the face of adversity might often be the best thing for us.
nautil.us
November 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
nautil.us/the-surprisi... great advice
"Sticking with impossible goals can take a real toll, with research suggests it can lead to higher stress, poorer well-being, and even physical health costs. But letting go and—crucially—reengaging with new goals, was found to restore purpose and well-being.”
"Sticking with impossible goals can take a real toll, with research suggests it can lead to higher stress, poorer well-being, and even physical health costs. But letting go and—crucially—reengaging with new goals, was found to restore purpose and well-being.”
Rarely do I read something thoughtful & nuanced about Israeli/Palestinian politics.
Rarely do I read something thoughtful and nuanced about creative uses for AI.
And yet, www.betterconflictbulletin.org/p/what-you-c... is somehow simultaneously both. (it's a podcast, too, for those who prefer)
Rarely do I read something thoughtful and nuanced about creative uses for AI.
And yet, www.betterconflictbulletin.org/p/what-you-c... is somehow simultaneously both. (it's a podcast, too, for those who prefer)
What You Can Learn from 4,000 Conversations Between Israelis and Palestinians
Adam Becker is building an AI-powered platform for difficult conversations - BCB #171
www.betterconflictbulletin.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Rarely do I read something thoughtful & nuanced about Israeli/Palestinian politics.
Rarely do I read something thoughtful and nuanced about creative uses for AI.
And yet, www.betterconflictbulletin.org/p/what-you-c... is somehow simultaneously both. (it's a podcast, too, for those who prefer)
Rarely do I read something thoughtful and nuanced about creative uses for AI.
And yet, www.betterconflictbulletin.org/p/what-you-c... is somehow simultaneously both. (it's a podcast, too, for those who prefer)
NEW in SparkToro today: Take Action
16 common marketing tasks (from PR pitches to content ideation to landing page suggestions) made easier by combining real audience data + LLM calls.
Anyone can try it free starting now 👇
16 common marketing tasks (from PR pitches to content ideation to landing page suggestions) made easier by combining real audience data + LLM calls.
Anyone can try it free starting now 👇
November 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
NEW in SparkToro today: Take Action
16 common marketing tasks (from PR pitches to content ideation to landing page suggestions) made easier by combining real audience data + LLM calls.
Anyone can try it free starting now 👇
16 common marketing tasks (from PR pitches to content ideation to landing page suggestions) made easier by combining real audience data + LLM calls.
Anyone can try it free starting now 👇
DONATE here: www.sleepout.org/participants...
Next week, I'm chipping in $6,500 and sleeping outside in the freezing Philly cold w @wilreynolds.bsky.social, not b/c I want to (dear god I am not built for sleeping outside in a cardboard box 😅🥶), but b/c it's important.
Would 💗 your support
Next week, I'm chipping in $6,500 and sleeping outside in the freezing Philly cold w @wilreynolds.bsky.social, not b/c I want to (dear god I am not built for sleeping outside in a cardboard box 😅🥶), but b/c it's important.
Would 💗 your support
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
DONATE here: www.sleepout.org/participants...
Next week, I'm chipping in $6,500 and sleeping outside in the freezing Philly cold w @wilreynolds.bsky.social, not b/c I want to (dear god I am not built for sleeping outside in a cardboard box 😅🥶), but b/c it's important.
Would 💗 your support
Next week, I'm chipping in $6,500 and sleeping outside in the freezing Philly cold w @wilreynolds.bsky.social, not b/c I want to (dear god I am not built for sleeping outside in a cardboard box 😅🥶), but b/c it's important.
Would 💗 your support
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Google's new deceptive ad layout not only tricks people into clicking more ads
It's costing businesses real money 💸
It's costing businesses real money 💸
November 4, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Google's new deceptive ad layout not only tricks people into clicking more ads
It's costing businesses real money 💸
It's costing businesses real money 💸
No. Your Twitter traffic did NOT double overnight.
What happened?
Twitter's been stagnating/declining since 2023
The growth team growth hacked (making links auto-open in webview)
They hope marketers will fall for it & pay more attention again.
But, it's nothing more than smoke & mirrors.
What happened?
Twitter's been stagnating/declining since 2023
The growth team growth hacked (making links auto-open in webview)
They hope marketers will fall for it & pay more attention again.
But, it's nothing more than smoke & mirrors.
November 4, 2025 at 2:15 PM
No. Your Twitter traffic did NOT double overnight.
What happened?
Twitter's been stagnating/declining since 2023
The growth team growth hacked (making links auto-open in webview)
They hope marketers will fall for it & pay more attention again.
But, it's nothing more than smoke & mirrors.
What happened?
Twitter's been stagnating/declining since 2023
The growth team growth hacked (making links auto-open in webview)
They hope marketers will fall for it & pay more attention again.
But, it's nothing more than smoke & mirrors.
Got interviewed re: the digital marketing AI "revolution" (which I admit has changed a lot, but has also caused a lot of dumb decisions): www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7a5...
The first 60 second-trailer bit almost convinced me to watch the whole thing and I was there the first time around! 😎👇
The first 60 second-trailer bit almost convinced me to watch the whole thing and I was there the first time around! 😎👇
AI Hype vs Reality: What actually works in marketing (w/ Rand Fishkin)
YouTube video by Lunio
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Got interviewed re: the digital marketing AI "revolution" (which I admit has changed a lot, but has also caused a lot of dumb decisions): www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7a5...
The first 60 second-trailer bit almost convinced me to watch the whole thing and I was there the first time around! 😎👇
The first 60 second-trailer bit almost convinced me to watch the whole thing and I was there the first time around! 😎👇
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
*puts on best Mighty Mouse outfit* Here I come to save the day!! 🦸🧀
I *know* Google Alerts is aware of these brand mentions for my company. And yet... 😡😤😒😠🤬 they won't send me alerts. It's inexplicable. Google (the search engine) clearly has these URLs indexed, so what gives? Mystifying. Thank goodness for🔔🐭
October 30, 2025 at 9:13 PM
*puts on best Mighty Mouse outfit* Here I come to save the day!! 🦸🧀
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
Used @randfish.bsky.social’s awesome new tool, @alertmouse.bsky.social (a better version of Google Alerts) for a whole 30 seconds only to learn that my name was mentioned in Forbes this week.
(1/2)
(1/2)
October 30, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Used @randfish.bsky.social’s awesome new tool, @alertmouse.bsky.social (a better version of Google Alerts) for a whole 30 seconds only to learn that my name was mentioned in Forbes this week.
(1/2)
(1/2)
I *know* Google Alerts is aware of these brand mentions for my company. And yet... 😡😤😒😠🤬 they won't send me alerts. It's inexplicable. Google (the search engine) clearly has these URLs indexed, so what gives? Mystifying. Thank goodness for🔔🐭
October 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
I *know* Google Alerts is aware of these brand mentions for my company. And yet... 😡😤😒😠🤬 they won't send me alerts. It's inexplicable. Google (the search engine) clearly has these URLs indexed, so what gives? Mystifying. Thank goodness for🔔🐭
Looking good @thekraken.bsky.social !
October 29, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Looking good @thekraken.bsky.social !
I've got a new job today: alertmouse.com
Not leaving my other jobs, but alongside my friends Adam & Nathan, we built a "what if Google Alerts was really good?" product.
Your first alert is free forever; I suspect that if Google's let you down the way it has me, you'll like it a lot 😎👇
Not leaving my other jobs, but alongside my friends Adam & Nathan, we built a "what if Google Alerts was really good?" product.
Your first alert is free forever; I suspect that if Google's let you down the way it has me, you'll like it a lot 😎👇
October 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
I've got a new job today: alertmouse.com
Not leaving my other jobs, but alongside my friends Adam & Nathan, we built a "what if Google Alerts was really good?" product.
Your first alert is free forever; I suspect that if Google's let you down the way it has me, you'll like it a lot 😎👇
Not leaving my other jobs, but alongside my friends Adam & Nathan, we built a "what if Google Alerts was really good?" product.
Your first alert is free forever; I suspect that if Google's let you down the way it has me, you'll like it a lot 😎👇
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
AGENCY OWNERS! Help yourself & your fellow agencies out: randfish.typeform.com/to/eFoJ3tXz
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.
October 26, 2025 at 7:46 AM
This week I made a distinctly American variant of risotto that was, unquestionably, one of the most beautiful things I've ever plated.
But... Gotta say it wasn't my favorite. I fell for an Instagram recipe based on looks > flavor. Still good just not *great*.
But... Gotta say it wasn't my favorite. I fell for an Instagram recipe based on looks > flavor. Still good just not *great*.
October 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM
This week I made a distinctly American variant of risotto that was, unquestionably, one of the most beautiful things I've ever plated.
But... Gotta say it wasn't my favorite. I fell for an Instagram recipe based on looks > flavor. Still good just not *great*.
But... Gotta say it wasn't my favorite. I fell for an Instagram recipe based on looks > flavor. Still good just not *great*.
Reposted by Rand Fishkin
The world: “metaphors are to complicated”
Me: “fine, let’s spell it out for you.”
Me: “fine, let’s spell it out for you.”
October 22, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The world: “metaphors are to complicated”
Me: “fine, let’s spell it out for you.”
Me: “fine, let’s spell it out for you.”
AGENCY OWNERS! Help yourself & your fellow agencies out: randfish.typeform.com/to/eFoJ3tXz
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.
October 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM
AGENCY OWNERS! Help yourself & your fellow agencies out: randfish.typeform.com/to/eFoJ3tXz
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.
Paddy Moogan is once again running the Digital Agency Owner Survey for 2025. Last year's results were incredibly compelling; this year's will be, too.