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What's really happening in digital marketing today? On the latest episode of Talking Too Loud, Savage and Sylvie bring in Rand Fishkin—legendary strategist, founder of SparkToro, and indie game creator—for an unfiltered reality check. From the steep decline of web traffic and the end of easy SEO wins, to the explosive rise of AI-driven answers and zero-click marketing, find out why old playbooks no longer cut it and what brands need to do to survive. Links to Learn More:Follow Rand Fiskin on LinkedInFollow Savage on LinkedInSubscribe to Talking Too Loud on WistiaWatch on YouTubeFollow Talking Too Loud on InstagramFollow Talking Too Loud on TikTokLove what you heard? Leave us a review!On AppleOn Spotify
Rand Fishkin, Cofounder and CEO of SparkToro, shows you how to avoid the Google/Facebook duopoly to easily and honestly find your audience where they like to consume information and how they like to receive it to make your brand storytelling more impactful. Improve your storytelling immediately with my The ABTs of Agile Communications™ quick online course. Grab your copy of The Narrative Gym for Business, a short guide on crafting ABTs for all of your communications. Read Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand. #StoryOn! ≈Park
Rand Fishkin—founder of Moz, cofounder of SparkToro, and now leading indie game studio Snackbar—joins us to talk about what it really takes to build a brand people care about. From disrupting the SEO world to rethinking audience research, Rand shares how transparency, community, and a bit of rebellion have shaped every step of his journey. We dig into why most marketers get audience targeting wrong, how SparkToro is fixing it, and what launching a video game has in common with startup life. Plus, Rand opens up about burnout, honesty in branding, and why Lost and Founder struck a nerve with so many entrepreneurs.If you're in marketing, startups, or just like hearing from someone who tells it like it is—this one's for you.
Ross welcomes back Rand Fishkin, co-founder of SparkToro and longtime marketing thought leader, for a candid conversation about the evolution of search, audience research, and the shifting tides of digital marketing. Rand shares insights on why SEO's golden age is behind us, why influence—not traffic—should be marketers' primary focus, and how PR is making a major comeback. He also discusses SparkToro's growth, lessons from launching an indie video game company, and why understanding audience behavior is more critical than ever. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Back, Rand! 01:10 Reflections on Lost and Founder 02:37 The importance of timing and market demand 06:48 Venture Capital and Market Trends 14:34 The Changing Reputation of SEO 19:27 AI, Search, and Zero-Click Results 28:58 Influence Over Traffic 38:46 How to Prioritize Marketing Channels 43:42 The Rise of Digital PR 49:51 The Future of Search and Content Show Links: SparkToro https://sparktoro.com/blog/traffic-is-down-revenue-is-up/ SparkTogether 2025 https://sparktoro.com/sparktogether Rand's Blog “Traffic Is Down; Revenue Is… Up?" https://sparktoro.com/ Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing
Digital isn't what it used to be and neither is marketing. In this episode of Smarter Marketer, James welcomes back industry legend Rand Fishkin, Co-Founder and CEO of Sparktoro, to cut through the noise as they discuss the flawed logic of traditional attribution models, the pitfalls of over-relying on Google and the importance of audience-first marketing to future-proof your digital strategy.Key Takeaways:Zero-click searches and AI Search tools - Where is traffic going?The AI hype cycle - Why most marketers are chasing the wrong trendsSEO and digital PR strategies - When and why it's vital to invest in PRThe hidden challenges of AI data sources and what they mean for marketersHow to find and engage your ideal customers through audience researchThe evolution of social media - How platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok are shiftingPrivacy, data collection and attribution - Why traditional tracking models are failingBrand awareness vs paid advertising - How to strike the right balanceGuest:Rand Fishkin is the co-founder and CEO of SparkToro, a leading audience research software company helping brands discover where their target customers engage online. Prior to founding SparkToro, Rand was the co-founder of Moz, where he built one of the most influential SEO communities in the world.He's also the author of Lost and Founder, a candid look at the startup world and a frequent speaker at global marketing conferences. You can follow Rand on LinkedIn.Find Us Online:James Lawrence LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslawrenceoz/ Smarter Marketer Website: https://rocketagency.com.au/smarter-marketer-podcast Rocket Agency Website: https://rocketagency.com.au/ Rocket Agency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocket-agency-pty-ltd/Buy Smarter Marketer:Hardcover: https://amzn.to/30O63kg Kindle: https://amzn.to/2ZqfCWm About the Podcast:This is the definitive podcast for Australian marketers. Join Rocket Agency Co-Founder and best-selling author, James Lawrence in conversation with marketers, leaders, and thinkers about what it takes to be a smarter and more successful marketer.
How can marketers use data effectively without getting completely lost in the numbers?In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis sits down with Eli Goodman, CEO and founder of Datos, a company specializing in clickstream data. They discuss how anonymous, large-scale data can help marketers better understand consumer behavior, how marketing attribution is evolving, and why nonlinear customer journeys are often misunderstood.Eli also shares his founder journey, from launching Datos during the pandemic to its acquisition by Semrush in 2023. Datos is also the provider of data to SparkToro, run by Rand Fishkin who came on the podcast during 2024.What you'll learn:What clickstream data is and why it matters for marketersThe biggest misconceptions about marketing attributionHow brands can measure the real impact of their contentWhy nonlinear consumer journeys challenge traditional analyticsHow data-driven marketers should think about AIThe key lessons Eli learned from growing and selling a startupEli also shares insights on the future of data privacy, why marketers should think beyond last-click attribution, and how AI is reshaping both creativity and analytics in marketing.00:06 – Introduction00:40 – What is Datos and how does it use clickstream data?03:08 – Understanding consumer behavior through anonymized data06:17 – The challenge of marketing attribution and nonlinear journeys10:36 – Why correlation matters as much as causation14:01 – The biggest surprises marketers discover in their data19:21 – Data vs. creative decision-making in marketing24:04 – AI's impact on both data analysis and creative work35:54 – Eli's founder journey and the early days of Datos41:23 – From startup to acquisition: Lessons in scaling a business45:41 – Advice for marketers: Using data effectively without over-relying on it49:55 – Where to find Eli online------------------------The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on our website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Check out the DMI's extensive digital marketing library of ebooks, toolkits, webinars, guides, templates, and more! Join for free today.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review so others can find us!
Is Google stealing your traffic? In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I sit down with Rand Fishkin, co-founder and CEO of SparkToro and one of the most influential voices in SEO and digital marketing. We dive into the rise of the zero-click internet—where 60% of Google searches end without a click—and what this means for your SEO strategy, content marketing, and online visibility. Rand shares expert insights on how businesses can adapt, build influence beyond Google, and thrive in a world where search engines and social platforms are keeping users on their sites. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of search engine optimization and marketing strategy! Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introducing Jane McCarthy [00:44] What are Goddess Archetypes? [05:37] Identifying your Brand's Goddess Archetype [08:56] Using your Archetype to Find the Right Talent [12:05] Brands That Embody Goddess Archetypes [16:34] How to Approach Goddess Archetypes [18:44] Figuring out the Heart of your Brand More About Rand Fishkin Rand Fishkin's website - https://sparktoro.com Connect with Rand Fishkin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/ Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!
In this episode, we speak with Rand Fishkin, CEO and Co-Founder of SparkToro, former co-founder and CEO of Moz, co-founder of Inbound.org, and author of the book “Lost and Founder.” We discuss important SEO topics and trends, including his 2024 Zero-Click Search Study
Rand Fishkin, founder of SparkToro and former co-founder of Moz, takes us through the evolution of digital marketing. From the concept of "zero-click marketing" to why traditional traffic-focused metrics are becoming less relevant in today's digital landscape, the conversation explores how major platforms are keeping users within their ecosystems, making it harder to drive external traffic, and why marketers need to adapt their strategies accordingly. Fishkin also discusses SparkToro's approach to audience research and provides insights on measuring marketing success in an era where direct attribution is increasingly challenging. The episode focuses on:The shift from traffic-based marketing to influence-based marketingHow to measure marketing success without traditional click metricsUnderstanding audience behavior through SparkToro's data analysisThe impact of AI and language models on marketing analyticsModern approaches to content marketing and audience engagement
Welcome back to another episode of Invest & Scale! I'm your host, Gabriel Murillo, and today we're diving into an inspiring conversation with Alex Pikovsky. With a career spanning investment banking, venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship, Alex brings a wealth of experience and adaptability to the table. From starting in investment banking focused on natural resources to investing in early-stage tech and scaling businesses in industries like cannabis, psychedelics, and SEO, Alex's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, he shares invaluable lessons on navigating challenges in family offices, scaling a scented candle brand, and transitioning to funding small business buyers. Grab your headphones and get ready for actionable insights and inspiring stories from Alex Pikovsky on Invest & Scale! 00:00 Built CBD marketplace, pivoted to agency and acquisitions. 08:18 Top VC firms outperform due to high demand.10:08 VCs help more if you're already succeeding. 14:57 Family offices are difficult; consider angel investors. 19:56 Focused on wellness, sourced brands via databases. 24:55 Raised $4M, cannabis promise unfulfilled, maintaining investor trust. 29:10 SBA program unique; venture debt risky alternative. 32:21 Inventory mismanagement hindered growth; strategy improvements boosted success. 37:24 Focus on profitability and omnichannel expansion. 42:21 E-commerce acquisitions are challenging, focus essential. 45:30 Embrace lifelong learning, adapt to new industries. 49:03 Embrace industry evolution; avoid rigid identity labels. - Began in investment banking in 2010 with a focus on natural resources, power, and chemicals. - Obtained a master's degree in oil, gas, and mining at Imperial College London. - Transitioned to venture capital, investing in early-stage technology. - Gained experience across various industries including cannabis, psychedelics, Amazon, and SEO. - Emphasizes the significance of transitioning between industries. - Advocates for continuous learning using the 10,000-hour rule as a metaphor. - Launched the podcast SaaS Minds to explore software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses. - Characteristics of businesses suitable for private equity. - Use of leverage for acquisition to enhance returns. - Challenges faced in private equity including high valuations and market conditions. - Experience with acquisition strategies, especially in the wellness sector. - Sale of a large German fertilizer business. - Managing pressure due to debt and acquisition strategies. - Discussion on private equity as an asset class, especially in declining valuation periods. - Focus on the wellness sector due to CBD marketplace background. - Methods for sourcing deals, including Amazon scraping, databases, and broker outreach. - Acquisition of a smaller scented candle brand and post-acquisition challenges. - Enhancements in marketing efficiency and product development. - Geographic expansion to the UK, Germany, Canada, and Mexico. - Future opportunities including agency growth, brand sales, and exploring new markets. - Differences between VC and private equity. - Average returns for VC funds and challenges in raising VC. - Networking importance and value creation in VC. - Case studies like Rand Fishkin's Moz for illustrating risks in VC funding. - Raising $4 million and managing investor relations. - Dynamics in the cannabis market following legalization expectations. - Funding mechanisms including venture debt funds and managing high-profit margin acquisitions. - Importance of expanding omnichannel retail and D2C presence. - Discussions about selling the agency for further growth or raising more capital. - Reflections on growing from zero to one million vs. one to ten million in revenue. - Emphasis on singular focus and strategic planning for growth. - Insight into industry trends, operational strategies, and scaling businesses.
Our guest this week almost needs no introduction!Setting aside the fanboying from us, our guest share some real marketing wisdom that we're sure everyone can benefit from!Rand Fishkin, probably well known to most of our listeners, is the founder of SparkToro - an audience research tool that we'll get into more in the episode. He's also the Cofounder of Moz, one of the world's largest SEO companies.He and the team at SparkToro are doing amazing things to help the little guys when it comes to audience research and doing the type of marketing that just doesn't work for the big boys in town. And that's a good thing!He generously share some of his view points, which we couldn't agree more with here at The B2B Playbook.Some key highlights:Paid channels' incentive right now is attribution, not conversion!Demand generation is infuriatingly hard, if not impossible to measure. So that's why most marketers don't do it, and as a result it's a huge opportunity because costs are low and inventory is high.Personas can be limiting, as they often don't reflect the breadth of people within a collective group. They should be broad and diverse, but they'll still allow you to understand where they get their information from and how the groups are made up. That type of personas are truly useful.When you change the fundamental question at the core of your marketing strategy, you open up the possibility for a more effective, long term and valuable relationship. When that transactional nature fades into the background and a value giving relationship is had, lots of things improve. Think of a tinder relationship vs meeting someone through friends.A ton to learn from classic marketing thinking, but the world is nuanced and requires a tailored approach.Value building events offline, particularly small ones, are immensely satisfying and rewarding.Tune into this week's episode for more!Links To Mentioned Resources:https://twitter.com/randfishhttps://sparktoro.com/You can find more helpful content and resources at theb2bplaybook.com. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and summary of the best content.If you enjoy the podcast. Would you kindly consider leaving a short review? It takes only a minute and helps make a big difference in getting those amazing guests! We also love getting your insights by reading the reviews!
Intrigue! Drama! Suspense! Our victim, Paul Robinson Law, gets put through the wringer again with an after-hours secret shopper call plotted by Gyi and Conrad. ----- Before you get too delighted at the thought of hearing about the missteps of a fellow firm, remember—if you haven't taken the time to fully engage with training and testing your in-house or third-party reception, your client intake might be dead in the water. So, did Paul's firm successfully escalate the undercover shopper's legal need? Gyi and Conrad analyze the experience and break down its good and bad elements to showcase how proper intake training, scripting, coaching, and emotional connection can foster a superior customer experience that will win you more clients. The News: Digital marketing luminaries Rand Fishkin and Greg Sterling have insights you need right now! Rand - The SEO opportunity pie shrinking and more insights and Greg - 300 Million Queries, Old Google, Cyber Week, Location Data Is Like Ground Beef Bluesky is really on the uptick. With 24 million users, a burgeoning SEO Community, and all your favorite legal tech peeps, is it the new place to be? - Amid X X-odus, Nothing But Bluesky from Now On | LawSites We're getting used to disappointment - A Week Overdue, Google November 2024 Core Update Still Causing Volatility The TLTF Summit has wrapped up for this year, but keep an eye out for next year's event for a chance to rub elbows with the best and brightest in legal tech. Thank you, loyal listeners! Spotify Wrapped showed stats that just make us uber grateful for you all. Also, the dirty, underhanded, belly of the internet turned on Gyi and Conrad in the form of Google Business Profile suspensions on the SAME day. Coincidence? They think not. But, that's it for today—let's hash all that out in the next episode. Other Episodes in the Paul Robinson Trilogy: Lawyer Website Roasted Ring, Ring! What to Expect When You Call Up a Marketing Agency Connect: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Chapters - Times Approximate (0:00) Planting our Flag / GBP Suspensions (6:59) Legal Marketing News (17:53) Mystery Shopper Call
Intrigue! Drama! Suspense! Our victim, Paul Robinson Law, gets put through the wringer again with an after-hours secret shopper call plotted by Gyi and Conrad. ----- Before you get too delighted at the thought of hearing about the missteps of a fellow firm, remember—if you haven't taken the time to fully engage with training and testing your in-house or third-party reception, your client intake might be dead in the water. So, did Paul's firm successfully escalate the undercover shopper's legal need? Gyi and Conrad analyze the experience and break down its good and bad elements to showcase how proper intake training, scripting, coaching, and emotional connection can foster a superior customer experience that will win you more clients. The News: Digital marketing luminaries Rand Fishkin and Greg Sterling have insights you need right now! Rand - The SEO opportunity pie shrinking and more insights and Greg - 300 Million Queries, Old Google, Cyber Week, Location Data Is Like Ground Beef Bluesky is really on the uptick. With 24 million users, a burgeoning SEO Community, and all your favorite legal tech peeps, is it the new place to be? - Amid X X-odus, Nothing But Bluesky from Now On | LawSites We're getting used to disappointment - A Week Overdue, Google November 2024 Core Update Still Causing Volatility The TLTF Summit has wrapped up for this year, but keep an eye out for next year's event for a chance to rub elbows with the best and brightest in legal tech. Thank you, loyal listeners! Spotify Wrapped showed stats that just make us uber grateful for you all. Also, the dirty, underhanded, belly of the internet turned on Gyi and Conrad in the form of Google Business Profile suspensions on the SAME day. Coincidence? They think not. But, that's it for today—let's hash all that out in the next episode. Other Episodes in the Paul Robinson Trilogy: Lawyer Website Roasted Ring, Ring! What to Expect When You Call Up a Marketing Agency Connect: The Bite - Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Newsletter! Leave Us an Apple Review Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on YouTube Lunch Hour Legal Marketing on TikTok Chapters - Times Approximate (0:00) Planting our Flag / GBP Suspensions (6:59) Legal Marketing News (17:53) Mystery Shopper Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textIn this episode, Danny speaks with Mike King, SEO pioneer and founder of iPullRank, to explore the power of authentic representation through mentorship in the field of digital marketing and SEO. They discuss Mike's journey from computer science to SEO leadership. These mentors helped shape his path and model for diversity in the industry and emphasized the importance of visibility for aspiring professionals reflecting all forms of diversity. Listeners will gain insights into the future of SEO, the impact of AI advancements, effective brand-building strategies, and tips on navigating the world of SEO and professional mentorship. Episode Highlights: Although Mike studied computer science, he found his true calling outside the classroom, ultimately leading him to a career in SEO.Mike discusses the importance of explicit and implicit mentors, crediting individuals like Tony Effick, Rand Fishkin, and Will Reynolds for guiding his growth in SEO and helping him think strategically about the big picture in digital marketing and professional network-building. Mike advises small businesses, particularly, to focus on building genuine brand connections and targeting long-tail keywords rather than relying on SEO shortcuts, as Google increasingly favors quality and user-focused content.With the rise of AI-driven search, Mike predicts that SEO optimization will shift toward micro-optimizations within specific content segments and leveraging structured data.Episode Links: Mike's LinkedInMike's InstagramMike's iPullRankFollow The Digital Marketing Mentor: Website and Blog: thedmmentor.com Instagram: @thedmmentor Linkedin: @thedmmentor YouTube: @thedmmentor Interested in Digital Marketing Services, Careers, or Courses? Check out more from the TDMM Family: Optidge.com - Full Service Digital Marketing Agency specializing in SEO, PPC, Paid Social, and Lead Generation efforts for established B2C and B2B businesses and organizations. ODEOacademy.com - Digital Marketing online education and course platform. ODEO gives you solid digital marketing knowledge to launch/boost your career or understand your business's digital marketing strategy.
Hello, beautiful people!
What's one simple thing that changes the game for ALL entrepreneurs? Mentorship! Today, I'm joined by the CEO & Founder of The Mentor Method (and my new bestie!), Janice Omadeke! She shares her expert advice on fully unlocking the power of mentorship + building meaningful professional relationships that last. She'll go step by step on how to find the right mentor for you and your goals when you're just starting out. As one of the first 100 Black women to raise 1 million in seed funding, she'll also reveal key strategies for successfully raising capital and getting the “Yes”s that you need. If you want to step up your game and keep the needle moving forward, you need a mentor! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How do you reflect back on your accomplishments? 04:05 How to manage grief and business at the same time. 09:05 Where did your passion for mentorship begin? 13:55 The best ways to connect with your mentors. 19:00 How to find the right mentor for you + your goals. 26:50 Tips for setting healthy boundaries as a mentor. 30:20 How did your tech background help you build your business? 36:15 The biggest lessons from the early years of building a business. 40:40 What is the key to raising funds successfully? 47:20 How to get more of the “yes”s that you need. 51:30 Celebrating Janice's Powerhouse moment of embracing fun and joy. RESOURCES + LINKS Get your copy of Mentorship Unlocked by Janice Omadeke on Amazon! Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin on Amazon Venture Deals by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson on Amazon Click HERE to text the word MENTOR to (602) 536-7829 for weekly business + mindset tips delivered straight to your phone! Powerhouse Women is a COMMUNITY and YOU are part of it! Take a screenshot of this episode and tag us on Instagram so we can keep the conversation going and create more of the episodes you need! FOLLOW Janice: @janiceomadeke Visit The Mentor Method website: https://www.thementormethod.com/ Powerhouse Women: @powerhouse_women Lindsey: @llindseyschwartz Visit the Powerhouse Women website: powerhousewomen.co Join the PW Community Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/powerhousewomencommunity
Is content marketing still relevant in 2024? In this podcast episode, inspired by one of our listeners and insights from marketing guru Rand Fishkin, we dive into how the content marketing landscape has evolved, the challenges of achieving visibility, and why the concept of 10X content is no longer a guaranteed path to success. We also discuss the impact of zero-click behaviour, social media algorithms, digital PR and and give our practical tips for creating content that still stands out. Listen in today! -- Show notes: Have any feedback on the show? , tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you are really enjoying the show, please
In this debate, Rand Fishkin and Leah Tharin get deep into where AI is headed and how teams can use it today, how SEO has evolved and changed in 2024, when to hire freelancers vs. agencies vs. internal hires and how owned assets like email can be best leveraged. Video version available on the ActiveCampaign Youtube Channel!Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:24 AI Hype vs. Reality 10:05 SEO in 2024 and how companies are adapting22:21 Hiring: In-House vs. Agency vs. Freelancer34:39 Email newsletters and owned assets
Sign Up For The Newsletter: https://jonathanraymond.com/#newsletter In this episode, Jonathan Raymond sits down with Rand Fishkin, founder of Moz and Sparktoro, for a deep and candid conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Rand opens up about his journey from scaling Moz, dealing with the pressures of venture capital, to his new ventures in audience research and indie game development. They discuss mental health, the challenges of being a young tech founder, and how childhood experiences shape leadership styles. Rand shares the hard lessons learned from his battle with depression, stepping back from Moz, and the importance of emotional maturity and vulnerability in business. This episode is packed with insights on navigating the highs and lows of startup life, building a more diverse and inclusive team, and balancing personal well-being with the demands of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a founder, leader, or simply interested in personal development, this conversation offers powerful lessons on growth, healing, and finding success in your own way. About Rand: Rand Fishkin is cofounder and CEO of SparkToro, makers of fine audience research software, and indie game developer Snackbar Studio. He's dedicated his professional life to helping people do better marketing through his writing, videos, speaking, and his book, Lost and Founder. When Rand's not working, he's usually cooking a fancy meal for the love of his life, author Geraldine DeRuiter. https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin https://x.com/randfish https://sparktoro.com/ Try Ren, our AI Accountability Platform: https://rencoach.com/ Get the FREE Good Authority Audiobook: https://jonathanraymond.com/audiobook/
In this episode of the 90-Day Website Mastery Podcast, Jonny Ross and Pascal Fintoni break down essential strategies to future-proof your website in the evolving digital landscape. Whether you're managing a small business website or looking to improve your site's performance, this episode is packed with practical tips to make your online presence work harder for you.What is a Cookie-less Internet and How Will It Affect My Website?In the You Ask, We Answer segment, Jonny and Pascal explain the move towards a cookie-less internet in simple terms. They discuss the shift away from third-party cookies, what it means for your website's privacy and tracking capabilities, and how to adjust your analytics and advertising to stay ahead of the curve.How Can I Improve My Website's Accessibility?In the Website Engine Room, Jonny introduces UserWay, a powerful tool that ensures your website complies with digital accessibility standards. Learn how accessibility impacts SEO and why ensuring your website is user-friendly for all visitors can also boost your search engine rankings.How Do Leaked Google Search API Documents Impact SEO?Jonny and Pascal review an insightful article by Rand Fishkin titled "An Anonymous Source Shared Thousands of Leaked Google Search API Documents". In Website Stories, they discuss how these documents confirm the importance of dwell time, internal linking, and page titles—reinforcing what many SEO experts already knew. This is a must-know for anyone looking to improve their site's visibility on Google.What Security Features Should I Add to My Website?In the Website Call to Action, Jonny advises on essential security measures every website should implement, including SSL certificates and two-factor authentication (2FA). Discover why security updates are critical for building trust with your visitors and improving your website's credibility.How Can I Keep My Blog Content Relevant for SEO?Pascal encourages website owners to review and update blog categories to stay relevant in a changing digital landscape. Find out how keeping your content organised with updated categories and tags can improve SEO and attract more traffic to your site.Key Takeaways:What is a Cookie-less Internet? Understanding the shift and how to prepare your website for it.Website Accessibility: Tools like UserWay make it easier to implement accessibility features.Google Search API Leaks: Important SEO takeaways from Rand Fishkin's analysis.Website Security: The must-have security features that build trust and credibility with your users.Content Categories: Why updating your blog's content categories can lead to higher SEO rankings and better engagement.Resources Mentioned:UserWay - Digital Accessibility ToolChatPDF - AI-powered PDF CurationRand Fishkin's Article on Leaked Google API DocsCall to Action:Looking to master your website in 90 days? Visit 90DayMarketingMastery.com to book a discovery call with Jonny or Pascal.
⚡ Book your free 20-minute digital product strategy call with me and discover how to boost your income in Q4! ⚡ In my latest episode, I sat down with Bernard Meyer, the head content strategist at Omnisend, to discuss the intricacies of SEO and content marketing. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for bloggers looking to drive traffic and convert visitors into loyal customers. Short-Term vs. Long-Term SEO Truths Evolving Nature of SEO Bernhard explains that SEO is constantly evolving. While some tactics may be effective in the short term, others remain relevant over time. For instance, the importance of decorative images in blog posts has diminished as user behavior shows a preference for valuable information over visuals. This led his team to remove unnecessary images, resulting in improved user engagement metrics. Creating Valuable Content Bernhard stresses the need for bloggers, especially in the food niche, to provide useful information upfront. He advises against lengthy introductions that distract from the main content. Instead, bloggers should dive straight into essential details, such as ingredient choices and cooking techniques, to enhance the reader's experience. Show Notes: MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute call with me Omnisend MiloTree Pop-Up App Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Google's Role in Driving Traffic Addressing Traffic Fluctuations Bernhard reassures listeners that Google remains effective for driving traffic, despite concerns about fluctuating traffic due to updates. He emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality, relevant content that meets user intent. Websites that experienced traffic drops often had outdated or low-value content, highlighting the need for consistency and long-term planning in content strategy. Omnisend's SEO Strategy Bernhard shares how Omnisend has grown through a smart SEO strategy focused on alternative keywords. By creating content around terms like "alternatives to Klaviyo" or "Mailchimp alternatives," they attract targeted traffic from users actively seeking solutions. This approach not only drives volume but also brings in quality traffic that is more likely to convert. Understanding the Audience Knowing Your Audience's Needs A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of understanding the audience's needs. Successful content marketing hinges on knowing where the audience is in their buyer's journey and providing the right information to guide them further down the funnel. Content Consumption Trends Bernhard observes that while attention spans may seem shorter, the real issue lies in the quality of content available online. He encourages bloggers to focus on delivering concise, valuable information rather than adhering to arbitrary word counts. SEO as a Business Strategy Beyond Technical Requirements Bernhard emphasizes that SEO is not just a technical requirement but a vital part of a broader marketing strategy aimed at building a brand and connecting with customers. The goal should be to create content that resonates with the audience, fostering a memorable connection rather than merely providing information. Quality Over Quantity In the current landscape of content creation there is a significant amount of material that is generated using AI tools like ChatGPT. Bernhard refers to this as "content pollution," where low-quality, unedited articles flood the internet. He stresses the importance of producing high-quality, engaging content that stands out in a crowded market. Long-Term Perspective Patience in SEO Success Bernhard shares that SEO success often requires patience. He shares experiences where well-crafted articles took months to gain traction, reinforcing the idea that consistent, quality content can eventually lead to higher rankings. Content Strategy and Keyword Research The duo discusses the importance of a strategic approach to keyword research. Bernhard suggests starting with core topics relevant to the audience and then breaking them down into more specific articles. He advocates for creating a comprehensive content brief before writing, which includes sections, keywords, and relevant statistics to guide the writing process. Updating Existing Content Maintaining Relevance Bernhard notes that updating existing articles is crucial for maintaining relevance and improving rankings. Many bloggers fail to revisit their content after publication, which can lead to missed opportunities for improvement and visibility. Understanding Google's Algorithm The conversation touches on insights gained from a leaked Google algorithm document, which confirmed many SEO experts' beliefs about ranking factors. Bernhard highlights the importance of backlinks, user engagement, and the age of a website in determining its authority and ranking potential. Building Authentic Links Acquiring Authentic Backlinks Bernhard explains the significance of acquiring authentic backlinks. He shares strategies for bloggers to collaborate with others in their niche, providing valuable content that can be shared across platforms. This not only helps in gaining backlinks but also enhances brand visibility. Targeting Low Competition Keywords The discussion shifts to the strategy of targeting low competition, long-tail keywords, especially for newer websites. Bernhard advises bloggers to focus on these keywords to build authority and gradually work towards more competitive terms. Social Media as a Distribution Channel Leveraging Social Media Bernhard emphasizes the role of social media in distributing content. While social media links may not carry the same weight as traditional backlinks, they can drive traffic and signal to Google that users are engaging with the content. Brand Visibility and Authority The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of brand visibility. Bernhard shares insights from his experience at Cyber News, where impactful research led to increased brand searches, ultimately boosting the entire website's authority. Final Thoughts Creating Value for People The key takeaway from the conversation: the importance of creating content for people rather than for search engines. Bernhard echoes this sentiment, stating that Google is evolving to better understand human behavior, and the best strategy is to focus on providing genuine value. He encourages content creators to embrace their unique voice and perspective, as this authenticity can set them apart in a crowded digital landscape. Building an Email List Bernhard underscores the significance of building an email list as a direct connection to the audience. Relying solely on social media or search engines can be risky, as changes in algorithms can drastically affect visibility. By nurturing an email list, creators can maintain a loyal customer base and ensure consistent communication. Consistency and Patience There is a need for consistency and patience in content creation and SEO efforts. Bernhard shares his experience with Omnisend, illustrating that significant traffic growth takes time and dedication. He encourages listeners to focus on creating quality content that resonates with their audience, rather than seeking quick wins. Conclusion By focusing on creating meaningful content, building relationships with their audience, and maintaining a long-term perspective, listeners can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and achieve sustainable growth. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You'll Enjoy: The Google Search Document Leak: What You Need to Know with Rand Fishkin! Fresh Email Marketing Strategies You Need to Know to Sell Online This Content Strategy Will Help You Rise Above the Noise with Amanda Natividad MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33.
In this episode, we dive deep into Google's massive search documentation leak and explore what it means for your SEO and content strategy - and how it plays into your wider Demand Generation strategy. With over 14,000 potential ranking factors exposed, this is a game-changer for anyone serious about digital marketing. We break down key insights from industry experts like Rand Fishkin and discuss how this leak could impact everything from content quality to brand relevance.Tune in and learn:+ How to optimize your content based on Google's newly revealed ranking factors.+ The importance of brand building in your SEO strategy.+ Why user interaction and navigation boosts are now critical for ranking.This episode is a must-watch for marketers looking to stay ahead. -----------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBE to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theb2bplaybookSUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://theb2bplaybook.com/newsletter/GET the latest CONTENT: https://theb2bplaybook.com/-----------------------------------------------------00:00 Introduction: What Google's Leak Means for SEO & Content Strategy03:00 Overview of Google's Search Documentation Leak05:00 Key Insights from Rand Fishkin's Analysis07:30 Google's New Focus: User Interaction Scores Explained10:00 The Importance of Content Quality and Link Scores12:00 Relevance and Quality Boosts: How They Impact Ranking14:30 Optimizing for Navigation Boosts: Why Your Website Layout Matters17:00 Consistency in Content Publishing: Why It's Essential20:00 The Growing Importance of Brand in Google's Ranking22:30 Niche Strategies: Why Focusing on Smaller Markets Wins25:00 The Long-Tail Advantage: Competing with Big Brands27:30 Expert-Led Content: The Key to Winning in Google Search29:00 Building Trust: A Long-Term Strategy for SEO Success31:00 Summary and Key Takeaways32:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action-----------------------------------------------------
Every few years we're told that we need to move on from using email newsletters as a part of our marketing platform. And David says that advice has always been wrong. Links David's article on Punctuation.com (subscribe to his newsletter at the bottom of the page) “Email is the Most Consistent, Reliable Marketing Channel on the Web and I Can Prove It” by Rand Fishkin
⚡ Book your free 20-minute digital product strategy call with me and discover how to boost your income in Q4! ⚡ In today's episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I'm talking to Rand Fishkin, the founder of SparkToro and a leading expert in digital marketing and SEO. In May 2024 there was a significant Google search documentation leak, and the documents were actually leaked to Rand. The documents provide a rare glimpse into how Google ranks content and what the challenges are that smaller blogs and businesses face in gaining visibility. If you are trying to understand how SEO works today, this is a must-listen to episode. Show Notes: MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute call with me Write Your Ebook with These 13 AI Prompts SparkToro MiloTree Pop-Up Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Understanding Google's Algorithm: Key Takeaways The Complexity of Google's Ranking System Rand reveals that the leaked documents are not SEO guidelines but rather API documentation detailing the engineering behind Google's ranking system. This documentation includes around 14,000 unique features that contribute to how Google ranks content across its platforms, including search and YouTube. While the leak provides insights into what factors Google considers, it does not reveal the weight or importance of each factor in the ranking process. Actionable Advice: Focus on Quality Content: Given the complexity of Google's ranking system, it's crucial to prioritize high-quality, relevant content that meets the needs of your audience. Diversify Your Content: Consider creating content across various formats, such as blog posts, videos, and infographics, to increase your chances of ranking well on different platforms. Brand Mentions and YouTube Transcripts One surprising finding from the leak is Google's use of brand mentions in YouTube transcripts as a ranking factor. Frequent mentions of a brand in relevant videos can positively influence rankings. Actionable Advice: Leverage Video Content: Create YouTube videos that mention your brand and relevant keywords. Ensure your videos are well-optimized with accurate transcripts. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with YouTube influencers to mention your brand in their videos, increasing your brand's visibility and potential ranking. Discounting Low-Quality Links Google's method of discounting low-quality links based on Chrome traffic is another interesting point. If users do not click on a link, it is deemed less valuable, effectively reducing the impact of spammy links. Actionable Advice: Build High-Quality Backlinks: Focus on acquiring backlinks from reputable websites that drive genuine traffic to your site. Monitor Your Link Profile: Regularly audit your backlink profile to identify and disavow low-quality or spammy links. The Role of Social Media Links While Google has historically downplayed the importance of social signals, the documentation suggests that links from platforms like Instagram can be valuable if they drive traffic to a website. Actionable Advice: Optimize Social Media Profiles: Ensure your social media profiles are optimized with links to your website and relevant content. Engage on Social Media: Actively engage with your audience on social media platforms to drive traffic to your website. Strategies for Smaller Blogs and Businesses Finding Untapped Channels Rand suggests that smaller businesses should seek out channels and sources of influence that their competitors are not targeting. These avenues are often harder to measure, which is why larger companies tend to overlook them. Actionable Advice: Public Relations: Focus on PR efforts, such as getting featured in local media, niche podcasts, and industry blogs. Collaborations: Partner with smaller brands and influencers to reach new audiences. Building Brand Recognition Rand shares his experience with SparkToro, explaining that they have built their brand by participating in podcasts, webinars, and conferences, rather than relying heavily on SEO or traditional advertising. Actionable Advice: Participate in Industry Events: Attend and speak at industry conferences, webinars, and podcasts to build your brand's recognition. Content Collaborations: Collaborate with other brands and influencers to create co-branded content that reaches a wider audience. Embracing Zero-Click Content The concept of "zero-click content" focuses on being present on social media platforms without necessarily driving traffic back to a website. Building brand loyalty and trust is crucial, especially in an age where AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent. Actionable Advice: Engage on Social Media: Create engaging content for social media platforms that builds brand loyalty and trust. Focus on Value: Provide valuable content that resonates with your audience, even if it doesn't drive immediate traffic to your website. The Importance of Personal Branding and Audience Research Aligning Your Personal Brand Rand emphasizes the importance of aligning your personal brand with your audience's interests. Visualize a Venn diagram where one circle represents your passions and beliefs, while the other represents your audience. The overlap is where you should focus your content creation, product development, and messaging. Actionable Advice: Define Your Brand: Clearly define your brand's values, mission, and unique selling points. Know Your Audience: Conduct audience research to understand their interests, needs, and pain points. Conducting Audience Research Rand advocates for deep audience research, including surveys and interviews, to uncover common themes and challenges your audience faces. Actionable Advice: Surveys and Interviews: Conduct regular surveys and interviews with your audience to gather insights and feedback. Analyze Data: Use tools like SparkToro to analyze audience behaviors and demographics. Conclusion By focusing on high-quality content, leveraging video and social media, and conducting thorough audience research, bloggers and small businesses can navigate the ever-evolving world of SEO and digital marketing. Embrace your unique voice, build genuine connections with your audience, and explore new strategies to carve out your space in the digital world. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You'll Enjoy: #334: This Content Strategy Will Help You Rise Above the Noise with Amanda Natividad #330: 2024 SEO Shifts: Strategies for Success Today with Lily Ray #324: How to Make Money Blogging in 2024 (New Trends) with Jillian Leslie MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33.
Rob Schab, CMO and Cofounder of Levanta. Today, Rob will be sharing how to recruit affiliates tailored to your ecommerce brand. Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Power of affiliate marketing for Amazon sellersSuccess of Levanta's platform in driving revenue through affiliate marketing on AmazonImportance of finding the right influencers and creators to promote a productStrategies for recruiting affiliates, including leveraging in-network and out-of-network channels, offering high commissions, sending out free products, and running deals and discountsProcess of recruiting affiliates and standing out among constant messagingManaging affiliates and ensuring their continued engagementTips for affiliate marketing and engaging affiliatesBenefits of affiliate marketing for e-commerce brands, particularly in the context of direct-to-consumer (DTC) and influencer marketing campaignsImportance of diversifying sales channels and the potential for incremental revenue through affiliate marketingRecommendations for influential books, productivity tools, and industry figures to follow in the e-commerce spaceIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Rob Schab, CMO and co-founder of Levanta, about utilizing affiliate marketing to boost sales and rankings for Amazon sellers. They explore Levanta's success in aiding brands through affiliate marketing, the importance of selecting suitable influencers, and strategies for affiliate recruitment. Rob underscores the need for standout messaging and high commissions to attract influencers, and the significance of maintaining affiliate engagement. The episode also touches on the potential of TikTok for affiliate marketing and concludes with Rob recommending "Atomic Habits," the productivity tool Linear, and industry experts to follow. He invites listeners to join Levanta's affiliate network to enhance their marketing strategies.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Action Item#1 Diversify Your Affiliate Marketing Toolkit: Take a cue from Levanta's success by exploring various affiliate marketing platforms and strategies beyond the conventional ones. Experiment with different channels, including TikTok, to tap into new audiences and drive additional sales. Remember, diversification is key to staying ahead in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.Action Item#2 Prioritize Influencer Selection and Engagement: When recruiting influencers, focus on authenticity and alignment with your brand values. Look for early wins with a few influencers, which can signal broader potential partnerships. Keep affiliates engaged through regular communication, updates on deals, and consider hosting webinars or sending newsletters to maintain their interest and support.Action Item#3 Offer Competitive Commissions and Leverage Outreach Tactics: High commissions are a potent incentive for affiliates, so ensure your compensation structure is attractive. Stand out from the crowd by crafting personalized outreach campaigns using outbound email software and reaching out through multiple channels, including social media. Remember, capturing influencers' attention is crucial in a competitive market, so tailor your outreach efforts accordingly.Resources & Links SectionJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comLevantaHubSpotMixmaxSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at josh@ecommbreakthrough.com and in your subject line say “strategy audit” for the chance to win a $10,000 comprehensive business strategy audit at no cost!Transcript ...
What should you include or omit to ensure your stories carry your message, resonate with others, and deliver something that could only come from you? That's the challenge we encounter today. In this special episode, Jay is joined by a favorite client, Susan Boles, to work through a draft of a signature story, which emerged on the back of their months-long work together developing Susan's premise of “calm is the new KPI.” They apply Jay's Align-Agitate-Assert structure, and they find the two biggest opportunities to improve the story.Susan is the founder of Beyond Margins and host of the podcast of the same name. She teaches entrepreneur clients how to optimize their business for quality of life, not just profit margin, by making calm their focus and their literal KPI.In the episode, Jay and Susan dissect her emerging, signature story involving Rand Fishkin, founder and CEO of SparkToro and, previously, founder and CEO of Moz. When one piece of the story runs too long, Jay shares some pointers for how to shorten it without sacrificing the story's power, and the duo figure out what insights can be extracted and delivered from the story to teach and inspire Susan's audience.Whether you're crafting your next keynote or fine-tuning your leadership communication skills, this episode will have you immediately elevating your storytelling in ways that illuminate insights others remember, share, and apply to their work or lives.Resources:⚫ Follow Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesusanboles ⚫ Listen to Beyond Margins: https://podcast.beyondmargins.com/ ⚫ Subscribe to Beyond Margins Newsletter: https://beyondmargins.ck.page/21380f9bae
Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
Rand Fishkin, the co-founder of SparkToro, discusses the intricacies of how enterprise marketers can leverage media and influencer insights to better target their audience. At SparkToro, they specialize in uncovering key influencers and platforms that can amplify marketing efforts significantly. Rand shares strategies for identifying and engaging with the voices that matter most to your market. Show NotesConnect With: Rand Fishkin: Website // LinkedInThe Voices of Search Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterBenjamin Shapiro: Website // LinkedIn // TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
Rand Fishkin, CEO of SparkToro, discusses the evolving dynamics of SEO and its strategic implications for marketers. At SparkToro, they specialize in identifying key influencers and media that impact diverse audiences, providing crucial insights for enterprise marketing strategies. Today, Rand explores how shifts in SEO practices can significantly alter marketing approaches and the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape. His insights are grounded in deep industry knowledge and a commitment to leveraging data for effective marketing outcomes. Show NotesConnect With: Rand Fishkin: Website // LinkedInThe Voices of Search Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterBenjamin Shapiro: Website // LinkedIn // TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Discover the future of marketing in the latest episode of the Marketing Speak podcast as we dive deep into the mind of marketing genius and SparkToro founder Rand Fishkin. This isn't just another chat about AI or social media trends; it's a masterclass in leveraging short videos, understanding audience behaviors, and navigating the turbulent waters of the modern marketing landscape. Rand doesn't just talk theory; he shares real, actionable tactics that can change the way you approach marketing. Plus, he opens up about SparkToro's unique funding model and his commitment to creating a fairer entrepreneurial environment. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving marketing world. Check it out, and let's discuss how these insights can transform our strategies!
What's possible as a content creator? If you don't want to be a CMO or VP of marketing, how high can you rise? Amanda Natividad joined us for the 403rd episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast and shared her thoughts about how writers can carve out a role as an individual contributor and what that looks like. She also talked about research, growing an online audience and how not to add to the social media noise. Click the play button below, or scroll down for a full transcript. Stuff to check out: SparkToro Amanda's Website The Brian Kurtz episode Rob mentioned The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Full Transcript: Rob Marsh: Building an online platform on social media where you can share your thoughts has become an important part of a lot of copywriter's businesses. A platform like this can be a source of leads as well as a place to grow your influence and share your thoughts. Whether you do it on Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram or somewhere else, it's more important than ever. And when you do it right, your platform can be a launch pad for all kinds of things—including a writing position where you get to not only do the work you love, but define the way you do it. Hi, I'm Rob Marsh, one of the founders of The Copywriter Club. And for today's episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast, Kira Hug and I talked with content creator and VP of Marketing at SparkToro, Amanda Natividad. Amanda landed her position by posting great content online and interacting with others on her chosen platform—Twitter. We talked about that as well as how content creators might create individual contributor roles for themselves, how to research using a tool like SparkToro, the platform Amanda would probably choose today if she were starting over and a lot more. This is a great interview with lots of insights. So stick around… Before we jump in with Amanda… We have a new gift for you as a listener to The Copywriter Club Podcast. We went through the past 400 episodes of this podcast looking for the ideas that our guests have shared over the past couple of years related to finding clients. We pulled out a bunch of our favorites and compiled them into a new pocket sized guide that will inspire you as you look for ways to attract the right clients to your business. It's a bit like having a couple dozen of the best copywriters in your pocket advising you on how to find your next client. To get your copy, visit thecopywriterclub.com/pocket and download this new guide. And with that, let's go to our interview with Amanda Natividad. Kira Hug: Well, let's start with your story. I'd love to hear how you ended up as the VP of Marketing at SparkToro and how you got there. Amanda Natividad: Yeah. This could be too long of a story. Let's see. Go for the whole hour. Rob Marsh: Let's make sure we talk about the test kitchen, all of it. Amanda Natividad: It all started when I was born. No, I'm kidding. No, let's see. Here, I'll try to do my best here. You would think at this point I would be good at this, but I'm not. So here we go. I'll say I was a marketer like in the trenches for what, at least eight years or so before I ever started publishing online, like under my own name, here are my marketing thoughts. Here are my thoughts and work. And once I decided to do that, I was basically all in. Like I kind of just tend to be the kind of person where I'm either in or out. There's no in between. Right. So when I decided to do it, I really went all in. I went all in on writing Twitter threads. Eventually started a personal site and a personal newsletter and then grew that and then slowly expanded onto LinkedIn and stuff. Along this journey, one of my marketing heroes, Rand Fishkin, followed me back, which of course meant that I was mortified instantly and was like, well, now I can't tweet anymore. I think I closed the app for the day and was like, I think I'm done, guys. I got to be quiet now.
Welcome back to another episode of the Niche Pursuits News podcast! As always, Spencer and Jared break down the latest news about Google, SEO, AI, and beyond for listeners. They kick things off this week by diving into a zero-click search study by Rand Fishkin on SparkToro, talking about where clicks go and the difference in what happens after someone in America clicks vs. someone in Europe. After the spam update finished rolling out at the end of last week, someone reported seeing a slight recovery. The author of the report is seeing almost a 50% rebound in traffic on her affiliate marketing website since March 2024, and she details the 4 main steps she's taken since her traffic tanked, which included disavowing spammy backlinks and upping her internal linking game. Moving along, they talk about Google Search Console's data freeze which, at the time they recorded the podcast, was 87 hours long. It's then time for Shiny Object Shenanigans and, as usual, Spencer goes first with an exciting update about his first 30 days in the Facebook Bonus Program. When it's Jared's turn, he reveals that he bought a newsletter! The Slice, which is geared towards solopreneurs, seemed like the perfect fit. When it's Weird Niche Website time, Spencer shares a site that's doing really well. In fact, year-to-date it's earned 4 million GBP. Car Mats is an ecommerce site that's gone very niche as it focuses on a single car part: floor mats. When it's Jared's turn, he reveals Keybr, a weird and quirky site that offers typing tests and helps you improve your typing skills. Ready to join a niche publishing mastermind, and hear from industry experts each week? Join the Niche Pursuits Community here: https://community.nichepursuits.com Be sure to get more content like this in the Niche Pursuits Newsletter Right Here: https://www.nichepursuits.com/newsletter Want a Faster and Easier Way to Build Internal Links? Get $15 off Link Whisper with Discount Code "Podcast" on the Checkout Screen: https://www.nichepursuits.com/linkwhisper Get SEO Consulting from the Niche Pursuits Podcast Host, Jared Bauman: https://www.nichepursuits.com/201creative
Ep. 240 Is distribution the undefeated catalyst in marketing? Kipp and Kieran dive into some of the best episodes they've recorded on Marketing Against the Grain. Learn more on the critical importance of micro consumer segmentations, the value of combining brand and growth strategies, and the often misunderstood role of product marketing. In this episode, Kipp and Kieran spotlight invaluable insights from top marketing leaders to elevate your marketing game and boost business growth. Mentions Gary Vaynerchuk https://garyvaynerchuk.com/ Rand Fishkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/ Wes Kao https://www.weskao.com/ Shaan Puri https://www.shaanpuri.com/ Jason Lemkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmlemkin/ Joanna Lord https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalord/ Resource [Free] Steal our favorite AI Prompts featured on the show! Grab them here: https://clickhubspot.com/aip We're on Social Media! Follow us for everyday marketing wisdom straight to your feed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGtXqPiNV8YC0GMUzY-EUFg Twitter: https://twitter.com/matgpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matgpod Join our community https://landing.connect.com/matg Thank you for tuning into Marketing Against The Grain! Don't forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-against-the-grain/id1616700934 If you love this show, please leave us a 5-Star Review https://link.chtbl.com/h9_sjBKH and share your favorite episodes with friends. We really appreciate your support. Host Links: Kipp Bodnar, https://twitter.com/kippbodnar Kieran Flanagan, https://twitter.com/searchbrat ‘Marketing Against The Grain' is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Produced by Darren Clarke.
Few things impact the shape of the internet more than Google Search, yet its inner workings are mostly a mystery. In May, Rand Fishkin received alleged leaked documents that peal back the curtain as to how it works. We speak with Rand Fishkin about his involvement in the Google API leaks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Send us a Text Message.In this week's podcast we discussed the evolution of zero-click search and Rand's upcoming study with Spark Toro's clickstream data provider, Datos, to explore the impact of AI overviews and changes in zero-click searches across different regions. Rand argued for more stringent antitrust measures, drawing parallels between Google's practices and historical monopolies that unfairly leveraged their market power to move into new markets. His call for breaking up Google's core services—search, YouTube, and maps—into separate entities could spur innovation and competition.He advised businesses that the best way to succeed at SEO was to adapt by focusing on diverse marketing strategies that go beyond traditional SEO. By creating content that gains traction on social media, earns media attention, and resonates locally, businesses can thrive even in a zero-click dominated landscape.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 161Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
Rand is the co-founder and CEO of the audience research software startup Spark Toro, He has dedicated his professional life to helping people do better marketing through his writing, videos, speaking, and his book Lost and Founder.
Deal blogger Laura has spent the past 14 years growing her brand, A Frugal Chick. Today, thousands of bargain-hunters look forward to her deals, but Laura's nervous about the future of her community.Companies like Meta and Google are changing so rapidly that Laura can't rely solely on their technology to connect with her audience. In this episode, we team up with marketing legend Rand Fishkin to help Laura protect her relationship with her followers through email and SMS.Shoestring is produced by SimpleTexting, a Sinch company. Learn more at SimpleTexting.com. Does your small business need marketing help? Text us at (954) 419-3657.Here's the full presentation of ideas we shared with Laura. (Warning: spoilers!)
The First 100 | How Founders Acquired their First 100 Customers | Product-Market Fit
Rand Fishkin is the co-founder of Moz, SparkToro, and Inbound.org. When it comes to SEO and digital marketing, it's hard to find someone more knowledgeable than Rand Fishkin. His popular blog, hundreds of keynotes, and 2 hyper-successful SaaS businesses are a testament to his skill.Rand Fishkin was the founder and former CEO of Moz, a leading SEO software for marketers created in 2007 that grew out of the active followers of Rand's popular SEOmoz blog. Moz grew quickly to over $30 million in revenue by 2013, having raised $30 million in venture capital investment. This Post is Sponsored by ALL IN ONEPlay the Euro 2024 Predictor Game and beat the leader.Think you've got a crystal ball for the beautiful game? Can you sniff out surprise victories and predict the heart-stopping moments that make the Euros unforgettable?This is your chance to go beyond cheering from the sidelines and become a Euro 2024 champion (well, kind of).Introducing All in One Euro 2024 Predictor Game.Join for FreeWhere to find Rand Fishkin:• Website: (9) SparkToro: Overview | LinkedIn• LinkedIn (8) Rand Fishkin | LinkedInWhere to find Hadi Radwan:• Newsletter: Principles Friday | Hadi Radwan | Substack• LinkedIn: Hadi Radwan | LinkedInIf you like our podcast, please don't forget to subscribe and support us on your favorite podcast players. We also would appreciate your feedback and rating to reach more people.We recently launched our new newsletter, Principles Friday, where I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle. Please subscribe Here.It is Free and Short (2min).
The hardest question to answer when we show up publicly might be the simplest question we receive: “Tell me about yourself.” Who are you? How'd you get here? What's your story?We then face a choice: we can make the story about us, or we can make it about the thing we're there to say. We can make our own stories about the audiences we wish to serve, and we can do so without feeling like we're bragging and even without any newsworthy moments in our past.Meet Rand Fishkin, cofounder and CEO of two companies (audience research platform SparkToro and indie video game maker Snackbar Studio). He's an entrepreneur who's navigated the roller-coaster of startup life, written an incredible book about it (Lost and Founder), and gone on the journey with hundreds of thousands of professionals following his every move. Rand has spoken at countless events, sharing his (often difficult) journey with audiences ranging from fresh-faced founders to seasoned veterans.In this episode, Rand shares his personal story as he'd present it from the stage, illustrating for us the power of stories the more “strategic” thinkers among us might think unwise to share: stories of failure, struggle, and genuine emotional turmoil. You'll hear the power of having an "enemy" to galvanize your cause and attract your tribe, and why sharing failures and other difficult experiences can forge stronger connections and teach more valuable lessons than sharing wins and case studies.Rand's style is a breath of fresh air in communities that rarely get so real, and it's a big reason he resonates deeper than most.Jump into the conversation: (01:14) Meet Rand (10:43) Rand's Story (18:46) Dissecting the StoryResources:⚫ Follow Rand on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/⚫ Follow Rand on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@randderuiter⚫ Visit SparkToro: https://sparktoro.com/⚫ Visit Snackbar Studio: https://snackbarstudio.com/
Send us a Text Message.GBP Chat is Dead, Long Live WhatsApp: Google nuked both Google Business Profile Chat AND Google Business Messaging last week in a typical show of disregard for the product and the businesses supporting it. This decision comes amid concerns over increasing spam within the GBP chat service, which initially launched in 2017 with high hopes. Despite a significant initial investment, Google's inconsistent product strategy led to its downfall.Interestingly, Google is now introducing WhatsApp and SMS messaging integration to GBP profiles, suggesting an attempt to fill the void left by the discontinued services. This move highlights Google's long-standing struggle with a coherent messaging strategy, characterized by the launch and subsequent abandonment of numerous messaging apps over the years.The discussion underscores the broader issue of Google's top-down management style, which often leaves innovative projects without sustained support. Smaller SAAS businesses that invested heavily in integrating with Google's messaging API, like Switchbird and Leadferno, faced significant difficulties in adopting the Business Messaging API and expended considerable resources in doing so. Google's structural inefficiencies hinder its ability to dominate key markets but also damage the greater ecosystem that attempts to integrate with their products. Scorpion Survey Highlights Growing Frustrations with Google Search: In a recent survey by marketing firm Scorpion, consumers have voiced increasing frustrations with Google search results. The survey revealed that users are spending more time sifting through results than five years ago. Top complaints include the need to refine queries repeatedly, excessive scrolling, and visiting multiple websites to find desired information. This aligns with ongoing industry discussions about the declining quality of Google's search experience. 3 Local Takeaways from the Google API Leak: A recently leaked GitHub repository revealed extensive insights into Google's algorithm, highlighting 14,000 attributes and numerous modules that influence search results. This leak, analyzed by Rand Fishkin and Mike King, suggests that Google tracks a wide array of data points from websites, Google Maps features, and YouTube videos to entities.The significance of 'nav boost' and the 'CRaPS' click-through algorithm, which impact page rankings based on user interactions. Additionally, Google tracks location relevance at a page level, encouraging businesses to create localized content silos for better search performance.The leak underscores the importance of linking high-traffic pages to target pages and creating localized versions of national content to improve site architecture. It also suggests that local mentions in reputable publications can boost a business's online presence.Listen in for actionable insights for businesses aiming to optimize their local SEO efforts.A Tribute to John Heaston. R.I.P. to a great human being:John Heaston, the founder, publisher, and visionary leader of The Reader and El Perico, died on May 31, 2024. He was a prince among humans and an early advocate for inclusive watchdog journalism and ethical digital marketing. John, you will be missed. Segment Reference Articles:Remembering John Heaston: A Champion of Inclusive Journalism and Community MediaThe Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
Ep. 232 What do the recent Google leaks mean? Kipp and Kieran dive into the future of marketing automation and how Google's secret algorithm changes the game. In this episode, Kipp and Kieran sit down with Rand Fishkin, the former CEO of Moz and founder of SparkToro, to uncover the hidden facets of Google's ranking system, the influence of AI on marketing strategies, and how empathy and understanding your audience can reshape your marketing success. Mentions Grab HubSpot's free AI-Powered Customer Platform and watch your business grow https://clickhubspot.com/cmt Rand Fishkin https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/ SparkToro https://sparktoro.com/ Brian Balfour https://brianbalfour.com/ Google Leaks https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/29/24167407/google-search-algorithm-documents-leak-confirmation Moz https://moz.com/ Resource [Free] Steal our favorite AI Prompts featured on the show! Grab them here: https://clickhubspot.com/aip We're on Social Media! Follow us for everyday marketing wisdom straight to your feed YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGtXqPiNV8YC0GMUzY-EUFg Twitter: https://twitter.com/matgpod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matgpod Join our community https://landing.connect.com/matg Thank you for tuning into Marketing Against The Grain! Don't forget to hit subscribe and follow us on Apple Podcasts (so you never miss an episode)! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-against-the-grain/id1616700934 If you love this show, please leave us a 5-Star Review https://link.chtbl.com/h9_sjBKH and share your favorite episodes with friends. We really appreciate your support. Host Links: Kipp Bodnar, https://twitter.com/kippbodnar Kieran Flanagan, https://twitter.com/searchbrat ‘Marketing Against The Grain' is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Produced by Darren Clarke.
Send us a Text Message.Rand helps us explore the implications of the Google Web Search leak and how it impacts our understanding of how the search ranking aglo actually worksThis week we interviewed Rand Fishkin of SparkToro on the details and importance of the Google Search API leak. In discussing the “biggest leak of the last 25 years” we look at how it provides SEO practitioners with menu of possible experiments to explorethe role of Chrome as a source for click through data and what it means for link buildersHow this click through data seems to be one of the most important ranking factorsWhy links on low performing pages have absolutely no value and thus why many citations no longer do eitherwhether Ad clicks might in fact influence rankHow should we think about “web references” aka mentions vs Links The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 159Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
In this Marketing Over Coffee: Learn about Rand Fishkin’s Pulitzer Bid, SERP Hacks, Burst Mode, and more! Direct Link to File Brought to you by our sponsors: Wix Studio and NetSuite 60 hours in planes over 2 weeks Google Gemini Upgrades including AI Answers Rand is sent some leaked Google API Documentation – he then […] The post How Google Works, Building Your Virtual Team, and Taking Better Pictures appeared first on Marketing Over Coffee Marketing Podcast.
Send us a Text Message.It has not even been 24 hours since the leak was made public... so there is STILL so much to learn. But Mike King's article is {chef's kiss}! He's done so much of the heavy lifting when it comes to digging into these API documents. After reading his info, plus that of Rand Fishkin, I thought that even as a studied SEO myself, it took some significant brain power to digest. So, once I spent about 4-6 hours doing that, I decided to share my 7-pages of notes with you in the form of this episode. Also, I'm releasing on a Tuesday and not my typical Wednesday because there are so many questions.Could I be wrong on some of these things? Maybe. Could they change? Possibly. But this is how I translated what we know to date.References:Secrets from the Algorithm: Google Search's Internal Engineering Documentation Has LeakedAn Anonymous Source Shared Thousands of Leaked Google Search API Documents with Me; Everyone in SEO Should See ThemGoogleApi.ContentWarehouse THE INSIDER MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN AGAIN! If you're a professional blogger (or want to be) then check out my FREE Facebook Group where we talk about the business of blogging everyday! https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipetersonThe quickest way to increase your traffic? Update your content regularly. Get a free blog post update checklist ORNeed help understanding your blog personas and getting lead magnet ideas? Get my FREE GPT4.0 Lead Magnet Masterkit Find both here>> https://leslipeterson.com/===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** Sometimes I link to additional resources, and they may or may not include affiliate links. I'll never link you to anything I don't use myself!
Send UpFlip a message now!Jyll Saskin Gales, a Google Ads expert, shares her journey into digital marketing and why she chose Google Ads as her area of focus. She discusses how she started learning Google Ads and the results she achieved for her own business. Jyll also talks about working as a side hustle while at Google and eventually leaving to focus on her own business. She shares her experience of getting her first client through TikTok and provides tips for creating successful Google Ads campaigns, including selecting keywords, writing compelling ad copy, and setting an appropriate budget. Takeaways:There are various strategies to target competitors' traffic, but it's important to be mindful of policy restrictions and focus on more effective methods.Craft compelling ad copy that includes a clear call to action, highlights unique features or benefits, and incorporates social proof.When it comes to Google Ads you have to spend lots of money to make money. Resources:Take Jyll's coure on UpFlip Academy: https://bit.ly/podpromo05How to Go from $0 to 7-figures Online (with Rand Fishkin): https://theupflippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1812063/14926269-120-how-to-go-from-0-to-7-figures-online-with-rand-fishkinConnect with UpFlip: On Facebook On Instagram @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts. Thanks for listening!
When it comes to SEO and digital marketing, it's hard to find someone more knowledgeable than Rand Fishkin. His popular blog, hundred of keynotes, and 2 hyper-successful SaaS businesses are a testament to his skill.If you're looking to start an online business in 2024 this is the episode for you! Rand shares the role content marketing plays in marketing today. How social media can be used to generate leads, and why appealing to everyone will appeal to no one.Key Takeaways:You have to know your audience if you're going to start an online business in 2024. Talk to them and intimately understand their struggles and what they need.Use social media as a lead generation strategy to attract tons of people to your business.You need to zig while your competitors zag. Be different and set yourself apart by being the solution to the problem your customer has.Resources:Join the UpFlip Academy today: https://www.upflip.com/membershipThe Principles I Used to Scale My Business to $1M/Year: https://www.upflip.com/podcastConnect with Rand: https://www.instagram.com/randderuiter/Connect with UpFlip: On Facebook On Instagram @UpFlipOfficial on Twitter For more insights to start, build, or grow a business, check out the resources on UpFlip.com or head to the UpFlip YouTube channel to see more interviews with business owners and experts. Thanks for listening!
This chat features Rand Fishkin, Creative Director and CEO of Snackbar Studio, a new video game studio working on its first title. Fishkin, who is better known for founding the SEO software company Moz, and the consumer intelligence company SparkToro, shares why he made the jump from the world of business into video games. Fishkin also covers the extensive research he did to figure out exactly what type of game to make, and how he put together a winning team. Tune in to Ibele and Fishkin to hear: *How Fishkin is funding Snackbar studio (and for how much) *How Fishkin's research led him to set the game in 1960's Italy *What three criteria Fishkin thinks will lead to any video game's success Social Links: *Check out Snackbar Studio's website: https://snackbarstudio.com/ *Follow Rand on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@randderuiter *Follow Geraldine DeRuiter on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@theeverywhereist
Join us for a captivating conversation with Britney Muller, where she delves into the realms of mentorship, AI innovations, and her enchanting ASL escapades. Explore the intersection of expertise and experience in this digital marketing adventure!Episode HighlightsBritney Muller shares her journey from pre-med to journalism to internet marketing, emphasizing learning beyond the classroom through diverse experiences like waitressing and mentorship from industry giants like Rand Fishkin. She reflects on the pivotal role of informal mentorship, highlighting relationships that blur the line between guidance and friendship.In the realm of AI, Muller warns against overreliance on LLMs for deterministic tasks like keyword research. She predicts a surge in industry-specific LLMs and advocates for thoughtful integration to maximize their potential. She discusses the importance of diversity in AI and shares a paper about the affinity group talks she saw poorly attended at NeurIPS. Additionally, she sheds light on biases in AI models and the importance of transparency in mitigating them.Beyond AI, Muller discusses her passion for American Sign Language, recounting inventive experiences like introducing ASL interpretation on ski slopes. She emphasizes the value of quality content over quantity in marketing and PR strategies. Through her diverse interests and expertise, Muller offers valuable insights into navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and communication.Episode Links Website - Data Sci 101Website - Britney MullerArticle/Paper re: Indigenous NAI researchersBlack in AIMuslim in AIIndigenous in AILatinX in AIFollow The Digital Marketing Mentor: Website and Blog: thedmmentor.com Instagram: @thedmmentor Linkedin: @thedmmentor YouTube: @thedmmentor Interested in Digital Marketing Services, Careers, or Courses? Check out more from the TDMM Family: Optidge.com - Full Service Digital Marketing Agency specializing in SEO, PPC, Paid Social, and Lead Generation efforts for established B2C and B2B businesses and organizations. ODEOacademy.com - Digital Marketing online education and course platform. ODEO gives you solid digital marketing knowledge to launch/boost your career or understand your business's digital marketing strategy.
In this episode, Rand Fishkin shares his insights on entrepreneurship and strategic thinking. He discusses the impact of the hustle culture on success and emphasizes the importance of making the best decisions as an entrepreneur. Rand shares his experiences in the video game and marketing industries, highlighting the need for creators to think strategically and understand their target audience. He also introduces his ventures, SparkToro and Snackbar Studio, and provides resources such as his book "Lost and Founder" and the SparkToro blog for further exploration. Some highlights we explore: The impact of the hustle culture on success and decision-making Rand's experiences in the video game and marketing industries Strategies for thinking strategically and understanding the target audience The importance of finding fulfillment and happiness in both professional and personal pursuits Enjoy!
In this Retain: The Customer Retention Podcast episode, Lauren DeSouza speaks with Rand Fishkin, serial entrepreneur, author and Co-Founder of SparkToro. Together they are playing devil's advocate, by challenging the businesses industry's obsession with retention, arguing that there is real value in letting go of customers and discussing effective strategies on how to win them back.