Over the past month, I've had a large amount of flying time to Europe and back. That means it's been the perfect time to catch up on my reading.
Below are books that I've read and taken something significant away. I believe they can help you too (these are in no particular order).
#1 – Content Rich by Jon Wuebben
I recently had the chance to chat with Jon, and subsequently read his book. Here's my take: if SEO copywriting and content creation is important to your business (it should if it's not), this is a must read. Jon knows this stuff and will show you step by step how to do it. This will change the way you think about online content.
Best for: Anyone trying to increase conversions from search engines.
#2 – World Wide Rave by David Meerman Scott
You won't find a bigger fan than me of David's previous book, The New Rules of Marketing and PR. WW Rave is as good, if not better. If you are not a believer in the content marketing revolution, you will be after reading this book. It's a game changer. The examples are priceless. Need executive buy-in? Buy them this book.
Best for: Decision-makers that don't understand how the Internet has changed the game. Opportunity is now.
#3 – HVAC Spells Wealth by Ron Smith
As some of you know, I've done a bit of work in HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) publishing and marketing in my day. Through my travels I've had the opportunity to meet and work with Ron. Okay, Ron's book is not really about content marketing. But it IS one of the most practical small business operations, sales and marketing books I've ever read. Ron's examples are geared toward consumer service businesses, but the tips are priceless. Ron includes dozens of what he calls "1%ers" (small changes that when added up are game changers). I started making a list of them. I'll share in a future post. Great stuff. Get the book.
Best for: Owners and executives that need to focus more time on customers, and less time on internal politics. The process detail in invaluable.
#4 – The Zen of Social Media Marketing by Shama Hyder
Shama was kind enough to let me preview a copy of this eBook before she released it. What I truly love about this book revolves around "the art of giving." Social media is about giving of your expertise in a way that helps your ideas spread. If you are a social media novice or a self-proclaimed social media guru, you will take some points away that will help your business. No doubt about it. Good for any sized business. Includes concrete best practices for Twitter and Facebook.
Best for: Businesses unsure about how to proceed into social media.
#5 – Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava
I didn't start using the term "authenticity" until after I read this book. Today's marketing environment means that brands needs to stand for something, and back that up with ideas and content that are meaningful to customers. We don't have a choice anymore. Rohit's examples are worth the price of admission.
Best for: Marketing executives trying to grasp the integration between new and traditional marketing. Those trying to find a connection with customers.
Also (warning…sales plug), I have to mention our book, Get Content Get Customers as well (revised paperback to be released in May). I've seen this book in action with both businesses and media companies, and I can guarantee that it will make a difference in your business if you implement these steps.
Finally, I haven't read it yet, but I'm intrigued by John Blossom's Content Nation. That's the next one on my list.
Any others that I should add to my content marketing reading list?
