It’s that time of year again, isn’t it? Christmas songs are beginning to emanate from the car radio on the drive in to work and we’re already knee deep in the annual avalanche of seasonal advertising.
Instead of identifying those all-important ingredients of what makes the most heart-warming, tear jerking television advert this Christmas, we had a long hard look in the mirror and said no. We will not conform. So instead, we’re going to bring you something else, because let’s face it, there’s no better way to spend these cold and dark evenings than switching off the T.V and opening up a good book.
Social media is an industry that is constantly evolving and in order to be a knowledgeable practitioner, it’s crucial to keep up to date with the latest and greatest goings on. Groucho Marx once said, “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” So here are 8 social media books that we’ve learned a lot from and would make for perfect winter reading:
1. Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
How do you cut through the noise, commotion, and bad information that is right now cluttering up your customers' digital space? From the Godfather of content marketing himself, this book helps brands tell the stories that matter. After reading it, you’ll be convinced that producing a vast array of content is the way to go for your business to break through the clutter and win more customers.
2. Digital Leader by Erik Qualman
Erik provides a framework for living life in a digitally networked world. One in which our social and business circles are increasingly overlapping. He draws from a variety of sources while delivering a clear message, ‘You have more power than ever to become a leader!’
3. The Noob Guide To Online Marketing by Oli Gardner
How relevant is your marketing? Are you targeting the right people? How do you even know this? These questions and many, many more are all explained in probably the most comprehensive online guide on the market right now. It contains a 6-month action plan and works as a fantastic on-going reference.
4. The Social Media Management Handbook by Nick Smith & Robert Wollan
Every business wants to implement social media, but how do you go about doing this? While social media books focus on strategies for communicating with customers, this handbook discusses the internal process that takes place before those strategies can be implemented. A great place to start.
5. Spreadable Media by Henry Jenkins, Sam Ford & Joshua Green
If content doesn’t spread, it’s dead. This book examines the concept of viral media in a participatory where people choose to spread ideas and their interests to other people. It's a fascinating read that presents an alternative perspective on marketing, but also on pop culture studies.
6. The Zen of Social Media Media Marketing by Shama Kabani
If you want to get to grips with all things social media, this book’s for you. It’s very easy to follow, provides detailed instructions for launching social media campaigns and examines all the ins and outs, dos and don’ts. Although it’s been 2 years since this was published, the 3rd Edition goes into even greater detail about spending more time with SEO and Google+, as well as blogging.
7. Word of Mouse by Marc Ostrofsky
“Technology changes so fast and it’s easy to be intimidated by it.” But don’t worry; help is at hand in the shape of Marc Ostrofsky. He reveals the ways that although new technologies implant themselves in our daily lives, we can easily take advantage of them to live, learn, work, play and communicate better.
8. The Social Media Side Door by Ian Greenleigh
This book is a brilliant guidebook to navigating your way around a complex social media landscape. There are many practical strategies included which range from using social media to get a job, to reaching those all-important gatekeepers. A top read for anybody looking to find creative ways to foster long-term connections.
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