September 2026 update: use the 2008 reading list as an archive, then learn from current sources
This is a 2008 record of free internet-marketing ebooks, not current recommendations of its authors, companies or claims. Links may no longer work, and its advice should not be treated as evidence that a tactic, platform or disclosure practice remains current.
The U.S. Small Business Administration frames market research around six questions: is there demand; how many people may be interested; what do income and employment indicators show; where do customers live and can the business reach them; how many similar options are available; and what do customers pay for alternatives? Answering them creates a record of the market and uncertainty before a channel is chosen.
Use learning sources that match the work. Google Ads Skillshop covers platform mechanics, Google’s SEO Starter Guide covers search fundamentals, the Google Analytics demo account provides sample reporting, and HubSpot Academy offers broader coursework. Training never establishes that a campaign will work; it still needs a defined audience, offer and measurement plan.
The FTC’s consumer-review and testimonial guidance is relevant whenever marketing quotes customers, uses endorsements or presents a result. The archive record below keeps the period advice visible. For channel work, see our web marketing services; for current measurement roles, see the analytics archive update.
Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration market research and competitive analysis; Google Ads Skillshop; Google SEO Starter Guide; Google Analytics demo account; HubSpot Academy digital marketing course; FTC consumer reviews and testimonials guidance.
Archive record
The economy might be slowing down, but technology and Internet-related businesses are still experiencing steady growth. If you’re looking for new income sources, the Web is not a bad idea. However, just like any other business, making money online is a multifaceted endeavor. If you’d like to try you’re hand at it, it’s best to study the risks and the how-to’s. I’ve gathered a few free ebooks and resources here written by some of the most highly regarded Internet marketers to help you understand how it all works. Hopefully, you’ll find them useful and answer some of your questions.
1. Internet Business Manifesto by Richard Schefren
Schefren is known as one of the top Internet business consultants. His company, Strategic Profits, “provides coaching for online entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses strategically and ultimately get free of the daily grind.” The Internet Business Manifesto teaches you a few tactics on how to double your profits within a year. Definitely a must-read.
Skellie is editor-in-chief at Freelance Switch, on of the best blogs out there for web workers. He’s been writing web content for several high profile sites for over eight years. The Simple Web is a collection of articles from his blog Skelliewag.org. You may already have an idea of the things you need to do to do well in this industry, but this book will show you exactly how to do things the right way. The devil is in the details.
3. Make Money Online by John Chow
John Chow started the popular site The Techzone and has his own ad network called TTZ Media. The truth is, it’s not a bad idea for him to hire an editor, but his ideas are grounded and have been proven to work. His book is an interesting read, and will give you practical advice on how to manage a blog from the ground up and the various ways you can monetize it more efficiently.
4. Marketing Wisdom for 2007 by Marketing Sherpa
If you ever go to the mountains of Tibet, a sherpa may be the most important person you could bring along, as they’ll guide you through the long, rocky paths. Marketing Sherpa, like their Tibetan counterparts, is a site that publishes real world studies to give you hard facts about marketing trends and strategies. This ebook is a collection of tips from seasoned marketers from 110 different organizations about email campaign segmentation, blogging, podcasting, mobile marketing, search marketing, offline advertising, web site design and the very hot social networking arena.
5. Killer Flagship Content by Chris Garret
Chris Garret is a pro-blogger and Internet marketing consultant. He’s a co-founder of Performacing, and author of several books including Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income with Darren Rowse. His ebook, Killer Flagship Content, zeros in on how to make your blog tick, including packaging, promotion, being the most sought-after purple cow.
