We may be living in the fast-paced world of online marketing, but when it comes to reading, sometimes it helps to pamper ourselves and take things slow. While there are tons of ebooks out there about this industry, some of which I already wrote about in another post, there are also great old-fashioned paperbacks and hardcovers you should try to check out. Here are just some of the best out there on the topic of social media marketing:
1. The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases, Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach Buyers Directly
Providing an easy to understand, yet comprehensive view of the social media marketing arena, The New Rules of Marketing and PR is one of those “must-have” books. Rich in examples, tips and tricks as well as “how-to” guidelines, it’s easy to get new marketing strategies up and running for your own business.
2. The New Influencers: A Marketer’s Guide to the New Social Media
By examples and not by theory alone – this is the way Paul Gillin used his ideas in the book entitled The New Influencers. Using case studies, actual interviews, and then mixing in his own input, Gillin was able to explain what blogging, podcasting, as well as other social media can do for you, your client and ultimately, your business. Content is well-written, easy to read, and relatively interesting. If you’re involved in marketing or PR, this book is worth checking out.
3. Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies
This book written by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff gives a clear view of the groundswell phenomenon, how it affects your business, and proceeds to give ways on how you can harness it to your advantage. Using human scenarios combined with the numbers game, you are sure to find something in this book that you can utilize for your own business.
4. Plug Your Business! Marketing on MySpace, YouTube, blogs and podcasts, and other Web 2.0 Social Networks
Not all that’s thin are found wanting, and one such example is the book Plug Your Business. With well-written explanations, samples, scenarios, tips and suggestions solidly packed in a quick to read 156-page book, you can immediately put them into action and put your business in high gear.
5. Do It Wrong Quickly: How the Web Changes the Old Marketing Rules
No, there’s no typographical error in the title. Do It Wrong quickly is a refreshing take on the otherwise daunting topic of online marketing. It’s not about doing Internet marketing the wrong way, it’s about doing something (even if it might turn out to be wrong) rather than nothing at all. And given the quick moving environment of today’s online marketplace, you really just can’t afford to wait for the perfect timing. If you need the push to start your own business, then Do It Wrong quickly will show you the way.
Did I miss out on anything? Let me know.
