4 Great Marketing Books to start 2015
Originally posted on Ron Wave Design Blog
At the end of the day, books are probably one of the most effective sources for new information and knowledge sharing. They allow for a more thorough explanation of new skills rather than the short articles and videos that exist online. Thousands of business books are published every year and to be honest, its really difficult to sift through all of the mess. I've compiled a list of Marketing books that I have read over the last year and shortlisted 5 of my favorite. Note that these are not necessarily published in 2014.
1. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Written by Social Media Marketing evangelist Gary Vaynerchuk, this marketing book is one that is a must have for all social media marketers. Gary combines his incredible success with his own family business, Wine Library, and the hands on experience with his media agency, VaynerMedia to create a complete social media tutorial. No social media is spared as he takes you through all the large social media platforms. Inserted are specific steps and examples that puts everything into perspective. The cherry on top is the aesthetically pleasing photos and color he uses throughout he text. It feels less like a textbook and more like a magazine!
2. Web Analytics 2.0 by Avinash Kaushik
We live in a world of data now. Avinash Kaushik's book Web Analytics 2.0 is a refreshing read that presents complex theories in simple easy steps that will make you wonder how you didn't understand any of this. No matter which Web analytics tool you use, Avinash probably knows it better than you! Utilizing a language that mere mortals like you and me will understand, Avinash doesn't delve into the jargon. The book reads as a professional conversation, one that respects both sides and the common goal. With examples and multiple supplemental chapters, this book puts you the fast track to analytics success!
3. Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Made to Stick is a personal favorite of mine. Every chapter completely changes how you approach the simplest marketing messages you send. By following a simple acronym SUCCESs, these brothers add a Gladwell-esque type of analysis into every message that your business sends out. This marketing book is definitely one that requires more than one read and it will offer a complete overhaul in the ways you develop what you know about marketing. They back up their theories with relevant anecdotes and eye opening research. I recommend this to anyone who would like to really work on the way they craft and write their marketing message.
4. Epic Content Marketing by Joseph Pulizzi
Despite the cheesy cover, this book was one of the most thorough books I've read. Providing calendars, corporate case studies, and team dynamics that support a successful Content Marketing team, Joe Pulizzi lays out a step by step plan on how to get it done. Pulizzi brings a view of Content Marketing that plunges you out of the blubbery abstract discussions of Content Marketing and into a tangible, solid concept. With a transparent intent, Pulizzi holds nothing back. Once finished with this marketing book you will feel like you experienced the life of Content Marketing and now understand its complete history!
This list makes up my favorite reads of the year 2014 and I highly recommend any of these books to anyone who wants to really understand the field of marketing. Trust me, get one of these books and you will find yourself bubbling with new ideas! Please comment below if I didn't include a book that you loved because I am a proud Barnes and Nobles member and I love increasing my personal library!