hello, avid reader, and welcome to the book addicts annual meeting for social media marketers. our beloved industry is famously fast-paced and keeping up with it all is getting harder and harder. but fear no more, you can always learn from the best experts in the industry. there are a plethora of social media marketing books to choose from and not much time to read them all! Whenever you have a question, chances are someone else has already answered it in a book on social media, marketing strategies, digital business, or even growth hacking.
here is an updated list of the 37 best books on social media marketing to add to your reading list this year. social media strategy, digital marketing, content planning, and many other similar topics will help you understand the best approach for your brand and business.
via giphy
Just to save time, I’ve grouped the books into 6 big categories. jump to your favorite topic:
- social media marketing books
- idea books
- growth hacking books in social networks
- online marketing books
- community management books
- productivity books
social media marketing books
1. influencer: building your personal brand in the age of social networks
influencer: building your personal brand in the age of social networks: the model to manage and monetize your influence as a content creator.
brittany hennessy, a former blogger and brand ambassador, has an impressive background in the influencer industry. As the head of digital media influencer marketing for hearst magazines, she used to work with influencers on a daily basis. hennessey used her experience to write “influencer”, a book on social media marketing packed with advice for aspiring instagram influencers .
read hennessey’s book to learn the ins and outs of how to build your brand from the ground up and expand your marketing toolkit to incorporate newsletters, coaching sessions, and interviews.
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learn how to build a loyal following on instagram and how to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Discover relatable anecdotes from influencers and learn from their past experiences and mistakes in the world of social media.
Find out how an agent can help boost your career as an influencer (and if you need one).
You are reading: Social media marketing books
2. xenia muntean’s content marketing team manifesto
The Content Marketing Team Manifesto: The book on how modern content teams collaborate
The Content Marketing Team Manifesto is a statement of faith on how teams should work together in the new world of content marketing.
Expect a down-to-earth audit of the industry with hopeful guidance on mastering content operations. the book is free to download for everyone in all formats.
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Learn more about content paralysis, its short-term and long-term effects, and how to prevent it.
Find out how the lack of reliable social media management tools could be affecting you and what to do about it.
discover how agile practices can be the key to increased efficiency.
3. everyone writes by ann handley
everyone writes: your guide to creating ridiculously good content by ann handley
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
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content is still king when done right, and ann handley teaches you the best strategies for writing with purpose. Publisher, social media manager, marketer, one way or another, you need to deliver a message. so why not do it right?
learn from ann handley’s experience what works best and how to adapt your writing for 2020. choose the right words, show empathy, and write genuinely for your audience. this book is your go-to approach when writing online content.
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read about grammar rules to keep your content up to standards
understand how to use storytelling for your business & clients
learn how to become a trusted source
4. trusted digital content by adam waters
Trusted Digital Content: Master the Basics of Online Video, Design, Writing, and Social Media to Boost Your Career by Adam Waters
so far, very good. It became clear that digital marketing books dominate this year and for only two reasons: digital strategies work and are profitable. “trusted digital content” takes you on a journey through the important types of digital creativity you can use to do your job better.
This book is about hard skills, from video editing to community management. and the best part? each chapter gives you the opportunity to practice what you learn through exercises.
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learn to use leadership and business skills in the digital environment
Take a look at what big companies are doing by reading their case studies
understand the importance of high value content in all its forms
5. garrett moon x10 marketing formula
10x marketing formula: your blueprint for creating ‘unrivaled content’ that stands out and gets results by garrett moon
This book lays out a simple principle: if you do it the right way, your results should be ten times your effort. garrett moon used a formula to get these results for his startup and now he shares it with everyone who wants to do the same.
the 10x marketing formula talks about ways you can find shortcuts to get better results faster. After reading this book, you will find your way to marketing success.
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learn to work smarter, not harder
find the details that work for your business, client and industry
see how to write content so you can stand out from the crowd
6. they ask, you answer by marcus sheridan
They Ask, You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today’s Digital Consumer by Marcus Sheridan
This book represents a clear strategy to help you grow your business and drive sales with the power of the internet. After reading it, you will surely reconsider your budget and invest more in digital campaigns and less in television, radio and print.
in this book you will find a formula that you can easily adapt to your type of business. no matter the industry, your audience spends time online. Marcus Sheridan shows you how she brought her company back to life simply by answering questions.
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learn how to become the first choice for your customers
dominate your content by providing quality answers where your customers ask questions
position yourself as an authority that has the answers, not an authority that sells
7. becoming a content brand by chris carter
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See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
See Also: Iris Johansen – Book Series In Order
See Also: 50 Valentine Books For Tween Girls – Just For Tween And Teen Girls
become a content brand: build a team, own your audience, & create a video your customers will love by chris carter
After building a network of more than 150,000 creators, filmmakers, publishers, and marketers from around the world, author Chris Carter realized that the growing demand for video content it was more than one company could produce.
this was the catalyst to create the book you are reading about now. provides industry secrets, strategies and processes needed to develop a world-class content marketing campaign.
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step-by-step instructions on how to create a top-quality video with internal or external teams
how to complement your internal content with professional video highlights
how to own your own audience and produce content your customers will love
8. content marketing by gavin turner
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content marketing: proven strategies to attract an engaged audience online with great content and social media to win more customers, build your brand and boost your business by gavin turner
according to pew research, 77% of adults connect to the internet every day. this means you can reach 77% of an entire nation in one day…if you know how.
This book shows you the right roadmap for getting your work out there and getting the exposure you need to turn even a farmers’ shop into a global enterprise like the Whole Foods Market.
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successful online content marketing strategies big aaa companies use every day
how a simple marketing step can rally your audience behind your mission and vision
roadmaps and guidelines for creating winning content marketing plans
social media marketing idea books
9. made to stay by chip heath, dan heath
made to stick: why some ideas survive and others die by chip heath, dan heath
Whether you admit it or not, we live in the “age of fake news” and it became the norm for false ideas to be sustained. why not learn from that and make your truth go viral? Whether you’re interested in Instagram Marketing Books, Social Media Management Books, or something similar, you may want to combine them with Dan Heath’s work. your understanding of the stickiest campaigns and ideas will only add extra value.
In this book, the authors provide you with important information and strategies to make your ideas more palatable. Based on some of the most popular experiments and campaigns, this book gives you the recipe for business success.
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always focus on the core message you want to send
ideas spread faster if you choose the right influencer
emotional stories still sell
10. malcolm gladwell’s turning point
the tipping point: how little things can make a big difference by malcolm gladwell
In marketing, theinflection point is the moment when a product, business or idea reaches the trend zone. In this book, Malcolm Gladwell wants to show that it only takes one correct shot to start an argument.
After reading this book, you will easily identify the people who create the word of mouth phenomenon, which is basically the turning point for any business.
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discover why companies with more than 150 employees do not work
you need to make your idea stick to tip
there are three types of people who can give idea advice
11. chasing the monster idea by stefan mumaw
chasing the monster idea: the salesman’s almanac by stefan mumaw
have fun while learning how to pursue the idea that will change the industry. learn from those who seized the opportunities and those who ignored the signs and lost.
This book will show you how to measure the greatness of your idea with seven questions that challenge its potential. take a look at the good ideas they have in common and compare yours with those that have already been successful.
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learn to check the potential of your idea through the seven questions
create a system to check all your ideas
case studies for success stories and stories that could have been successful
12. start at the end of matt wallaert
start at the end. how to create products that create change by matt wallaert
Today, companies spend too much on marketing to drive engagement with products and services that people don’t want and that won’t help them be happier and healthier.
This book argues that the purpose of everything is behavior change. By starting with results rather than processes, the most effective companies understand what people want to do and why they aren’t doing it already, then create products and services to bridge the gap.
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discover a roadmap to building products that matter
gain an understanding of how people make decisions and how
learn a new process for creating behavior change inside and outside your organization
13. the bell labs idea factory and the great age of american innovation
the bell labs idea factory and the great age of american innovation
today, when the drive to invent has become a mantra, bell labs offers us a way to enrich our understanding of the challenges and solutions for technological innovation.
This book covers the history of many of the inventions behind our world today, but also contains technical details to warm the hearts of some little geeks.
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learn the origins of some of the most important inventions of the 20th century
read the story about the life and work of a small group of brilliant and eccentric men: mervin kelly, bill shockley, claude shannon, john pierce and bill baker
learn more about bell labs, where the fundamental ideas about innovation management were born
social media growth hacking books
14. the bamf bible 2019 by josh fechter
the 2019 bamf bible: 30+ case studies of the best growth hacks for 2019
growth hacking is not just a fancy word that companies use to make themselves look good. growth hacking is what successful companies do to grow faster than others. instead of starting to experiment now, use josh fechter’s tactics that you can apply right away.
It’s not necessarily a book you read and forget about, it’s a book you keep close by in case you want to take a different approach to your marketing strategy.
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latest tools to use and combine to attract new customers
how to use user-generated content to your advantage
just actionable strategies for every platform you can imagine
15. growth hacker marketing by ryan vacation
Growth Hacker Marketing: An Introduction to the Future of Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising by Ryan Holiday
ever notice how cool newcomers didn’t use traditional marketing to get famous? giants like facebook and airbnb focused on growth by hacking their way to the top.
growth hacking is the dream strategy of every startup. Ryan Holiday explains in his bestseller how to adopt the growth hacking mindset and what are the rules to follow.
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learn which tools are useful for your business & clients
see examples of companies that skyrocketed their businesses using foolproof growth hacking strategies
learn about the concept of product market fit
16. Entrepreneurial Voices on Growth Hacking – Inc. the entrepreneurial media staff
entrepreneur voices on growth hacking – inc. the entrepreneurial media staff
we all know that companies like airbnb, uber and dropbox have become famous for disrupting the industry and their immense growth. But the growth hacking strategies that made them successful sometimes only work once.
luckily for you, there is no shortage of growth hacks. This book shares the inspiring stories of unconventional entrepreneurs who reshaped companies and industries, while giving you the tools you need to do the same.
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achieving rapid business growth with strategic partnerships
monetize your brand with out-of-the-box content marketing
optimize every process with a team of hard-working specialists
17. parul agrawal’s growth hacking book
the growth hacking book. the most closely guarded growth marketing secrets the silicon valley giants don’t want you to know
This book features over 35 successful marketers, entrepreneurs, industry thought leaders, and companies from around the world who share radical ideas on how you can grow your business using unconventional marketing strategies.
In today’s hyper-competitive business world, any information on growth hacking is helpful if you want to gain a competitive advantage.
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discover the best growth hackers growth strategies for growth hackers
a comprehensive overview of the mindset, skill set, and tool set required
learn to identify and analyze growth channels
18. olive valley growth hacking formula by andrew slack
olive valley growth hacking formula by andrew slack
This book takes a closer look at the 5 steps to scaling your own business. the formula is constantly evolving as the world around us changes, as does the way we operate.
Allowing your business to remain agile and innovative as it grows is difficult. The book explores each challenge in detail, giving you the tools to implement them within your own business.
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learn the five p’s of business growth
strong internal IT systems, management data and documentation will help make your business more efficient
investing in building the right culture for your business is essential when looking to scale
19. digital marketing growth tips by jamie turner
Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and TV news contributor who has helped The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, Holiday Inn, and other global brands tackle complex business problems.
He is the co-author of “Go Mobile,” which was the best-selling mobile marketing book on Amazon when it was first released; “how to make money with social networks”, which is now in its second edition; and “digital marketing growth hacks”.
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online social media marketing books
20. roi in social media by olivier blanchard
social media roi: managing and measuring social media efforts in your organization by olivier blanchard
we are all creators, but how do you measure the results? especially in the digital world, there are so many aspects that you can take into account that sometimes the goal is lost. don’t worry, a good book on social media can help you find the right process and take the first step towards your goal. a social media analysis book is even better.
Social media requires a process, from strategy to analysis to optimization (something marketers sometimes forget), and this book is about best practices for achieving your financial and non-financial goals. no matter what your problems are, social media roi provides the solution.
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learn how to create a social media strategy that works
listen to your audience before you say something
use social media as a customer service tool
21. the new rules of marketing and public relations by david meerman scott
the new rules of marketing and public relations: 6th edition, how to use social networks, online videos, mobile applications, blogs, press releases and viral marketing to reach buyers directly by david meerman scott
everyone is going digital, and it seems that a host of tactics promise to bring success. so how do you hold on? The New Rules of Marketing is one of the best marketing books of the decade. Focusing on profitable strategies for your business, the sixth edition will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right target and delivering the right message at the right time on the right platform.
stay one step ahead of your competition with david meerman scott’s book that will bring you up to speed on modern approaches to social media, video, mobile apps and more. If you’re looking for social media advertising books, be sure to add this to your list.
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transparent case studies you can use for your business or client
latest features for social media platforms
tactics that work for your company
22. this is marketing by seth godin
this is marketing: they can’t see you until you learn to see by seth godin
everyone’s favorite salesperson puts you to serious work with your marketing savvy on “this is marketing.” this is an amazing book on how to solve your customers’ problems through marketing. seth godin advises putting your customer first, above their profits and business. make sure you have customized messages for every audience, no matter how small.
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how to gain the trust of your audience
create opportunities for your customers
always be empathic and honest in your business
23. jab, jab, jab, right hook by gary vaynerchuk
jab, jab, jab, right hook: how to tell your story in a noisy social world by gary vaynerchuk
one of the best social media marketing books out there, “jab, jab, jab, right hook” explains how to achieve success through communication and dedication to your customers instead of to go directly. after the big sale. Gary Vaynerchuk explains what to do to make your customers happy and make them your go-to source. she also answers the glorious question: when to put the sales message.
Understand the importance of fighting for your customers and beating your competitors with strategic moves. on social media, your jab is your content, but your right hook is the context. be sure to add this to your list of social media books to read this year.
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understand how to make clear statements
reminder to double check everything before asking your audience anything
prepare a lean landing for your clients, starting with their onboarding
community marketing management books
24. what customers crave by nicholas j. webb
what customers crave: how to create relevant and memorable experiences at every touchpoint by nicholas j. webb
There is a big difference between knowing what your customers want and guessing what your customers want. creating a customer-centric product or service will make it or break it. nicolas j. webb looks at how the economy has changed consumer behavior and what are the best ways to keep up.
the author suggests that you will find two things about your customers: what they love and what they hate. from there, you can build everything according to reality. this helpful book provides a handful of tools and case studies ready to give you a jump start.
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Understand who your customers are and what their values are
filtering your audiences can make a big difference
you can partner with your customers to create something valuable
25. robert cialdini presuasion
pre-suasion: a revolutionary way to influence and persuade by robert cialdini
in this book, robert cialdini demonstrates that the timing of the message is more important than the information itself. In this age, most people can give a speech, but not many are successful in achieving their goals. Through this book, the author teaches you how to use the right moment when communicating something, so you can increase the responsiveness of your audience.
“pre-suaders”, as robert cialdini calls those who use his method, succeed in shifting attention before making the move. this book is full of studies that prove the techniques work in your favor.
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building trust is not easy, but you can learn how to do it
mystery can be used to your advantage
context impacts everything
26. building a historic brand by donald miller
building a historic brand: clarifying your message so customers hear it by donald miller
The relationship you create with your customers is crucial. if you have a social media book on your nightstand, try adding this one to keep it company, as you’ll see how donald miller successfully applies the seven universal elements of powerful stories to create a link between the company and customers.
Many times, customers don’t really understand what your business is about and what benefits it could bring them. after reading this book, you will certainly know how to make your assets shine.
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the seven universal points of history with which all humans vibrate
customer purchasing behavior
learn how to create your brand message
27. the art of customer service by robert solomon
the art of customer service: revised and updated edition: 58 things each advertising & the marketer needs to know
If a large part of your job involves interacting with and helping your customers, this book is a must read. robert solomon gets right to the point with 58 concepts on how to improve your customer service skills.
the art of customer service is not a book dedicated only to those who work in the customer service department. anyone from an agency or a marketing team will find invaluable resources and quick tips for everyday work.
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learn how to write a letter of proposal
see what happens when you make a mistake
learn to be brief, but explicit
productivity books
28. marketing teams of the future by vlad calus
the marketing teams of the future
Marketing Teams of the Future is an ebook that traces the journey of content marketing from its beginnings and dives into an in-depth look at the industry today.
You’ll find patterns, principles, and workflows that will help update your current workflow and processes for a future-ready team. the book is free to download for everyone in all formats.
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learn about the history of marketing and its development during the last century.
discover how you can excel in content marketing.
explore how marketing teams can adapt their workflow to be ready for what’s next
29. the power of habit by charles duhigg
the power of habit: why we do what we do in life and in business by charles duhigg
not necessarily a marketing book, the power of habit teaches you how to get rid of bad habits and transform your full potential into good habits. it’s all science.
charles duhigg shows you how successful people have done it and explains behind the scenes of some of the most beloved businesses, concepts and teams. hopefully, it will get you into the “key habits” you want. the sky is the limit if you understand how habits work.
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habits determine why some succeed and others fail
understand why you never forget a habit
the importance of choosing the right password
30. start with why by simon sinek
start with why: how great leaders inspire everyone to act by simon sinek
if you were to think about what is the most powerful question you can ask, “why” definitely has a certain ring to it. why? because you can show if your dialogist knows what he is saying because he can test if his idea is sound or if his audience really enjoys his content .
in his book, simon sinek dives deep into the question pool and shows how “why” can save you a lot of time and effort. Alternatively, here is Simon talking about the concept of why in his ted talk.
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understand why people buy because of “why” you are doing it and less because of “what” you are doing
companies that know how to answer all the whys are the most successful
learn the principles of the golden circle
31. monkeys of chaos by antonio garcia martinez
monkeys of chaos: obscene fortune and random failure in silicon valley by antonio garcia martinez
a book like you’ve never read before about the tech bubble and the secrets nobody wants you to know. antonio garcia martinez, a near outcast from silicon valley culture, talks about the use of data, his decisions in his personal and professional life, and what a chaos monkey like him can make or break for a business .
if you’re the risk taker type or at least aspire to become one, this book is for you.
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find out how new technology companies are financed
take a deep dive into the culture of facebook and twitter
what is the pattern of technology companies in silicon valley?
32. atomic habits by james clear
atomic habits: an easy & Proven way to develop good habits & break bad guys by james clear
atomic habits will change the way you think about progress and success and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits. clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work.
Get ready to be inspired and entertained by true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning entertainers, business leaders, life-saving doctors, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and rise to the top. the best of his field.
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make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy)
methods to overcome lack of motivation and willpower
learn how to design your environment to facilitate success
33. deep work by cal newport
Work Deep: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Deep work is one of the most valuable skills in our economy, and it’s getting rarer. this means it can be a competitive advantage if you learn to master it. Instead of arguing that distraction is bad, the author celebrates the power of its opposite.
prepare yourself for a rigorous training regimen, presented as a series of four “rules” to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
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learn more about the concept of deep work
discover how to master complicated information
In almost any profession, cultivating a deep work ethic will pay off enormously
34. the 10x rule by grant cardone
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Grant Cardone is the bestselling author of “The 10X Rule” and “If You’re Not First, You’re Last” as well as a sales trainer, speaker, and entrepreneur who has worked in real estate and the auto industry. Grant Cardone is a real estate mogul, and he was named the #1 marketer to watch in 2017 by Forbes Magazine.
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
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See Also: 50 Valentine Books For Tween Girls – Just For Tween And Teen Girls
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
See Also: Iris Johansen – Book Series In Order
See Also: 50 Valentine Books For Tween Girls – Just For Tween And Teen Girls
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
See Also: Iris Johansen – Book Series In Order
See Also: 50 Valentine Books For Tween Girls – Just For Tween And Teen Girls
35. the new relational marketing of mari smith
Mari Smith is one of the world’s leading social media thought leaders, widely recognized for her Facebook marketing expertise. She is the author of “The New Relationship Marketing” and coauthor of “Facebook Marketing: An Hour A Day”.
mari smith’s experience includes over twelve years in the fields of relationships, marketing and internet technology. A passionate social media leader since 2007, Mari travels across the US and internationally to deliver engaging social media keynotes and in-depth training for entrepreneurs and corporations.
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
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36. maximize your social media by neal schaffer
Neal Schaffer is a recognized leader in the world of business social media. In addition to being named one of marketing’s ten biggest thought leaders by CMO.com, Neal has also been recognized as a Forbes Top 50 Social Media Power Influencer as well as a Forbes Top 5 Social Sales Influencer.
As an author, Neal is best known for his definitive book on creating, implementing and optimizing social media strategies “Maximize Your Social Media: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Social Media Strategy for Marketing “. and business success” (wiley), but he has also published two other award-winning and critically acclaimed books on social media: “maximizing linkedin for sales and social media marketing” and “windmill networking: maximizing linkedin”. If you’re looking for a great social media strategy book to read in 2020, give it a try.
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
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37. engagement marketing by michael brito
Michael Brito has been building brands online since Al Gore invented the internet. He is a digital strategist, published author, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor, and avid 49ers and Lakers fan, with over 20+ years of experience helping brands break through the clutter and reach their target audience with laser-focused precision—the right story, at the right time, in the right channel, and with the right media. The result: game-changing, data-driven content.
This unique methodology requires a combination of audience intelligence, creative editorial content, and targeted paid media. She has worked and consulted with several fortune 500 companies implementing digital marketing programs globally and has created online communities before social media existed.
See Also: The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s Decade | Time
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choose your first book
We live in the digital age and a blog post can seem more efficient than reading a book. but if you really want to find out what you’re missing, you need to take the time and look at the details that make the difference. And when you’re ready to try out your new skills, planable is here to help you make things happen.
so pick your favorite books and never stop learning!
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