6 Must-Read Books for Social Media Managers

26 Jul 6 Must-Read Books for Social Media Managers

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or an aspiring SMMA rockstar, diving into the world of social media knowledge is key to staying ahead in this ever-evolving landscape. In this article, we will present a list of some great books about social media that will help equip you with the insights, strategies, and tactics needed to succeed in the space.

“Crushing It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk

“Crushing It!” is written by Gary Vaynerchuk (or Gary Vee), a successful entrepreneur and social media guru. Vaynerchuk shares insights, strategies, and real-life examples of how to leverage social media platforms and online content to create a thriving personal brand and business.

The book highlights the significance of utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more to effectively reach and engage with your intended audience. Vaynerchuk offers practical guidance on crafting captivating content, fostering follower engagement, and generating revenue through different channels, all while building and monetizing personal brands.

“Crushing It!” focuses on the power of authenticity, passion, and hard work in building a personal brand and turning it into a successful business. Vaynerchuk highlights the potential for anyone with dedication and a unique voice to leverage social media platforms as a means of self-expression, professional growth, and financial success.

“Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” by Gary Vaynerchuk

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World” is also written by Gary Vaynerchuk. The book explores the art of storytelling and effective content creation on social media platforms.

The title “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” is a metaphor derived from boxing. In social media terms, jabs refer to providing value and engaging with your audience consistently, while the right hook represents a well-timed ask or call to action.

Vaynerchuk emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances and context of each social media platform, tailoring content specifically for each platform’s unique characteristics. He provides insights on how to create compelling content that stands out in a noisy digital world.

The book features numerous examples and case studies of successful and unsuccessful social media campaigns from various brands. Vaynerchuk dissects these examples to highlight the dos and don’ts of social media storytelling, teaching readers how to capture attention, evoke emotions, and inspire action through their content.

“Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” serves as a practical guide for businesses and individuals seeking to improve their social media presence and engagement. It offers strategies and techniques to tell engaging stories, build relationships with followers, and ultimately drive desired outcomes on social media platforms.

“Contagious” by Jonah Berger

“Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” is written by Jonah Berger, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The book explores the factors that make ideas, products, and content contagious and how to leverage them to generate word-of-mouth and viral marketing.

Berger presents a framework called the STEPPS model, which stands for Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories. Each element represents a key principle that can contribute to the contagiousness of an idea or message.

Through real-life examples and research studies, Berger explains how certain ideas, products, or content become widely shared and talked about, while others do not. He delves into concepts like social influence, social proof, and the power of emotions in driving people to share and engage with content.

The book also provides practical tips and strategies for individuals and businesses looking to make their ideas contagious. Berger discusses the importance of creating content that is remarkable, triggers social sharing, evokes emotions, and incorporates storytelling elements.

“Contagious” offers valuable insights into understanding the psychology behind why certain things catch on and provides actionable advice for creating contagious content in the digital age. It is a useful resource for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of word-of-mouth and virality.

“The Art of Social Media” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick

“The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users” is a book co-authored by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick. The book provides practical guidance and strategies for individuals and businesses looking to effectively leverage social media platforms to build their brands, engage with audiences, and achieve their goals.

Kawasaki and Fitzpatrick share their expertise and insights gained from their extensive experience in the field of social media. The book covers a wide range of topics, offering tips and techniques for maximizing the impact of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.

“The Art of Social Media” emphasizes the importance of creating compelling and shareable content, building an engaged following, and establishing a strong online presence. It provides advice on content creation, platform-specific best practices, automation tools, social media analytics, and managing online communities.

The book also explores effective strategies for increasing reach and visibility, enhancing engagement, and leveraging social media to support business objectives. It offers insights into the evolving landscape of social media, including emerging trends and platforms.

“The Art of Social Media” is a practical and accessible guide that aims to empower individuals and businesses with the knowledge and tools to navigate the ever-changing world of social media successfully. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to optimize their social media presence and harness the full potential of these platforms.

“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini

“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” is written by Robert Cialdini, a renowned psychologist and expert in the field of persuasion and influence. This book explores the psychological principles behind why people are influenced and how to ethically apply these principles in various settings.

Cialdini identifies six key principles of influence that guide human behavior:

1) Reciprocity: The idea that people feel obligated to give back when they receive something. Understanding and utilizing the principle of reciprocity can help individuals and businesses build relationships and gain cooperation.

2) Commitment and Consistency: People have a desire to be consistent with their past actions and commitments. By leveraging this principle, persuaders can encourage others to make commitments and follow through on them.

3) Social Proof: People tend to look to others for guidance on how to behave in uncertain situations. The principle of social proof suggests that demonstrating evidence of others’ actions or opinions can influence individuals to align with the behavior or beliefs of the majority.

4) Liking: People are more likely to be influenced by individuals they like and find attractive. Building rapport, finding common ground, and establishing positive connections can enhance persuasive efforts.

5) Authority: People tend to respect and obey figures of authority. Demonstrating expertise, credentials, and credibility can enhance persuasive influence.

6) Scarcity: People value things more when they perceive them as rare or in limited supply. Creating a sense of scarcity or exclusivity can motivate individuals to take action.

“Influence” delves into these principles, providing real-life examples, experiments, and practical applications to illustrate how they can be harnessed ethically in various contexts, such as sales, marketing, negotiations, and everyday interactions.

The book offers valuable insights into the psychology of persuasion and equips readers with a deeper understanding of how and why people are influenced. It serves as a guide navigate the complex dynamics of influence and apply these principles effectively and ethically.

“Hug Your Haters” by Jay Baer

“Hug Your Haters” is written by Jay Baer, a renowned customer service and marketing expert. The book focuses on the importance of embracing customer complaints and feedback in the digital age and provides strategies for turning negative interactions into positive outcomes.

Baer emphasizes that customer complaints and negative feedback are opportunities for businesses to improve their products, services, and overall customer experience. He argues that addressing complaints effectively can lead to increased customer loyalty and advocacy.

The book also explores the rise of social media and online review platforms, where customers have a public platform to voice their opinions and grievances. Baer provides insights and case studies to illustrate the impact of customer complaints and the potential consequences of mishandling them.

“Hug Your Haters” introduces a framework for dealing with customer feedback, categorizing haters into two groups: “offstage” and “onstage” haters. Offstage haters complain in private channels like email or phone calls. While onstage haters voice their grievances publicly on social media or review platforms.

Baer offers practical advice on how to respond to both offstage and onstage haters, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and empathizing with their concerns. He provides guidance on how to provide effective responses, engage in constructive dialogue, and resolve issues promptly and transparently.

The book also highlights the significance of monitoring and measuring customer feedback to identify trends and make informed business decisions. Baer emphasizes the power of turning dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates through genuine care and exceptional customer service.

“Hug Your Haters” serves as a guide for businesses looking to improve their customer service and embrace feedback in the digital era. It provides strategies and insights to help organizations transform customer complaints into opportunities for growth and build stronger relationships with their customers.

From personal branding to viral content and persuasive influence, these books about social media hold the information you need to bring out your true potential. So, grab a cup of coffee, cozy up with these must-reads, and prepare to revolutionize your social media presence. It’s time to elevate your game and become a social media superstar!