9 Social Media Books You Must Read to Stay Ahead of the Curve

If you are a social media manager, then it is important to stay updated with all the latest industry trends, digital marketing tools and tactics to increase your brand reach, visibility and growth.

All social media managers have to be flexible enough and always ready to experiment with new tactics or trying out any latest technology, tool or app to stay competitive.

In addition, you need to update your social media marketing strategy according to the needs and wants of your customers. To survive in this competitive digital marketing space, you need to show willingness to share insights and solve your customers’ pain points.

One of the effective and simplest ways to stay abreast and learn about latest trends and strategies is to learn from case studies of successful brands, read informative blogs, guide, attend webinars, workshops, conferences and follow popular Twitter accounts to get the latest insights and information.

Related Read: Calling All Social Media Managers! Avoid These Instagram Marketing Mistakes

Another easiest way is to read social media marketing books to get great information and keep current.

Here I’ve listed 9 best social media marketing books that every social media manager should read to stay competitive and knowledgeable. Enjoy!

1. “Likeable Social Media” by Dave Kerpen

"Be likeable, not disruptive" @DaveKerpen #likeablesocialmedia #BUSM15 pic.twitter.com/UeWYvMiT1D

— Laurie Bullock (@Laurie_bullock) September 9, 2015

In this book, author Dave Kerpen explored how to listen to your customers so that you can deliver valuable content to your customers. Using easy steps and clear how-to instructions, Kerpen provides his readers with all the important information and tools necessary to engage customers in a digital world. He helps marketers to leverage the human side of your brand by sharing very practical and concise information.

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

Look what happens to be a top pick at Barnes & Nobles@garyvee #jabjabjab pic.twitter.com/Br1xXwVkxK

— Dan Perdue (@danperdue) October 31, 2015

Most social media managers find it very challenging to get their brand message heard. The massive volume of content that are shared every fraction of second makes it more difficult. You need to work hard to make sure you are creating unique and valuable content. Businesses can cut through the social noise and convey their message by using the power of storytelling.

In his book, Gary Vaynerchuk shows how to adapt your content to specific channels, how to effectively share your brand story especially when there is a plethora of social media platforms. He explains his readers how to keep current with this ever-changing nature of social media landscape.

3. Social IMC: Social Strategies with Bottom-Line ROI By Randy Hlavac

Social Strategies with Bottom-Line ROI, Social IMC overview #socialmktg https://t.co/DBTCbxisJH via @YouTube

— Paula O'Brien, M.Ed. (@nhpaulao1) January 2, 2017

It is important to have a solid social media marketing plan, but it is more important to know how the plan actually benefits your business. Randy Hlavac explains in his book that there are lots of books present that explain the theories behind the use of social media and mobile apps, but this book is different.

Hlavac provides effective strategies and proven tactics that can bring great results. He advises how to build a social media strategy and how to boost sales and profit.

4. Hug Your Haters By Jay Baer

"Hug Your Haters" by Jay Baer #biz #summerreading reco from @WestVanLibrary Use #sbalibrary to add to the list pic.twitter.com/g06N4IW2wu

— SBA BC (@sba_bc) July 16, 2016

Believe it or not, if you want to succeed, you need to master one of the most important areas – social media customer service. Jay Baer’s book is a perfect choice for Social media managers who want to master this art. As we all know that ignoring your followers or delay in responding is the pathetic business approach. You need to know exactly how to deal with your customers.

In his book, Baer explains how you can deal with your brand haters and how to turn a negative experience into a positive one that can work for you and your brand.

5. Purple Cow By Seth Godin

Don't miss the Purple Cow. Incredible book by Seth Godin. Introducing a new P into the P's of business. The "Purple Cow." pic.twitter.com/zIeSvyg5tj

— NOJOKEJ (@officialnojokej) September 26, 2017

In his book, author Seth Godin wants to change the way people think about marketing. It can be daunting for social media managers to create original, unique content every day, so sometimes you need a purple cow. According to Seth Godin, Purple Cow is something phenomenal, exiting, counter interactive and unbelievable. Consumers see a lot of boring stuff every day, but you can delight your customers with Purple Cow. Create your own purple cow with exciting social media content ideas.

6. Content Strategy for the Web By Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach

Book report: Content Strategy for the Web https://t.co/rnHKFJ2iBO #ux via @whistlestudios pic.twitter.com/1AmsuJfgcS

— Drew Lepp (@drewlepp) February 13, 2016

Social media is indeed an integral part of content marketing; therefore, it is critically important for social media marketers to mastering the art of content strategy. Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach explain how to devise a perfect content marketing strategy in their book. They share their experiences and expertise on everything required to content. The authors also share some persuasion tactics for those who think that content strategy is not important for their business.

7. Thinking, Fast and Slow By Daniel Kahneman

A book a day 📚 "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman. Professor Luís Almeida Costa reading suggestion #novasbe #mondayinspiration pic.twitter.com/oENg9Eddzt

— Nova SBE (@NovaSBE) October 9, 2017

Being a social media marketer, you should clearly know what your customers want, what drives them to choose your brand? When it comes to crafting content, you should keep these important things in mind. In his book, Daniel Kahneman explains these idea in detail. He got a Nobel Prize for his work on decision making, he is an expert in human behavior that nearly every social media marketer needs to understand to delight their customers.

8. Contagious: Why Things Catch On By Jonah Berger

I liked a @YouTube video https://t.co/fyvrj6mEJg CONTAGIOUS: WHY THINGS CATCH ON BY JONAH BERGER | ANIMATED REVIEW

— King IℳPRINT (@KingImprint) May 3, 2017

Getting your brand message heard and improving your online presence are one of the main goals for most social media managers. Jonah Berger explains six contagious traits in his book that influence everything from your products to social media content. Marketers can learn how to use these qualities to create your own unique, shareable content.

9. Think Like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter

"Think Like Zuck" is a highly motivating book emphasizing focus, passion, and more. Great read! #QuickBookReview pic.twitter.com/jD5u6ULfMV

— Duckie's Book Nook (@book_duckie) July 7, 2016

In her book, Ekaterina Walter beautifully explains the success story of the top social media channel Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg. The book includes real life experiences of Zuckerberg to inspire entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs and motivate them to reach their full potential professionally.

Ekaterina explains how intelligently Facebook used five P’s of marketing, passion, purpose, people, product and partnerships. Digital marketers, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to move ahead in their career and interested in learning how Facebook has gained this unbelievable success can read this amazing book.

You have to stay updated in order to be successful in the social media and content marketing landscape. Your social media team needs to stay ahead of the curve by reading industry-defining books. Though theory can become obsolete, the above mentioned social media marketing books are amazing sources for building a solid foundation of great ideas and skills.