5 Books You Should Read to Level-Up Your Social Media

If you're looking to level-up your social media marketing, here are 5 books we recommend you binge.

1. “Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller

If you read just one book covering marketing and social media, it needs to be this one! It offers a clear framework for businesses to clarify their message and effectively engage their audience. Miller emphasizes the importance of positioning your customers as the hero of the story, with the brand serving as the guide to help them overcome challenges and achieve success. Through practical examples and actionable steps, the book empowers readers to create compelling narratives that resonate with their target market and drive business growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The seven universal story points all humans vibe with.

• Customers' buying behavior.

• Learn how to create your brand’s message.

2. “United Breaks Guitars: The Power of One Voice in the Age of Social Media” by Dave Carroll

In 2008 singer-songwriter Dave Carroll took a flight on United Airlines to a show. Upon arrival, he discovered United’s baggage handlers had irreparably broken his $3.5k Taylor guitar. After nine months of fruitless back-and-forth with United refusing to cover the damages, Carroll wrote, “United Breaks Guitars,” and released the music video on YouTube.

Four days after its launching, the first million people had watched “United Breaks Guitars.” United stock went down 10 percent, shedding $180 million in value. United finally relented and offered to pay for the damaged guitar and promised to change their customer service policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Underscores the importance of proactive brand reputation management in the digital era.

• Viral content can rapidly shape global conversations. 

• Illustrates the need for social media managers to prioritize customer engagement and swift issue resolution to prevent potential reputation crises.

3. “The End of Marketing: Humanizing Your Brand in the Age of Social Media and AI” by Carlos Gil

This book delves into the evolving marketing landscape, advocating for a shift towards authentic human connections amidst the rise of social media and artificial intelligence. 

Gil explores how brands can navigate this digital era by prioritizing personalization, transparency, and genuine engagement to foster lasting relationships with their audience. Through practical insights and actionable strategies, the book guides readers on humanizing their brand's communication and staying relevant in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

• How to bring a human touch to the brand-customer relationship

• Breaking through the newsfeed algorithm

• Building smarter paid-strategy plans

4. See You On The Internet: Building Your Small Business With Digital Marketing by Avery Swartz

This is your comprehensive guide for small businesses looking to thrive in the digital landscape. Swartz provides practical strategies and insights on leveraging digital marketing tools to attract and retain customers, covering topics such as website optimization, social media marketing, and email campaigns. Through relatable examples and actionable advice, the book empowers readers to harness the power of digital marketing to grow their business and reach their target audience effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Modern etiquette for social media

• Reminder that your social strategy needs to be symbiotic with the rest of your online presence.

• Tailoring content for your audience and SEO.

5. “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin 

While this is not a book on social media, I believe it is important to include as working in social media can frequently lead to burnout. Sometimes chronically being online can stretch you thin and we have to remind ourselves to take a step back and find happiness off our phones. 

This book chronicles Rubin's year-long experiment to increase her overall happiness and well-being. Through a series of monthly resolutions focusing on different aspects of her life, Rubin explores various strategies and practices to cultivate happiness, from decluttering her home to strengthening relationships with loved ones. It’s a heart-warming read that inspires self-reflection

Key Takeaways:

• Make time for yourself and find what defines happiness for you.

• Small, manageable changes implemented consistently over time can lead to significant improvements in happiness and life satisfaction.

• Cultivating gratitude and mindfulness can help individuals appreciate the joy that surrounds them and get them through rough patches.

Happy reading! Drop us a comment and let us know your thoughts on any of the books we've featured above.

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