Was reading more books in 2016 one of your New Year's resolutions? It can be easy to say that you'll make more time for reading, but in reality, it can be difficult finding quality time to get stuck into a good book.
However, summer can be the perfect time to catch up on your reading. With all that time relaxing on a sun lounger, you'll whizz through your reading list in no time.
But what type of book do you normally pick? If you often just look to the latest novels in the charts, why not consider a social media related book? Not only will it mean you'll go back to work feeling relaxed and refreshed, but you'll also feel motivated and fully informed.
There are lots of books to choose from and so below, we've selected some of our favorite social media reads:
- Social Media Explained:
Untangling the World's Most Misunderstood Business Trend
by Mark W. Schaefer
If you're baffled by social media then start by reading Social Media Explained. This book does exactly what it says on the cover. Mark explains key strategies that you could try in your business and answers some of the most common questions that are often on people's minds when they start delving into the realms of social media. It's a fun book to read and it isn't bogged down in complicated jargon, so it's definitely a good one to start with this summer.
- Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook:
How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World
by Gary Vaynerchuk
If you work in social media, then you's likely already have come across the best-selling author and entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk. His book, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook is a must read. Gary walks you through how you can connect with customers, despite facing stiff competition in a social world. This is actually Gary's third best-seller and so we'd recommend taking a look at some of his other books too, such as "Ask Gary Vee". Some are now even in audio book format, where you can't help but get wrapped up in Gary's contagious enthusiasm (and have your hands free for ice cream).
- The New Rules of Marketing and PR:
How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly
by David Meerman Scott
The New Rules of Marketing and PR is an extremely popular read - it's sold over 350,000 copies and is now on its 5th edition. David explains to readers how you can use mediums like social media, blogs and press releases to reach out to customers. The book is packed full of case studies and helpful real-world examples and has been updated to include all the latest sites such as Snapchat and Periscope. If you enjoy reading this, David is now the proud author of 10 books.
- Likeable Social Media:
How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (and Other Social Networks)
by Dave Kerpen
If you want more insight into how to succeed at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any social network for that matter, then read this informative book from Dave Kerpen. Dave explains how instead of just selling to your customers, you can harness the power of word-of-mouth marketing to transform your business for the better.
- Everybody Writes:
Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
by Ann Handley
We're constantly being told how important content is; whether we're creating a poster, updating our website, or using social media. It's therefore important to make sure our writing skills are up to scratch. Ann's book, "Everybody Writes" is the perfect go-to guide, to help you create good content in order to communicate effectively with your customers. It's packed full of expert advice and interesting insights, to help you to improve your skills.
So, that's our 5 top social media books to add to your holiday shopping list. Of course, there are 100's of books to choose from, but this is a good starting point. Social media is also constantly changing and so don't forget to keep looking out for all the latest releases. Or, if you've managed to flick your way through this lot, then you could expand your reading to some business related books.