3 great books that master PR, marketing and persuasion

If you like to be inspired by experts in your field, you’re in good company. Many of us will scour the internet, listen to TED talks or visit popular sites like Mashable or Hacker News for ideas and inspiration. Public relations is no different.

Stay on top of trends and social media channels but know the basics

With an industry changing at breakneck speed, it’s a great idea to look to the experts periodically for best practice, industry insight and the know-how techniques that keep us sharp.

Here are three of my favorite books on public relations and social media marketing.

Pitch Perfect: How to Say it Right the First Time, Every Time by Bill McGowan and Alisa Bowman

No matter how quickly technology changes the landscape, the tried and true principles of determination, persuasion and confidence remain the same. Bill McGowan will teach you the essentials of success, including holding an audience, avoiding verbal fender-benders and overcoming communication pitfalls. If you are working in PR, or any of the field that requires persuasive techniques, you will benefit from the advice of McGowan, who is a media coach and Emmy award-winning news correspondent. Available on Amazon.

500 Social Media Marketing Tips by Andrew Macarthy

No business should be on social media. That is until they have a social media strategy. Macarthy begins with that advice, providing essential strategy advice and how-to tips for businesses that want to increase their reach, visibility and sales. In fact, 500 social media tips! Updated in fall 2016, the book is up-to-date on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and many of the other most popular social media channels. Available on Amazon.

The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpartick

Marketing specialist and author Guy Kawasaki is at his prolific best here, offering 12 chapters of social media tips and advice, including how to establish your social media footprint, mastering various social media platforms and conquering marketing through social media. How to Avoid Looking Clueless is one of my favorite chapters. Available on Amazon.