As 2009 draws to a close, we are all readying ourselves for a barrage of different top 10 lists and countdowns: best dressed, best movies, top 10 most influential people, best music, top 100 websites, best cheese…well, you get the idea.

Since this blog is all about online marketing and social media is a major part of that landscape at the moment, I thought I would do my own top 10 list (ok…stop groaning….it will be helpful, I promise!)

Since many of us (yes, I know you are out there) are still looking for the best book on social media…as well as those last minute gift ideas, I wanted to publish the results of a study that I held via my friends and social media connections on Linkedin and Facebook.  I polled over 5,000 people and simply asked “What’s the best book on social media out there.”  And here, my friends, are the results.

Please note that when I heartily endorse a title, I’ll put a star after the book title.  If that is the case, run not walk to pick up a copy (I kid, I kid…I just think they are a bit more straightforward when it comes to educating).

The list goes from the title receiving the most votes to the one that received the least….but no book is any less important.  All the books listed are excellent resources and are definitely worth a look if you or your company is looking to take you online marketing game to the next level.

1. Groundswell (by Charlene Li): This title was the overwhelming winner in the poll.  Although not one of my personal favorites, I cannot argue that wonderful case studies and the concise, direct approach of the book.  It is so small but packed with so much useful information.

2. Trust Agents* (by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith): This was the second place winner and my own personal favorite.  A great book filled with straight forward advice, no nonsense action plans and most importantly it focuses on many of the ethical aspects we can sometimes forget when marketing via social media channels.  Love it!

3. The New Rules of Marketing and PR* (David Meerman Scott): Our third place winner is a definite must-have for marketers and non-marketers alike. This book is packed with straight talk from DMS on how to really ride the wave rather than having it crash on top of you (ok, enough of the surfing imagery).

4. Social Media Marketing in an Hour a Day* (Dave Evans): Are you a Marketing VP desperate to find a way  to prove the effectiveness of social media marketing to the big boss?  If that is the case, then this is ABSOLUTELY your book.  It contains a great blueprint for pitching upper management on the importance of taking the leap into the social media world.

5. Crush It (Gary Vaynerchuck): Got heaps of passion and want to cash in?  If this is your outlook, our fifth place book is the perfect fit for you!

6. Inbound Marketing: Getting Found Using Google, Social Media and Blogs* (Brian Halligan, Dharmesh Shah and David Meerman Scott): The title is uber popular with the folks polled and I can understand why – it is written by those innovators at HubSpot.  My advice, check out HubSpot first and if you like what you see, get the book.  In my opinion both are a slam dunk.

7. The New Community Rules* (Tamar Weinberg): If you are looking for a great read packed with facts, figures, case studies and applicable information…check Tamar’s book out.  I love it!

8. The Social Media Bible* (Lon Safko and David K. Brake): If you are a marketer, I really suggest going out and buying this book.  This book is a great quick reference guide to all of the different online avenues, their strengths and weaknesses in addition to what they can mean to your business.  A great way to group information and understand concepts quicker.  Highly recommended!

9. Six Pixels of Separation (Mitch Joel): Another  popular book with the masses, this one focuses on blending the world of social media, marketing, digital marketing, branding and more.

10. Socialnomics (Erik Qualman): If you are someone who likes a more research based approach at explaining how the social media is affecting our professional and personal culture, this book is for you.  Not my cup of tea, but still packed to the brim with terrific, useful information.

Honorable Mentions: these books were just outside of the top ten…meaning they are still worth it!

  • The Whuffie Factor (Tara Hunt)
  • Me 2.0 (Dan Schwabel)
  • Tribes (Seth Godin)
  • The Viral Loop (Adam L. Penenberg)
  • Twitter Power* (Joel Comm)
  • The Virtual Handshake (David Tetan and Scott Allen)
  • Twitterville (Shel Israel)

Ok, that’s it!  My sincere hope is that this list gives you a touch of inspiration to pick up one of these wonderful titles and learn more about this wonderful world of online marketing.  Or, at the very least, this list can give you a last minute gift idea for a hard to shop for relative, friend or loved one.  Happy reading!  Oh yeah, I almost forgot!  If you have a online marketing book that has absolutely changed your life, please leave it in the comments section below!

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