It’s kind of shocking how small of a literary world some affiliates live in. If it doesn’t have the word “affiliate” in the title or description it must not be worth reading, right?
Not right.
It’s the other word in affiliate marketing that’s most important. You are a marketer. Online or offline, commission based or product sales based. It matters not. What matters is your marketing and sales acumen.
Sure some things are slightly different when you’re an affiliate. Most of the important things, the fundamental principles are not though.
We’re not talking about “universal” online marketing strategies here. We’re not talking about affiliate business models. We’re talking about fundamentals of marketing and sales. This is the spine, the backbone behind effectively connecting, communicating, and turning prospects into customers.
Here are several books to check out and expand your marketing mind with
#1 Influence by Robert Cialdini
This book changed everything. This introduced today’s commonplace marketing tactics like scarcity and social proof. Ever wonder why those sales pages are so damn effective (when done right)? Yeah it’s this guy’s fault.
If you read nothing else from this list of books – make sure you read this one.
#2 Purple Cow By Seth Godin
This one will forever hold a special place in my heart. You may even be able to extrapolate what it’s about just by the title…Seth discusses the importance of being different and unique in today’s marketplace.
How many of you are just swiping other people’s campaigns? How is that working out? Sometimes that strategy works and sometimes it doesn’t. What do you do when it doesn’t?
#3 The First Billion Is The Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America’s Energy Future By T. Boone Pickens
This suggestion is a departure from your average “must read” marketing books. While I may not agree with everything Mr. Pickens does – this book is fantastic. In fact just mentioning the title has got me excited to listen to it again (the audiobook version is awesome).
Mr. Pickens has – literally – a wealth of experience. His comebacks and success is infinitely inspirational. You’ll be shocked by his strategic mind.
#4 Made To Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die By Dan Heath & Chip Heath
Through a series of case studies the authors layout the factors that make an idea “sticky.” This is an important read for anyone looking for longevity in business.
The research that went into this book is very high level. It’s well done and an easy read. Well worth your time.
What marketing books have you read? Which have made the biggest impact on your business?
