Content Rules (and boy does it!)

The Content Rules 

You will need to be a content creator and curator…or else you won't survive some of the new shifts in how people gather information, make buy decisions and build brand loyalty. 

We can't rely on others (mass media, press releases, other "official" sources) or hype to tell our story anymore.  It's our responsibility to tell our own stories and create content that helps people find us, understand us, and ultimately buy us.

This isn't a new topic for this blog — and if you're a regular reader, you know how vital I believe this is to marketing success today and down the road.

It's also the main thrust of the new book Content Rules by Ann Handley (Chief Content Officer for MarketingProfs), and C.C. Chapman (founder of DigitalDads). (click on title to buy the book from Amazon*)

I can hear you now…do we really need another "content is king" book?  Probably not.  This may not be the first book written on the topic, but it is definitely one of the best I have read.  It's fun to read, insightful and most important in my opinion — Ann and C.C. give you the tools to take action.

They set the stage by demonstrating why content matters and then quickly move into the how's.  A wide range of case studies, examples and stealable ideas will get your mind racing and the dog-eared pages multiplying.

I love the straightforward approach, the humor and the humanity of this book.  With chapter titles like Share or Solve; Don't Shill and If Webinars Are Awesome Marketing Tools, Why Do Most of Them Suck — you know you're going to learn a thing or two without having to dig through a lot of pretentious language or fluff.

The book itself is a living example of how potent content can be, when written for the reader, with their best interest at heart.  And that of course, is the kernel of truth that is the heart of content marketing. 

B-to-B your playground?  Have no fear — they take special care of you in this book with a chapter devoted just to you and plenty of B-to-B examples and case studies.

Seriously — you need to read and learn from this book.  Like now! 

Looking for the link to buy it? Here you go…click here.*

 

 

*Yup, it's an affiliate link.   

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10 comments on “Content Rules (and boy does it!)

  1. C.C. Chapman says:

    SO glad to read that you enjoyed the book and thanks for the kind words.

    You also shared what I know Ann and I hoped everyone would take away from reading the book and that is clear actions that any business can take after being inspired by the book. We both hated books that get you all jazzed but don’t give you anything more to actually go and DO what you are jazzed about.

    Thanks for sharing with your readers.

  2. C.C.

    I couldn’t agree with you more — a book that doesn’t help me implement isn’t on my “must read” list when it comes to business books.

    Fire me up…but then teach me how to do something with that new insight or direction.

    The book rocks, as I knew it would. It’s going to be one of the Bibles of the content topic — congrats!

    Drew

  3. Andy Nattan says:

    Excellent. Looks like this’ll be a great addition to my copywriting library.

  4. Ann Handley says:

    My favorite line in this whole review: “I love the straightforward approach, the humor and the humanity of this book.” That’s exactly what we strove for.. and I’m so glad it came across, loud and clear! Thank you Drew!! So happy you enjoyed it.

  5. Andy — you will love it and you’ll take copious notes. I promise.

    Drew

  6. Ann,

    You guys knocked it out of the park — loved how real and tangible the book was. And I loved that it sounds just like you guys talk. Brilliantly done!

    Drew

  7. Karin H. says:

    Trusting my personal Librarian I found the book on Amazon.co.uk and will have it by Monday.

    Looking forward to read it and more importantly: implemented in for our next marketing projects

    Karin H (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

  8. Karin,

    Please let me know what you think of it. Or better yet — how many ideas you write down or dog-ear from the book!

    Drew

  9. Billie,

    What were some of the other recommendations?

    Drew

  10. Peter,

    I’d be stunned if you didn’t enjoy the book AND take copious notes. It really is that good.

    Drew

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