What's Your Favorite Search Engine Marketing Book?

[Nacho]

If you could only recommend someone one book on "search engine marketing", which one would it be? Why?

Here is a list of recommended books:

Search Engine Advertising (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735713995/sedacommunica-20/102-6205715-8356920): Buying Your Way to the Top to Increase Sales (Voices That Matter). By Catherine Seda
Paperback: 368 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.66 x 8.92 x 7.00
Publisher: Pearson Education; (February 24, 2004)
ISBN: 0735713995
Price: $20.39
Search Engine Visibility (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735712565/qid=1093228967/sr=ka-2/ref=pd_ka_2/104-4679790-7121514). By Shari Thurow
Paperback: 320 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.60 x 9.18 x 7.02
Publisher: New Riders; 1st edition (December 30, 2002)
ISBN: 0735712565
Price: $20.39
Search Engine Marketing: The essential best practice guide (http://www.search-engine-book.co.uk/). By Mike Grehan.
Paperback: 2nd Edition with over 350 pages
Price: $97.00
21 Ways to Maximize Google AdWords Profits (http://www.page-zero.com/products_asroi.asp?hop=sewf) by Andrew Goodman
153 pages
Price $69.00 On sale now for $49.00
The Nitty Gritty of Search Engine Optimization (http://www.highrankings.com/cb-seo-writing.htm?hop=sewf). By Jill Whalen
eBook download 23 pages. Well worth every sentence.
Price: $49.00
SEO Book (http://www.search-marketing.info/literature/seo-book.htm) by Aaron Wall
eBook download 126 pages.
Price: $39.99

[Mikkel deMib Svendsen]

I think Shari's book may be a good choice - depending on what level you start from. But then again, I am probably colored by the fact that I did technical editing on that book - maybe it's just that I happen to know it better than the rest :)

Actually, there are a few of them I haven't read (yet) but I would not hesitate to recommend Andrew Goodman and Jil Whalens books - but they are not "full seo/sem" books (and was not written to be) and therefor would not serve well as the only book to read.

I don't really think there is one book that I could say to anyone, at any level, that would teach him all he need. It takes several good books - and then some. Even though there are indeed some great books on the market there are still room for many more - there are many areas and topics that are not covered very well yet.

There is one very important book, though, that I do not see on the list. Well, it's not really any specific book but rather a topic (there are so many books available that covers this): Basic HTML!

I will claim that almost anyone can learn HTML in a couple of weeks. This is the basics of how most of the www have been served, and the food that spiders have been eating for many, many years. I don't know how anyone can claim to be able to do any organic SEO unless they know at least some basic HTML.

[NFFC]

>I will claim that almost anyone can learn HTML in a couple of weeks

I started with a Sams learn HTML in a weekend book, it took about two weeks.

I stopped there too [at chapter 7 which was about frames]:)

>I don't know how anyone can claim to be able to do any organic SEO unless they know at least some basic HTML.

169% agree.

[Mikkel deMib Svendsen]

I stopped there too [at chapter 7 which was about frames]

I actually did the frames chapters too - and a few more. I ended up in my first job as a programmer at a web agency having to code and recode almost 15,000 web pages by hand. So in 6 month time I got the basics :)

Did you know that you can make an almost endless number of nested frames - just like tables. In fact, this is one of the only ways to push content around objects on a page in a way where you can fully control load order. However, not particular search engine friendly... or user friendly for that sake ... or programmer friendly. In fact, it really sucks, so you did not miss much jumping that chapter :D

[Jill Whalen]

I would also recommend Shari's book to newbies who are just starting out with a site that they want to also be found in the engines.

And agreed, if you're gonna even think about being an SEO you gotta know at least some HTML. (I'm gonna say that I agree 170% just so I can outdo NFFC ;) )

[rustybrick]

Shari's book is an excellent book to get people who are new to SEO off on a good start.

Mike's book is a book that can take an established SEO to a new level. It is a bit outdated, but his 3rd version is coming out soon. And if you buy the 2nd version now, you get the 3rd version for free. The basics on Mike's book still are valid, and one can learn a tremendous amount from reading it.

[rustybrick]

I've also read Catherine Seda's book, very well done. Good for the PPC people out there.

I am about to read SEO Book's book. I am 80% done with Mike's book. Shari's book I've read a long time ago.

I would also recommend Building Your Business with Google For Dummies. It has some inaccuracies (IMO) with the SEO side. But its a fun book to read, plus has some good quotes in there. :)

[Joseph Morin]

Not really a SEO book, but 'Google Hacks' offers some interesting history on Google and some good searching techniques.

[GlobalSEO]

Given some of the comments on these books.... what would you like to see in a "good seo/sem book that is not in any of these?

[Nacho]

Given some of the comments on these books.... what would you like to see in a "good seo/sem book that is not in any of these?

This is my wish "Search Engine Optimizing Toward The Hispanic Community (http://www.webpronews.com/insiderreports/searchinsider/wpn-49-20040831SearchEngineOptimizingTowardTheHispanicCom munity.html)" and if I can only find the time, I will write about about it.

[nima1353]

I have been busy reading the new book by Mike Moran entitled Search Engine Marketing Inc (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/item.asp?Item=978013185292&Catalog=Books&Ntt=search+engine+marketing+inc&N=35&Lang=en&Section=books&zxac=1)..

It is by far one of the best books I have read on the subject. It covers both organic and paid search engine optimization and marketing.

It is a must read....

Regards,

Nima

[Daria_Goetsch]

Yes, the book by Mike Moran and Bill Hunt, Search Engine Marketing, Inc. is a great book. I helped review it before publishing. Especially helpful for corporations training in-house SEO's.

[John Thyfault]

It nice comprehesive look at SEO and SEM.

While I didn't find anything completely new, it was arranged in such a logical and organized way that it helped to make my life easier.

The keyword research tools/spreadsheats were very good particuallry

[Nacho]

And I have almost completed reading:
Call to Action: Secret Formulas to Improve Online Results (Hardcover)
by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffery Eisenberg
List Price: $25.95
You want to take your time reading this book. I almost wrote a book of my own of notes and ideas just by reading this book. It is very inspirational and has direct point of action tactics and techniques. It's very illustrative and practical. This is one of my favorite books now and a must recommend.

I just bought these 4 books this week and will become by next 3 months reading homework. :)
The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture [Hardcover]
By: John Battelle
List Price: $25.95

Search Engine Marketing, Inc. : Driving Search Traffic to Your Company's Web Site [Paperback]
By: Mike Moran, Bill Hunt
List Price: $49.99

Winning Results with Google AdWords (One-Off) [Paperback]
By: Andrew Goodman
List Price: $24.99

Google Power: Unleash the Full Potential of Google [Paperback]
By: Chris Sherman
List Price: $24.99

[nicncher]

I have read Andrew Goodman's "21 Ways...." and would highly recommend it to anyone getting started with Adwords. I was wondering if anyone can recommend any other books specifically on PPC and/or Adwords or if anyone has any reviews on Andrew Goodman's new book: "Winning Results With Google Adwords"?

Thanks

Cher

[seomike]

Jk Bowman told me to buy Mike Grehans book a year ago. Best SE book I've read so far. It has helped me build better sites. It also clears up everything you need to know about THEMES. Which is probably the most misunderstood aspect of optimizing larger sites.

Very good read.

[HuckerNut]

Found this one that was just about Google seo -

SEO For Google (http://seoforgoogle.com) by Paul Bliss
eBook - Price: $59.95

[oddcomments]

The one chapter I read from Aaron Wall’s SEO Book ( http://www.search-marketing.info/literature/seo-book.htm) (there’s a free chapter on his site somewhere) was very informational. However, it is $79 (not $39 as stated) and I am philosophically opposed to paying that much money for something I can’t hold in my hands ...unless, of course I spend another $79 on paper & ink to print it ;-)

[webprofessor]

I read Aarons SEO Book and it has helped me quite a bit ( esp the link building section ). I did think that it could have been written better, it is essentially a collection of notes loosly strung together.

Thats the only one I can comment on.

[type0]

I first purchased Web Word Wizardry, by Rachel McAlpine. A lot of good points on writing for the web. Some of it is a little outdated but still some good guidelines.

I also really got a lot of good information from Peter Kent's book, Search Engine Optimization for Dummies.

I just recently purchased Shari's book and especially liked her in depth knowledge of directories and submitting to them.

Thanks for the list above. I'll check out those as well.

SEO books are good to get your foot in the door on learning SEO, but most of my extended knowledge comes from forums, blogs, and especially my own research and measurement. Nothing beats your own observations from testing.

Cheers

[webprofessor]

SEO books are good to get your foot in the door on learning SEO,... [snip] ... Nothing beats your own observations from testing.


That my friend is the best answer yet

[Chris Boggs]

OK I'll toot my own horn...even though this may not be up to the level of the other books mentioned so far in this thread, I am pretty proud of it as an introductory (and free) SEM Book. Find it at one of our properties that deals with email marketing (http://www.targetware.com/seo-book/index.html). :)

[Johannes S]

You might also try our free SEO ebook (http://www.axandra-web-site-promotion-software-tool.com/free-search-engine-optimization-ebook.htm) (tooting my own horn :)) .

[AussieWebmaster]

I just ordered Bill Hunt's book... but if it turns out to be a verbatim copy of his SES presentations I am going to burn it in protest at the next SES!

[GlobalSEO]

Thanks AussieWebmaster for buying the book... looking for ward to the review. If it is a mirror image I will bring the matches to my session in Chicago and we can burn it. :eek:

It is nearly 600 pages so I added a few "new words" to it that were not in my sessions :)

That was actually one of the "motivations" behind actually writing the book. I had a number of people who had asked me to write a more detailed narrative of the sessions from the various SES shows. Those requests with a 300 page manual we have been using to train our clients for the past few years made it seem like an easy task to write a book. I was very wrong but writing it with Mike Moran helped me get through it.

The hardest thing about a traditional book is keeping it updated that is why a book like Aaron's works well since it is always current.

Thank you to everyone else who has bought the book. We were just approved for a 2nd printing and looks like this book is on its way to being the best selling [traditionally published] book on search marketing. In the 2nd printing we were able to add information on Google Site Maps and update some stats that were outdated after nearly a year of trying to get the finished product out the door.

Looking forward to all comments good and bad about the book.

[jkosoglow]

I get e-mail daily from this person. Has anyone purchased his book? If so, what do you think?

[crunchtime]

I am relatively new to SEO, what makes Shari's book so spectacular?

[rustybrick]

I am relatively new to SEO, what makes Shari's book so spectacular?
Its simplicity.

[crunchtime]

Simplicity works for me. I will check this one out. Thanks.

[Chris Boggs]

Simplicity works for me. I will check this one out. Thanks.

rusty do you have an aff. arrangement? :p

[St0n3y]

OK, what is Bill Hunt's book called, and where do I get a copy?

600 words? I hope there are lots of picuturs. I like pictures. Pop-up pictures are even cooler! :D

[rustybrick]

rusty do you have an aff. arrangement? :p
I deserve one! :eek: But, no, I don't.

[grnidone]

Aaron Wall's e-book is great. It talks not only about basic seo, but also basic marketing. It is wonderful for getting the creative marketing juices flowing. It is constantly updated, and free for non-profits and classrooms.

www.seobook.com

[sportsguy]

I have read both Google hacks editions - interesting, but not really for the SEO mind.

I have read Search Engine Optimization for Dummies - very simple, thorough coverage of the good & bad things which can be done. Peter Kent also goes out of his way to at least warn you if the tactic is likely to cause problems. - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764567586/qid=1126786726/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3757979-2460701?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I also have a subscription to Planet Ocean's Search Engine News - http://www.searchenginenews.com/

The first time you download the e-book (181 pages) it's great - lots of detail on all the tricks - the book is slanted white-hat, but explians all the black hat stuff so you can understand what you're sometimes seeing in results - why others rank well.

Each month I get a new password and any updates on changes to the engines. For the most part, the content of the e-book stays the same with small revisions, so even if you only had one copy, it's still owrth the price. (IIRC, roughly $100 USD).

One thing I will note, though, which seems to be a trend now for me, is that every SEO book I read covers the basics very well...but since the basics never really change, it's more review for me than anything else.

As mentioned elsewhere, there comes a point where practical experience starts becoming the best teacher for the most up-to-date tweaks.

OK - I just posted this to realize this is my first ever post here...LOL I am apparently a loser. happy to come in and read for th elongest time now, but never shared anything with folks. I am humbled... :(

I post like mad elsewhere...I feel so noobish...

[Chris Boggs]

OK - I just posted this to realize this is my first ever post here...LOL I am apparently a loser. happy to come in and read for th elongest time now, but never shared anything with folks. I am humbled...

I post like mad elsewhere...I feel so noobish...
Welcome oh noobian one! :D Glad to have you here and good insight about having to be "in the mix" to really keep up-to-date.

[AussieWebmaster]

Bill's book is called Search Engine Marketing, Inc. put out by IBM Press and you canb get it from amazon....
His co-author is Mike Moran ... just got my copy and will be reading it this weekend. 560 pages but minus index and forward etc.... 496.

[St0n3y]

Bill's book is called Search Engine Marketing, Inc. put out by IBM Press and you canb get it from amazon....
His co-author is Mike Moran ... just got my copy and will be reading it this weekend. 560 pages but minus index and forward etc.... 496.
Thank you.

[Nacho]

I just bought these 4 books this week and will become by next 3 months reading homework. :)
The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture [Hardcover]
By: John Battelle
List Price: $25.95

Search Engine Marketing, Inc. : Driving Search Traffic to Your Company's Web Site [Paperback]
By: Mike Moran, Bill Hunt
List Price: $49.99

Winning Results with Google AdWords (One-Off) [Paperback]
By: Andrew Goodman
List Price: $24.99

Google Power: Unleash the Full Potential of Google [Paperback]
By: Chris Sherman
List Price: $24.99
In post #14 I had mentioned that I bought these books. Since I can't read them all at once, work, travel, family and so on I had to stick to a couple to start.

The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture is far than outstanding. John Battelle's explanation of the "Database of Intentions" throughout the book clears up so many questions I've had about how search functions in users daily lives as well as how important search will remain as Google and other search engines index different file-type formats to interact with everything we do. I'm excited to see what will happen as search engines reach levels of real-time crawling and methods to increase relevancy in the future. I could not keep the book down, it's easy to comprehend and puts your brain into full throttle. This is a must read for anyone in our industry.

The second book, Winning Results with Google AdWords by Andrew Goodman I have not yet completed. I'm about half way in the book. I'm amazed at how much productivity potential I can reach from reading it. There is so much more about Adwords to make campaigns more efficient that I can do. I almost can't believe that Andrew gives so many trade secrets all away in his book..... he's going to put himself out of business :eek: Well I'm sure there is a lot more, so I'll keep reading the book and be happy to report more when I finish.

[grasshopper]

Mike's book is a book that can take an established SEO to a new level. It is a bit outdated, but his 3rd version is coming out soon.... The basics on Mike's book still are valid, and one can learn a tremendous amount from reading it.

i couldn't agree more. i wouldn't necessarily recommend it to someone just starting out (a bit too much like drinking out of a fire hose), but for someone who's established, the depth of information is outstanding. looking forward to the 3rd edition.

[holladay]

I found Tom Friedman's recent "The World is Flat" to eluminate the influence of search on business and society much like Battelle. I read Battelle just after Friedman which turned out to be a nice segway. While Battelle certainly traces, in detail, the evolution and societal impact of search, Friedman frequently alludes(and devotes one section) to search, which places it in the much larger context of globalization. He goes so far as to group it as one of his main "Flatteners of the world"(along with the fall of the berlin wall etc...). While both books are worth a read in their own right, I found reading both sequentially to be a bonus.

[AussieWebmaster]

Bill's book is a solid read and very detailled... I would highly recommend anyone working with a large scale website to make this a must read...

everyone can learn from this one...

[Abraham]

Here is a list of the SEO and SEM book I have read

Here is a list of recommended books:
Search Engine Marketing: The essential best practice guide. By Mike Grehan.


The Nitty Gritty of Search Engine Optimization. By Jill Whalen

SEO Book by Aaron Wall
eBook

Search Engine Success Guide book. By Giovanni Gastelum.

[Matt B]

For any field, it is always good to get a sense of the history and the background. The ClueTrain Manifesto is one that captures the essence of marketing on the internet and how it is returning society to the marketplace where individuals can meet and discuss ideas, rather than being marketed to by corporate rhetoric.

I think any student of web marketing should have this book as required reading, as it challenges many of the "accepted" ideas.

The Cluetrain Manifesto: Searls, Locke, Levine & Weinberger.

[Chris Boggs]

Matt..thanks for the suggestion, that's sounds like a very interesting book.

[bragadocchio]

Okay, so it's light on marketing, and heavy on search engines, but I like this one in addition to many of the books already mentioned in this thread:

Mining the Web
Discovering Knowledge from Hypertext Data (http://www.cse.iitb.ac.in/%7Esoumen/mining-the-web/)

It tends toward the technical side, and if you were interested in building a search engine, this might be a good book to start with. :)