Book Review: Content Rules

I can't rave enough about Content Rules, the new book by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman. Here's what the book is about. My review follows.

Whether it's bite-sized tweets that allow you to forge relationships on Twitter, blog posts that give your readers must-have advice, ebooks or white papers that engage (and don't bore), videos that share the human side of your company, interactive webinars that deliver a valuable learning experience, or podcasts that can be downloaded and listened to on the fly (and more!) . . . now more than ever, content rules!

Today, you have an unprecedented opportunity to create a treasury of free, easy-to-use, almost infinitely customizable content that tells the story of your product and your business, and positions you as an expert people will want to do business with.

Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman, business writers, speakers, and marketing thought leaders for clients such as The Coca-Cola Company, HBO, and Verizon Fios, show you how to leverage all of today's tools to create content that truly speaks to your audience.

My review:

Packed with verve, zero-B.S. insights, tangible examples and success stories, Content Rules absolutely delivers on its promise of providing a practical and achievable road map for businesses to embrace -- and celebrate! -- content-fueled marketing. Especially heartening is its applicability far beyond the affluent walls of big business; independent businesses and creators will especially benefit from this book.

There's wisdom in Ann Handley's and C.C. Chapman's words, mostly because they hail from the gumption-soaked world of content creation themselves. These authors do far more than pay lip service to the value of content -- they breathe it and create it every day.

I rarely endorse books without reservation, but Content Rules is one of those works that is truly a Must Read for businesses, indies, salty creative veterans and curious newcomers. The book is brimming with incalculably valuable anecdotes, how-tos, and hard-earned advice. A steal, at any price.

As a seasoned creator who uses content as a marketing tool to promote his work, I cannot recommend Content Rules more highly. Pick up a copy at Amazon. You won't regret it.

--J.C.

HEY, EVERYBODY #020

J.C. may have been MIA for the last two weeks, but this week he's delivered two -- count 'em, TWO -- Hey Everybody! interview episodes.

Here's the second, featuring social media maven and brilliant roustabout C.C. Chapman. In the podosphere, C.C. is perhaps best known for his indie music podcast Accident Hash and for his instrumental role in the creation of Mevio's Podsafe Music Network (now called "music alley"). But but like most ultracreative folk, C.C. has an ever-evolving lineup of killer content and roles in the social media space, such as his marketing podcast Managing the Gray and his role as partner at The Advance Guard.

In this conversation, J.C. and C.C. chat about the changing landscape of social media, communicating effectively in this wild frontier, and more. It's an illuminating discussion, and by its end, you'll likely agree with J.C.'s introductory comments when he calls C.C. "The Bruce Lee of social media."

And remember: We need emotional content.

The anthem for Hey, Everybody! is "Chip Away" by Jane's Addition, distributed freely via BitTorrent and the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour site, Ninja2009.com.

Like what you hear? Please leave a comment, and tell a friend about the show!