Marketing Resources We Love: Books, Blogs, Events, and Courses That Inspire Us

The world of marketing is often described as fast-paced—and personally, this one’s a description we’d have to agree with. Things are constantly changing, so staying ahead all comes down to continually learning and keeping up with that aforementioned fast pace.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can do so! Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or are simply interested in the industry, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. That's why we've curated a list of the most impactful books, blogs, events, and courses that have helped us stay inspired and informed in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.

Take a look at our favorites below!

Digital Marketing Books

We know, TikTok and YouTube Shorts are all the rage right now, but we’re still fans of a dusty ‘ol paperback. Here are some of our top marketing reads:

1. "Marketing Rebellion” by Mark Schaefer

Challenge what you think you know about marketing with Schaefer's latest book, which advocates for a more human-centered approach in today's marketing world (something we're also big fans of!).

2. “Search Marketing: A Strategic Approach to SEO and SEM” by Kelly Cutler 

Step up your search marketing game with this comprehensive guide to SEO and SEM. You’ll leave with the tools needed to boost your online visibility and drive strategic growth. BFO was actually featured in this one, so be sure to check it out if you haven’t already!

3. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini

Cialdini’s classic will help you master the art of persuasion as he explores the psychological principles that drive people to say “yes” and how to ethically apply them in your marketing efforts.

4. "Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age" by Jonah Berger

Learn the science behind why things catch on and how to create content that naturally spreads, turning your ideas into content that’s more likely to hit that elusive “viral” status.

5. "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Discover the secret to making your messages memorable as the Heath brothers talk about what makes ideas stick and how to apply these principles to your marketing campaigns.

Digital Marketing Blogs

Don't have time to sit down and crack open a book? We get it. Instead, take a look at our favorite marketing blogs, full of practical tips to keep you ahead of the curve:

1. HubSpot Blog

A treasure trove of marketing wisdom, HubSpot’s blog covers everything from inbound marketing strategies to sales tips, providing helpful advice for marketers at all levels.

2. Digiday

Stay on the cutting edge of digital marketing trends with Digiday, featuring in-depth articles and analysis on media, marketing, and the future of the industry.

3. Search Engine Land

Your go-to source for the latest in search engine marketing, Search Engine Land delivers expert analysis, breaking news, and practical tips to optimize your SEO and SEM strategies.

4. Search Engine Journal

Packed with comprehensive guides, how-tos, and industry news, Search Engine Journal is an awesome resource for search marketers looking to boost their skills and stay ahead of the algorithms.

5. Built-In Chicago Blog

If you call Chicago home, you’ll love Built-In Chicago’s fresh local stories and company spotlights. Even if you’re located outside of our home base, we still highly recommend checking them out—they’re a fantastic resource for marketers across the globe!

6. Be Found Online

Okay, okay, we had to give ourselves a pat on the back here, too. Our blog is constantly being updated with the latest tips surrounding paid media, SEO, content, and more.

Digital Marketing Events

Looking for a way to expand your skills and connect with the marketing world’s best? Check out our favorite marketing events:

1. DigiMarCon

Having attended a handful of these ourselves (with Steve being a frequent keynote speaker!), we highly recommend attending a DigiMarCon event. You’ll gain insights from top speakers, participate in hands-on workshops, and discover the latest digital marketing strategies.

2. Be Found Online Webinars (and Replays!)

Did you know you can access all of our webinars on our website for free? These expert-led sessions cover the latest marketing trends, tools, and techniques. Check them out here!

3. Digital Summit Chicago

We were proud to sponsor Digital Summit Chicago earlier this year, connecting with local marketing enthusiasts inside our awesome community. Keep an eye out for more Chicago-specific events to come—we’ll be sharing them on our social media pages!

4. Content Marketing World

This bad boy is one of the largest content marketing events of the year, so if you can go, we highly recommend it. You’ll learn from the industry’s best, discover new tools, and leave with an action plan to elevate your content game. 

5. INBOUND

Hosted by HubSpot, INBOUND is a must-attend event for marketers looking to transform their campaigns. With inspiring keynotes, educational breakout sessions, and plenty of networking opportunities, INBOUND is the place to be this year.

Digital Marketing Courses

Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or gain some new skills, we think these courses are vital when it comes to thriving in our ever-changing digital marketing world:

1. Coursera’s Digital Marketing Specialization

Offered by the University of Illinois, this in-depth specialization covers everything from SEO and social media to analytics and strategy. You’ll leave with a well-rounded understanding of digital marketing essentials (and a certificate to boot). 

2. HubSpot Academy’s Certification Courses

Can you tell we love Hubspot? HubSpot Academy offers a range of free certification courses that cover key aspects of inbound marketing, sales, and customer service.

3. Google’s Online Courses

Aimed at helping you grow your business or career, Google offers free courses on everything from online marketing fundamentals to advanced data insights, equipping you with practical skills for today’s digital age.

4. Copywriting by Copyblogger Academy

Design gets all the hype, but copy is just as important. Learn the art and science of compelling copywriting with Copyblogger Academy's expert-led courses, designed to help you create persuasive and engaging content that drives results.

5. Analytics by Google Analytics Academy

Master the power of data with Google Analytics Academy, where you’ll learn how to effectively track, analyze, and leverage website data to make better marketing decisions.

Never Enough Knowledge!

The world of marketing just loves to keep us on our toes, so hopefully these resources help you keep up. If we missed any, be sure to drop a comment below—we want to hear your favorites, too!