DECEMBER 1, 2023

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Welcome to The Tilt, a twice-weekly newsletter for content entrepreneurs.

Tilt community member Erika Rykun pulls together a must-read list for content entrepreneurs. What’s yours? Reply to this newsletter or send an email to Ann.

Everybody Writes, and everybody hunts for ideal Content Chemistry to grow a successful business.

The phrases in bold are the same-name books about content creation: Everybody Writes by Ann Handley and Content Chemistry by Andy Crestodina. They are the must-reads for any expert creator. Now, you can add the following titles to your reading (or listening) list to help your content entrepreneurial journey.

1. Effective Copywriting Strategy for Money & Sales by David Marcel

To generate revenue with content, it’s not enough just to write. As an entrepreneur, you should write a persuasive text that coaxes a customer into buying from you or collaborating with you.

Reviewer Shawn Plummer, CEO at The Annuity Expert: “If you struggle to write copies that sell, learn from a professional copywriter or hire one. This book actually helps you do both. It’s one of the most valuable books for content creation business owners.

“What did I like the most about it? It starts with the terminology a beginner has to understand in copywriting. So, there’s no need to worry if you’re a complete noob in this matter.”

2. Creative Expression and the Law by Nancy Whitmore

Chapter by chapter (nine in total), Nancy Whitmore gives a detailed overview of what content creators should know to avoid legal trouble. She touches upon such topics as copyright and fair use in the digital age, trademarks, false advertising, and other legal fundamentals.

Reviewer Andrew Pierce, CEO at LLC Attorney: “This might sound over-exaggerating, but it is a must-have legal reference for content creators. It is also one of the best books every business owner should read to make legally compliant content. It’s written by a journalism professor for those taking the path of a professional content creator. Despite that, it reads like a universal guide for creative entrepreneurs who want to do content marketing legitimately.”

3. Your Content Rebellion: The Business Owner’s Guide to Creating a Content Strategy and Blog Plan They’ll Stick With by Hailey Dale

You should construct your content empire on the foundation of passion, pleasure, and love. The author suggests igniting the change in two phases. The first is a theoretical and motivational stage. The second phase is an experimental laboratory where you test your skills in seven playshops – the “shoulds,” style, form, personality, topic, platform, and process.

Reviewer Kevin Le Gall, owner and lead editor at Climbing House: “When I was reading the intro to this book, the words ‘chronic content fatigue syndrome,’ ‘burned out,’ ‘hardly lights up,’ and ‘procrastinating’ took me aback. I thought, ‘Wait, it’s all about me!’

“But even if you don’t recognize yourself in these words, you should read this content creation book in any case. It will help you peel away your expectations about content, like every article should contain at least 1,000 words, your video should be perfect, etc. No! It shouldn’t! You won’t want to return to the ‘shoulds’ anymore after this book, trust me.”

4. The Content Marketing Handbook: How to Double the Results of Your Marketing Campaigns​

Author: Robert W. Bly

Main points: Where would your content business be without content and marketing?

Part one reveals five Cs of compelling content. Part two focuses on content tactics, such as blog articles, reports, books, emails, case studies and reviews, podcasts, webinars, workshops, and more. The last two sections arm you with more tips and tools to convert content into sales.

Reviewer Jerry Han, CMO at PrizeRebel: “Back in 2020, this book on content creation and marketing taught our team how to promote our brand with downloadable lead generators and bonuses like guides, reports, white papers, or other content pieces like videos. For example, we generate more leads now after implementing video testimonials on the homepage.”

5. The One Hour Content Plan: The Solopreneur’s Guide to a Year’s Worth of Blog Post Ideas in 60 Minutes and Creating Content That Hooks and Sells by Meera Kothand

Imagine you have an hour to come up with a content plan. What should you start with? Grab the answer and further guidelines on generating fresh content ideas and wrapping the perfect content package for business in the first five sections of the book. You’ll also find the dos and don’ts of an editorial calendar and valuable resources like blog title generators, keyword research tools, etc.

Reviewer Max Wesman, COO of GoodHire: “Whether you’re a content business owner or marketer, this is the only content GPS you need. Guided by this book, you can develop a customer segmentation strategy and cater your text, video, audio, or image to the needs of different audiences.”

Other recommendations:

• ​Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi, founder of The Tilt
• ​Social Media Marketing Content Creation Essentials by Aron Bordelon
• ​Content Rules by Ann Handley and C. C. Chapman
• ​Content Machine by Dan Norris
• ​The Art Of YouTube Content Creation by Johnston Sellars

– Erika Rykun

Learn from expert speakers at Content Entrepreneur Expo (May 5-7, 2024). Registration is now open!

What are your go-to books for practical advice for your business or content? What tomes inspire you? (It’s OK to share your own titles, too.) Send your picks to The Tilt for an upcoming issue. Just reply to this email or send it to Ann@TheTilt.com.

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• Joe gives a few examples of unique ways to fund your content business. (Content Inc.)
• Joe and Robert discuss how Elon is strategically blowing up Twitter, and how almost all the content you engage in will be synthetic. (This Old Marketing)
• Generative AI and running a content business is on the agenda for Tilt Your Business: A Weekly Mastermind for Content Entrepreneurs. Join Michelle and Ann at 12 p.m. EST Tuesday on LinkedIn.​
• CEX early bird pricing ends at the end of the year. Be sure to get your pass now at the lowest rates available.
• ICYMI: How To Use AI-Assisted Content Tools To Save Time in Your Creator Economy Business​

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