The Art of Social Media Book Summary - The Art of Social Media Book explained in key points
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The Art of Social Media summary

Guy Kawasaki Peg Fitzpatrick

Power Tips for Power Users

3.5 (100 ratings)
9 mins

Brief summary

"The Art of Social Media" by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick is a comprehensive guide that helps readers master the art of social media marketing. With practical tips and tricks, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to establish their brand's online presence.

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    The Art of Social Media
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    Drunken profile pic and handle, “MartiniMom?” Think about how you present yourself online.

    The first things you see on any social media platform are a picture and a name.

    With these two tiny pieces of information, people make a snap decision: to follow, or not?

    If you want to give yourself a headstart on social media, you need to take seriously the importance of screen names and profile pictures.

    First off, today’s clever username may be tomorrow’s regret. A name like MartiniMom or HatTrickHank might be funny now, but potentially embarrassing if you want to connect with serious businesses in the future!

    The best screen names are simple, memorable and logical. The best option? Your own name. And in full! A screen name like “Guy Kawasaki” is a cut above something like “G.T. Kawasaki.”

    Once you’ve chosen a screen name, you’ll need a vanity URL for the social network you’re using.

    This way, people will see your name in the URL of your profile, such as plus.google.com/+JohnDoe/. Without a vanity URL, your profile will be identified by just a random string of numbers.

    Depending on the social network, it might be too late to get a unique URL that includes your name, but you should try and get something as close as possible. If you want to be remembered, you’ll need something better than a string of numbers!

    Next, consider your profile picture. For one, a picture proves that the page really belongs to you. There might be hundreds of people with your name, so you’ll need a profile picture to make yourself recognizable.

    Profile pictures can also communicate more than just your identity. They should ideally give the impression of someone likeable, trustworthy and competent. So choose one where you’re smiling and your face is clearly visible.

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    Key ideas in The Art of Social Media

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    What is The Art of Social Media about?

    The Art of Social Media reveals the most effective ways to promote yourself or your product professionally on social media platforms. The authors explain how to get the most of the many dominant social media platforms today, including Google+, Facebook, Twitter and others.

    The Art of Social Media Review

    The Art of Social Media (2014) by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick is a comprehensive guide on leveraging social media to grow your business and personal brand. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers a wealth of practical tips and strategies for utilizing different social media platforms effectively, helping you establish a strong online presence.
    • With its actionable advice on creating compelling content, optimizing profiles, and engaging with followers, it provides invaluable guidance for building a loyal community.
    • The book's emphasis on authenticity and creativity sets it apart, inspiring readers to approach social media with a fresh perspective and stand out from the crowd.

    Best quote from The Art of Social Media

    An effective profile is vital, because people use it to make a snap judgment about your account.

    —Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick
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    Who should read The Art of Social Media?

    • Anyone who wants to better promote their business
    • Anyone who wants to gain a wider audience on social media
    • Anyone looking to optimize their profile on social media sites

    About the Author

    Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at online design service Canva, and an executive fellow at the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley. Previously he was the chief evangelist at Apple and special adviser to the CEO of the Motorola business unit at Google. He has 1.44 million followers on Twitter and 6.8 million on Google+.

    Peg Fitzpatrick is a social-media strategist and director of digital media for Kreussler Inc. She’s spearheaded successful social media campaigns for Motorola, Google, Audi, Canva and Virgin.

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    The Art of Social Media FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Art of Social Media?

    The main message of The Art of Social Media is how to use social media to promote yourself or your business effectively.

    How long does it take to read The Art of Social Media?

    The reading time for The Art of Social Media varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Art of Social Media a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Art of Social Media is a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their social media presence. It offers practical tips and strategies for success.

    Who is the author of The Art of Social Media?

    The authors of The Art of Social Media are Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick.

    What to read after The Art of Social Media?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Social Media, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Likeable Social Media by Dave Kerpen
    • The End of Marketing by Carlos Gil
    • The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday
    • Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
    • Facebook Marketing by Greg Brooks
    • The Skill Code by Matt Beane
    • The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
    • Leadership Is Language by David Marquet