In the ever-evolving realm of internet marketing, staying current and proficient is a duty that falls to every marketing professional. There exists no universal “digital marketing 101” curriculum, and established methodologies are often inconsistent at best. As a marketing manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that you remain up-to-date and at the peak of your performance.
Thankfully, a vibrant and highly interconnected community of digital marketers is just a few clicks away. On a daily basis, marketers and industry thought leaders go to great lengths to disseminate valuable insights and offer guidance to those in need. To streamline your research, I have compiled a list of essential blogs for any dedicated marketing manager.
(Note: This list is by no means exhaustive, as the number of digital marketing publications continues to grow.)
Let’s kick off with a heavyweight: Moz. A trailblazer in digital marketing, Moz frequently publishes articles by other industry thought leaders. If I had to select just one blog to follow throughout my career, Moz would be a strong candidate.
The platform boasts an impressive lineup of regular contributors, along with a highly engaged and supportive user community. The comment sections on Moz Blog posts are often as informative as the articles themselves. If you’re unfamiliar with Moz, I recommend exploring founder Rand Fishkin’s Whiteboard Friday series.
Fishkin’s approach to content is clean, straightforward, and brimming with actionable insights – a testament to the value of the blog. Moreover, Moz has developed some of the industry’s most widely used research tools. They are a unparalleled resource for marketing managers worldwide.
Next up is Search Engine Journal (SEJ), a go-to source for digital marketing, covering topics from algorithm updates to SEO best practices and social media. SEJ produces a substantial volume of content, publishing between 2-6+ new posts each day, with contributions from in-house and guest writers, including industry giants like Neil Patel and Larry Kim.
Marketing Land is a hub for industry-wide news and significant announcements. It is one of the most comprehensive digital marketing blogs available, offering a vast array of articles and resources for marketing managers. Its daily columns, written by various industry experts, provide a wealth of information across different digital marketing disciplines.
Social Media Examiner (SME) focuses on social media marketing, and what sets it apart is the practical nature of its content. Unlike many marketing blogs, SME offers in-depth, step-by-step tutorials on specific aspects of social media marketing. This approach ensures that the reader gains a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Copyblogger is a must-read for those struggling with content creation. The blog publishes content almost daily, offering a balance of actionable advice and thought-provoking reads. The “About” page sums up the blog’s philosophy: “We don’t just teach content marketing – it’s how we built our company.”
Backlinko is another personal favorite, emphasizing the creation of high-quality content. Dean’s posts are well-researched, actionable, and rich with visuals. He is also active in the comments section, answering questions and providing additional insights.
Content Marketing Institute (CMI) is a top-tier content marketing blog that practices what it preaches. CMI consistently publishes informative articles, addressing advanced content marketing issues in a clear and accessible manner.
To recap, the only way to maintain your competitive edge in internet marketing is to never stop learning. A thirst for knowledge is a crucial skill for marketing managers. While there are countless publications that merely recycle basic information, there are also valuable resources that can elevate your digital marketing expertise and enhance your managerial capabilities.
The seven blogs I’ve mentioned are excellent starting points, but there are numerous other “must-follow” blogs to explore. If you have your own list of great marketing blogs, please share them in the comments. I am always on the lookout for suggestions to enrich my own reading list.
