The 11 Best SEO Books You Should Read

In the beginning, there were Search Engine Webmasters. They were a humble lot who sought to generate traffic from search engines via whatever means they could. Content sites, directories, affiliate sites – it didn't matter so long as you could get searchers there and increase your traffic numbers.

Many of these early pioneers had their own newsletters with various tricks and tips for improving page rank on Google (the dominant search engine of the time). I remember eagerly awaiting my weekly copy of Jeff Reifman's Search Engine Watch into my inbox every Friday morning back in 2001.

What happened? Well, search engines changed. Contents became king and content begat social media which begat 'The Algorithm' which is an ongoing arms race between Google's algorithm and the spammers who try to game it. Links became far more important than words, social media became a primary conduit for driving referrals, and Search Engine Watch turned into SearchEngineLand.

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In short, search engine optimization (SEO) is different today from how it was back in 2001 when Jeff Reifman coined the term. In this article, I'm going to take you on a whistle-stop tour of SEO history and highlight some of the best books written about SEO over that time. Whether you're an old dog who's been doing SEO since Obama was prez or a new pup looking for a primer, there should be something here for everyone. So without further ado, let's get started with our best SEO books you should read…

1. The Art of SEO, by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola

This book is a comprehensive guide to all things SEO, from the basics to more advanced topics. It’s written by some of the top experts in the field, so you can be sure you’re getting accurate information.

2. SEO for Dummies, by Peter Kent

This book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn about SEO. It covers the basics of how search engines work and provides tips on how to improve your website’s ranking.

3. The New York Times Guide to Digital Marketing, by Neal Schaffer

If you want to learn about all aspects of marketing, not just SEO, this book is for you. It covers the basics of SEO but also teaches you how to build your online presence using social media, content marketing, etc.

4. Search Engine Optimization All-in-One For Dummies, by Peter Kent

This book is one in a series of "All-in-One" books from Wiley Publishing that include several different topics in one handy volume. As the title implies, it provides an overview of all things SEO and covers both the basics and advanced techniques in detail.

5. The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users, by Guy Kawasaki & Peg Fitzpatrick (With contributions from Chalene Johnson)

This book is a great resource for anyone working in social media. It provides a clear and useful guide to all the major social media networks, from Facebook and Twitter to Google+ and Pinterest.

6. SEO Made Simple, by Bruce Clay & Mathew Sweezey

This book is hyperfocused on search engine optimization. It teaches you how to assess your website’s current standing, improve your ranking, and analyze where you need more work. If you want comprehensive information delivered in a direct style that makes sense of SEO, this is the best pick for you.

7. Ultimate Guide To Google AdWords, by Perry Marshall

If you want a no-nonsense guide to Google AdWords, this is the book for you. It breaks down exactly what you need to know about AdWords, from how it works and why it’s beneficial to set up your first campaign.

8. The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users, by Guy Kawasaki & Peg Fitzpatrick (With contributions from Chalene Johnson)

This book is a great resource for anyone working in social media. It provides a clear and useful guide to all the major social media networks, from Facebook and Twitter to Google+ and Pinterest.

9. Ultimate Guide To Facebook Advertising, Second Edition, by John Carcutt & Chad Riddersen

Facebook advertising can be confusing if you don’t know where to begin or how to set up an effective campaign. This book provides a clear guide to all aspects of Facebook advertising, from setting up your first campaign to tracking ROI and refining your approach.

10. Google+ for Business, by Sam McRoberts

If you want to know how Google+ can help your business succeed, this is the book for you. It’s short and simple, with lots of information that makes it easy to implement what you learn immediately into your business strategies.

11. The Definitive Guide To Link Building, by Matthew Young & Sarah Richards

Link building is one of the most important parts of SEO, but it can seem daunting if you don’t know where to begin or what tactics work best. This book breaks down exactly how to build links that improve your website’s ranking. It’s a comprehensive guide that is regularly updated with the latest information on link building.

This list of SEO books provides an overview of some of the best resources available for learning about and improving your website’s ranking. Whichever book you choose, be sure to take the time to read it and absorb the information. And remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to SEO – so experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you and your website.

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