KEEP IT REAL.
Entrepreneurs: we all know marketing is CONSTANTLY changing.
It’s insane! (even for marketers)
Every day, there’s…
New technology.
New trends.
New platforms.
New tactics.
New Gurus.
New Podcasts.
New Sales Pitches.
New Get Rich Quick Schemes.
And the list goes on!
FOR-EV-ER!
We’re stuck in the minefield of marketing, hoping to survive another day. Staying ahead of the curve isn’t just nice thought anymore, it’s a necessity.
Can we get weird for a second? Okay, thanks.
As an entrepreneur, your role is like that of the eagles in Lord of The Rings, flying your marketing strategy out of the lava-drenched Mount Doom. Or, ideally, you have a great CMO or Fractional CMO who’s your eagle. (Okay, we’ll stop with the analogies.)
But seriously, this article aims to answer the burning question we’re all asking: how on god’s green earth can we keep up with the endless changes?
At Celebrity CMO, our goal is to give you resources. More importantly, it’s to provide you with options. In a heartbeat, we could spout off 100 blogs you should read. But what if you prefer listening or attending?
Maybe you’re the entrepreneur who tunes into podcasts while you drive to work. Perhaps you’re a business owner who loves going to networking events.
The key isn’t to do everything. It’s to do what makes sense for you. Find stuff you can access easily, refer to quickly, recall at will, and truly enjoy!
So, whatever you prefer, you’ll find an option here. This article is jam-packed with excellent resources entrepreneurs can use and reuse immediately.
Let’s get started.
The Scholar: Mind-Building Resources for Entrepreneurs
Foundational Journals for Entrepreneurs to Stay Ahead
Marketing Week
- Marketing Week is a leading UK-based publication covering all marketing aspects, from advertising and branding to digital and data-driven strategies. With a clever mix of industry news, expert opinions, and case studies, this publication offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to stay ahead in the fast-paced marketing world.
Adweek
- Adweek is a famous American magazine that focuses on advertising and brand marketing. Known for its casual tone and witty commentary, Adweek provides an entertaining yet informative look at the latest trends and campaigns in the advertising world. For entrepreneurs looking to stay updated on the ever-changing landscape of advertising, Adweek is a must-read.
Forbes
- Forbes is an internationally recognized business magazine that covers topics ranging from digital marketing to entrepreneurship. With its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, Forbes offers unique perspectives on marketing strategies and technologies that can naturally benefit any entrepreneurs looking to think outside the box.
Harvard Business Review
- Harvard Business Review (HBR) is a prestigious publication known for its in-depth analysis and thought-provoking business management and strategy articles. While not solely focused on marketing, HBR offers smart insights into consumer behavior, leadership strategies, and market trends that entrepreneurs can apply to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Campaign Asia-Pacific
- Campaign Asia-Pacific is an essential read for those interested in keeping up with marketing trends in the Asia-Pacific region. This publication covers everything from traditional media to emerging technologies in Asian markets, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs working with global clients or expanding their reach into new regions.
Top Blogs Entrepreneurs Should Follow!
The Celebrity CMO Blog
- The Celebrity CMO Blog is the #1 Digital Marketing and Fractional CMO Blog for Entrepreneurs! We provide instant access to expert secrets and easy-to-use strategies that grow revenue, save time, and get actual results now. The best part is we cover every topic in the digital marketing space and dive into extensive detail.
Seth Godin’s Blog
- Seth Godin’s blog is a must-read for any marketing-minded entrepreneurs looking to stay on top of the latest trends and marketing strategies. Godin is a renowned marketing thought leader whose blog covers various topics, from branding and advertising to leadership and innovation. His posts are always insightful, thought-provoking, and practical advice that entrepreneurs can easily apply.
HubSpot Blog
- The HubSpot blog is another excellent resource for entrepreneurs seeking valuable insights and tips. The blog covers a wide range of inbound marketing, sales, customer service, and more topics, perfect for entrepreneurs looking for holistic knowledge. The content is well-researched, easy to understand, and often includes helpful visuals such as graphs and charts.
Neil Patel’s Website
- A digital marketing guru, Neil Patel often shares his knowledge through his website. His blog covers SEO, content marketing, social media, digital marketing, etc. What sets Patel’s website apart is his use of real-life case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of different marketing strategies – immediately applicable marketing advice for entrepreneurs.
MarketingProfs Website
- MarketingProfs offers many marketing resources, including articles, webinars, podcasts, and online courses. Their blog covers various topics ranging from traditional marketing tactics to emerging digital marketing trends in the industry. The content is always informative and engaging, making it a go-to source for entrepreneurs looking to expand their knowledge.
Moz Blog
- Moz is a leading authority in SEO (search engine optimization), and its blog reflects this expertise. With detailed articles on keyword research, link-building strategies, technical SEO tips, and more, Moz’s blog is an essential resource for any entrepreneurs needing to improve their website’s search engine rankings.
Must-Listen Digital Marketing Podcasts You Can’t Miss!
The Celebrity CMO Podcast
- The Celebrity CMO Podcast offers digital marketing insights for entrepreneurs who want data-driven results now. It’s the perfect on-the-go learning resource from the company that grows revenue for some of the world’s biggest personal brands and companies by 7-9 figures in 12 months or less.
Everyone Hates Marketers
- This podcast is perfect for those tired of the deceptive tactics and empty promises often found in marketing. With over 1 million downloads and no ads in under four years, Louis Grenier provides a weekly dose of insightful marketing content. Through engaging interviews and no-fluff advice, he helps entrepreneurs stand out in the crowded marketplace without compromising integrity.
Uncensored CMO
- Uncensored CMO, hosted by the great Jon Evans, uncovers the bull$h*t and carefully manages to explore the good, the bad, and, quite frankly, the downright ugly truth about marketing. His guests have included marketing gurus like Mark Ritson, Les Binet, and Julie Goldin. This is an excellent resource from a truly brilliant that equips entrepreneurs with high-level digital marketing and traditional marketing knowledge.
The Marketing Companion
- The Marketing Companion is a podcast by marketing experts Mark Schaefer and Tom Webster. They cover topics related to digital marketing, including social media, content marketing, and influencer marketing. Their witty banter and insightful discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to stay on top of the latest trends in the industry.
Online Marketing Made Easy
- Hosted by online marketing expert Amy Porterfield, Online Marketing Made Easy is a top-rated podcast for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses through digital marketing strategies. Each episode features actionable tips and advice on topics such as email marketing, Facebook ads, and creating online courses. It’s worth noting that Amy’s company recently passed the $100 million dollar mark.
The GaryVee Audio Experience
- Entrepreneur and social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk (aka GaryVee) hosts this popular podcast where he shares his no-nonsense advice on business and marketing. From branding to content creation to building a personal brand, Gary covers it all in his signature energetic style that inspires countless entrepreneurs from every industry.
The DigitalMarketer Podcast
- DigitalMarketer is one of the leading resources for digital marketing education, so it’s no surprise that their podcast is also top-notch. Hosted by CEO Ryan Deiss, each episode dives deep into specific digital marketing tactics and strategies that can help entrepreneurs achieve their goals. They often feature interviews with industry leaders who share their insights and experiences.
Online Learning for Ambitious Entrepreneurs
LinkedIn Learning
- LinkedIn Learning offers courses and certifications for those seeking to enhance their marketing skills. From content marketing to data analytics, there is something for Fractional CMOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, and more on this robust platform. Plus, with the bonus of being connected to your professional profile, you can easily showcase your new skills to potential clients.
HubSpot Academy
- HubSpot Academy is a go-to resource for entrepreneurs seeking further education on inbound marketing strategies and tactics because it’s free, easy to use, and diverse. Their courses cover nearly every digital marketing and business topic, ranging from social media marketing to email marketing, SEO, content marketing, sales, and revenue operations. What’s more? You can earn certifications recognized by industry professionals if you want to.
Google Digital Garage
- Google Digital Garage is the ideal place for entrepreneurs looking to dive deeper into digital marketing. With courses on everything from search engine optimization (SEO) to digital marketing, you’ll gain valuable skills that’ll keep you aware of how your marketing tactics work.
The Social Butterfly: Dynamic Networking and Community for Entrepreneurs
Fuel Your Digital Marketing Ambitions with Networking Events
CMO Summit
- The CMO Summit is a premier event for marketing professionals and entrepreneurs, bringing together top marketing experts and thought leaders to discuss emerging digital marketing trends and strategies. This conference offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to network with CMOs and Fractional CMOs. By meeting top people in the marketing space, entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful discussions and gain valuable insights, but, most importantly, they can potentially discover a highly talented marketing leader they may want to hire.
MarketingWeek Festival of Marketing
- The Festival of Marketing offers an unparalleled experience where challenge meets inspiration. Marketers from various industries unite for a day of reflection, learning, and tackling the significant challenges we face today and tomorrow. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights as entrepreneurs, network with marketing professionals, and keep your edge in the marketing world.
Advertising Week
- Advertising Week is a global gathering of marketing professionals that takes place in major cities around the world. This week-long event features seminars, workshops, networking events, and collaboration among marketing professionals. Plus, it gives entrepreneurs a fantastic chance to meet brilliant talent.
Digital Marketing World Forum
- The Digital Marketing World Forum is a leading event for digital marketers and Fractional CMOs looking to lessen the curve of an ever-evolving landscape. Attendees, including many entrepreneurs, can expect to hear from top brands and agencies about cutting-edge strategies for digital marketing success. This is the perfect event for entrepreneurs looking to stay in the loop about significant happenings in digital marketing.
Inbound
- Inbound is an industry staple event hosted by HubSpot that brings together thousands of fractional CMOs, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs for four days of inspiring talks, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and entertainment. With past speakers, including Michelle Obama and Issa Rae, this event promises to be informative and entertaining for attendees.
Elite Organizations for Professional Collaboration and Growth
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization
- The EO is a global network of over 14,000 entrepreneurs from various industries, providing a platform for learning and growth through events, peer-to-peer mentoring, and educational programs. As digital marketing continues to evolve, a marketing-specific organization and an organization like this can create an excellent marriage of business acumen and digital marketing knowledge, ultimately propelling business growth.
Fractional CMO Society
- The Fractional CMO Society might seem like a strange addition. However, it offers a community for networking, education, and resources to enhance digital marketing skills and wisdom. Focusing on fractional leadership roles, this organization tailors to the needs of those serving as part-time or interim chief marketing officers. This is excellent for meeting potential hires but also helpful for a hands-on understanding of how the Fractional CMO role works and whether it might be the right fit for your business.
Digital Marketing Association (DMA)
- The DMA is an international organization promoting ethical and responsible digital marketing practices. Membership includes access to industry research, webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. Being part of this association can help entrepreneurs stay informed about best practices in the ever-changing world of digital marketing.
American Marketing Association (AMA)
- With over 30,000 members worldwide, the AMA is a massive professional organization for marketers, Fractional CMOs, and entrepreneurs across all industries. Membership benefits include access to webinars, training courses, conferences, and publications that cover a wide range of topics, including digital marketing trends and strategies. This is a massive resource for entrepreneurs who want to stay informed about digital marketing on a more granular level.
Social Media Club
- Social media has a crucial role in digital marketing strategies. Being part of the Social Media Club, as entrepreneurs, provides valuable insights into a social media industry that’s changing overnight. This global organization offers local chapters for networking events and educational workshops focused on social media best practices and emerging trends. This is valuable for hiring a social media manager, learning about social media, and developing a personal brand. (Note on personal brands: we’re seeing many CEOs leverage this. Elon Musk. Leila Hormozi. Codie Sanchez, Mark Zuckerberg, etc)
The Analyst: Proven Market Research Tools for Entrepreneurs
Essential Reports for Mastering Data-Driven Digital Marketing
Statista
- Statista supplies over 1 million statistics on various industries and topics as a leading market and consumer data provider. Their reports are regularly updated and provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs researching market trends, consumer behavior, and industry forecasts.
IBISWorld
- IBISWorld offers comprehensive industry analysis and market research reports for over 1,300 US industries. These reports include vital statistics, trends, competitive landscape analysis, and growth forecasts. With their detailed information and expert analysis, IBISWorld reports are essential for entrepreneurs looking to make informed business decisions.
Euromonitor International
- Euromonitor International provides strategic market research globally, covering various industries, including consumer goods, services, technology, and more. Their reports offer an in-depth analysis of market size, brand share, consumer behaviors, and future outlooks. This makes them a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business internationally.
Forrester Research
- Forrester Research specializes in providing insights into the impact of technology on businesses and consumers. Their reports cover retail, healthcare, finance, and more industries. They also offer valuable data on emerging technologies to help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the curve in their respective industries.
Nielsen
- They are a premier global measurement and data analytics company offering insights into consumer behavior across various industries, including media, retail, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), and more. Their reports provide valuable information on market trends, audience demographics, advertising effectiveness, and other key metrics that can help entrepreneurs make strategic marketing decisions and help entrepreneurs stay ahead of ever-changing market curves.
The Ultimate Arsenal for Smart Competitor Analysis
SEMrush
- SEMrush is a robust competitor research and analysis tool, especially regarding search engine optimization (SEO). It allows entrepreneurs to track their competitors’ keywords, backlinks, and advertising strategies, giving valuable insights into their online presence.
SimilarWeb
- SimilarWeb is a must-have tool for entrepreneurs looking to understand their competitors’ website traffic and audience demographics. It provides data on website visits, engagement metrics, and referral sources, helping you identify potential areas of improvement for your website.
SpyFu
- As the name suggests, SpyFu lets entrepreneurs spy on their competitors’ Google Ads campaigns and keyword strategies. It also offers competitor analysis for SEO and content marketing efforts, making it a comprehensive tool for sneaky entrepreneurs who want to stay one step ahead of their rivals.
BuzzSumo
- This is THE industry-leading tool for content marketers and entrepreneurs – allowing them to see which of their competitors’ content pieces perform well on social media platforms. It gives entrepreneurs ideas for creating similar high-performing content or finding new distribution channels.
Owler
- Owler is a free competitive intelligence platform that provides public and private company information, news updates, and financial data. It also offers real-time alerts when there are changes in competitors’ businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to stay ahead.
The Power of Communication: Entrepreneurs and Client Engagement
Actively listening during client meetings is crucial for understanding their needs and concerns. Entrepreneurs can effectively identify areas and remember critical insights by taking notes using the best apps available. Here are some tools that can help:
Evernote
- Evernote is a popular note-taking app that allows entrepreneurs to create and organize notes, documents, and web clippings in one place. It also offers incredible features like voice recording and image annotation, making it an excellent tool for entrepreneurs who love taking notes during client meetings.
Notion
- Notion is a versatile note-taking app that allows entrepreneurs to create different notes, including text, tables, and media. It also offers collaborative features, ideal for internal team meetings or client brainstorming sessions.
Google Keep
- As a simple note-taking app that syncs seamlessly with other Google apps like Drive and Calendar, Google Keep is the perfect simple resource. While easy to use, it still allows entrepreneurs to organize with color-coded labels and reminders so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Microsoft OneNote
- OneNote is a comprehensive note-taking app that integrates with other Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel. It also offers handwriting recognition and drawing tools, making it an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who tend to be visual thinkers.
Bear
- Bear is a minimalist note-taking app that offers entrepreneurs a distraction-free writing experience. It also has advanced organization features such as tags and hashtags, making finding specific notes from past client meetings easy.
GoodNotes
- GoodNotes is the perfect app for those who prefer to take handwritten notes during client meetings. It offers digital handwriting tools, allowing more traditional entrepreneurs to annotate PDFs or write directly on their device’s screen while still having organized digital notes at their fingertips.
The Explorer: Deep Dive Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs
Essential Digital Marketing Resources Tailored Just for You
MarketerHire
- MarketerHire is a professional network that connects businesses with top marketing talent, including Fractional CMOs, social media managers, content marketers, etc. This is a solid resource if you’re an entrepreneur looking to hire a part-time or full-time marketing contractor. Beyond staffing, MarketerHire also offers webinars, workshops, and industry reports by subscribing to their email list, following their social media accounts, and reading their blog.
Entrepreneur.com
- Entrepreneur.com is a well-known and highly respected blog for entrepreneurs. It offers many articles, tips, and resources on marketing strategies, leadership, and business growth. The blog also highlights interviews with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.
The CMOx Blog
- The CMOx Blog tailors their blog to fractional CMOs but also provides some resources for non-cmos. It’s a respectable place for entrepreneurs to better understand the Fractional CMO space if they consider hiring a Fractional CMO.
Chief Marketing Technologist Blog
- The Chief Marketing Technologist Blog is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to stay up-to-date on the latest technology trends in marketing. This blog covers data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in marketing- featuring guest posts from industry experts and thought leaders, which can be helpful for entrepreneurs and non-marketing professionals.
Harvard Business Review – Marketing Strategy Section
- The Harvard Business Review’s Marketing Strategy section is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to take their marketing game to the next level. This section offers insightful articles on branding, customer experience, and market research. Plus, it includes excellent case studies from successful companies.
Small Biz Daily – Marketing Category
- Small Biz Daily’s Marketing category is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs seeking practical tips on effectively marketing their businesses. From social media strategy to email marketing tactics, this blog covers it all in an easy-to-digest format that busy entrepreneurs will appreciate.
Discover Every Digital Marketing Tool You Need in One Place!
The Ultimate Guide: 160 Digital Marketing Tools for Fractional CMOs
- While this guide is tailored toward Fractional CMOs, the marketing tools are often even used by startup founders who still manage their marketing. The beauty is this is genuinely the Ultimate Guide. It’s easily one of the most comprehensive digital marketing tool guides ever released. Covering 1) web design, 2) web development, 3) search engine optimization, 4) social media management, 5) paid ads marketing, 6) email marketing, 7) content marketing, 8) public relations, 9) marketing analytics, 10) conversion rate optimization, 11) mobile marketing, 12) influencer marketing, 13) affiliate marketing tools, 14) brand management, 15) entrepreneurship, 16) Leadership, this is the most exhaustive online resource for Fractional CMOs and entrepreneurs. What’s more? New tools, as well as recommendations, will be constantly added and updated!
The High-Achiever: An Ultimate Competitive Advantage for Entrepreneurs
KEEP READING IF YOU LOVE TO WIN
If you’ve read to this point, you probably feel excited and a bit overwhelmed. Keeping up with all the marketing tactics, trends, techs, strategies, etc…. is a lot!
At Celebrity CMO, we know your time is valuable, but your goals also matter.
And, let’s face it: you can’t neglect marketing, or it will eventually crush your business.
But choosing the right marketing leader is a huge decision. When you hire a fractional CMO, we want to make sure you make the right choice. That’s why we formed Celebrity CMO.
Our results are 100% based on real, provable data from campaigns we’ve led and businesses we’ve grown.
Our Fractional CMOs:
- Built Strategies that produced 6000 leads in 8 days with a $3 cost-per-lead.
- Helped companies averaging $30 million annually hit $60 million in revenue in just 90 days.
- Launched email campaigns that generate $1,000,000 per day.
Look, we know this is a big decision. We also know that the last thing you need is the stress of dealing with a poor decision.
So we’re here for you.
If you’ve got questions, just Book Your Free Consultation Now!
The Entrepreneurs Assignment
3 Questions Before You Go
Entrepreneurs:
- What’s your greatest marketing challenge?
- What’s your favorite resource from this list?
- How can you use that resource to help with your greatest marketing challenge?