Whether you’re an independent trainer, own an at-home training business or run a studio or large facility – there is one necessity for success: effective marketing. The task of marketing can often be overwhelming, especially for solopreneurs or those just getting in to the industry, but at a core, marketing is simply the method(s) by which you convey your value to potential clients.

There are infinite ways to market effectively, many of which change and evolve rapidly. Here are five books that give solid insight in to various marketing strategies – from how to write sales copy, effective social media strategy to the power of word-of-mouth – these are just a few of the books to consider adding to your reading list this year.

Viralnomics: How to Get People to Want to Talk About You
By Jonathan Goodman
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015
Jonathan Goodman shows you how to appeal to people's desires and get them to share your message as an extension of themselves.

The Ultimate Sales Letter
By Dan Kennedy
Adams Media, 4th edition, 2011
In the age of e-mail and instant communication, great sales copy is indispensable to closing a deal. This best seller explains why some sales letters work and most don't.

The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly
By David Meerman Scott
Wiley, 5th edition, 2015
It offers a step-by-step action plan for harnessing the power of modern marketing and PR to directly communicate with buyers, raise visibility, and increase sales.

Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking
By Andy Sernovitz
PressBox Publishing, 4th edition, 2015
Word of mouth expert Andy Sernovitz will show you how the world's most respected and profitable companies get their best customers for free through the power of word of mouth.

Have a book suggestion on marketing, especially for fitness professionals? Share below!