The best marketers are constant learners. We must keep up with plenty of trends to remain relevant. To help with that, let’s take a look at the six most popular ways to stay on top of digital marketing professional development.

Why is learning important for marketers?* It’s always changing. * There are no experts. * It keeps you sharp and curious. * You can be more well-rounded.

1. Books* Books are undervalued.
2. Expand your definition of reading: audiobooks count, too.

3. A few reading suggestions:

   • This is Marketing by Seth Godin
   • How to Write Copy that Sells by Ray Edwards
   • Marketing Made Simple by Donald Miller
   • The Story Cycle by Robert Carnes

4. Podcasts* Podcasts are easy to listen passively.

5. Practice active listening: take notes, and take action

6. Some suggestions:

   • WorkLife with Adam Grant
   • Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam
   • All It Takes is a Goal with Jon Acuff

7. Conferences* Conferences are more active and offer an experience

8. These are a quick boost of inspiration and encouragement
9. Create a plan to get the most out of your time & investment

10. Some suggestions

    • Digital Summit
    • WordCamp
    • DigiMarComm
    • Inbound by Hubspot

11. Email newsletters* They’re making a comeback

12. Good way to curate lots of online content
13. Avoid content overload by subscribing wisely

14. Suggestions:

    • Daily Carnage
    • Total Annarchy
    • The Hustle

15. Mentor* They help to shortcut experience.

16. Help you focus on a relationship
17. Find someone you want to be more like
18. Find a professional program to help connect you

19. They’re mutually beneficial for both of you

20. Make it stick* Make learning a regular habit

21. Take notes to help it remain in your head
22. Take action - implement what you learned
23. Share what you learned