Day Trading Attention: The Essential Guide to Mastering Brands in the Age of Social Media Marketing

by Gary Vaynerchuk

In his seventh business book, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and investor Gary Vaynerchuk offers fresh, in-depth advice to enhance brand development, grow sales, and beat the competition using modern advertising strategies grounded in social media.

In his 2013 bestseller Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, Gary Vaynerchuk showed the world how to create winning content for underpriced attention channels. But since then, new platforms have emerged, others have become less relevant, and algorithms are incentivizing new styles of content. New skills are necessary to create advertising that builds brand and sales.

In his latest book, Vaynerchuk argues that today’s fast-growing businesses, brands, content creators, and influencers have one thing in common: They mastered storytelling in areas of underpriced attention, which predominantly exists across a handful of social media platforms. Informed by 20+ years of business and marketing success, he contends that the biggest transformation and opportunity is the “TikTokification of Social Media.” Increasingly, platforms are distributing content based on what users are interested in, rather than who they follow.

Small businesses, large corporations, and creators can take advantage of this trend to develop brand and grow sales by producing relevant, strategic content, even if they don’t have an audience. But how does one make relevant content? What should advertisements look like, in this new world?

In this book, Vaynerchuk provides detailed answers to these questions and more, revealing the tactics to master modern advertising with strategies you can apply to the moment you’re currently living in.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Personal Development, Social Media, Finance

272 pages, Hardcover

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Gary Vaynerchuk is the ultimate businessman. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gary is a proven investor and advisor in the world of startups, and now an expert on the Fortune 500 world, through is work as CEO of Vaynermedia, a social media marketing agency. Having two bestsellers under his belt doesn't hurt either.

Thirty-three years ago, Gary got his start in business by ripping flowers out of people's yards and selling them back. Years later, he would use that savvy to grow his family's wine store from $3 to $45 million in just a few short years by launching WineLibrary.com, one of America's first wine websites. Fast forward to now, and he's continued to use that same business savvy, along with his brother, to build VaynerMedia, a new breed of agency that helps Fortune 500 companies like GE, PepsiCo, Hasbro and the New York Jets find their social media voices and build their digital brands. Along the way Gary launched a stratospherically successful internet wine show, written two bestselling books, and beaten Dr. Oz in basketball.

Reviews

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was REALLY excited to read this book. However, I would felt this book would have been more helpful if it solely focused on visually demonstrating businesses in 12 different sectors how to ideate and implement a successful social media and marketing campaign. The section that focused on this was words on a page without inclusion on visuals which made it less captivating or impactful.

[Already Overbooked · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content->Target audience ->Repeat what works

[Erik Rostad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book about current social media trends and how to make use of the main platforms. I found the shift to the Interest Graph the most interesting idea. That means the social platforms are prioritizing showing content by interest instead of by who you follow. The other idea that was important was that traditional Google Searches are losing their prevalence and consumers are using other methods such as AI, social media, and voice search that access different databases.

[Ryan Rench · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Gary Vee audio because he goes off script a lot, so it gives some bonus to the book. I’ve consumed a lot of his stuff and always find value. This book was so temporary, though. It was fine for this year and that’s probably it. I guess that’s the nature of writing about social media—it’s always changing, so anything you write will soon be obsolete. Because of that, it was not my favorite book, but still good to emphasize getting where the people are. As a pastor, I’m still trying to evaluate how real social media is, but to the book’s credit, it talks a LOT about local marketing. Literal, physical gatherings of people within a 15-mile radius. That’s church! So I liked the ideas to try new things, cast a big net, see what clicks, and lean into that. 3* does not mean it was bad or I disliked it.

[GF · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has some solid tactical advice. But, if you’re not into making and posting videos on social media, it might not be your cup of tea. I wish he’d made that clearer in the title or description.

[Lindsey Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you work in marketing, this book should be your bible.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could sum up Gary Vaynerchuk's 'Day Trading Attention' in one word, it would be 'revolutionary.' This book is a masterclass in modern marketing. Gary's insights are so comprehensive and brilliantly articulated.

[Gigi Vaccaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to step into the genius mind of Gary Vaynerchuk? This book is for you.

If you’re interested in marketing or are currently a marketing professional, this book is for you.

My favorite thing about this book was that it essentially gives step by step instructions to run a successful marketing campaign in the mid to late 2020s and into 203s. There are clear examples, screenshots and QR codes that Gary references as benchmark content.

Another highlight? The fact that Gary calls out that this approach works right now, but in 5-10 years things will look totally different. He doesn’t claim that this strategy will work indefinitely - as technology advances, marketing strategies must adapt and advance with it.

I can’t wait to read the next iteration of this book!

[Sydney Correll · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare that a book surrounding the topics of social media and brand building will include real and tactical methods for accomplishing success…. But this book is chocked full of them.

Not only did this book keep me captivated, (which can occasionally be challenging from self-help books) it also gave me countless opportunities to take notes and practice the concepts outlined. The specific instructions made implementation simple. It was descriptive enough to give me countless ideas for content.

The book structure was a perfect combination of storytelling mixed with tactical input. I didn’t feel bored at any point while reading and I was confident I would eat up this knowledge, cover to cover.

I can’t wait to reach out to Gary’s team in the future to share my success story from implementing the concepts in this book.

[Cody Schoeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books so far. This book has taught me so much more about social media and building a brand. I couldn’t read a section without having a million ideas for my business both brand wise and content wise. I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to promote a business or themselves on social media.

This will definitely serve as a guide as well. It’ll be a good book to go back and reference when needed!

[advika · Rating 1 out of 5]

no

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting insight on marketing in a fluid environment

This is a well constructed and relevant book that takes you through various strategies to maximize reach. I love that the author indicated advice that was becoming stale as the book was written underlining the need for alacrity with the thoughts that were shared. Well worth the read.

[Bri Lumpkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a full time content creator for a large company, I found this book so informative and helpful.

[Mahna Ghafori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Vee is always ON it with the latest social and marketing strategies that actually work. In this book he breaks it all down. Love it. Thank you Gary!

[Danny White · Rating 4 out of 5]

High quality info for a novice of which I am one

[Sahil Kumar Thapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Day Trading Attention gave me some serious insights into navigating the social media game. Drawing from his 35+ years in business and two decades as a social media entrepreneur, Gary breaks down how staying patient, constantly experimenting, and evolving are key to staying relevant.

One of the biggest takeaways for me is that platforms don’t hand out opportunities—you have to create them yourself by trying new things and going all-in on your ideas. His strategies cover all the major platforms we use today and feel practical, relevant, and future-proof.

Like his previous books, this one is packed with actionable advice and delivered in Gary’s signature engaging style. I’m excited to test out some of these strategies and see where they take me.

[Cristian Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible incredible incredible

there is 0 reason for you not to read this book if you are trying to build a brand. what's stopping you?

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screaming from the rooftops that LINKEDIN MARKETING IS HERE TO STAY.

[Rachael Lum · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read; more relevant if you are in marketing or looking to leverage on social media to build a brand.

[Axel Zafra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don’t let the 3-Star Review mislead you. It’s a great “GUIDEBOOK”, I think the branding itself is great and might be the reason someone buys the book.

It’s a great reminder of how impactful is the usage of social media, outside of that it’s a guidebook on be consistent in your postings and small break downs on other companies cases.

Don’t regret buying it, as at that time I was managing a social media account and is good to have a guide.

[Louie Sosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Per usual, super energizing to take in Gary’s content. There are lots of great ideas in here. Some you kind of know if you’ve on TikTok of Reels and taking in the general trends on platforms. But to have direct links and examples is great to emulate or share with your business or clients.

“Quit overthinking, start doing.”

[Roderick Vonhogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary gives a lot of tips and ideas on how to communicate yourself, your product, your company or your mission, illustrated with many examples from his own experience. This book shows how much, and how fast the world of social media and marketing has changed. If you don't adapt, you are going to be left behind. Gary wants you to jump in and make the most of the current and future opportunities to stay ahead of the curve. Recommended.

[Geoff Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're already doing daily social media this may seem overly simplistic to you, but there's still a ton of great nuggets throughout. Gary V really understands this stuff to his core, and is fascinating to read his thoughts on simple concepts to really sharpen your presentation.

[Josh Statly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly one of the business books of all time

[Kevin Vandever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that goes deep on tactics. Bonus for the audio book is that Gary V often goes off-script to further explain concepts or provide a current, real world example.

[Monjoa Likine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plan on re-reading for deeper understanding but a lot of good information.

[Jung · Rating 1 out of 5]

In "Day Trading Attention: Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World," Gary Vaynerchuk explores the evolving landscape of digital marketing, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to the changing dynamics of consumer attention. With a wealth of experience in business and marketing, Vaynerchuk delves into how companies can effectively capture and retain the attention of consumers in a fast-paced, social media-driven world. The book is a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to navigate this new reality, where storytelling and relevance are key to building lasting brand engagement.

The first major insight Vaynerchuk offers is the importance of branding over sales. He argues that successful companies focus on creating strong, emotional connections with their customers rather than just pushing for immediate transactions. Brands like Apple and Coca-Cola have mastered this approach by investing in branding that resonates with consumers on a deeper level. Instead of merely selling products, these companies create experiences and build communities around their brands. This long-term focus on branding, rather than short-term sales, leads to sustained customer loyalty and business growth.

Vaynerchuk also emphasizes the power of consistency and authenticity in content creation. In the digital age, the pressure to produce perfect content can often paralyze potential influencers and business owners. However, Vaynerchuk encourages a shift in perspective from perfection to regularity and authenticity. He suggests that documenting daily experiences, rather than crafting flawless content, can be more effective in building a relatable and genuine brand. By consistently engaging with their audience, businesses can enhance their visibility and influence, fostering stronger connections with their customers.

Understanding the nuances of different social media platforms and the cultural context of the audience is another critical aspect of Vaynerchuk's strategy. He introduces the concept of PAC – Platform plus Culture – which involves tailoring content to fit the unique characteristics of each platform while also tapping into current cultural trends. This approach not only ensures that content is relevant and engaging but also makes the brand a part of the wider conversation within its target audience. Vaynerchuk also addresses the personal insecurities that often hinder content creators, encouraging them to overcome the fear of judgment and focus on consistent creation and adaptation.

Moreover, Vaynerchuk highlights the accessibility of content creation in today's digital world. With the abundance of tools and platforms available, there is no excuse for not generating content around a brand, product, or service. He encourages businesses to shift their focus from merely selling to building a brand's long-term value. By creating content that entertains or provides value, rather than just promoting products, businesses can enhance their brand's reputation and foster stronger relationships with their customers.

Effective distribution of content is equally crucial, according to Vaynerchuk. While creating compelling content is important, ensuring that it reaches the right audience is essential for success. Vaynerchuk outlines two main strategies for content distribution: buying ads to guarantee visibility and leveraging cultural trends to secure organic engagement. Paid advertising is a straightforward approach, but hacking culture requires a deeper understanding of current social trends and the ability to integrate the brand into these conversations meaningfully.

Vaynerchuk also underscores the potential of influencers in extending a brand's reach. By engaging with influencers who have significant followings, businesses can dramatically amplify their brand's visibility. This approach requires building genuine relationships with influencers and offering real value in exchange for exposure. While it may seem daunting, the potential returns from a single shout-out from a well-followed influencer can be significant.

Ultimately, Vaynerchuk's message is clear: businesses must think like media companies. Content creation is just the first step; how that content is distributed and who sees it is what truly matters. Ignoring the power of strategic content distribution is not just a missed opportunity – it could mean the difference between a brand that thrives and one that fades into obscurity.

In conclusion, "Day Trading Attention" provides a strategic blueprint for businesses looking to master their marketing efforts in the digital age. Vaynerchuk's insights into branding, content creation, and distribution offer valuable guidance for companies aiming to build lasting customer relationships and maintain a compelling presence in the digital marketplace. By focusing on authenticity, consistency, and cultural relevance, businesses can effectively capture and hold the attention of today's consumers, turning fleeting clicks into lasting engagements.

[Spellbind Consensus]

**Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World** by Gary Vaynerchuk presents a hands-on, deeply practical guide for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders aiming to navigate and win in the fast-moving world of modern social media. Vaynerchuk argues that attention is the most valuable commodity in today’s digital landscape and outlines how to capture and convert it into brand equity and sales growth.

The core of the book is a blueprint for building brands and driving results by leveraging content, cultural awareness, and platform-specific strategies. Vaynerchuk emphasizes adapting to current consumer behavior rather than clinging to outdated marketing approaches.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Ideas:

* **Treat attention like a commodity**

* Identify where your target audience is giving its attention right now—not last year.
* Shift resources to platforms and formats where engagement is highest.

* **Content is the gateway to attention**

* Publish high-quality, context-aware content daily.
* Tailor content to fit the native language of each platform (e.g., short videos on TikTok, carousels on Instagram).
* Prioritize authenticity and relatability over polish and production.

* **Operate like a “day trader” of attention**

* React quickly to cultural moments, memes, trends, and breaking news.
* Create agile content pipelines that allow for real-time responses.
* Regularly audit your content performance to double down on what’s working.

* **Volume beats perfection**

* Embrace quantity to increase your chances of hitting with quality.
* Publish more often than you think is necessary—test, learn, and iterate.
* Repurpose content across channels to maintain output without burning out.

* **Know your audience deeply**

* Engage in the comments, study user behavior, and constantly gather insights.
* Build feedback loops from social listening into your content strategy.
* Serve different segments with platform-appropriate messaging.

* **Brand drives long-term value**

* Avoid chasing only short-term conversions; focus on building brand trust.
* Integrate both brand and performance marketing in every campaign.
* Use storytelling to humanize your brand and create emotional resonance.

* **Leverage platform algorithms and features**

* Stay updated on the latest changes to social algorithms and adapt fast.
* Use new features early—platforms often reward early adopters.
* Create platform-specific content rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

* **Creative is the variable of success**

* Invest in creative talent who understand the cultural pulse.
* Test multiple creatives per campaign to find top performers.
* Focus on making the first few seconds of content thumb-stopping.

* **Empower in-house teams or creators**

* In-house content teams offer speed and understanding of brand voice.
* Collaborate with influencers who have built trust with their audiences.
* Encourage experimentation and avoid excessive layers of approval.

* **Be patient with brand, aggressive with tactics**

* Think long-term when building brand awareness.
* Be ruthless in short-term execution and content deployment.

Vaynerchuk’s central thesis is that attention is both fleeting and abundant—brands must earn it daily through consistent, relevant, and adaptive content that resonates where people actually spend time. The book encourages a mindset shift from slow, campaign-based marketing to fast, culturally synced brand building.

[Sarah Cupitt]

Shocked at myself for how long it's taken me to read a book by Gary
need to go through quotes and notes and action them

Notes:
- It’s no longer just about who you know or the size of your marketing budget. The landscape of digital marketing is shifting dramatically, moving from a focus on who your audience follows to what actually interests them – a phenomenon dubbed the “TikTokification of Social Media.”
- storytelling and relevance rule
- Armed with over two decades of business and marketing experience, Gary Vaynerchuk reveals how both towering corporations and budding enterprises can harness the peculiarities of modern advertising platforms.
-The best brands aren’t just seen; they’re felt. They invest in creating positive emotions and memories associated with their names. The goal is to transform casual buyers into lifelong customers through positive associations and trust.
- Apple exemplifies this approach. Apple doesn’t push sales aggressively in its advertising. Instead, it showcases how its products enhance lives, focusing on the user experience and the lifestyle integration of devices like the iPhone and Mac. The advertisements are less about the products themselves and more about the experience of using them.
- PAC – Platform plus Culture
- If you’re uncertain about what to say, start by documenting your everyday activities. This could mean launching a podcast, initiating a blog, or even hosting a Q&A session on social media. The spectrum of content creation is wide: from showcasing your daily processes, interviewing employees or family members, to posting a simple selfie or writing brief insights about current events in your industry.
- While paid advertising ensures visibility, the second strategy, hacking culture, requires a deeper understanding of the current social milieu and trends. This method involves identifying what resonates in culture and finding ways to integrate your brand into these conversations meaningfully.

Quotes:
- “if you’re a real estate professional, chances are you have some opinions about current interest rates or home-buying trends in your area. You could find a relevant article that talks about those things with an intriguing headline, and layer on a “green screen” with your opinion. If you want more distribution on special press releases and announcements your company makes, you can “green screen” it for extra distribution instead of just posting that content on your blog and letting it sit there.”
- “If your content already resonated with that group organically, there’s potentially less risk of missing the mark when you amplify the content with a goal like reach. In your ad content, you could incentivize people to go to the store, and even take photos and share them on their own socials with a hashtag so you can use that for additional content.”
- “Once you have 20, 30, 40+ consumer segmentations, you can then go into each advertising platform and start getting a feel for the creative units and content formats that these groups want to consume.”
- “Amplification: Spending against what works, aka not wasting a penny”
- “Strategic organic content (SOC): What good modern advertising looks like”
- “Cohort development: Defining who you want to reach”

[Nicholas Tuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got what I was hoping from this book, so with realistic expectations in mind, I was really happy with this book.

Gary was Gary, which I appreciate. I'm not sure I've listened to a book narrated with the author "going off script" so much, haha, but it didn't bother me, felt like it should from Gary.

Gary lays out some useful insights into how to think about cohorts, how to experiment, and practical advice on abandoning "brand standards" which are holding companies back from exploring what works. He does a good job of highlighting how to maximize on different platforms and being specific to those platforms, with a thoughtful generic approach instead of trying to prescribe every single platform, though he does give plenty of specifics so we can comprehend the points.

He ends the book with some "real life scenarios" which I really appreciated. It's a lot of repeat from the book, but trying to apply his concepts into very specific scenarios, re-asserts the ideas to ensure we understood them in the right light.

Ultimately, it's a lot of experimentation, following each platform closely both feature trends and content trends, experimenting with cohorts, and capitalize when an experiment shows promise. It makes a lot of sense, not ground breaking, but a general approach to put in the reps to make success vs hope to get lucky.