I’m eight years into my marketing career, and let me tell you, nothing has propelled me to new levels of insight and knowledge quite like marketing books. These gems have not only helped me land my dream 6-figure job in marketing and live a digital nomad lifestyle, but they have also given me the confidence to navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape.
Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, but trust me when I say, these books have given me an edge in marketing conversations. So, if you’re looking to level up your marketing skills and gain a competitive edge, I highly recommend diving into some of the best marketing books out there.
What is the best book for online marketing?
The best book I can recommend for marketing in the digital age is Breakthrough Advertising. Written by Eugene M. Schwartz, this book may not have been penned during the internet era, but it will undoubtedly help you think strategically as you embark on your online marketing journey.
Pair Breakthrough Advertising with a book like Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson, which focuses specifically on digital marketing, and you’ll be light-years ahead of most marketers today.
Why read marketing books?
In an era where digital marketing gurus are constantly bombarding us with their latest and greatest strategies, it can be challenging to discern original thought from recycled ideas. So, how do you navigate this ever-expanding sea of marketing knowledge? The answer is simple: turn to books.
Marketing books have stood the test of time, and for a good reason. They provide in-depth insights and expertise that often take months or even years to compile. When authors write marketing books, they pour their hearts and souls into the pages, ensuring that every word has purpose and meaning.
But books offer more than just information. Reading is an active way of learning that engages your brain in a way that no other medium can. It restores your attention span in a world full of distractions, allowing you to focus more intently on the task at hand. Plus, let’s face it, there’s something magical about consuming the thoughts and experiences of a seasoned marketer, straight from the depths of their mind.
Which books should you read for marketing?
Now, let’s dive into the top 26 marketing books that deserve a spot on your reading list:
- Scientific Advertising by Claude C. Hopkins
- Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene M. Schwartz
- The Copy Book by various award-winning copywriters
- Play Bigger by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, and Kevin Maney
- Content Design by Sarah Richards
- The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
- Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
- How to Launch a Brand by Fabian Geyrhalter
- Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson
- Read Me by Gyles Lingwood and Roger Horberry
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
- This is Marketing by Seth Godin
- Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal
- The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries and Jack Trout
- Hacking Growth by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown
- Intercom on Marketing by the Intercom team
- Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
- The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
- Upstream Marketing by Tim Koelzer
- CMO to CRO by Mike Geller, Rolly Keenan, and Brandi Starr
- Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
- Invisible Influence by Jonah Berger
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
- Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
Each of these books delves into various aspects of marketing, from advertising and copywriting to branding and innovation. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grasp the fundamentals or an experienced marketer seeking to specialize in a specific area, this list has got you covered.
Reading more than just marketing tactics
Remember, reading marketing books isn’t just about becoming a better marketer. It’s about expanding your mind, improving your writing skills, and gaining valuable insights that can be applied to all areas of your life. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and let these books take you on a journey of growth and enlightenment.
Now, if you’re looking to dive into just a few books this year, I’ve got you covered. Start with these top recommendations:
- Breakthrough Advertising
- Scientific Advertising
- Dotcom Secrets
- Building a StoryBrand
These books will provide a solid foundation for crafting a successful marketing strategy in 2024. So go ahead, add them to your reading list, and let these marketing treasures ignite your success!