As an aspiring marketer, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies is crucial to your success. One of the best ways to do this is by learning from industry leaders and experts through marketing books.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best marketing books every aspiring marketer should read. These books cover various topics, including content marketing, social media, branding, and more.
Whether you’re just starting in the field or are looking to take your skills to the next level, these books will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive into some of the best marketing literature out there.
1. Hacking Growth
Author(s): Sean Ellis, Morgan Brown
Publisher: Crown Business
Year of Publication: 2017
Price: $19.99
There are few books out there that have been as influential in marketing as Hacking Growth. In this book, authors Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown provide a comprehensive guide to growth hacking, a methodology used by startups and tech companies to grow their businesses rapidly.
The book contains helpful tips and strategies that any marketer can use to increase their company’s growth. Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the book is its focus on data-driven decision-making.
The authors emphasize the importance of constantly collecting and using data to decide what marketing strategies to pursue. This data-driven approach is something that all marketers should strive for. Overall, Hacking Growth is a must-read for anyone in the marketing field.
2. Social Media ROI
Author(s): Olivier Blanchard
Publisher: Que Publishing
Year of Publication: 2011
Price: $19.4
Olivier Blanchard’s Social Media ROI is a comprehensive guide to social media strategy and measurement. The book provides detailed guidance on developing a social media strategy, measuring ROI, and using social media to achieve business objectives.
The book also includes case studies of companies successfully using social media to drive business results. Whether you’re just starting with social media or looking for ways to optimize your social media strategy, this book is a valuable resource.
3. Permission Marketing by Seth Godin
Author(s): Seth Godin
Publisher: Pocket
Year of Publication: 1999
Price: $17.99
If you’re serious about marketing, you must read Permission Marketing by Seth Godin. This book will change how you think about marketing and show you that interruption marketing is no longer effective.
In today’s world, people are bombarded with so many advertising messages that they’ve become immune to them. The only way to cut through the noise is to get permission from your target audience before trying to sell them anything.
Permission marketing is a much more effective approach; this book will show you how to do it. It’s a must-read for any marketer who wants to stay ahead of the curve.
4. The Big Data-Driven Business by Russell Glass & Sean Callahan
Author(s): Russell Glass & Sean Callahan
Publisher: Wiley
Year of Publication: 2014
Price: $17.89
As digital marketing continues to evolve, the need for accurate and actionable data is more important than ever. “The Big Data-Driven Business” by Russell Glass and Sean Callahan is one of the best digital marketing books, providing readers with a wealth of information on collecting and analyzing data to improve their marketing efforts.
The book covers various topics, from web analytics to social media metrics. It provides clear explanations of how big data can be used to improve performance across all digital channels.
In addition, the authors offer valuable insights on how to use data-driven decision-making to stay ahead of the competition effectively.
Whether you’re just starting digital marketing or looking to take your skills to the next level, “The Big Data-Driven Business” is an essential read.
5. The Art of SEO by Eric Enge
Author(s): Eric Enge, Stephen Spencer, Jessie C. Stricchiola
Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
Year of Publication: 2015
Price: $52.86
As a marketer, you’re always looking for new and innovative ways to reach your target audience. The Art of SEO is a must-read for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve regarding search engine optimization.
In this comprehensive guide, Eric Enge lays out everything you need to know to make your website more visible and appealing to customers and search engines. You’ll learn key concepts such as keyword research, link building, and creating compelling content that will help you attract more traffic and convert more leads into customers.
Whether you’re just starting with SEO or looking to take your efforts to the next level, The Art of SEO is an essential read.
6. Digital Marketing for Dummies by Ryan Deiss and Russ Hennesberry
Author(s): Ryan Deiss, Russ Hennesberry
Publisher: For Dummies
Year of Publication: 2017
Price: $17.99
Digital Marketing for Dummies is the go-to book for online marketing. This book covers everything from marketing planning to digital media and advertising. This is the perfect place to start if you’re new to digital marketing. The authors, Ryan Deiss and Russ Hennesberry, are digital marketing experts and have decades of experience between them.
This book provides an overview of digital marketing techniques and how they can be used to plan and execute a successful online marketing campaign. It covers SEO, social media, email marketing, and more.
The book also includes helpful tips on measuring your marketing efforts success. This book is helpful for anyone at any stage of their digital marketing journey, from novice to expert.
7. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
Author(s): Donald Miller
Publisher: HarperCollins Leadership
Year of Publication: 2017
Price: $15.99
In this book, Building a Story Brand, Donald Miller takes business owners step-by-step through the process of creating brand messages that are clear, concise, and compelling. Through seven universal story points, Miller provides a framework that can be applied to any business to create a brand story that resonates with customers.
In addition, the book includes interviews with some of the world’s top marketing experts, who share their insights on how to craft a brand story that cuts through the noise and gets results.
If you want to build a brand that your target audience will adore, Building a Story Brand is a must-read whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years.
8. Lean Analytics by Benjamin Yoskovitz and Alistair Croll
Author(s): Benjamin Yoskovitz, Alistair Croll
Publisher: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
Year of Publication: 2013
Price: $22.99
“Lean Analytics” by Benjamin Yoskovitz and Alistair Croll is one of the greatest books for marketers. The book provides a detailed look at analytics to improve marketing effectiveness.
The authors provide a compelling case for why lean analytics is essential for marketing success. They also provide a step-by-step guide to implementing lean analytics in a marketing organization.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about how to use analytics to improve their marketing results.
9. Content Machine by Dan Norris
Author(s): Dan Norris
Publisher: Dan Norris
Year of Publication: 2015
Price: $14.99
Dan Norris’ book “Content Machine” is an essential read for anyone looking to improve their content marketing efforts. Norris lays out a clear and concise content marketing strategy that businesses of all sizes can easily implement.
Norris makes a strong case for content marketing as an essential part of any marketing effort and provides concrete advice on implementing a successful content marketing campaign. In addition, the book includes plenty of examples and case studies to illustrate the principles Norris discusses.
This book is helpful whether you are just learning about content marketing or are searching for methods to improve your current strategy.
10. Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation, and Practice by Dave Chaffey, Fiona Ellis-Chadwick
Author(s): Dave Chaffey, Fiona Ellis-Chadwick
Publisher: Pearson
Year of Publication: 2012
Price: $14.98
Dave Chaffey and Fiona Ellis-Chadwick write this digital marketing book. The book provides an overview of digital marketing, digital marketing strategy, and digital marketing implementation. The book covers many topics: SEO, social media, content marketing, email marketing, web analytics, and more.
The book contains useful information and tips on using digital marketing to grow your business effectively. This digital marketing book is a must-read for anyone who wants to keep ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving field of digital marketing, no matter how big or little your business is.
11. Influencer Marketing Strategy by Gordon Glenister
Author(s): Gordon Glenister
Publisher: Kogan Page
Year of Publication: 2021
Price: $39.95
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to influencer marketing, look no further than Gordon Glenister’s “Influencer Marketing Strategy.” This book is a great resource that provides valuable insights on developing and executing an influencer marketing strategy.
The book covers everything from identifying influencers to working with them to create content that resonates with your audience.
There’s also a section on measuring the success of your influencer marketing campaigns so you can continue to optimize your efforts. This book is a great option if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on influencer marketing.
12. Social Media Marketing Workbook 2021 by Jason McDonald PhD
Author(s): Jason McDonald PhD
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Year of Publication: 2016
Price: $49.99
A social media marketing workbook is one of the essential marketing books you should get your hands on if you want to up your social media game and create a successful social media strategy for your business.
The book provides detailed information on creating a social media strategy, using social media platforms effectively, and measuring social media success. In addition, the book includes case studies of successful businesses that have used social media effectively.
If you want to create a successful social media presence for your business, this book is for you. Jason McDonald provides readers with everything they need to know to create a social media strategy to help them achieve their business goals.
13. Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins
Author(s): Claude Hopkins
Publisher: Fq Classics
Year of Publication: 2007
Price: $7.95
Claude Hopkins was one of the pioneers of scientific advertising, and his book “Scientific Advertising” is still considered one of the most important marketing books ever written. In the book, Hopkins outlines his approach to creating effective advertising campaigns based on careful research and analysis.
One of the most important aspects of Hopkins’ approach was his focus on testing and measuring results. He believed that advertisers should constantly be testing different elements of their campaigns to find out what works and what doesn’t.
This emphasis on scientific experimentation has helped to revolutionize the marketing field, and “Scientific Advertising” remains an essential read for anyone who wants to learn more about creating successful marketing campaigns.
14. Mobile Marketing: Finding Your Customers No Matter Where They Are by Cindy Krum
Author(s): Cindy Krum
Publisher: Que Biz-Tech Series
Year of Publication: 2010
Price: $19.50
Mobile marketing is a vast and ever-growing field. As more and more people rely on mobile devices to access the internet, businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to meet this changing landscape.
This book by Cindy Krum is an essential guide for any business looking to reach its mobile audience. The book covers various topics, from developing mobile-friendly websites to creating advertising campaigns for mobile devices.
She also discusses how to keep loyal customers engaged with your personal brand and points out the unique challenges and opportunities that mobile marketing presents. Mobile Marketing is a must-read for any business serious about staying ahead of the competition in the mobile age.
These books will help you learn new strategies for digital marketing, social media marketing, and more! So whether you’re just starting out in marketing or you’ve been working in the field for years, these books will help you take your skills to the next level.
15. Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
Author(s): Joe Pulizzi
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
Year of Publication: 2013
Price: $25.27
In his book Epic Content Marketing, Joe Pulizzi explains how to create content that customers want to engage with. No longer can businesses interrupt customers with mediocre content and sales messages they don’t care about. Instead, businesses need to provide customers with information that is truly valuable and interesting.
Only then will customers be willing to give their attention and business. Pulizzi provides readers with a step-by-step guide for creating epic content, from identifying your audience to measuring success.
He also includes several case studies of companies successfully implementing content marketing campaigns. This book is a must-read if you want to improve your content marketing strategy.
16. Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall
Author(s): Kendra Hall
Publisher: HarperCollins Leadership
Year of Publication: 2019
Price: $16.42
A lot of books have been written on marketing, but “Stories That Stick” by Kindra Hall is one of the most comprehensive and helpful guides out there. She provides a framework for understanding stories and why they are important in marketing.
Then, she walks readers through the process of crafting their own stories, from finding the right characters and setting to nailing the ending. The book is full of helpful examples and exercises, making it an essential resource for anyone who wants to master the art of storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just getting started, “Stories That Stick” will show you how to use stories to achieve business success.
17. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Author(s): Gary Vaynerchuk
Publisher: Harper Business
Year of Publication: 2013
Price: $17.49
In his book Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, Gary Vaynerchuk provides readers with a detailed blueprint for connecting with customers and beating the competition through social media marketing.
By understanding the principles of engagement essential to success in social media, businesses can develop strategies that will allow them to build strong relationships with their customers.
The key to success is to remember that social media is all about engaging with customers on a human level, which means taking the time to listen and respond to their needs. With a little patience and creativity, businesses can use social media to jab their way to victory.
18. Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
Author(s): David Ogilvy
Publisher: Vintage
Year of Publication: 1985
Price: $24.49
If you’re in advertising as a marketer, you’ve undoubtedly heard of David Ogilvy. He’s often referred to as the “father of modern advertising,” and his book, Ogilvy on Advertising, is considered required reading for anyone in the field.
In it, Ogilvy shares his thoughts on what makes an effective ad, how to appeal to different audiences, and how to measure the success of an ad campaign. He also includes several case studies that illustrate his points.
While some of the books are dated (it was first published in 1985), it’s still packed with valuable information that any marketer can learn from. Ogilvy on Advertising is a must-read to improve your advertising skills.
19. Ultimate Guide to Link Building by Eric Ward & Garrett French
Author(s): Garret French, Eric Ward
Publisher: Entrepreneur Press
Year of Publication: 2020
Price: $28.30
As a marketer, you know that links are important. But how do you go about building them? The Ultimate Guide to Link Building by Eric Ward and Garrett French is the definitive guide to link building. In it, you’ll learn everything from the basics of link building to advanced techniques like link baiting and social media link building.
You’ll also get tips on how to measure the success of your link-building campaign and how to avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting link building or looking to take your campaigns to the next level, this book is a must-read.
20. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Author(s): Robert Cialdini
Publisher: Harper Business
Year of Publication: 2006
Price: $13.52
Dr. Robert Cialdini’s book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion is a seminal work in persuasion and influence. He explores the psychological reasons people say “yes” to requests and how these understandings can be applied to persuade others more effectively.
Dr. Cialdini’s years of research and study on what motivates people to change their behavior have produced a book that experts in the field highly acclaimed. While the book is dense with information, it is written in a way that is easy to understand and compelling.
This book is highly recommended for someone interested in learning more about persuasion and marketing. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the psychology of persuasion.
Alternatives to Marketing Books
It can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in today’s fast-paced marketing world. While reading marketing books is a great way to stay informed, it can be time-consuming.
There are several alternative options for staying current on marketing trends and strategies. One option is to take online marketing courses. These can be found online or in person and provide a comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts and tactics.
Another option is to subscribe to marketing newsletters that regularly update the latest trends and strategies. Alternatively, you can also follow marketing blogs that often offer free resources and information.
By utilizing these options, you can ensure that you always have access to the most current marketing insights and strategies.
Common Marketing Terms
Brand Positioning
In marketing, brand positioning refers to the process of positioning a brand in the minds of consumers to differentiate it from competing brands. The brand position aims to create a unique and differentiated brand identity that will be adopted by customers and supported by tangible evidence.
Brand positioning begins with an analysis of the competitive landscape and an understanding of the target audience’s needs and wants. Based on this analysis, a brand position statement is developed, which articulates the brand’s value proposition.
This statement forms the foundation of all subsequent marketing communications. It must be reflected in all aspects of the brand, from its messaging and visuals to its product design and pricing.
When executed effectively, brand positioning can help a brand to stand out in a crowded marketplace and build long-term relationships with customers.
Brand Awareness
Brand awareness is one of the most important aspects of marketing. It is the degree to which consumers are familiar with a particular brand and its associated attributes. Brand awareness can be enhanced through various marketing activities, such as advertising, promotions, public relations, and sponsorship.
Increasing brand awareness can be a challenge for businesses, especially those new to the market. However, it is essential for businesses to create and maintain a strong brand to compete effectively. Brand awareness is a key driver of sales and can help businesses to achieve long-term success.
Revenue Performance Management
Revenue performance management (RPM) is a data-driven approach to marketing that helps businesses optimize their marketing campaigns to improve overall revenue. By tracking key metrics, businesses can identify which marketing activities drive the most sales and adjust accordingly.
Unlike traditional marketing approaches that focus on brand awareness or lead generation, RPM emphasizes generating actual sales. As a result, businesses that adopt RPM can see a significant increase in sales and ROI from their marketing campaigns.
In today’s competitive business landscape, RPM is an essential tool for any company that wants to stay ahead of the curve.
Buyer Persona
A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer based on market research and real data about your existing customers. When creating a buyer persona, you’ll define their goals, what motivates them, how they behave, and where they “hang out” online.
You can also give your persona a name and picture to make them feel more real. Why should you create a buyer persona? By understanding your ideal customer’s needs, you can better position your product or service as the solution to their problem.
Additionally, developing a deep understanding of your buyer persona(s) will help you create content that resonates with them and convert them into paying customers.
How do you create a buyer persona? Start by conducting market research. This can include surveys, interviews, and online research. Once you understand your target market, you can create your buyer persona by filling out a detailed profile, including their name, age, gender, job title, income level, interests, pain points, etc.
Contextual Marketing
Contextual marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on providing relevant ads to users based on their current context. This context can be based on the user’s location, search keywords, purchase history, or other factors.
Contextual marketing is often used to provide a more personalized experience for users, and it can be effective in helping companies to achieve their marketing goals. For example, a contextual ad for a shoe store could appear if a user searches for a new pair of shoes online.
Or, if a user is browsing an online store for clothing, they might see ads for nearby clothing stores. Contextual marketing can be used in various ways to reach potential customers, and it is an important tool for any company that wants to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
A key performance indicator, or KPI, is a metric used to measure progress toward the desired goal. In marketing, KPIs track progress toward objectives such as brand awareness, website traffic, or lead generation.
While there are countless potential KPIs that a marketing team can track, it’s important to choose the right ones for your business. Otherwise, you risk tracking data that is meaningless or doesn’t provide actionable insights.
When choosing KPIs, consider what you want to achieve and what data will best help you measure progress. With the right KPIs, you can effectively track your marketing team’s performance and adjust your strategy as needed.”
SEO Marketing
SEO, or search engine optimization, is one of the most important aspects of marketing today. Optimizing your website for search engines can ensure that your site appears at the top of the search results page when potential customers are looking for products or services that you offer.
However, SEO is not a simple process; it requires a comprehensive SEO strategy to be effective. Fortunately, several tools, including Google Analytics, are available to help you with your SEO efforts. With Google Analytics, you can track your website’s progress and see which changes are having the biggest impact on your search engine rankings.
In addition, you can also use Google Analytics to track the progress of your competitors’ websites. Understanding what works well for them allows you to adapt and improve your SEO strategy.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation is the use of software and technology to automate marketing processes. This can include creating and managing email campaigns, segmenting customers, managing customer data, and tracking customer engagement.
Marketing automation can help businesses to save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks, and it can also improve the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by providing insights into customer behavior.
In addition, marketing automation can help create a more personalized customer experience by automatically delivering targeted content and offers. As a result, marketing automation is a powerful tool that can help businesses to improve their marketing efficiency and effectiveness.
Marketing Operations
Marketing operations is a relatively new field that encompasses various marketing functions. In short, marketing operations ensure that all marketing activities are carried out effectively and efficiently. This includes everything from planning and budgeting to execution and measurement.
Marketing operations teams typically consist of experts in various marketing disciplines, including research, web development, graphic design, and copywriting. By working together, these professionals can ensure that all marketing objectives are met.
One of the benefits of having a dedicated marketing operations team is that it can help to improve communication between different departments within an organization. Marketing operations professionals are responsible for coordinating among different teams and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objectives.
This can help to reduce wasted effort and improve overall efficiency. In addition, by centralizing all marketing activities under one team, organizations can save money by avoiding duplication of effort.
FAQs
Digital marketing is the process of using digital tools and platforms to promote or market products and services. Digital marketing can reach a wide audience through various means, including social media, email, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
Digital marketing can be an effective way to connect with potential customers and build brand awareness. However, using digital marketing strategies wisely is important to maximize results and avoid wasting time or money. When done correctly, digital marketing can help businesses achieve their goals and objectives.
Digital marketing is not easy. It’s a lot of work. But it can be very rewarding. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, digital marketing can help you reach your goals. There are many different aspects to digital marketing, from website design and development to content creation and distribution.
And each one requires its own set of skills and knowledge. But if you’re willing to learn, digital marketing can be a great way to reach your target audience and achieve your business goals.
There is no one answer to the question of what skills you need for digital marketing. The most important thing is to be able to understand and analyze data. You need to be able to look at a set of data and identify trends and patterns.
This will help you create content that is relevant and engaging. Additionally, you need to be familiar with SEO and SEM techniques. These will help you ensure your content is visible to your target audience. CRM skills are also important in digital marketing.
You need to be able to manage customer relationships and communicate effectively with customers. Finally, social media skills are essential. You need to be able to create compelling content and interact with users on social media platforms.
It’s no secret that the digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. With new technologies and platforms emerging daily, it can be difficult to keep up. For those just starting out in the field, finding a foothold can be especially challenging. However, you can do a few things to break into the field of digital marketing, even with little to no experience.
One of the best ways to get started is to choose a specialty that interests you. Not only will this help you better understand the concepts you’ll be working with, but you’ll also be more likely to stick with them in the long run.
Once you’ve chosen a specialty, build your foundational knowledge by reading articles, taking courses, or getting a certificate. A strong foundation will make it easier to handle the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.
In addition to building your knowledge, it’s also important to build up your portfolio. Showcase your skills by creating case studies or conducting research projects. This will not only make you more attractive to potential employers, but it will also help you to understand the industry as a whole better.
Finally, don’t forget to network both online and in person. Attend conferences and meetups, and connect with other professionals on social media. The more people you connect with, the more likely you are to find a job that’s a good fit for you. With a little effort, anyone can break into the world of digital marketing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marketing books are a valuable resource for aspiring marketers looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. The 20 books on our list cover a wide range of topics and offer valuable insights and strategies for success.
However, if you’re short on time or looking for additional resources, there are several alternative options such as online marketing courses, newsletters, and blogs.
No matter which route you choose, make sure to stay informed and continuously seek out new learning opportunities to enhance your marketing skills. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to success in the exciting field of marketing.
