marketing is the soul of a business. it’s the key to attracting a steady and reliable stream of new customers to your products or services. So let’s explore nine of the best marketing books you can read to become a better salesperson.
Each of the books can be very useful, but of course some will be more urgent than others depending on your current business needs. therefore, I recommend that you take a few minutes to review the entire list. that way, you’ll have the opportunity to identify the most critical and relevant books for you.
These are some of the key topics covered:
You are reading: Best marketing books for entrepreneurs
- how to identify the best marketing opportunities
- how to create a simple and effective sales funnel
- how to get people to recommend your product or service
- how to make your brand stand out from the competition
- how to create a movement with a product, service or idea
- how to use content marketing to attract loyal customers
- How to clarify your message so it resonates with people
- How to understand the role of psychology in marketing
- How to overcome skepticism to build customer trust
note: In addition to reading some of the best marketing books, you may also be interested in exploring the best business strategy books, the best product development books, the best startup books or some of my other business book recommendations.
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1. traction by gabriel weinberg & justin mares
The most common reason why businesses fail is due to a lack of customers. Many are able to bring a product or service to market, but of course, that alone doesn’t guarantee success. So, even before you establish a new business, it’s critical to think about how you plan to attract customers in a predictable and reliable way.
traction covers 19 proven marketing channels, including organic, paid, and social strategies. it also explains how to select and execute the best marketing opportunities for your business. So whether you’re starting something new or just want more customers for an existing business, the tips in this book can help.
traction is available on amazon and apple books. you can get more information by checking out the summary of my traction book.
2. marketing made simple by donald miller
Many businesses fail to communicate a simple and attractive offer. Their websites use industry jargon or flowery language that just confuses people. As a result, any effort to drive attention to their product or service falls flat because no amount of awareness can make up for a weak or confusing sales message.
Simplified marketing can help you create an effective sales funnel. one that makes it easy for people to understand what you do and why they need your product or service. The book explains how to create five essential marketing tools, including a great website, so you can convert more prospects into paying customers.
Marketing Made Simple is available on Amazon and Apple Books. you can learn more by checking out my simplified marketing book summary
3. contagious by jonah berger
Word-of-mouth referral is arguably the most powerful marketing opportunity in business. When customers actively recommend your product or service to other people, sales can explode with minimal effort. Unfortunately, few marketers understand how to increase organic referrals, so they mistakenly assume it just comes down to luck or having a better product.
contagious explores the science of word-of-mouth referrals. covers six principles of contagion; six factors that can make a product, service or idea more likely to spread. insights can help you design virality to increase the speed at which people remember and recommend your brand to others.
contagious is available on amazon and apple books. If you’re interested in learning more before purchasing a copy, check out the summary of my contagious book.
4. The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries & jack trout
many companies have difficulty attracting their target audience. meanwhile, one or two brands consistently dominate the market and take most of the revenue and profits, leaving very little for everyone else. So, this begs the question, “what makes some brands so much more successful than others?”
The 22 immutable laws of marketing have to do with the power of positioning. explains how customers think when selecting brands and what you can do to make your brand stand out in the marketplace. is a short and powerful read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in business, branding, or marketing.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing is available on Amazon and Apple Books. you can learn more in my summary of the 22 immutable laws of marketing.
5. this is marketing by seth godin
One of the great challenges with launching something new is getting enough people to care about what you’re offering. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone right from the start. As a result, they spread their marketing efforts too thin and are unable to build meaningful momentum.
this is marketing is about how to create a movement. He explains that a better strategy is to start by targeting a small audience that will benefit most from your work. That way, you can attract brand evangelists, generate word-of-mouth referrals, and build the momentum you need to reach a much larger audience.
this is marketing is available on amazon and apple books.
6. they ask you for an answer by marcus sheridan
Advertising can be a great way to attract new customers. However, many businesses make the mistake of becoming overly reliant on ad platforms that can change their policies or pricing at any time. So, as your business grows, it’s wise to invest in alternative marketing channels that offer greater freedom and control.
You are asked if your answer is about how to use content marketing to attract loyal customers to your business. explains how to create articles, videos, podcasts, and other content that build trust and authority in your market. When done right, this approach results in a reliable and predictable source of new leads for your business.
They ask you for an answer is available on amazon and apple books.
7. building a historic brand by donald miller
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Businesses often fail to communicate clearly about what they do and how they create value for customers. Many seem to assume that people already understand what they do or be willing to go out of their way to figure it out. Yet, the only thing that people genuinely care about is how your business can solve a problem for them.
Creating a storybrand can help you better communicate the value your company provides. explains how to use the universal elements of storytelling to clarify your message in a way that resonates with customers. it’s a simple yet powerful way to make it easy for people to understand how your business can help them.
Building a Story Brand is available on Amazon and Apple Books. you can learn more by checking out my book summary building a story brand.
8. influence of dr. roberto cialdini
It’s a mistake for marketers to abuse manipulative persuasion techniques for personal gain. Not only is it ethically wrong, but it can also damage brand reputation and harm internal culture. With that said, it’s also a mistake to remain ignorant of psychology and the many implications within marketing, social media, and other aspects of business.
influence covers six powerful principles of persuasion. each one plays a role in how we are influenced throughout everyday life. therefore, if you want to better understand the sometimes invisible factors that guide our choices, this is widely considered one of the best books on the subject.
influence is available on amazon and apple books.
9. the language of trust by michael maslansky
Today, people are more skeptical than ever before. Many have been burned by businesses, institutions, and even their government. As a result, they often assume the worst when engaging with brands or public figures, and they’re quick to share their assumptions with others on social media.
the language of trust is about how to overcome skepticism by communicating with people on their own terms. The insights apply to any situation where you need to build trust with customers, critics, or even the general public. the book is a must-read for leaders, marketers, and just about anyone active on social media.
the language of trust is available on amazon and apple books. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the summary of my book on the language of trust.
other business books for marketers to read
After reading about marketing, you may be interested in other business topics, such as business strategy, product development, and start-ups. so when you’re done reading some of the best marketing books, consider exploring my other reading lists.
You can also subscribe to the rick kettner youtube channel or the rick kettner podcast to receive updates on future book summaries and reading lists.
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