The Best Marketing Books To Read In 2024

January 8, 2024

There are hundreds if not thousands of books on marketing published every year – but which ones are worth your time? Here is our guide to the top ten best marketing books you should read in 2023. Some are new releases this year, whereas others are modern adaptations on older bestsellers. Each of these books will give you the knowledge and tools to excel in digital marketing, from long-standing universal truths to new and emerging theories which are quickly gathering influence. How many of these books have you read?

How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie

This is a modern take on the timeless 1936 classic ‘How To Win Friends and Influence People’ that has captivated millions of readers and kick-started the literary self-help genre. This new edition is updated for the digital age, discussing the powerful role of technology and communication in forging and nurturing relationships. While it’s not purely a book about marketing, How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age does offer some invaluable insights for marketers, guiding you on how to convey your message in a compelling way, and how to genuinely connect with others by taking an interest in their passions. “Influencing others is not a matter of outsmarting them. It is a matter of discerning what they truly want and offering it to them in a mutually beneficial package.” – Dale Carnegie

Forget the Funnel: A Customer-Led Approach for Driving Predictable, Recurring Revenue by Georgiana Laudi and Claire Suellentrop

Drawing from their extensive experience in scaling up major SaaS companies like Unbounce and Calendly, Georgiana Laudi and Claire Suellentrop released Forget the Funnel this year. This book brings a fresh perspective to the world of SaaS marketing and presents an unconventional but highly effective customer-centric approach. This method is not just theoretical; it’s backed by real results and hard data. The book steers clear of guesswork, guiding the reader to identify and learn from their best customers. What makes this book stand out is its concise and straightforward style, free of unnecessary jargon or self-praise. It offers a practical, step-by-step guide to implementing a customer-led marketing strategy, featuring actionable advice and downloadable worksheets. Ideal for businesses aiming for organic and predictable growth, this book is a go-to resource for achieving long-term success.

Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers into Friends and Friends into Customers by Seth Godin

Written by marketing heavyweight Seth Godin, the acclaimed author of the bestseller “This is Marketing,” Permission Marketing is a game-changer in the field of digital marketing. Published in 1999, its message still applies today, especially in terms of data protection laws, which spell trouble for marketers who don’t get appropriate permission from their customers. Godin’s concept of ‘Permission Marketing’ is a striking departure from traditional ‘interruption marketing’ tactics. Instead of employing forceful strategies, he advocates for building customer relationships grounded in trust and loyalty. This approach suggests using enticing ‘bait’ to attain and strengthen customer relationships, appealing to an audience increasingly frustrated by constant marketing interruptions. In a world where brands constantly vie for attention, leading to a fickle, cynical, and wary audience, Godin’s insights are invaluable. He makes a compelling case that in an era where nobody likes to be interrupted, earning permission is not just respectful, but also the most effective way to win customers.

Hacking Growth: How Today’s Fastest-Growing Companies Drive Breakout Success by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown

Co-written by Sean Ellis, the very person who introduced the term ‘growth hacking,’ this book is rich in practical wisdom about growing a brand – and fast. Packed with real-world examples and engaging case studies, this book underlines how important it is to experiment and test at a granular level, and deploy marketing strategies informed by data rather than relying on assumptions. The main focus of Hacking Growth is on attracting and retaining customers, and is a helpful and engaging read for startups and those eager to scale up rapidly. The book’s dynamic approach offers a wealth of insights for businesses keen on making significant strides in today’s competitive market. “[…] growth hacking involves more than picking from a menu of hacks; it is, rather, a process of continuous experimentation to ensure that those hacks are achieving the desired results.” – Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown

3rd Edition of Digital Marketing Strategy OUT NOW

The third edition of my international best-seller, Digital Marketing Strategy is out now. Including updates on cookies, covid, TikTok and much more with new case studies and supporting guides. Pick up a copy now.

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Digital Marketing Handbook

The Digital Marketing Handbook is out now and includes over 250 pages of practical tips and advice on running all areas of your marketing campaigns from paid search and SEO to web design and email marketing.

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The Digital Marketing Handbook: Deliver Powerful Digital Campaigns by Simon Kingsnorth

The CIM-recommended Digital Marketing Handbook by Simon Kingsnorth is a comprehensive and accessible guide to the world of digital marketing. Written by a seasoned expert with over 20 years of industry experience, including roles like the Global Head of Digital Marketing at CitiBank, Kingsnorth brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. This handbook covers all facets of digital marketing, ranging from SEO and paid searches to social media and digital advertising. Providing a summary of all aspects of digital marketing, this book is packed with industry-standard strategies and is distinguished by its practical approach, offering real-world case studies and actionable tips. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or new to the field, this book provides valuable insights and guidance for creating powerful digital marketing campaigns.

Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy by Martin Lindstrom

Based on a groundbreaking three-year neuromarketing study involving 2000 volunteers, Buyology looks into the psychology behind consumer behaviour, eschewing traditional surveys for literal MRI scans of participants’ brains. This approach uncovers the often irrational and subconscious motivations driving our purchasing decisions. For instance, it was found that health warnings on cigarette packages are not a deterrent at all to smokers. This study explores the complex reasons behind why someone chooses to buy a particular product or service, highlighting the influential role of subliminal marketing. The study was led by Martin Lindstrom, the founder and chairman of Lindstrom Company, a global branding and culture transformation firm. His work in this field reveals surprising and intriguing insights into the hidden forces that influence our shopping habits and choices, offering a unique perspective on the true power of marketing. Buyology is an engaging read on a truly fascinating subject that provides some surprising answers. A fascinating aspect of the research is how superstition and ritual intertwine with marketing strategies. A classic example is the ritual of dipping Oreos in milk, which is not a mere coincidence but a deliberate partnership with the ‘Got Milk?’ campaign. Another instance is the iconic association of Corona beer with lime. These examples illustrate the subtle yet powerful ways in which marketing can tap into our collective habits and rituals. “[…] our irrational minds, flooded with cultural biases rooted in our traditional upbringing, and a whole lot of other subconscious factors, assert a powerful but hidden influence over the choices that we make.” – Martin Lindstrom

Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It by April Dunford

Obviously Awesome brings a fresh and humorous approach to the crucial topic of branding and product positioning. Leveraging her 20+ years of marketing experience, Dunford crafts a guide that, while primarily aimed at B2B brands, is immensely valuable for businesses of all types. This book is particularly ideal for startups and companies that face challenges in conveying the essence of their products to customers. Dunford expertly guides readers on how to effectively contextualise their product in the crowded market, teaching them to make it stand out and appeal to specific marketing niches. By being a ‘big fish in a small pond’, businesses can significantly enhance their market presence. The book emphasises understanding who the product is for, its features, and the value it provides. Central to Dunford’s approach is a 10-step positioning process, which begins with a deep understanding of the customers. It then moves to leveraging customer assumptions to the business’s advantage and explores the concept of considering multiple product positions for different markets. The book is enriched with practical case studies, making it a comprehensive and engaging resource for anyone looking to refine their product positioning and ensure their product is not just seen, but understood and desired “Context enables people to figure out what’s important. Positioning products is a lot like context setting in the opening of a movie.” – April Dunford

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Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal

Hooked is an international bestseller that has captivated audiences worldwide, with over 500,000 copies sold. This book is focused on habit-forming products, blending elements of psychology, science, and user experience to explain how some products become indispensable parts of our daily routines. While not solely focused on marketing, it offers a deep understanding of why and how products like iPhones, smartphones in general, and social media platforms become habitual for users. Eyal introduces the concept of the ‘Hook’ model, which is a cycle comprising a trigger, action, variable reward, and investment. This model is central to understanding why customers keep returning to certain products without the need for continuous and expensive advertising. Eyal’s insights into neuromarketing are particularly intriguing. He discusses how the release of dopamine, triggered by variable rewards, and the suppression of judgement and reason, play a significant role in habit formation. “Hooked” is more than just a theoretical exploration; it provides businesses with actionable insights and practical tips on leveraging these principles for marketing success. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in creating products that not only attract customers but also turn them into loyal users.

Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

Everybody Writes is a comprehensive guide which stresses the crucial role of high-quality writing in marketing. Handley, cited by Forbes as the most influential woman in social media and the Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs, brings her vast expertise to this accessible book. The book serves as a primer on creating compelling content, highlighting how fundamental good writing is to effective marketing. Handley stresses the significant impact that well-written copy can have and argues that marketers should invest time and effort into honing their writing skills. The book is full of practical advice on making various types of content that not only resonate with audiences but also drive tangible results. It’s designed to be highly readable, with the content broken down into bite-sized sections and paragraphs, making it easy to digest and apply. “Everybody Writes” is more than just a writing guide; it’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to create engaging and effective content. Whether you’re drafting a blog post, a social media update, or a marketing email, this book equips you with the skills and insights needed to write with confidence and impact.

Digital Marketing Strategy: An Integrated Approach to Online Marketing by Simon Kingsnorth

Digital Marketing Strategy, now in its newly updated third edition, is a comprehensive guide authored by Simon Kingsnorth. This edition is particularly timely, incorporating the latest developments in AI in marketing, as well as current information on data protection and cookies. Kingsnorth, who previously penned the successful Digital Marketing Handbook, provides readers with a thorough and insightful guide on crafting a digital marketing strategy, covering a range of topics from SEO and email marketing to affiliate marketing and beyond. Both books are considered indispensable resources for marketing professionals.

The book offers a well-rounded overview of digital marketing, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the field. Additionally, it suggests further reading for readers who wish to learn more specific subjects. Kingsnorth enhances the text with case studies and practical examples, making complex concepts more accessible and relatable.

One of the key strengths of this book is its emphasis on the dynamic nature of digital marketing. It underscores the importance of staying abreast of current trends and shifts in the marketing landscape and the necessity of updating strategies accordingly. Accompanying the book are useful resources such as presentation slides and activity sheets, designed to get marketers up and running with their own campaigns right away.

Keep an eye out for my new book, Marketing in Web 3.0: Artificial Intelligence, the Metaverse and the Future of Marketing, which will be out in September 2024. You can pre-order a copy on Amazon here.

And if you need any assistance in crafting winning marketing strategies or assistance with branding and digital marketing, I can help you through my consulting or with the support of my global marketing agency, SK, just get in touch.

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