Looking for the best marketing books to step up your game? Whether you’re interested in growing your understanding of how to connect with different audiences, brand marketing, building community, and more, the marketing books below are a great place to start. Consider this your go-to digital library, summer reading list, or maybe your holiday wish list (if you’re the type who likes to start early).
We asked the Marketers That Matter community—which consists of some of the most successful marketing leaders in the industry—for their top recommended books that every marketer should read. Read on for ideas of what marketing books to pick up next.
Note: This is not a sponsored post. We do not make a commission by promoting these marketing books.
18 Marketing Books Highly Recommended by The Marketers That Matter Community
For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be by Marcus Collins
#1 Most Recommended!
“Hands down one of the best marketing books I have read this year!“
– Lizette Williams, Global Head of Vertical Solutions Marketing, Meta
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
“I highly recommend ‘Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age’ by Jonah Berger.”
– Rekha Srivatsan, VP of Product Marketing, Salesforce
Creating Super Fans by Brittany Hodak
“Every marketer should give this a read.”
– Kayla (Santos) Moore, Vice President of Brand Marketing, HOBO
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
“I recommend ‘Dare to Lead’ by Brené Brown. She approaches what I think are the hardest topics for anyone to overcome: vulnerability, shame, and embarrassment–not only to connect with people better but also how to use those as strengths in leadership.“
– E Gilliam, Director of Brand and Creative, Equinix
Emotion by Design by Gregg Hoffman
“A masterclass in brand marketing.”
– Jess Burns, VP, Global Consumer Engagement, Clinique
No Bullsh*t Strategy by Alex Smith
“I highly recommend. It’s a simple read that demystifies strategy with clear and easy actions you can implement immediately to help create a competitive advantage. Truly a masterclass!“
– Michael Pittman, VP, Head of Marketing, Cinnabon
Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success by Ken Segall
– Paul Beckles, Director of Global Athlete Marketing, Nike
“A must-read. I feel obligated to leave it at that, given the title.”
How Brands Grow by Bryon Sharp
“Foundational read for anyone who joins my team.”
– Alison McCoy, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Creative Studio & Market Research, NerdWallet
On Looking by Alexandra Horowitz
“One book I keep turning back to lately to help me be a better observer of the world.”
– Bryan Waddel, Senior Brand Manager for The Hot Pockets Brand, Nestlé USA
Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow’s Consumers by Raja Rajamannar
“Highly recommend. A must-read for marketing leaders.”
– Chris Marino, Head of Agency, Google
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
“We owe it to our teams to coach them and develop their career trajectories. I recommend all managers read this.”
– Stacey Jaffe, Senior Vice President of Data & Digital Strategy, Scholastic
Range by David Epstein
“One of my favorite books is the book ‘Range’ by David Epstein, which talks about the challenges with specialists versus the power of generalists.”
– Doug Rozen, CMO, Rokt
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“Every marketer should read fiction, in all it’s forms. ‘Remarkable Bright Creatures’ is a master class in establishing emotional connections with your audience through storytelling by developing strong and unexpected characters and building complex and compelling relationships between them.”
– Connie Chan Wang, SVP of Marketing at Headspace
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
“A book I go back to often.”
– Adaora Ugokwe, (former) Sr. Director, Marketing & Brand Strategy, BET
The CMO Manifesto by John Ellett
“A staple book for me, and one that I would recommend for any marketing leader.”
– Tamika Hewlett, Director, Audience Marketing, The Home Depot
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
“Every marketer should read this.”
– Cory Bernstine, SVP, Strategy, United Soccer League (USL)
The Long and the Short of It: Balancing Short and Long-Term Marketing Strategies by Les Binet and Peter Field
“Foundational read for anyone who joins my team.”
– Alison McCoy, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Creative Studio & Market Research, NerdWallet
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
“A book I go back to often.”
– Adaora Ugokwe, (former) Sr. Director, Marketing & Brand Strategy, BET
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara
“Give this book a read and get your highlighter ready. It’s full of profound, applicable insights regardless of industry, level, or business maturity.”
– Matt Kerbel, Director, Strategic Brand Planning, Turo
These marketing books recommended by top industry leaders provide invaluable insights, strategies, and inspiration for marketers at all levels. Whether you’re looking to master the fundamentals, stay ahead of the latest trends, or find innovative new ways to connect with your core audience, these marketing books are excellent resources. So, pick up one (or a few) of these highly recommended reads and start expanding your marketing knowledge today.
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