I've always been a voracious reader. In school, I wasn't the kid who picked one book from the summer reading list. I devoured the entire list, choosing my favorite for the report later. College was no different – I inhaled as many books as I could, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" being my favorite (genetics major, remember?), and found myself immersed back into the world of reading.
So, when I transitioned to marketing, it was no surprise that I craved knowledge. I wanted to learn everything. This led me to buy almost every book on the various marketing reading lists. There were two reasons for this: first, I lacked formal marketing experience and was definitely "faking it till I made it." Second, marketing, like genetics, struck me as a fascinating blend of science and art.
But the truth is, I couldn't possibly read them all. Building my marketing expertise was crucial, especially in the fast-paced startup world. I needed the knowledge to make the best decisions for myself, my team, and the company.
Luckily, my mentors and managers were also bookworms, and not just of business bestsellers. They championed niche marketing reading lists on specific topics. At first, I'd question why a marketer needed a book on inclusive product design. But trust me, by page 100, it all made sense.
Marketing's beauty lies in its holistic nature. It's about understanding how all the business pieces fit together (the science part) while crafting a compelling message that connects your product to the consumer (the art part).
This curated list features the top 10 marketing books that have propelled my career forward. Whether I was the first marketing hire, team leader, or solo marketer, each book unlocked a new level of skill and expertise.
- The Next CMO: A Guide to Operational Marketing Excellence By Peter Mahoney, Scott Todaro, and Dan Faulkner
Aspiring marketing leaders, take note! This book is a goldmine of clear visuals, formulas, and actionable strategies. From setting goals and crafting a marketing plan to managing your entire marketing machine, it covers everything you need to level up your game.
- Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products by Martina Lauchengco
Full disclosure: I might be a little biased (having interviewed Martina Lauchengco in 2017!), but this book is a treasure trove of marketing wisdom. Lauchengco's engaging storytelling style, combined with real-world examples from top tech brands, will leave you inspired and ready to tackle any product marketing challenge. Add this to your bookshelf for a dose of inspiration and practical advice.
- T2D3: How Some Software Startups Scale, Where Many Fail by Stijn Hendrikse and Mike Northfield
Don't let the entrepreneurial label fool you – this pick packs a punch for both solo marketers and marketing-minded founders. Despite being a quick read, it's rich with actionable marketing tactics for scaling your business. Packed with real-world examples and practical insights, this book is valuable for the entire leadership team, not just marketing.
- Product-Led SEO: The Why Behind Building Your Organic Growth Strategy by Eli Schwartz
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains a crucial element of any successful marketing strategy, regardless of algorithm changes. For those new to SEO, this book is a fantastic addition to your bookshelf. Schwartz explains SEO concepts in clear language, provides digestible examples, and offers actionable strategies to build your own SEO plan. Note - this is a great book for those without SEO knowledge… Those with medium to high understanding will not find this super valuable.
- Hacking Growth: How Today's Fastest-Growing Companies Drive Breakout Success by Sean Ellis
This book is a true inspiration. Ellis dives into the growth strategies of today's top companies (think Airbnb, Pinterest, Uber) and reveals the methodology behind their success. Much of it revolves around the concept of "growth hacking." This book serves as a fantastic introduction to growth hacking and provides valuable inspiration for your own marketing tactics.
- Managing Content Marketing: The Real-World Guide for Creating Passionate Subscribers to Your Brand by Robert Rose, Joe Pulizzi
Content marketing is a powerful tool, but it can also feel overwhelming. This book breaks down content marketing into manageable, actionable strategies that anyone, even those without a large marketing team or budget, can implement.
- Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson
In today's digital world, a website is essential for any business. However, many underestimate the impact a poorly designed website can have. This book, a great companion to "Managing Content Marketing," delves deep into the importance of digital content and how to create content that endures in the ever-changing digital landscape.
- Story 10x - Turn the Impossible Into the Inevitable by Michael Margolis
This powerful book, with its mission to transform tech leaders into master storytellers, is a must-have. Margolis provides a masterclass in persuasion, equipping leaders with the communication skills they need to accelerate their careers.
- The Business of Belonging by David Spinks
In a world saturated with marketing messages, building authentic customer relationships is more important than ever. "The Business of Belonging" offers valuable insights on how to cultivate those relationships, ultimately leading to business success.
- Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth by Gabriel Weinberg
This easy-to-read book is another gem disguised as a business book. Weinberg provides a clear roadmap for achieving explosive customer growth, perfect for any startup looking to scale.