There are so many great books about marketing out there. I love having something inspiring in my ears while walking, cycling, taking the bus, driving, tidying up, or working out. Here are my top picks from 2024.
In addition to books, I regularly take various courses from platforms like HubSpot and Semrush. The constant input is so inspiring!
These books provided me with valuable insights and practical strategies that I’ve been able to apply directly to my work.
In this blog, I share the best marketing books I read and loved in 2024.
For 2025, I want to read even more, but I also want to discuss these books with others. That’s why I’m excited to announce the launch of a Marketing Book Club. Scroll down to sign up for this or share your favorite books in the comments.
1. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
This classic provides a clear method for communicating with customers using elements of storytelling. Miller shows how to make the customer the hero of their story, with your brand acting as the guide.
I had so many “aha” moments reading this book. Of course, the customer should be the hero – but it’s so easy to forget and instead start bragging about yourself. The book provides a framework for creating your own brand story.
I’m especially excited about the updated version of this book, launching on January 7, 2025. That’s why it will be the first book we discuss in our digital book club.
Why I recommend it:
It offers a concrete framework that makes it easier to develop marketing campaigns that truly resonate with your target audience.
2. They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
Sheridan emphasizes the importance of transparency and answering the questions your customers actually ask. By providing informative content, you can build trust and establish yourself as a credible resource.
Sheridan’s story is also inspiring. He was a swimming pool salesman when the 2006 financial crisis hit the U.S. During a time when no one was buying pools, Marcus spent his days writing down customer questions and answering them. The result? Enormous success – a story shared in detail in the book.
We use several principles from They Ask, You Answer (TAYA) when helping clients with websites and marketing, so this book is close to our hearts. Plus, our good friends and partners at Kogger, Oscar and Tamarah, became the world’s first certified TAYA coaches.
Why I recommend it:
It reminds us that honesty and value always win in the long run, and it’s full of practical examples to inspire you.
3. $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
Hormozi shares concrete strategies for generating high-quality leads that convert. The book breaks down complex processes into actionable steps you can implement right away.
I loved this book because thinking strategically about the conversion funnel is an area where we can always improve.
Why I recommend it:
It provides insights into effective methods for attracting customers.
4. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
This book teaches you how to create irresistible offers by structuring and packaging products or services in a way that makes them impossible to refuse.
Why I recommend it:
It’s a great follow-up if you’ve already read $100M Leads. Together, they help you create unbeatable offers and leverage them effectively on your website to convert visitors into customers.
5. Sell Like Crazy by Sabri Suby
Suby presents a practical guide to selling with scalable and data-driven systems. He breaks the sales process into digestible steps and provides strategies for everything from lead generation to follow-up.
Why I recommend it:
It’s incredibly concrete. Suby himself built Australia’s fastest-growing digital agency, which makes his advice even more compelling.
6. This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
Godin explains why marketing is more about creating meaning and belonging than simply pushing sales. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and creating products that meet real needs.
Why I recommend it:
It’s a reminder that great marketing is about being relevant, not intrusive.
7. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
A classic that analyzes the psychological principles behind why people say “yes.” It dives deeply into concepts like social proof and scarcity.
Why I recommend it:
It provides a foundational understanding of human behavior – essential for anyone in marketing.
8. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Sinek explores how leaders and brands that start by defining their “why” build stronger engagement and loyalty. It’s about inspiring, not just selling.
Why I recommend it:
It helps you think long-term and build your brand around values and meaning.
Join Our Marketing Book Club!
We’re launching a Marketing Book Club in 2025, where we’ll discuss one selected book every month. The first book will be Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller, releasing on January 7, 2025.
First digital meeting: Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Fill out the form below if you’re interested in joining, and we’ll send you more information in the new year.
Wherever you are on your marketing journey, there’s something valuable to gain from each of these books. What are the best marketing books you’ve read this year? Share them in the comments!