Dog-Eared: Books Every Marketer Should Read

I get asked a lot about my favorite marketing books, and while there are so many good ones out there, these nine (note: I recommend both Building a Story Brand and Building a Story Brand 2.0) have had the biggest impact on how I approach building brands, connecting with customers, and driving growth.

Some are classics, others are underrated gems. All of them have earned a permanent spot on my shelf. I read a lot about business, productivity, and marketing and these are the marketing ones I go back to time and again.

I didn't realize the book covers had such visual similarities until I made this graphic. And I had them in this order before I noticed it, so one row of Red and one of Orange covers was a happy accident. That said, given the book topics and authors, I'm sure this is not at all a coincidence -- so I revisited some resources on the psychology of color. Here is what I found: Red is the most emotionally charged color, evoking a range of feelings including love, passion, anger, and even danger. It's a powerful color that can draw attention, making it useful in advertising. Orange is associated with cheerfulness, encouragement, and self-confidence. It combines the physical energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, creating a sense of vitality and enthusiasm. Orange is often seen as a friendly and welcoming color, encouraging interaction (like picking up a book in a bookstore).

Start with Why by Simon Sinek – The book that first helped me understand that great brands are built around our core motivations. People don’t buy what you do, they buy what satisfies and supports their larger why's. 

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller (Original & 2.0) – The original changed how I think about messaging. Position the customer as the hero; your brand is just the guide.

Obsessed by Emily Heyward – I recommend this to every startup founder I meet. It’s a must-read on building emotional connection into your brand from day one.

Hacking Growth by Sean Ellis & Morgan Brown – Super tactical and full of real examples. If you’re working at a high-growth company, this one hits.

Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath – Why do some ideas spread while others fall flat? This book gave me a new lens for making messages stick.

Contagious by Jonah Berger – A fascinating look at what makes content and products go viral. Lots of practical tips, especially for consumer marketers.

This Is Marketing by Seth Godin – Marketing as service, not interruption. This book is like a breath of fresh air.

Built to Last by Jim Collins & Jerry I. Porras – Vision, values, and culture aren’t “nice to have”—they’re what make brands truly enduring.