Last updated on October 4th, 2023
Content is the present and the future of marketing, and top organizations are prioritizing content marketing in their branding and outreach.
Quality content doesn’t just enrich the brand’s marketing process but is also useful for all forms of marketing, like social media marketing, search engine optimization, public relations, inbound marketing, and other marketing strategies.
There are many blogs, podcasts, and videos you can learn from today to help you become a better content marketer.
Timeless Best Content Marketing Books You Must Read
Dive into this curated list of 8 best content marketing books and content creation that are a must-read for the next generation of content marketers and writers.
1. Building A StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Specifically focused on marketers and brand managers, this book by New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller uses the seven universal elements of compelling stories to improve customer connections and grow businesses. It is one of the best content marketing books in the market.
The book talks about the steps to building a brand using platforms like websites, brochures, and social media.
This makes it perfect for beginners and those who want a refreshing look at digital marketing concepts. Building a StoryBrand will help you understand the tricks of the trade and how to create brand messaging that gets noticed.
2. Fast, Cheap & Viral by Aashish Chopra
Aashish Chopra is an award-winning video maker and marketer who is also the VP of Content Marketing at ixigo.
The author, whose videos have over 350 million views, shares the tricks he has cracked to create and market content that can go viral. This book can be a great option when it comes to selecting the best content marketing books.
The book is perfect for content marketers who are looking for ideas not just to create compelling content but also to communicate effectively. It shares insights about how content can be marketed to reach a massive audience on a shoestring budget.
3. Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi
Authored by the founder of the Content Marketing Institute, this book shares the strategies used by the most sought-after content-marketing experts. It reveals the six-step business-building process that can help enterprises and individuals successfully market their products or services.
What puts a stamp of authority on this book is the fact that Pulizzi has used the strategy for his own business, which landed on Inc. magazine’s list of fastest-growing private companies.
4. Give and Take by Adam Grant
Adam Grant’s bestselling book is not just about content marketing or sales but more about understanding the human psyche and how it helps in influencing others.
Give and Take talks about the principle of reciprocity and how successful leaders use this method to drive business growth and performance.
The book is perfect for content marketers to understand how networking and understanding the other person’s needs can help create compelling content.
Also Read: 25+ Content Marketing Tools – Drive Growth For Your Business
5. Killing Marketing by Joe Pulizzi & Robert Rose
Contrary to the slightly misleading title, Killing Marketing isn’t a book about actually killing the marketing process but about taking a different perspective on marketing.
The book, written by Joe Pulizzi & Robert Rose, focuses on how organizations should create marketing that is focused on delivering value rather than just describing their products or services. This approach can help businesses turn marketing costs into profit.
The book is highly recommended for B2B content marketers, as it challenges traditional marketing beliefs and can help elevate your marketing as a whole.
6. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Written by Wall Street Journal bestselling author and monthly columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine – Ann Handley, this book is perfect for those in the business of digital and traditional content creation.
As its name suggests, Everybody Writes describes how writing is no longer exclusive to writers, and everyone is a writer in the content-driven age.
The book is a guide to understanding how to create content that develops leads, attracts customers, and builds relationships. It will help you write better, improve your grammar, and drive business-focused content creation.
7. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
According to marketing expert Allan Dib, marketing is not just about a few acts of getting in front of the audience but more about following a well-thought-out strategy for success. The 1-page marketing plan reveals how to create a marketing plan that is simple, fast, and includes long-term actionable goals.
The book’s business growth plan and the actionable step-by-step process to create a personalized marketing plan are enticing and must-haves for any content marketer.
8. This is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin
A must-have for all marketing professionals, This is Marketing is the best-selling magnum opus by the marketing genius Seth Godin.
The book describes how to stay relevant in the age of dynamic media, or as he describes it, “from monolithic (vast majority viewing the same content) to smorgasbord (numerous, targeted choices).”
It provides actionable advice on topics that are close to content marketers, like how to approach the target audience, refine the messaging, and create interest to drive success.
The book applies not just to professional content marketers but is also relevant to entrepreneurs and individuals who seek to improve their personal brand.
Bonus
In addition to these, we’d highly recommend two more books on content marketing for those who want to take their skills to the next level.
Powering Content – Building a Nonstop Content Marketing Machine by Laura Busche is ideal for creating content strategies and content pieces that speak directly to the customers.
The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge is perfect for those looking for a more sales-focused form of content creation. The book focuses mainly on sales strategies and revenue generation ideas but is ideal for content marketers who want to create content to drive leads and conversions.
So there you have it! Our curated list of eight books on content marketing is the best ally in your journey to becoming a marketing professional.
