Updated Nov. 28, 2022
Content entrepreneurs love their books.
That’s obvious yr after yr when Content Marketing Institute compiles its vacation gifting record.
It was additionally obvious to anybody who noticed the lengthy line of Content Marketing World attendees ready to get an autographed copy of Ann Handley’s new launch. No shock, the second version of Everybody Writes was essentially the most nominated tome on the record.
Whether you’re giving a present or needing some titles so as to add to your want record, take into account these 25 choices – seven printed in 2022 – beneficial by your friends within the #CMWorld Slack channel and on LinkedIn.
The books on the record aren’t about content material advertising solely. They additionally cowl creativity, writing, private branding, and different subjects certain to encourage, inspire, and train entrepreneurs who’re all about content material.
Each entry contains an excerpt from the Amazon description and a remark (if supplied) by the recommender.
Make short work of your team gifting with this list of new and timeless books recommended by #ContentMarketing pros via @AnnGynn and @CMIContent. Click To Tweet
Recommendations for brand spanking new and newly up to date books
Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Guide to Content Marketing (2022), by Andy Crestodina
From the Amazon description: The results of hundreds of conversations about net advertising with a whole bunch of corporations, this handbook is a compilation of crucial and efficient classes and recommendation concerning the energy of SEO, social media, and e-mail advertising.
Recommended by Heidi Cohen, chief advertising officer, Actionable Marketing Guide: “This book is a textbook for several graduate programs. Andy quietly updates it so that it’s up to its sixth edition.”
Also beneficial by Sarah Mitchell, founder, Typeset, and Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods.
The Content Puzzle and the Missing Piece (2022), by Andi Robinson
From the Amazon description: “The content itself is one part of content marketing, but in many respects, it is not the most important. Before you start thinking about what types of content you need to create, you need to lay the groundwork. Think of this as the edge of the puzzle that holds the whole picture together. As you will learn, there are a lot of steps that you need to take into consideration before you get to the actual creation of content.”
Recommended by Jeremy Bednarski, content material strategist, Salesforce: “Not only does Andi provide you with the basics to understand the pieces of the content puzzle, but she brings the psychological aspect to help you take your content strategy to the next level.”
Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content (2022), by Ann Handley
From the Amazon description: In this brand-new version, Ann delivers all the sensible, how-to recommendation and perception you want for the method and technique of content material creation, manufacturing, and publishing.
Recommended by Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods: “The content marketing bible.”
Also beneficial by Michelle Garrett, founder, Garrett Public Relations; Jeremy Bednarski, content material strategist, Salesforce; Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen; Heidi Cohen, chief advertising officer, Actionable Marketing Guide; Gina Balarin, founder, Verballistics; and Michelle Araiza, senior world advertising supervisor, demand era, IQVIA.
I’m Not a Copywriter, But …: Lessons Learned from a Late Bloomer (2022), by Joshua Womack
From the Amazon description: Stand-up comedy. Speechwriting. Pro wrestling? Somehow, these oddball life selections led Josh Womack to copywriting. In his debut e book, he talks about these experiences and extra.
Recommended by Jeremy Bednarski, content material strategist, Salesforce: “If you’re a writer who needs some tips or inspiration, this book is full of them. Josh made his way to copywriting by way of stand-up comedy and shares stories about how he found his way.”
Lights, Camera, Impact: Storytelling, Branding, and Production Tips for Engaging Corporate Videos (2022), by Tony Gnau
From the Amazon description: Make each video-production greenback depend with Tony’s brief storytelling ideas for digital advertising and inner communication professionals. You’ll study DIY capturing recommendations for work you do with out the video execs. This information provides you the insights from high thought leaders in company communication so as to create a strong video-marketing plan.
Recommended by Lisa Dougherty, director, weblog operations and group, Content Marketing Institute: “Tony’s book is for anyone wanting to create exceptional video content. His guide is filled with helpful information so you can finally create your video marketing strategy.”
Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers (2022), by Chip Heath and Karla Starr
From the Amazon description: Making Numbers Count outlines particular ideas that reveal the best way to translate a quantity into our mind’s language. This e book is crammed with examples of utmost quantity makeovers, vivid before-and-after examples that take a dry quantity and current it in a means that folks click on in and say, ‘Wow, now I get it!’
Recommended by George Stenitzer, founder and chief content material officer, Crystal Clear Communications: “It will enable you to communicate numbers without confusing your audience, who may or may not understand fractions and percentages. This improves your content and your results reporting. You can read my in-depth review of the book on my blog.”
Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust (2022), by Melanie Diezel
From the Amazon description: Using real-world examples from trusted manufacturers throughout dozens of industries, they’ll stroll you step-by-step via the method of figuring out and categorizing your enterprise guarantees – even those you don’t notice you’re making – gathering the appropriate proof and backing up every type of declare.
Recommended by Andi Robinson, advisor, Hijinx Marketing: “Consumers are savvy about marketing. We can no longer make claims that we can’t back up with proof. Melanie lays out a roadmap for how companies can show their audience why they should buy their products or services. The easy-to-read format, with commentary from Phil Jones, should be on every marketer’s bookshelf.”
Using Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty Prompting Instinctive Responses (2022), by Nancy Harhut
From the Amazon description: The e book exhibits the best way to apply behavioral science ideas in key areas of selling, together with advertising communications, e-mail, unsolicited mail and advert campaigns, social media advertising and gross sales funnel conversion methods. Highly sensible and accessible, it contains case research and examples from AT&T, Apple, Spotify, and The Wall Street Journal.
Recommended by Shubhangi Mittal, founder, Blackboard-Digital: “It lists real-time examples where Nancy and her team have used proven behavioral science principles to influence decision-making.”
Also beneficial by Jeremy Bednarski, content material strategist, Salesforce, and Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen.
Recommendations for timeless books
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (1994), by Anne Lamott
From the Amazon description: With this primary instruction all the time in thoughts, Anne Lamott returns to supply … a step-by-step information on the best way to write and on the best way to handle the author’s life. Bracingly sincere, she can also be one of many funniest individuals alive.
Recommended by Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen: “This book reminds us that writing is a journey. If we truly savor all the steps along the way, we will create a richer experience for ourselves and our readers.”
Building a Story Brand (2017), by Donald Miller
From the Amazon description: Donald Miller teaches entrepreneurs and enterprise homeowners to make use of the seven common components of highly effective tales to dramatically enhance how they join with prospects and develop their companies.
Recommended by Hanush Kumar, content material and model marketer, Kissflow: “He gives a seven-step framework to write compelling stories and offers adequate examples. Once you know the framework, it is likely that every movie becomes pretty much predictable.”
Buyer Personas: How To Gain Insight Into Your Customer’s Expectations, Align Your Marketing Strategies, and Win More Business (2015), by Adele Revella
From the Amazon description: This e book offers complete protection of a compelling new solution to conduct purchaser research, plus sensible recommendation on adopting the customer persona method to measurably enhance advertising outcomes. Readers will discover ways to phase their buyer base, examine every buyer kind, and apply a radically extra related technique of message choice, content material creation, and distribution via the channels that earn the patrons’ belief.
A brand new version with co-author Jim Kraus debuts in late 2023.
Recommended by Sarah Mitchell, founder, Typeset: “The whole book is good, but she has a fantastic section on interviewing and extracting information from buyers.”
The Content Fuel Framework: How To Generate Unlimited Story Ideas (2020), by Melanie Diezel
From the Amazon description: This easy framework catalyzes the brainstorming course of, making concept era easy and practically computerized. No extra author’s block. No extra asking, “what should I post?” No extra ready for that “big idea” to indicate up in its personal time. This system permits storytellers from any trade to supply contemporary story concepts on demand, at any time.
Recommended by Daniel Foley, founder, Daniel Foley website positioning: “Her book provides a straightforward structure for idea-generating and brainstorming that can help you develop a marketing strategy. The book is organized around a matrix with 10 distinct ‘focuses’ and 10 distinct ‘formats’ at its core. The approach in this book enables digital marketers, content producers, and anybody else who interacts with an audience to regularly deliver original new content.”
Also beneficial by Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen.
Content, Inc.: Start a Content-First Audience, Build a Massive Audience, and Become Radically Successful (With Little or No Money) (2021), by Joe Pulizzi
From the Amazon description: Content Inc. offers an ingenious method to enterprise primarily based on a profoundly easy idea: Having a singular concentrate on the viewers, and constructing a loyal viewers instantly, present the most effective, most nuanced understanding of what merchandise in the end take advantage of sense to promote.
Recommended by Heidi Cohen, chief advertising officer, Actionable Marketing Guide: “Here’s a great author interview.”
Also beneficial by Karine Abbou, founder, Marketing Leaders, and Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods.
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (2013), by Steve Krug
From the Amazon description: It’s the information to assist … perceive the ideas of intuitive navigation and info design. Witty, commonsensical, and eminently sensible, it’s one of many best-loved and most beneficial books on the topic … And it’s nonetheless brief, profusely illustrated … and better of all – enjoyable to learn.
Recommended by Jennifer Best, vice chairman, advertising, All American Entertainment Speakers Bureau: “We should always use language that’s compatible with the reader’s level of understanding while staying as simple as possible to get our point across.”
Epic Content Marketing: How To Tell a Different Story, Break Through the Clutter, and Win More Customers by Marketing Less (2013), by Joe Pulizzi
From the Amazon description: This e book takes you step-by-step via the method of growing tales that inform and entertain and compel prospects to behave – with out truly telling them to. Epic content material, distributed to the appropriate particular person on the proper time, is the best way to really seize the hearts and minds of consumers. It’s the best way to place your enterprise as a trusted knowledgeable in its trade. It’s what prospects share and speak about.
A new edition with co-author Brian Piper debuts March 7, 2023.
Recommended by Paul Somerville, editor-in-chief, Electric Scooter Guide: “Joe Pulizzi, a content marketing expert, demonstrates how to captivate potential clients by producing content that they actually want to engage in. Fortune Magazine listed Epic Content Marketing as one of the five must-read books.”
Also beneficial by Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods.
How to be Great at Your Job: Get Things Done. Get the Credit. Get Ahead., (2018) by Justin Kerr
From the Amazon description: From an writer who climbed to the highest of the company ladder earlier than reaching age 40, this e book takes the guesswork out of profession success and breaks down what it takes to excel at your job.
Recommended by Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods: “Not a content marketing book. However, Justin has some great tips everyone could learn.”
Known: The Handbook for Building and Unleashing Your Personal Brand in a Digital Age, (2017) by Mark Schaefer
From the Amazon description: In in the present day’s world, there’s a everlasting benefit to changing into recognized in your discipline. Those who’re recognized get the purchasers, the higher jobs, and invites to unique alternatives. But can anyone develop into recognized? This path-finding e book offers a step-by-step plan adopted by essentially the most profitable individuals in numerous careers like banking, training, actual property, building, vogue, and extra.
Recommended by Karine Abbou, founder, Marketing Leaders: “I do think personal branding will soon be the only marketing that is left – and to build a strong personal brand without a massive content strategy is nearly impossible.”
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Die and Others Thrive (2007), by Chip & Dan Heath
From the Amazon description: The authors reveal the anatomy of concepts that stick and clarify methods to make concepts stickier, reminiscent of making use of the human scale precept, utilizing the Velcro Theory of Memory, and creating curiosity gaps. Along the way in which, we uncover that sticky messages of all types – from the notorious ‘kidney theft ring’ hoax to a coach’s classes on sportsmanship to a imaginative and prescient for a brand new product at Sony – draw their energy from the identical six traits.
Recommended by Laura Bakopolus Goldstone, senior director of communications and branding technique, AdDaptive Intelligence: “It’s not brand new but has provided a fantastic framework for making content marketing simple, clear, relevant, concrete, and sticky.”
Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It (2019), by April Dunford
From the Amazon description: This e book exhibits you the best way to discover your product’s ‘secret sauce’ – and then promote that sauce to those that crave it. Having spent years as a startup government (with 16 product launches beneath her belt) and a advisor (who’s labored on dozens extra), the writer speaks with authority about breaking via the noise of a crowded market.
Recommended by Heidi Cohen, chief advertising officer, Actionable Marketing Guide: “This book shows people how to implement positioning. It’s a new classic. Without understanding this, the rest of your marketing strategy and content aren’t aligned.”
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000), by Stephen King
From the Amazon description: Part memoir, half grasp class by one of many bestselling authors of all time, this very good quantity is a revealing and sensible view of the author’s craft, comprising the essential instruments of the commerce each author will need to have.
Recommended by Michelle Garrett, founder, Garrett Public Relations: “His personal stories and practical advice make the one a must-read for any writer.”
Practical Content Strategy & Marketing: The Content Strategy & Marketing Course Guidebook (2017), by Julia McCoy
From the Amazon description: This e book lays the ‘hows’ of content material advertising and technique out, in a step-by-step method, e book kind. Each part has written workout routines constructed to solidify what you’re studying and studying – you’ll be capable of fill these out with a pen.
Recommended by Alex Armstrong-Paling, managing director, ToolFit: “Finally, a practical, real-world guide to content marketing is available with built-in exercises to strengthen and expand understanding and learning. The author exhorts you to understand the operational idea that forms the cornerstone of marketing and strategy.”
Also beneficial by Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods.
RE:Think Innovation: How the World’s Most Prolific Innovators Come Up With the Great Ideas That Deliver Extraordinary Outcomes (2021), by Carla Johnson
From the Amazon description: This e book solutions the query of the best way to tie particular person competence with innovation strategies to direct company outcomes. It exhibits the best way to create a unified, idea-driven worker base that delivers extra concepts in a shorter period of time.
Recommended by Jeremy Bednarski, content material strategist, Salesforce: “For marketers looking to get out of a creativity rut or getting past ‘this is how we always do things,’ Carla outlines a process to apply new ideas. By better capturing everything we observe, you’ll learn how to apply it to get to new ideas that help you reach your marketing goals.”
Also beneficial by Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen.
The Secret Army: Leadership, Marketing and the Power of People (2017), by Gina Balarin
From the Amazon description: Bringing collectively superbly informed tales, real-life examples, thorough analysis and the knowledge of credible enterprise leaders, authors and thinkers, this e book dives beneath the floor of contemporary company life to show the hidden humanness that drives us.
Self-nomination by Gina Balarin: “It contextualizes the power of communication in our workplaces, with an emphasis on how our ‘secret army’ (spoiler alert: customers, leaders, and employees) can make work meaningful and, quite frankly, better.”
What Great Brands Do: The Seven Brand-Building Principles That Separate the Best From the Rest, (2014) by Denise Lee Yohn
From the Amazon description: Delivering a contemporary perspective, this e book teaches an modern brand-as-business technique that enhances model id whereas boosting revenue margins, bettering firm tradition, and creating stronger stakeholder relationships. Drawing from 25 years of consulting work with such high manufacturers as Frito-Lay, Sony, Nautica, and Burger King, the writer explains key ideas of her brand-as-business technique.
Recommended by Rachel Duthie, communications specialist, Shearer’s Foods
Writing Without Bullshit: Boost Your Career by Saying What You Mean (2013), by Josh Bernoff
From the Amazon description: In this sensible and witty e book, you’ll study to front-load your writing with pithy titles, topic traces, and opening sentences. You’ll purchase the braveness and ability to purge weak and meaningless jargon, wimpy passive voice, and cowardly weasel phrases. And you’ll get used to writing on to the reader to make each phrase depend. At the middle of all of it is the iron crucial: deal with the reader’s time as extra beneficial than your individual.
Recommended by Danielle Love, content material advertising strategist, AmerisourceBergen: “This author urges you to think critically about clarity in your writing. What is the true message hidden behind the corporate-speak and how can you make it more evident for your readers?”
Youtility: Why Smart Marketing Is About Help, Not Hype, (2013), by Jay Baer
From the Amazon description: Drawing from actual examples of corporations who’re practising Youtility in addition to his expertise serving to greater than seven hundred manufacturers enhance their advertising technique, the writer offers a groundbreaking plan for utilizing info and helpfulness to remodel the connection between corporations and prospects.
Recommended by Mike Myers, senior advisor, CEO stakeholder and built-in government communications, Nationwide: “I got my start in content marketing because of this book. The mix of sound advice and practical, real-world examples helped me understand this ‘new’ thing (which, of course, wasn’t new at all) so clearly and inspired me to get involved!”
Even extra e book concepts
If you’re nonetheless purchasing for simply the appropriate e book, take into account these extra suggestions talked about by readers final yr:
- AI for Marketers: An Introduction and Primer, third version (2021), by Christopher Penn
- Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand (2020), by Park Howell
- Break The Wheel: Question Best Practices, Hone Your Intuition, and Do Your Best Work (2018), by Jay Acunzo
- Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business (2019), by Paul Jarvis
- Everyone Is an “Influencer”: Building a Brand by Engaging The People Who Matter Most (2021), by Kelly Keenan
- Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible (2021), by Tamsen Webster
- Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Guide to the Startup World (2018), by Rand Fishkin
- Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative (2019), by Jane Alison
- The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact (2017), by Chip and Dan Heath
- You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters (2020), by Kate Murphy
What e book would you add to this record? Tell us within the feedback under.
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Cover picture by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute