6 Books Every Marketing Manager Should Read

Marketing managers who know how important it is to keep up to date with the latest developments in the industry probably turn to the same places whenever they want to read up on the subject. These places are most likely to be digital, with some marketing blogs and sites offering a wealth of information.

When it comes to taking a deep dive into the topic, however, nothing compares to a book. There’s a number of titles that every marketing manager should read and then place on their bookshelf to reference at a later date. In honor of World Book Day, we’re taking a look at the best marketing books from the industry’s top minds.

1. Killing Marketing by Joe Pulizzi and Robert Rose

The latest book by industry heavyweights Pulizzi and Rose is the follow-up to the 2011 release Managing Content Marketing, so if you haven’t read their first release, that’s a good place to start. Then move on to Killing Marketing, which has been subtitled How Innovative Businesses Are Turning Marketing Cost Into Profit. It focuses firmly on the financial side of marketing and will give you plenty of ideas to think about.

2. The Catalyst by Jonah Berger

A book to get the juices flowing in terms of the underlying powers at play when it comes to changing someone’s mind, The Catalyst will get you thinking about marketing in a different way. Less a roadmap and more an aid to removing roadblocks, it’s one of those books that will fundamentally influence the way you operate. You’ll also find yourself recommending it to all your marketing colleagues.

3. The Results Obsession by Karen J Marchetti

What makes Marchetti’s book a must-read for marketers is her actionable insights and step-by-step roadmap, enabling you to take what you’re learning and apply it to your own campaigns. From measuring the right metrics to the best strategies to generate leads and getting the best ROI for your website, Marchetti shares her 30 years of experience with readers. Whether you’re new to marketing or a veteran, there’s a lot to be gained from reading The Results Obsession.

4. What’s Your Problem? by Steve Goldhaber

Problem solving is at the heart of being a marketing manager, according to Steve Goldhaber, CEO of 26 Characters. He uses his latest book to explore this idea with What’s Your Problem?, looking at the challenges faced by audiences and how B2B marketing addresses them. After reading this book you can expect to be better at identifying, understanding and unpacking these problems to address them and achieve your own goals for your business.

5. Content Chemistry by Andy Crestodina

There’s a reason why Andy Crestodina’s marketing classic Content Chemistry is now in its fifth edition and that’s because it’s the ultimate guide to the industry. Well-researched and full of tried and tested techniques, it’s the first and last book in marketing. If you’re reaching for Content Chemistry, make sure you get the latest version, as Crestodina’s updates ensure it remains relevant and takes the latest industry trends and standards into consideration.

6. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

Content is at the heart of digital marketing and if you don’t get that right, all your other efforts will fall flat. Subtitling her book Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content, Ann Handley shows you how to up your content game in Everybody Writes. She argues that words are your currency and have the ability to make you look clever or stupid, so it’s important you get every single one right. From the rules of journalism to the content tools that will help you perform, read this book and conquer the content world.