14 Best Books on Branding
If you’re considering building a brand in 2024, you must give yourself the right information to stand out.
Studies have shown that 81% of consumers need to trust a brand before purchasing. These 14 books will help you build a strong foundation in branding, which involves understanding various aspects of the discipline, from strategy to design and communication.
What are my Best Books on Branding?
If you’re looking for the best books on branding, consider the following options on the list.
Each one offers a range of benefits that will help you in the various stages of your copywriting journey, whether as a beginner looking to build a personal brand, a copywriting business, or a seasoned freelancer looking to take their skill to the next level.
Also, each book recommended here has unique benefits, so it’s best to read each book’s reviews to find out what works for you.
This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s “This Is Marketing” challenges traditional marketing philosophies, urging marketers to focus on creating meaningful connections with their audience rather than traditional mass marketing.
Key Benefits:
- Thought-provoking insights on modern marketing.
- Strategies for building authentic connections.
- Emphasis on empathy and storytelling.
Pros:
- Provocative ideas challenging status quo.
- Focus on building authentic connections.
Cons:
- Could be concluded in fewer words.
How Brands Grow: What Marketers Don’t Know
Byron Sharp’s “How Brands Grow” offers evidence-based strategies challenging common branding wisdom, providing insights into effective brand growth.
Key Benefits:
- Evidence-backed strategies for brand growth.
- Challenges conventional branding beliefs.
Pros:
- Backed by extensive research.
- Challenges traditional branding norms.
Cons:
- Felt to academic.
- Can be a tough read
Designing Brand Identity
Alina Wheeler’s “Designing Brand Identity” is great for designers and marketers, offering practical insights and case studies for effective brand identity creation.
Key Benefits:
- A comprehensive guide to brand identity design.
- Practical insights and real-world case studies.
Pros:
- Step-by-step guide to brand identity.
- Practical insights for designers and marketers.
Cons:
- May be another tough read
- Lots of waffle (which honestly annoyed me)
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
Donald Miller’s “Building a StoryBrand” focuses on the power of storytelling in branding, providing a framework for crafting compelling brand narratives.
Key Benefits:
- Emphasizes the importance of storytelling.
- Practical framework for brand narrative.
Pros:
- Focus on storytelling for effective communication.
- Practical framework for crafting brand messages.
Cons:
- Feels like a giant sales letter.
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
Al Ries and Jack Trout’s “Positioning” explores the concept of positioning in branding, offering insights into creating a memorable brand space.
Key Benefits:
- Explores the concept of positioning in branding.
- Insights into creating a memorable brand space.
Pros:
- Classic insights into positioning.
- Practical guidance for brand positioning.
Cons:
- May feel slightly dated (still offers foundational value).
Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age
Jonah Berger’s “Contagious” delves into the science of viral marketing, revealing the factors that make ideas and products shareable.
Key Benefits:
- Insights into creating contagious content.
- Practical tips for word-of-mouth marketing.
Pricing: Available in various formats with different prices.
Pros:
- Backed by research on viral content.
- Applicable strategies for marketers.
Cons:
- Examples may feel more focused on certain industries.
Eating the Big Fish
Adam Morgan’s “Eating the Big Fish” explores strategies for challenger brands to compete effectively against industry leaders.
Key Benefits:
- Strategies for challenger brands to compete.
- Case studies of successful challenger brands.
Pros:
- Practical insights for smaller brands.
- Emphasis on innovative strategies.
Cons:
- Some strategies may not apply universally.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Al Ries and Laura Ries outline foundational laws in “The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding” for creating a powerful and lasting brand.
Key Benefits:
- Fundamental laws for effective branding.
- Examples and case studies illustrating each law.
Pros:
- Clear principles for brand success.
- Practical application in real-world scenarios.
Cons:
- Some concepts may be considered basic by experienced marketers.
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s “Made to Stick” explores the traits that make ideas memorable and shares strategies for crafting sticky messages.
Key Benefits:
- Insights into creating memorable ideas.
- Practical tips for crafting sticky messages.
Pros:
- Engaging storytelling to convey concepts.
- Applicable strategies for various industries.
Cons:
- Some concepts may be common knowledge.
- Can be a difficult read
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits” edited by Debbie Millman is a collection of interviews with influential figures in the branding world, offering diverse perspectives.
Key Benefits:
- Insights from various branding thought leaders.
- Diverse perspectives on brand thinking.
Pros:
- Varied perspectives enriching the understanding of branding.
- Engaging interviews with industry leaders.
Cons:
- May lack a structured narrative.
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
Marty Neumeier’s “The Brand Gap” focuses on bridging the gap between business strategy and design, providing insights for a cohesive brand approach.
Key Benefits:
- Strategies for aligning business strategy and design.
- Clear insights for creating a cohesive brand.
Pros:
- Practical guidance for designers and strategists.
- Emphasis on the intersection of strategy and design.
Cons:
- Some concepts may feel basic
Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy
Martin Lindstrom’s “Brandwashed” explores the tactics companies use to influence consumer behavior, revealing the psychology behind branding strategies.
Key Benefits:
- Insights into consumer manipulation tactics.
- Reveals the psychology behind branding.
Pros:
- Eye-opening revelations about marketing tactics.
- Engaging exploration of consumer behavior.
Cons:
- The manipulation tactics can be a bit unsettling.
Brand Aid: A Quick Reference Guide to Solving Your Branding Problems and Strengthening Your Market Position
Brad VanAuken’s “Brand Aid” serves as a quick reference guide, offering solutions to common branding problems and strategies for market positioning.
Key Benefits:
- Quick reference guide for branding issues.
- Practical solutions for strengthening market position.
Pros:
- Concise and actionable advice.
- Addresses common branding challenges.
Cons:
- May not delve deeply into specific topics.
Brand Relevance: Making Competitors Irrelevant
David A. Aaker’s “Brand Relevance” explores strategies for making competitors irrelevant by creating a brand that stands out in the market.
Key Benefits:
- Strategies for achieving brand relevance.
- Insights into making competitors obsolete.
Pros:
- Emphasis on creating a distinctive brand.
- Practical guidance for market differentiation.
Cons:
- Some concepts may require adaptation to specific industries.
Conclusion
That’s my pick on the best books on branding. So, whether you’re a marketer, writer, brand manager, or just someone curious about building a brand that lasts, these books are a goldmine of knowledge and practical applications. They’re like treasure troves for personal and professional growth, providing timeless insights that have a profound impact on their respective fields. Trust me, these books are absolute game-changers!
