How To Use Iconic Content Marketing Books As Your Muse

Content Marketing Books

Whether you’re just getting started with content marketing or looking to take your skills to the next level, some iconic books are a must-read for anyone who wants to master content marketing.

These books provide not only valuable guidance on content strategy but also offer real-world examples.

Content marketing is a powerful business tool to attract, engage, and retain customers. However, creating an effective content marketing strategy can be challenging, especially for those new to the field.

Fortunately, many excellent resources are available to help businesses master content marketing. One of the best resources is books.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the bestselling content marketing books and explain how you can use them to hone your skills and take your content marketing to the next level.

This post is part of a cluster related to “Content Marketing: The Practical Guide For Brand Owners.”

Contents ...

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Why the books we've picked are evergreen resources

Evergreen resources are content that remains relevant and useful over time, regardless of technological changes, trends, or current events. These resources provide timeless insights, strategies, and information that can continue to be valuable to readers or users for months or even years after they are created.

Examples of evergreen resources include books. These resources are typically focused on addressing a particular topic or issue and providing detailed information or insights useful to readers over an extended period.

Evergreen resources are valuable assets for businesses, individuals, and organizations that want to establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry or provide ongoing value to their audience.

By creating informative, engaging, and enduring content, they can build a loyal following and establish themselves as trusted sources of information and expertise.

There are five reasons why the book choices made in this blog post are high-value evergreen resources:

  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in each book are timeless and remain relevant today. The insights provided in these books are not dependent on changes in technology or trends and can be applied to a wide range of content marketing campaigns.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Each book covers a broad range of topics and provides detailed information on different aspects of content marketing. This comprehensive coverage ensures that the books remain relevant and valuable over time, as readers can refer to them for guidance on various topics.
  • Valuable insights: Each book provides valuable insights into the principles and strategies of content marketing. These insights can help readers create effective content marketing campaigns and improve their marketing efforts.
  • Real-world examples: Many books provide real-world examples and case studies of businesses that have used content marketing to achieve success. These examples demonstrate the principles and strategies in action and inspire and guide readers.
  • Authoritative sources: The authors of the books are experts in the field of content marketing and are widely respected for their knowledge and experience. This ensures that the information in the books is accurate and trustworthy, further contributing to their status as evergreen resources.

If you love quotes from people who matter here are a few about bestselling content marketing books:

Sonia Simone

"The goal of content marketing is to create a relationship with your audience by providing them with useful information. The best content marketing books provide insights and guidance on how to create content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience."

Pamela Wilson

Content marketing is not just about promoting your products or services. It's about providing value to your audience and building trust and credibility with them. The best content marketing books provide guidance on how to create content that is authentic, informative, and engaging, which is essential for building a loyal following."

The 8 best books ever written on content marketing

Here is my list of the 8 best-ever books on content marketing. I’ve read and reread them countless times, finding numerous tips for my brand and clients’ brands. 
8 Best Content Marketing Books
(Please use this infographic with credits intact.) 

1. "Content Inc" by Joe Pulizzi

What makes Joe Pulizzi's book a super-special one for content marketers

Content Inc Book

“Content Inc.” by Joe Pulizzi is a remarkable book offering a unique content marketing perspective. Unlike many other books, which focus on tactics and techniques for creating and distributing content, “Content Inc.” takes a more strategic approach.

It argues that businesses should build an audience through content and then use that audience to inform and guide product development.

The book provides a step-by-step process for creating a successful content marketing strategy and real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the key concepts and strategies.

Written by a leading authority, “Content Inc.” is a valuable and insightful read for anyone interested in content marketing.

Joe Pulizzi describes his "Content Inc" model ... watch!

Joe Pulizzi, co-founder of the Content Marketing Institute, explains how his book is different. He shares a proven step-by-step process to building audiences and generating revenue from content marketing. This is the new, proven entrepreneurial model explained in “Content Inc.” which challenges conventional wisdom. And works.

10 reasons why Joe Pulizzi's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Joe Pulizzi’s book and keep it forever:

  • Provides a different approach to content marketing: The book takes a unique approach to content marketing, arguing that businesses should build an audience through content before developing a product or service.
  • Offers practical advice: The book provides a step-by-step process for creating a successful content marketing strategy and actionable advice and tips for implementing that strategy.
  • Includes real-world examples: The book includes case studies of businesses that have used content marketing to build successful brands, providing inspiration and insight for readers.
  • Emphasizes the importance of quality content: The book emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality content that provides value to the audience.
  • Guides on promoting content: The book offers advice on boosting your content and reaching your target audience.
  • Stresses the importance of measuring results: The book emphasizes measuring the success of your content marketing efforts and adjusting your strategy as needed.
  • Offers insights into audience behavior: The book provides insights into audience behavior and psychology, helping businesses better understand their target audience.
  • Written by an expert: The book is written by Joe Pulizzi, a leading authority on content marketing.
  • Easy to read: The book is well-written and easy to read, making it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Timeless principles: While the book was published in 2015, its principles and strategies remain relevant and applicable to businesses today, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in content marketing.

2. "Everybody Writes" by Ann Handley

What makes Ann Handley's book a super-special one for content marketers

Everybody Writes Book

“Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley is a special book that offers a practical guide to creating high-quality content for any medium. The book is unique in covering all aspects of content creation, from grammar and style to storytelling and strategy.

It provides actionable advice and tips for improving your writing skills and creating engaging, informative, and shareable content.

What sets the book apart is Ann Handley’s approachable writing style and her emphasis on making writing accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience or background.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, Everybody Writes is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and create compelling content that resonates with their audience.

Ann Handley's interview on "Everybody Writes" ... watch!

Watch this terrific video where Erin King interviews the bestselling author of “Everybody Writes,” Ann Handley, as they talk about attracting (and retaining) new customers through stellar online communication.

10 reasons why Ann Handley's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Ann Handley’s book and keep it forever:

  • Provides practical writing advice: The book offers practical advice and tips for improving your writing skills, including grammar, style, and voice.
  • Covers all aspects of content creation: The book covers all aspects of content creation, including storytelling, strategy, and editing.
  • Emphasizes the importance of quality content: The book emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality content that provides value to your audience.
  • Offers guidance on creating different types of content: The book provides advice on creating different types of content, from blog posts to social media updates.
  • Emphasizes the importance of storytelling: The book highlights the power of storytelling in content creation and provides tips on creating compelling narratives.
  • Includes real-world examples: The book includes real-world examples of businesses and individuals who have used content to build their brands and engage their audiences.
  • Provides inspiration for writing: The book offers inspiration and motivation for writing, helping to overcome writer’s block and other obstacles.
  • Written in an accessible style: Ann Handley’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book easy to read and understand.
  • Relevant for all levels of writers: The book is suitable for all levels of writers, from beginners to experienced professionals.
  • Timeless principles: The book’s principles and strategies are timeless and applicable to any content creation, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and create great content.

3. "Contagious: Why Things Catch On" by Jonah Berger

What makes Jonah Berger's book a super-special one for content marketers

Contagious Book

“Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger is a remarkable book that explores why specific ideas and products become popular and spread through word-of-mouth.

What sets this book apart is its focus on the psychology behind why people share and talk about certain things rather than simply providing a list of tactics or strategies.

Berger’s approach is based on extensive research on content that resonates with audiences and can potentially become viral.

The book is also highly readable, with engaging anecdotes and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to understand. 

What's the secret to make your content go viral... watch!

Good Life Project founder Jonathan Fields interviews Jonah Berger about how to generate contagious word of mouth. And Jonah explains his 6 critical STEPPS – Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories.

10 reasons why Jonah Berger's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Jonah Berger’s book and keep it forever:

  • Provides practical insights: The book provides practical insights into the psychology behind why certain ideas and products become popular and offers a framework for creating content that is more likely to be shared and talked about.
  • Based on extensive research: The book is based on extensive research and data, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the factors that influence sharing behavior.
  • Emphasizes the importance of creating practical content: The book emphasizes the importance of creating functional, helpful, and exciting content for your target audience.
  • Includes real-world examples: The book includes engaging anecdotes and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to understand.
  • Offers actionable insights: The book provides actionable insights that can be applied to various industries and marketing campaigns, making it a valuable resource for businesses and individuals looking to create viral content.
  • Challenges common assumptions: The book challenges common assumptions about what makes content viral, providing a fresh perspective on viral marketing.
  • Provides a comprehensive understanding: The book thoroughly explains the factors that influence sharing behavior, helping readers create content that resonates with their audience.
  • Accessible writing style: Jonah Berger’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book easy to read and understand.
  • Relevant for all levels of marketers: The book is suitable for all levels of marketers, from beginners to experienced professionals.
  • Valuable insights:  “Contagious” offers valuable insights for anyone looking to create content that resonates with their audience and has the potential to become viral, making it an essential read for anyone interested in content marketing.

4. "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott

What makes David Meerman Scott's book a super-special one for content marketers

The New Rules Of Marketing & PR Book

“The New Rules of Marketing & PR” by David Meerman Scott is a special book that challenges traditional marketing methods and provides a roadmap for businesses to reach their target audience in today’s digital age.

What sets this book apart is its focus on leveraging new media and digital platforms to create effective marketing campaigns.

Scott’s approach is based on practical advice and real-world examples, making the book a valuable resource for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition.

The book is also highly readable, with clear and concise language that makes the concepts easy to understand. 

How David wrote his book after he was fired ... watch!

Tech Funnel has this very interesting video with David Meerman Scott on how he got to writing his book “The New Rules of Marketing & PR.”  In this interview, David talks about his journey to becoming a bestselling author, his time management as a writer, the impact of content in reaching customers through the buyer’s journey, and the future of marketing and PR.

10 reasons why David Meerman Scott's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab David Meerman Scott’s book and keep it forever:

  • Challenges traditional marketing methods: The book challenges conventional marketing methods and provides a new approach to marketing that leverages new media and digital platforms.
  • Practical advice: The book provides practical advice on creating effective marketing campaigns in today’s digital landscape.
  • Real-world examples: The book includes real-world examples that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to understand.
  • Accessible writing style: David Meerman Scott’s writing style is clear and concise, making the book easy to read and understand.
  • Comprehensive coverage: The book covers a broad range of topics, from social media to content marketing, providing a thorough understanding of digital marketing.
  • Relevant for all types of businesses: The book is relevant for businesses of all sizes and industries, from startups to established corporations.
  • Focus on reaching the target audience: The book emphasizes the importance of reaching the target audience through relevant and valuable content.
  • Provides a roadmap: The book offers a roadmap for creating effective marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience.
  • Emphasizes the importance of measurement: The book emphasizes the importance of measurement and provides guidance on measuring the success of your marketing campaigns.
  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in the book remain timeless and relevant today, making it a valuable resource for businesses seeking effective marketing campaigns.

To find a special gift waiting for you on this page, click the button below to take a peek, before you read on … 

5. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini

What makes Robert Ciadini's book a super-special one for content marketers

Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion Book

“Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini is a special book that explores the psychology behind why people say “yes” to specific requests and how to apply these principles to influence others.

What sets this book apart is its focus on the underlying psychological principles that drive human behavior rather than simply providing a list of tactics or techniques.

Cialdini’s approach is based on extensive research and provides practical insights and examples that can be applied in various situations, from sales and marketing to personal relationships.

The book is also highly readable, with engaging anecdotes and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to understand.

The six unfailing principles of persuasion ... watch!

In this interview with Franklin Covey, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Robert Cialdini shares what he’s learned from decades of scientific research on the art of influence and persuasion. He outlines how his six principles of persuasion can become a cornerstone for conducting effective business in a constantly changing environment.

10 reasons why Robert Cialdini's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Robert Cialdini’s book and keep it forever:

  • Focuses on the underlying psychological principles: The book focuses on the underlying psychological principles that drive human behavior, providing a deeper understanding of why people say “yes” to certain requests.
  • Based on extensive research: The book is based on extensive research and provides practical insights and examples that can be applied in a wide range of situations.
  • Provides practical guidance: The book provides practical guidance on how to apply the principles of persuasion in a variety of contexts, from sales and marketing to personal relationships.
  • Highly readable: Robert Cialdini’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
  • Covers a wide range of persuasion techniques: The book covers a wide range of persuasion techniques, from social proof to scarcity, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
  • Relevant for all types of professions: The book is relevant for professionals in all types of industries, from sales and marketing to healthcare and education.
  • Provides real-world examples: The book includes engaging anecdotes and real-world examples that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to apply.
  • Offers a deeper understanding of human behavior: The book provides a deeper understanding of human behavior and how to influence it, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills.
  • Provides a scientific approach to persuasion: The book offers a scientific approach to persuasion based on rigorous research and data analysis.
  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in the book are timeless and remain relevant today, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their persuasion skills.

6. "Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller

Building A Story Brand Book

What makes Donald Miller's book a super-special one for content marketers

“Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller is a special book that provides a framework for businesses to create compelling stories that resonate with their target audience.

What sets this book apart is its focus on the power of storytelling in marketing and branding.

Miller’s approach is based on the idea that customers don’t buy products, they buy solutions to their problems, and businesses need to position themselves as the guide to help them overcome those problems.

The book is also highly actionable, with practical advice and exercises that help businesses clarify their message and create a story that engages their audience.

You too can try this Storybrand One Liner Exercise... watch!

This is a fascinating and rare video where Donald Miller, author of “Building a Storybrand,” explains how a simple One Liner exercise can help you build a story brand – identify your customers’ problem, explain your plan to help them, and describe a successful ending to their story. 

10 reasons why Donald Miller's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Donald Miller’s book and keep it forever:

  • Focuses on the power of storytelling: The book emphasizes the importance of storytelling in marketing and branding, providing a framework for businesses to create compelling stories that resonate with their target audience.
  • Based on a proven framework: The book is based on a proven framework that thousands of businesses have used to clarify their message and create a story that engages their audience.
  • Highly actionable: The book provides practical advice and exercises that help businesses clarify their message and create a story that engages their audience, making it easy to apply the concepts in real-world situations.
  • Relevant for businesses of all sizes: The book is relevant for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established corporations.
  • Emphasizes the importance of empathy: The book emphasizes the importance of empathy in creating a story that resonates with your audience, and provides guidance on how to develop an empathetic mindset.
  • Provides a clear understanding of the customer journey: The book provides a clear understanding of the customer journey and how to position your business as the guide that can help them overcome their problems.
  • Offers practical advice on creating a brand story: The book offers practical advice on how to create a brand story that resonates with your audience and drives business growth.
  • Highly readable: Donald Miller’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
  • Offers a fresh perspective: The book offers a fresh perspective on marketing and branding, challenging traditional assumptions and providing a new approach.
  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in the book are timeless and continue to be relevant today, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a compelling brand story.

7. "Youtility" by Jay Baer

What makes Jay Baer's book a super-special one for content marketers

“Youtility” by Jay Baer is a special book that explores the concept of marketing that is truly helpful and useful to customers.

What sets this book apart is its focus on creating genuinely valuable content for customers rather than simply promoting products or services.

Baer’s approach is based on the idea that businesses should focus on creating content that is so useful that customers would be willing to pay for it rather than just giving it away for free.

The book is also highly actionable, with practical advice and case studies demonstrating how businesses can implement the principles of Youtility in their marketing campaigns.

Smart content marketing is about help, not hype ... watch!

If you ever wondered what Jay Baer was trying to say to you in his entire book, there is this 6+ minute video where he explains his idea so beautifully that I am compelled to call this video “Beautility.” Don’t miss this one!

10 reasons why Jay Baer's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Jay Baer’s book and keep it forever:

  • Focuses on providing real value to customers: The book emphasizes the importance of providing content that is genuinely helpful and useful to customers, rather than just promoting products or services.
  • Based on the concept of Youtility: The book is based on the concept of Youtility, which is about creating marketing that is so useful, people would pay for it.
  • Highly actionable: The book provides practical advice and case studies that demonstrate how businesses can implement the principles of Youtility in their marketing campaigns.
  • Emphasizes the importance of empathy: The book emphasizes the importance of empathy in creating content that resonates with your audience and provides real value.
  • Provides a new perspective on marketing: The book provides a new perspective on marketing, challenging traditional assumptions and providing a fresh approach.
  • Relevant for businesses of all sizes: The book is relevant for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established corporations.
  • Highly readable: Jay Baer’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
  • Offers practical advice on creating useful content: The book offers practical advice on how to create content that is genuinely useful to customers, providing a roadmap for businesses looking to create valuable content.
  • Includes real-world examples: The book includes real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented the principles of Youtility in their marketing campaigns, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.
  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in the book are timeless and continue to be relevant today, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a marketing strategy that provides real value to customers.

8. "They Ask, You Answer" by Marcus Sheridan

What makes Marcus Sheridan's book a super-special one for content marketers

“They Ask You Answer” by Marcus Sheridan is a special book that provides a revolutionary approach to content marketing by answering the questions that customers are asking.

What sets this book apart is its focus on addressing the questions and concerns of customers in an honest and transparent way.

Sheridan’s approach is based on his own experience of turning his struggling pool company into one of the largest in the United States by providing valuable content that addressed the questions and concerns of his customers.

The book is highly practical, providing a step-by-step guide on how to implement this approach in your own business.

It worked for Marcus and will work for you ... watch!

It always helps to hear the book’s author take the time to make a video and explain why he wrote the book, what he has tried to emphasize, and why you should listen to his ideas. Marcus Sheridan does just that in this very informative video on the right attitude to have to do content marketing. Must watch!

10 reasons why Marcus Sheridan's book must be in your library

Here are ten reasons to grab Marcus Sheridan’s book and keep it forever:

  • Focuses on addressing the questions and concerns of customers: The book emphasizes the importance of addressing the questions and concerns of customers in an honest and transparent way, providing a revolutionary approach to content marketing.
  • Based on real-world experience: The book is based on the author’s own experience of turning his struggling pool company into one of the largest in the United States by providing valuable content that addressed the questions and concerns of his customers.
  • Highly practical: The book provides a step-by-step guide on how to implement this approach in your own business, making it easy to apply the concepts in real-world situations.
  • Emphasizes the importance of transparency: The book emphasizes the importance of transparency in building trust with customers and provides guidance on how to be open and honest in your content.
  • Provides a roadmap for success: The book provides a roadmap for creating a successful content marketing strategy that drives business growth.
  • Relevant for businesses of all sizes: The book is relevant for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established corporations.
  • Highly readable: Marcus Sheridan’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the book accessible to a wide audience.
  • Provides real-world examples: The book includes real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented this approach, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.
  • Offers a fresh perspective: The book offers a fresh perspective on content marketing, challenging traditional assumptions and providing a new approach.
  • Timeless principles: The principles and strategies outlined in the book are timeless and continue to be relevant today, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a content marketing strategy that provides value to customers and drives business growth.

Pro tips to take away in summary ...

1. Whether starting or advancing in content marketing, iconic books are a must-read for mastering it. They offer valuable guidance on strategy and real-world examples.

2. Content marketing attracts, engages, and retains customers. Though it can often be a challenge to create an effective strategy, books are a great resource for mastering the techniques and tactics.

3. This post highlights 8 of the bestselling content marketing books and shows how they can help hone your skills to advance your content marketing.

BONUS: How to get help with your branding and content marketing

Branding and content marketing are tough because they require a deep understanding of the target audience, a commitment to delivering high-quality content consistently, and ongoing optimization to remain effective. This is where an expert hand can be invaluable.

With cutting-edge knowledge of the latest industry trends and best practices, an expert can help provide the guidance and support needed to achieve the desired results.

Rather than slog at it yourself and spend time and money on trial-and-error, make it simple … let me help you.
 
Let’s have a free, no-obligations Zoom chat. We can locate the potential to power up your branding and content marketing. Let me know your goals and budgets, and I will offer you some readily implementable suggestions. 
 
If we’re a good fit for each other, you could consider outsourcing your branding and content marketing projects to me. I am confident I can take your business to an enviable position. 
 
Click the button below to book a free 30-45 minute online ZOOM meeting; we’ll take it from there!
Shobha Ponnappa

"I am committed to elevating my clients' branding and content marketing to a dominant position because I believe that a strong and distinctive brand identity, coupled with high-quality content, can be a game-changer for businesses. I've done it over and over for 40+ years and 125+ clients."

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Give yourself truly big benefits.

Get my weekly newsletter packed with cutting edge brand content tips, tricks, tactics, techniques, and trends. I scour the Net for you.

Get a free download of my 93-page eBook “BRANDSPEAK” … on how to deploy content marketing for total brand domination.

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Just fill in the form to join my community … we have big and small brands for company. You’ll stay on the speedway to growth.