Content marketing is a wide field.
One of the best ways to master it is to read books written by experts who have proven their success in this field.
So, in this article, I’ll introduce you to 20 top-rated content marketing books that’ll help you master the art and science of content creation, distribution, and promotion.
We’ll also share what’s great about each book and their pricing details, so you can decide which ones are worth your time and money.
Popular content marketing books and what they’re best for
Content marketing books worth your time and money
We’ll categorize these books into four categories:
— Books on content strategy
— Books on content creation
— Books on content distribution
— Books on content marketing analytics
Let’s dive in!
Note: Please keep in mind that the prices of these books are subject to change without prior notice. But they’re accurate as of June 23, 2023.
Books on content strategy
We’ll start with books that’ll help you improve your content strategy:
1. Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses
If you’re looking for a content marketing book that will teach you how to build a loyal audience and a successful business, you might want to check out this book by Joe Pulizzi.
Pulizzi is the founder of the Content Marketing Institute, and in this book, he shows you how to flip the traditional entrepreneurial model of creating a product first and then finding customers.
Instead, you’ll learn how to develop valuable content, attract a niche audience, and then create a product that solves their problems.
What’s great about this book?
- It gives you a clear and practical step-by-step process to follow, from finding your sweet spot to exiting your business.
- Provides inspiring case studies and examples of successful content entrepreneurs who have used the strategies in the book
- Helps you discover your unique content tilt, which is your differentiating factor in the crowded online space
- Teaches you how to choose the best platform for your content, whether it’s a blog, podcast, video, or something else.
- Shows you how to monetize your content in various ways, such as advertising, sponsorship, subscription, events, and products.
How much is it?
The book is available on Kindle for $13.50, the audiobook costs $17:35, and the hardcover costs $18.66. Get it here.
2. The Content Code: Six Essential Strategies to Ignite Your Content, Your Marketing, and Your Business
If you’re looking for a content marketing book that goes beyond the basics and reveals the secrets of how to ignite your content, your marketing, and your business, then you need to read The Content Code by Mark W. Schaefer.
The Content Code is based on Schaefer’s extensive research and experience as a college educator, consultant, and best-selling author of five marketing books, including The Tao of Twitter and Social Media Explained: Untangling the World’s Most Misunderstood Business Trend.
This book is not just another list of tips and tricks, but a deep dive into the psychology of sharing, the value of social media marketing, and the six essential strategies that will help you break through the overwhelming wall of information density to win at marketing now.
What’s great about this book?
- Provides a clear framework for creating and distributing content that stands out in a crowded digital world.
- Shows how to build an engaged and loyal audience that will amplify your content and your brand.
- Covers the latest trends and technologies that affect content marketing, such as artificial intelligence, voice search, and influencer marketing.
- Inspires you to think creatively and strategically about your content and your marketing goals.
How much is it?
The Kindle costs $9.99, the audiobook costs $17.35, and the Paperback costs $20.36. Get it here.
3. Contagious: Why Things Catch On
If you want to learn how to make your products, ideas, or stories go viral, this book is for you. Contagious is a fascinating exploration of the science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission.
Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at Wharton, reveals six key principles that drive people to talk about and share things with others. He draws on cutting-edge research and real-world examples to show how you can apply these principles to your own work and life.
What’s great about this book?
- Packed with insights and tips that you can use right away to boost your marketing, inbound sales, or influence.
- Written in a clear, engaging, and entertaining style that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
- Based on rigorous research and evidence, not just anecdotes or opinions.
- Full of compelling stories and examples that illustrate the concepts and make them memorable.
- It’s not just about online or digital media, but also about offline and traditional channels.
How much is it?
The paperback of Contagious costs $11.69. The Kindle costs $13.99. The audiobook costs $12.22. You can also find it in your local library or bookstore. Get it here.
4. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
To make your ideas more memorable, persuasive, and impactful, I’ll recommend Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s book, Made to Stick. It’s a valuable guide that’ll help you communicate your thoughts effectively.
The authors are experts in psychology, communication, and business, and they share the secrets of creating sticky marketing messages that can change minds and behavior. Whether you are a marketer, a teacher, a leader, or a storyteller, you will find valuable insights and examples in this book.
What’s great about this book?
- Reveals the six principles of sticky ideas: simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotions, and stories.
- Shows how to apply these principles to different domains and contexts, such as education, health, politics, and social movements.
- Challenges common myths and misconceptions about communication, such as the curse of knowledge, the illusion of truth, and the gap theory.
- Provides practical tools and exercises to help you craft your own sticky messages.
- The book is full of engaging stories and anecdotes that illustrate the power of sticky ideas.
How much is it?
The hardcover of this book costs $15.49 while the paperback costs $23.27. The Kindle costs $13.99. You can also buy the audiobook for $11.80. Get it here.
5. The Storytelling Edge: How to Transform Your Business, Stop Screaming into the Void, and Make People Love You
The Storytelling Edge is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to use the power of storytelling to connect with their audience and grow their business.
The authors, Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas, are content strategists and storytellers who have helped some of the world’s most successful brands create and share stories that matter.
They reveal the secrets of storytelling that can help you transform your business and your relationships, using neuroscience, psychology, and real-world examples.
What’s great about this book?
- Teaches you how to craft stories that resonate with your customers, employees, partners, and investors.
- Shows you how to use stories to build trust, credibility, and loyalty.
- Gives you practical tips and tools to create and distribute stories across different channels and platforms.
- Inspires you with case studies and stories from brands like Google, Marriott, Spotify, and Netflix.
- Challenges you to think differently and creatively about your business and your role as a storyteller.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $22.56. The Kindle costs $20.00. You can also buy the audiobook for $14.95. Get it here.
Books on content creation
Now let’s move on to books that’ll help build or improve your content creation skills.
6. Epic Content Marketing: How to Tell a Different Story, Break through the Clutter, and Win More Customers by Marketing Less
Epic Content Marketing — by Joe Pulizzi, one of the world’s leading experts on content marketing — shows you how to create and distribute captivating content that your audience will love.
You’ll learn how to craft a compelling story that sets you apart from your competitors and attracts loyal customers. You’ll also discover how to use different channels and platforms to reach your target audience at the right time and place.
What’s great about this book?
- Gives you a clear and practical framework for developing a successful content marketing strategy.
- Teaches you how to use storytelling techniques to engage your audience and build trust.
- Shows you how to measure the impact of your content and optimize it for better results.
- Provides you with real-world examples and case studies from various industries and niches.
- Inspires you to think creatively and experiment with new ideas and formats.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $30.00, the Kindle costs $21.99, and the audiobook costs $17.99. Get it here.
7. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
Everybody Writes is a practical and fun guide to creating stellar online marketing communications, written by Ann Handley, a veteran marketer and chief content officer of MarketingProfs.
Ann shares her insights and tips on how to write with clarity, style, and empathy for your audience, whether you’re writing a blog post, a tweet, a landing page, or an email.
What’s great about this book?
- Covers everything from grammar and usage rules to storytelling and content strategy.
- Full of examples, exercises, and checklists to help you improve your writing skills.
- Written in a conversational and humorous tone that makes you feel like you’re chatting with a friend.
- It’s not just for content teams, content marketers, or writers, but for anyone who wants to communicate better online.
- Inspires you to write with confidence and creativity.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $20.49. The Kindle costs $17.00. You can also get the audiobook for $18.37. Get it here.
8. Youtility: Why Smart Marketing Is About Help Not Hype
If you want to learn how to create marketing that is truly useful for your customers, you should read Youtility by Jay Baer, a renowned marketing strategist and speaker.
Baer shows you how to stop competing on price, features, or hype, and start helping your customers solve their problems and achieve their goals.
He calls this approach Youtility: marketing that is so helpful, people would pay for it if you asked them to. He draws from real examples of companies that have successfully implemented Youtility in their marketing strategy and gives you a practical framework to apply to your business.
What’s great about this book?
- Challenges the conventional wisdom of marketing and shows you a better way to connect with your customers.
- Provides a clear and actionable roadmap to create Youtility for your business, with six blueprints and lots of case studies.
- Teaches you how to measure the impact of your Youtility and optimize it for maximum results.
- Inspires you with stories of how Youtility has transformed businesses and industries, from healthcare to tourism to education.
- Written in a conversational and engaging style, with humor and anecdotes that make it easy and enjoyable to read.
How much is it?
You can get the Kindle version for $14.99, the hardcover for $24.95, and the audiobook for $14.95. Get it here.
9. Writing for the Web, 3rd Edition: Creating Compelling Web Content
Lynda Felder, an instructor and writer with over 20 years of experience, guides you through the key concepts and techniques of web writing with clear examples and exercises.
In Writing for the Web, you’ll learn how to write nonlinear, interactive stories; create succinct and clear copy; and work with compelling images, motion graphics, and sound. You’ll also discover when and why to use different media elements to enhance your web content.
What’s great about this book?
- It uses a concise, straight-to-the-point style to illustrate techniques for writing sharp and focused web copy.
- Focuses on storytelling techniques that work best for digital media.
- Provides photographs, lists, and tables to illustrate the key concepts behind web writing.
- Explains how to use software programs to build websites, podcasts, and illustrations.
- Offers tips, exercises, and suggestions for teachers and students.
How much is it?
The book costs $29.99 for a new paperback edition. You can also buy a used copy for as low as $7.98. Or you can read it on your Kindle device or app for $17.99. Get it here.
10. The Copywriter’s Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells
The Copywriter’s Handbook is a classic guide by Robert W. Bly, a veteran copywriter with over 40 years of experience in direct response and business-to-business marketing.
This book is your go-to guide for crafting compelling copy that’s clear, persuasive, and impactful across all mediums.
Bly reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, direct mail, web copy, e-mail, and more. You’ll also learn how to build a successful freelance copywriting practice and avoid common pitfalls.
What’s great about this book?
- Covers all the basics of copywriting, from headlines to closes, with plenty of examples and exercises.
- Shows you how to adapt your copy to different media and audiences, with tips on web and email-based copywriting, multimedia presentations, and social media marketing.
- Teaches you how to write copy that sells, with proven strategies for generating leads, increasing conversions, and boosting profits.
- Gives you practical advice on how to deal with clients, editors, and legal issues, as well as how to set your fees and market your services.
- Speaking about this book, the legendary David Ogilvy, said: “I don’t know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book.”
How much is it?
The paperback costs $15.93, while the Kindle costs $10.97. Get it here.
Books on content distribution
Here are 5 top-rated books on content distribution that’ll help you get more out of your work by improving the reach and visibility of your content:
11. Content Chemistry: An Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing
Content Chemistry is a compilation of the most effective lessons and advice on how to promote content using search engine optimization, social media, and email marketing.
It covers everything from basic principles to advanced techniques, with real-world examples.
The author, Andy Crestodina, is a co-founder and strategic director of Orbit Media Studios, an award-winning web design company that has completed more than 1,000 successful website projects. So you’ll be learning from a reputable source.
What’s great about this book?
- Points illustrated with clear diagrams and examples that make complex concepts easy to understand.
- Practical and actionable, with tips and tools that you can apply to your own content marketing strategy.
- Based on thousands of conversations with hundreds of companies, it reflects real-world challenges and solutions.
- Written in a friendly and engaging tone that makes reading it enjoyable and fun.
How much is it?
The paperback edition of Content Chemistry costs $25.99. You can also get the Kindle edition for $9.99. Get it here.
12. The New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases and More To Reach Buyers Directly
The New Rules of Marketing & PR is a guide to the future of marketing and PR in the digital age. It shows you how to use web-based content to communicate with your buyers directly, raise your visibility, and increase sales.
The author, David Meerman Scott, is a marketing strategist and a bestselling author of ten books. He has worked as a marketing VP for two publicly traded US companies and as an Asia marketing director for Knight-Ridder, one of the world’s largest information companies. So there’s plenty of experience in this book.
What’s great about this book?
- An international bestseller with more than 350,000 copies sold in over twenty-five languages.
- Offers a step-by-step action plan for harnessing the power of modern marketing and PR to reach your buyers.
- Includes dozens of compelling case studies with revisions and real-world examples of content marketing and inbound marketing strategies and tactics.
- Covers the latest social media platforms, including Periscope, Meerkat, and Snapchat.
- It is an unparalleled resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit managers, and all of those working in marketing or publicity departments.
How much is it?
The book costs $22.99 for the paperback, $17.00 for the Kindle, and $21.43 for the audiobook. Get it here.
13. Don’t Make Me Think!: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
A huge part of content distribution and content marketing in general is about having a website that’s easy to use and navigate. Don’t Make Me Think! is one of the best books on the subject, written by Steve Krug.
Steve is a usability expert who has been helping clients create better web experiences for over 20 years. He explains the principles of intuitive navigation and information design in a clear and humorous way, with plenty of examples and illustrations.
You’ll discover how to make your website more user-friendly, accessible, and persuasive, without sacrificing your vision or creativity.
What’s great about this book?
- Short, fun, and easy to read. You can finish it in a few hours and apply the ideas right away.
- Full of practical advice and tips that you can use on any website, no matter what size or budget.
- Based on real-world experience and research, not just theory or opinion.
- Written by a friendly and witty author who knows how to make you laugh and think.
How much is it?
The book costs $36.00 for the paperback and $25.99 for the Kindle. You can also find it in other online stores or at your local bookstore. Get it here.
14. Share This: The Social Media Handbook for PR Professionals
Share This is a collaborative effort by more than 20 PR experts from different sectors and backgrounds, who share their insights and best practices on how to use social media effectively in public relations.
The book covers social media strategy, Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, media relations, monitoring, measurement, and skills development. It also reflects the changing media landscape and the impact of social media on PR.
What’s great about this book?
- Practical and relevant, with real-life examples and case studies from various industries and organizations.
- Written by practitioners for practitioners, with tips and advice from leading PR professionals who have successfully used social media in their work.
- Comprehensive and up-to-date, covering the latest trends and developments in social media and PR.
- Easy to read and navigate, with clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
- Endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the professional body for PR in the UK.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $7.91 and the Kindle costs $19.00. Get it here.
15. The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users
The Art Of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick is a must-read for anyone who wants to grow their online presence and influence. Guy Kawasaki is a former chief evangelist of Apple and a renowned speaker and author.
Peg Fitzpatrick is a social media strategist and co-founder of 12 Most, a popular blog. Together, they share their secrets and insights on how to create and curate engaging content, build a loyal fan base, and leverage the power of social media platforms.
What’s great about this book?
- Practical and actionable. You can apply the tips and strategies right away to improve your social media game.
- Comprehensive and up-to-date. It covers everything from blogging, podcasting, video, and live streaming to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.
- Fun and easy to read. The authors use humor, anecdotes, and examples to illustrate their points and keep you entertained.
- Inspiring and motivating. You’ll learn from the success stories and best practices of some of the most influential social media personalities and brands.
- Valuable and affordable. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with this book. It’s packed with useful information and tips that you won’t find anywhere else.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $15.09, the paperback costs $14.19, the Kindle costs $14.99, and the audiobook costs $14.99. Get it here.
Books on content marketing analytics
After all’s said and done, you want to measure your content distribution success. Here are five top-rated books to help you do just that:
16. Data-Driven Marketing: The 15 Metrics Everyone in Marketing Should Know
Written by Mark Jeffery, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management and a consultant for many Fortune 500 companies, Data-Driven Marketing will teach you the 15 essential metrics that every marketer should know and use.
You will learn how to use data-driven marketing to deliver a return on marketing investment (ROMI) in any organization across the spectrum of marketing activities from branding and awareness, to loyalty and retention, to new product launch and Internet marketing.
What’s great about this book?
- Based on original research from America’s leading marketing business school, complemented by experience teaching ROMI to executives at Microsoft, DuPont, Nissan, Philips, Sony, and many other firms.
- Uses data from a rigorous survey on strategic marketing performance management of 252 Fortune 1000 firms, capturing $53 billion of annual marketing spending.
- Provides in-depth examples of how to apply the principles in small and large organizations, with free downloadable ROMI templates for all examples given in the book.
- Covers the 10 classical marketing metrics as well as the 5 new metrics that are essential for data-driven marketing in the digital age.
- Explains how to overcome the five obstacles to data-driven marketing and how to build the infrastructure and processes to support it.
How much is it?
The book costs $15.99 for the hardcover and $18.00 for the Kindle. Get it here.
17. Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel
If you want to learn how to use Excel to analyze data and make better content marketing decisions, you should check out Marketing Analytics: Data-Driven Techniques with Microsoft Excel by Wayne L. Winston.
This book is a practical guide that shows you how to apply powerful analytic methods to real-world business problems using Excel. You’ll learn how to target and retain profitable customers, optimize pricing and advertising, forecast sales, and more.
The author is an expert in data analysis and a professor of decision sciences at Indiana University. He has written several books and online courses on Excel and analytics.
What’s great about this book?
- Teaches you how to use Excel functions and tools that you may not be familiar with, such as Solver, Data Tables, Scenario Manager, and Goal Seek.
- Provides clear explanations and examples of how to apply various analytic techniques, such as regression, clustering, optimization, simulation, and decision trees.
- Covers a wide range of topics and cases relevant to marketing, such as customer lifetime value, market segmentation, product positioning, web analytics, social media, and viral marketing.
- Includes downloadable worksheets and solutions to the problems on the author’s website, so you can practice and learn by doing.
- Has positive reviews from customers who found it well-written, easy to follow, useful, and insightful.
How much is it?
The paperback version of the book costs $49.99. The Kindle version costs $26.07. Get it here.
18. Marketing Analytics: A Practical Guide to Real Marketing Science
If you want to learn how to apply real marketing science to your business, you might want to check out Marketing Analytics: A Practical Guide to Real Marketing Science by Mike Grigsby.
The author is a veteran marketer and data scientist who has worked with companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble.
This book is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the concepts and methods of marketing analytics, from statistics and data modeling to marketing strategy and consumer behavior.
What’s great about this book?
- Covers a wide range of topics, from demand forecasting and segmentation to conjoint analysis and survival analysis.
- Uses real-world examples and case studies to illustrate and reinforce key concepts.
- Explains complex techniques in a clear and jargon-free way, with helpful diagrams and tables.
- Provides practical tips and best practices for applying marketing analytics in different situations and industries.
- Includes online resources such as test questions and datasets for further learning.
How much is it?
The book is available in paperback for $45.99 and hardcover for $94.98. You can also get the Kindle for $36.79. Get it here.
19. Marketing Data Science: Modeling Techniques in Predictive Analytics
Marketing Data Science is a comprehensive guide to applying data science methods to marketing problems. But in this context, you’ll be using it to see how your content marketing efforts are performing.
You will learn essential concepts, principles, and theories in the context of real-world examples and case studies. You will also learn how to use R and Python to analyze data and solve marketing problems.
The author, Thomas W. Miller, is a professor of marketing and director of the Predictive Analytics program at Northwestern University. So he has extensive experience in teaching and consulting on data science and marketing.
What’s great about this book?
- Explains essential concepts, principles, and theory in a clear and accessible way.
- Shows how to use R and Python for data analysis, visualization, and modeling.
- Covers a wide range of topics, such as segmentation, targeting, positioning, product development, recommender systems, pricing, social networks, and sales forecasting.
- Provides six complete case studies that illustrate how to apply data science techniques to real marketing challenges.
- Offers many exercises and problems that test your understanding and skills.
How much is it?
The hardcover costs $79.99. The paperback costs $32.14 and the Kindle version costs $47.99. Get it here.
20. Digital Marketing Analytics: Making Sense of Consumer Data in a Digital World
Written by two experts with decades of experience in analytics and digital marketing, Digital Marketing Analytics will teach you how to collect, analyze, and act on data from various sources, including web, social media, paid media, and more.
You will learn how to align your overall digital analytics with your business goals, how to create a measurement framework, how to choose the right tools and metrics, and how to report and communicate your findings.
Whether you are a marketer, a business owner, or a student, this book will help you make sense of consumer data in a digital world.
What’s great about this book?
- Covers the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing analytics.
- Provides practical examples and case studies from real-world companies.
- Explains how to integrate data from different channels and platforms.
- Shows how to use data for strategic planning, product development, and customer satisfaction.
- Offers tips and best practices for data quality, privacy, and ethics.
How much is it?
The paperback costs $38.39, while the Kindle version costs $23.99. Get it here.
FAQs on content marketing books
Let’s address some common questions on content marketing books:
What kind of book should I read to learn more about content marketing?
Depending on your needs, you can select from a range of topics such as content strategy, content creation, content distribution, or even content marketing analytics. Each book will offer different insights and approaches for reaching your goals.
This article contains some of the very best content marketing books on almost any of the topics mentioned, so it’s worth taking a look.
Is there any free content I can access to learn more about content marketing?
Yes, in addition to books, you can also find plenty of articles and resources online that cover various aspects of content marketing. Some good sources include the Content Marketing Institute, Copyblogger, and Moz blogs. My blog is another free resource you can explore.
Are there any courses available on content marketing?
Yes, there are a wide range of courses available on content marketing from beginner to advanced levels.
These include both online and in-person options from leading educational institutions as well as specialized content marketing courses from companies such as HubSpot and Udemy.
Additionally, there are many free online resources available to help you learn more about the subject. These include blog posts, podcasts, webinars, helpful videos, and more.
Focus on the books you need
There’s no point trying to read all the books on content marketing. Instead, focus on the topics you need to know more about and find the best book on them.
Thankfully, I’ve covered some of the best books for major topics and subtopics related to content marketing. So take a look and choose the ones you need.
Good luck! And don’t forget to keep learning as content marketing is an ever-evolving field.
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