Books about Branding: 15 Classic Titles & Takeaways

As you embark on your journey to create a standout brand, understand that the right knowledge can transform your vision into reality.

The following curated list of books on branding, penned by experts in the field, offers invaluable insights.

Each book serves as a beacon, guiding you through the intricate process of building a brand that resonates and endures.

Dive into these treasure troves of wisdom and emerge with strategies and ideas that can elevate your brand to unparalleled heights.

1. “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller

In “Building a StoryBrand”, Donald Miller presents a revolutionary model for connecting with customers through storytelling. The author, renowned for his expertise in branding and marketing, simplifies the complex process of crafting a compelling brand narrative.

Miller emphasizes the importance of placing the customer at the center of your brand story. This approach can help you in designing a brand narrative for your book that resonates deeply with your audience.

2. “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger

Jonah Berger, a marketing professor at the Wharton School, explores the science behind why certain things go viral in “Contagious”. He provides insights into how products and ideas catch on.

The book highlights the power of social currency and storytelling in branding. Use these principles to create content for your book that is not only engaging but also shareable.

3. “Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind” by Al Ries and Jack Trout

Al Ries and Jack Trout, pioneers in marketing strategy, delve into the concept of positioning in the marketplace. Their book is a fundamental read for understanding how to distinguish your brand in a crowded market.

Focus on creating a unique position in the reader’s mind for your book. This will help in differentiating your branding book from others in the market.

4. “Brand Sense” by Martin Lindstrom

Martin Lindstrom, a branding guru, uncovers the importance of multi-sensory branding in “Brand Sense”. He illustrates how brands can appeal to all five senses to create a holistic experience.

Incorporate multi-sensory elements into your branding strategy for your book, making it a more immersive experie’nce for readers.

5. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” explores the fundamental question at the heart of every successful brand. He argues that understanding your ‘why’ is crucial for effective branding.

Identify and articulate the ‘why’ behind your book on branding. This will help you in creating a brand that is both authentic and inspiring.

6. “Designing Brand Identity” by Alina Wheeler

Alina Wheeler’s book is a comprehensive guide to creating, building, and maintaining a strong brand. As an expert in brand strategy and design, Wheeler provides a step-by-step process for brand development.

Utilize Wheeler’s five-phase process to systematically approach the branding of your book, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand identity.

7. “The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding” by Al Ries and Laura Ries

This book, co-authored by Al Ries and Laura Ries, outlines essential rules for successful branding. It offers a set of principles that have stood the test of time in the branding world.

Apply these timeless laws to ensure that your book’s branding is not only effective but also adheres to proven branding principles.

8. “The Brand Gap” by Marty Neumeier

Marty Neumeier presents a clear guide to bridging the gap between business strategy and design, an essential aspect of successful branding.

Leverage Neumeier’s insights to blend strategic thinking with creative expression in your book’s branding, creating a compelling and coherent brand story.

9. “Lovemarks: The Future Beyond Brands” by Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, introduces the concept of ‘Lovemarks’, which transcends traditional branding by creating deep emotional connections with customers.

Aim to elevate your book’s brand from a mere trademark to a ‘Lovemark’, fostering a deep, emotional engagement with your readers.

10. “Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick” by Alexandra Watkins

In this book, Alexandra Watkins, a naming expert, provides a fun and accessible guide to creating memorable and effective brand names.

Apply Watkins’ techniques to come up with a striking and memorable title for your book, making it stand out in the branding genre.

11. “Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits” by Debbie Millman

Debbie Millman explores the thoughts and ideas of twenty-two brand experts in a series of illuminating interviews.

Gain diverse perspectives on branding that can inspire unique approaches to branding your book.

12. “Brand Flip: Why Customers Now Run Companies and How to Profit From It” by Marty Neumeier

Marty Neumeier discusses how the power has shifted from companies to customers in the digital age, offering strategies for brands to adapt and thrive.

Embrace customer-centric strategies in your book’s branding approach to connect more effectively with your audience.

13. “Archetypes in Branding: A Toolkit for Creatives and Strategists” by Margaret Hartwell and Joshua C. Chen

This book offers a toolkit for using archetypes in brand strategy, providing a framework for creating deeper and more meaningful brands.

Utilize the concept of archetypes to develop a branding strategy for your book that resonates on a deeper psychological level with your readers.

14. “Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy” by Martin Lindstrom

Martin Lindstrom reveals the psychology behind what drives consumers to purchase. This book gives an insider’s view of how brands manipulate consumer behaviors.

Be aware of these tactics to ethically apply persuasive branding strategies for your book, ensuring integrity in your brand’s message.

15. “Eat Your Greens: Fact-Based Thinking to Improve Your Brand’s Health” by Wiemer Snijders

This collection, edited by Wiemer Snijders, brings together thought leaders in marketing to debunk myths and offer fact-based insights into improving brand health.

Embrace a fact-based approach in your branding strategy for your book, ensuring it is grounded in reality and more likely to resonate with a discerning audience.

Why books about branding matter

Books about branding serve as invaluable resources, offering insights and strategies from experts who have mastered the art of brand creation and management. They provide a foundation of knowledge that is critical for anyone looking to establish a strong, resonant brand.

These books delve into the psychology behind consumer behavior, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and the innovative tactics that set successful brands apart.

They are the compasses guiding businesses and individuals through the complex landscape of brand identity, positioning, and perception, ensuring that your brand not only survives but thrives in the marketplace.

Why you should write a book about branding

Writing a book about branding is not just an opportunity, it’s a venture into shaping the future of businesses and personal brands. Here are five compelling reasons to embark on this journey:

1. Establish expertise: Writing a book on branding positions you as an authority in the field, elevating your professional standing and opening doors to new opportunities.

2. Influence change: Share your unique insights and perspectives on branding, influencing how others perceive and implement branding strategies.

3. Fill a gap: Every brand story is unique. Your book could address a niche or perspective that is currently underserved in the literature on branding.

4. Legacy creation: A book is a lasting legacy, a way to share your knowledge and experience with future generations of marketers and brand strategists.

5. Personal growth: The process of writing a book is deeply enriching, challenging you to consolidate your knowledge and articulate your thoughts clearly.

Write your own book on branding

Now is the time to take the wealth of knowledge you have gained and channel it into creating your own book on branding. Your unique experiences and insights have the power to inspire and guide others in the field.

Whether you aim to redefine the fundamentals of branding or introduce groundbreaking ideas, your book could be the next beacon for businesses and individuals striving to create impactful brands.

Embrace this opportunity to shape the discourse in branding, share your expertise, and leave a lasting mark in the world of brand strategy.

Start writing your book about branding today, and be the change-maker in this dynamic and crucial field.