Marketing advice is everywhere, but not all of it is created equal. Some of the most valuable insights don’t come from academics or theory, but from people who have actually built companies and turned ideas into revenue. That’s why the best marketing book for an entrepreneur often isn’t a textbook, it’s a playbook written by someone who’s been in the arena.
In this post, we’ve curated the best marketing books written by entrepreneurs who used marketing to grow real businesses. These books go beyond buzzwords and tactics, offering practical frameworks and proven strategies you can apply whether you’re launching a startup or scaling your brand.
If you’re searching for the best marketing book to sharpen your skills, or a short list of the best marketing books every entrepreneur should read, this guide will help you choose the right one based on your goals, experience level, and stage of growth.
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The 15 best marketing books by entrepreneurs
Here are the best marketing books that are written by people who have possibly been in your shoes. They give real world experience to help you grow your brand.
Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
In Crush It!, entrepreneur and digital marketing pioneer Gary Vaynerchuk delivers a motivating and practical guide to building a business and personal brand in the digital age.
Drawing directly from his own experience transforming his family’s wine store into a multi-million-dollar online brand, Vaynerchuk explains how the internet (and social media in particular) has created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to turn their passions into profitable careers.
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
In Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, Gary Vaynerchuk focuses on how brands and entrepreneurs can effectively communicate in a crowded digital world. The core idea is simple: provide value repeatedly (“jabs”) before making an ask (“right hook”).
Vaynerchuk explains why context matters more than content and shows how to tailor messages specifically for each social media platform. Using real examples, the book teaches marketers how to build trust and convert engagement into sales without alienating their audience.
Purple Cow by Seth Godin
In Purple Cow, Seth Godin argues that traditional marketing is no longer enough in a world overwhelmed with choices and advertising. Instead, businesses must create products and ideas that are truly remarkable and so distinctive that people can’t help but talk about them.
Godin encourages entrepreneurs to build marketing directly into the product itself, focusing on innovation, differentiation, and serving niche audiences who will naturally spread the message.
This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
This Is Marketing reframes marketing as an act of empathy rather than persuasion. Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of understanding and serving a specific audience, rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
The book explores ideas like trust, positioning, and long-term impact, teaching entrepreneurs how to create meaningful connections with customers while building brands that stand for something beyond transactions.
DotCom Secrets by Russell Brunson
In DotCom Secrets, Russell Brunson breaks down how online businesses actually convert traffic into customers. Drawing from his experience building ClickFunnels, Brunson introduces the concept of sales funnels and explains how to guide potential buyers through a clear, intentional journey.
The book covers messaging, offer creation, and customer psychology, providing entrepreneurs with a practical framework for building scalable online sales systems.
Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson
Traffic Secrets focuses on one of the biggest challenges in digital marketing: consistently attracting the right audience. Russell Brunson explains how to identify where ideal customers already spend their time and how to ethically capture their attention.
Rather than relying on algorithms or hacks, the book emphasizes long-term traffic strategies built around relationships and trust.
Content Inc. by Joe Pulizzi
In Content Inc., Joe Pulizzi outlines a content-first approach to building a business. Instead of creating products and then searching for customers, Pulizzi argues that entrepreneurs should build an audience first by delivering consistent, valuable content.
The book presents a step-by-step model for establishing authority, growing a loyal following, and eventually monetizing that trust in a sustainable way.
The Referral Engine by John Jantsch
In The Referral Engine, John Jantsch explains how to turn satisfied customers into a predictable source of new business. Rather than leaving referrals to chance, he outlines systems that encourage and reward word-of-mouth marketing.
The book shows entrepreneurs how to build trust-driven growth by delivering exceptional value and creating intentional referral strategies.
Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch
Duct Tape Marketing is a practical guide for small business owners who want a clear, repeatable marketing system. John Jantsch focuses on simplicity and consistency, helping entrepreneurs create a marketing strategy they can actually execute.
The book covers lead generation and customer experience, emphasizing the importance of process over random tactics.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Influence explores the psychological principles behind why people say “yes.” Drawing on research and real-world examples, Robert Cialdini outlines key persuasion triggers such as reciprocity, authority, scarcity, and social proof.
While not a tactical marketing guide, the book provides foundational insights that help entrepreneurs craft more persuasive messages and offers.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
In Contagious, Jonah Berger examines why certain ideas, products, and messages spread while others fade away. Using research-backed examples, Berger introduces key principles that drive word-of-mouth, including social currency, triggers, and emotional impact.
The book helps entrepreneurs design marketing that naturally encourages sharing and conversation.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Made to Stick explores why some ideas are remembered and acted on while others are forgotten. The Heath brothers introduce the SUCCESs framework to help marketers craft messages that are simple, concrete, and emotionally compelling.
Through stories and case studies, the book shows how entrepreneurs can communicate more clearly and persuasively.
The Power of Broke by Daymond John
In The Power of Broke, Daymond John challenges the idea that success requires large budgets or outside funding. He argues that limited resources often force creativity, hustle, and smarter marketing decisions.
Drawing from his own experience building FUBU and stories from other entrepreneurs, the book highlights how constraints can become a competitive advantage.
The Brand Within by Daymond John
The Brand Within focuses on the deeper elements of brand building, including identity, loyalty, and emotional connection. Daymond John explains how strong brands are created from the inside out, starting with values and purpose.
The book helps entrepreneurs understand how to build trust and long-term relationships with their customers.
Get Rich Click! by Marc Ostrofsky
In Get Rich Click!, Marc Ostrofsky explores the opportunities created by the digital economy. The book provides an overview of online business models, including eCommerce, digital advertising, and content-driven ventures.
While broad in scope, it offers entrepreneurs insight into how marketing, technology, and opportunity intersect in the online world.
Could you write your own marketing book?
One thing becomes clear when you look at the best marketing books of all time: they were written by entrepreneurs sharing hard-earned lessons. Every author on this list took real-world experience, distilled it into clear ideas, and turned those ideas into a book that went on to influence millions.
And here’s the thing most people don’t realize…
If you’ve built a business, grown an audience, learned how to sell, or figured out what actually works in marketing, there’s a good chance you have a business book inside you too.
At selfpublishing.com, we work with entrepreneurs every day who once thought, “I’m not an author”, until they realized that the best book on marketing doesn’t come from perfect writing, but from real insight and real experience.
Our team helps business owners and founders turn their ideas into professionally written, edited, and published books that build authority and open new opportunities.
Whether you want to position yourself as an expert, use a book to grow your business or speaking career, or simply share what you’ve learned so others can move faster, we help guide you through every step of the publishing process.
Many of today’s best marketing books started as a simple idea. Yours could be next.
