The 19 Best Branding Books To Help You Master Your Craft
Diving deep into the realm of branding—whether it's personal branding, logo design, or even brand design inspired by behemoths like Apple—it's crucial to source knowledge from the best branding books. From understanding the nuances of brand management deciphering the ins and outs of social media branding, to gaining insights on how to effectively build your brand for an unparalleled customer experience, the right book can be a transformative guide for designers and enthusiasts alike.
I've combed through countless resources, invested time in Amazon searches, and even dissected the success stories of powerful brands. My mission? To bring you a curated collection of books that encapsulate the essence of creating a powerful brand—ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate the ever-evolving world of branding.
These books read by CMOs provide a wealth of information for anyone looking to excel in marketing.
19 Best Branding Books Shortlist
Having explored countless volumes, I’ve handpicked a selection of books perfectly aligned to address your branding challenges.
- Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries & Jack Trout
- Building A StoryBrand by Donald Miller
- Designing Brand Identity: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Brands and Branding by Alina Wheeler and Rob Meyerson
- Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding by David Airey
- Branding: In Five and a Half Steps by Michael Johnson
- Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick by Alexandra Watkins
- The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier
- Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman and Rob Walker
- The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries & Laura Ries
- What Great Brands Do: The Seven Brand-Building Principles that Separate the Best from the Rest by Denise Lee Yohn
- Book of Branding - A Guide To Creating Brand Identity For Startups and Beyond by Radim Malinic
- Brand New: The Shape of Brands to Come by Wally Olins
- Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier
- Sticky Branding: 12.5 Principles to Stand Out, Attract Customers & Grow an Incredible Brand by Jeremy Miller
- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
- Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy by Martin Lindstrom
- Aaker on Branding: 20 Principles That Drive Success by David Aaker
- Creating a Brand Identity: A Guide for Designers: (Graphic Design Books, Logo Design, Marketing) by Catharine Slade-Brooking
- All Marketers are Liars: The Underground Classic That Explains How Marketing Really Works--and Why Authenticity Is the Best Marketing of All by Seth Godin
Overviews of the 19 Best Branding Books
1. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries & Jack Trout
Summary:
Positioning delves into the art and science of creating a distinct impression within a consumer's mind, solidifying a brand’s place in the market. This seminal work has defined the concept of "positioning" as an essential marketing practice, influencing the strategies of major corporations worldwide.
What You'll Learn:
The book introduces readers to groundbreaking techniques for brands to stand out amidst an overload of advertising noise. Through valuable case studies and engaging narratives, the authors elucidate the concept of positioning, emphasizing its role in building a powerful and lasting brand image.
Why You Should Read It:
This timeless classic is an indispensable resource for marketers, providing a foundational understanding of skillfully communicating a brand’s value proposition, ensuring it resonates with the target audience uniquely and memorably.
Quote From The Book:
“The basic approach of positioning is not to create something new and different, but to manipulate what's already up there in the mind, to retie the connections that already exist.”
About The Author:
Al Ries is a renowned marketing and branding strategist. Jack Trout was a celebrated marketing pioneer; his contribution to the industry is invaluable. For more about Al Ries, visit his LinkedIn.
2. Building A StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Summary:
Donald Miller’s Building A StoryBrand revolutionizes how brands craft their messages, focusing on clear and compelling storytelling. With a reader-friendly approach, Miller offers a seven-part framework for brand communication, ensuring an engaging and persuasive narrative.
What You'll Learn:
Miller elucidates the StoryBrand framework, which reshapes brand messaging through the lens of storytelling. It empowers businesses to craft resonating messages, fostering customer engagement and driving brand loyalty and trust.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is your beacon if you want to transcend mundane, complex corporate messaging. It demystifies the art of brand storytelling and provides a clear roadmap for constructing stories that captivate and convert.
Quote From The Book:
“When you confuse, you lose.”
About The Author:
Donald Miller is a bestselling author and CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their brand message. Connect with him on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or visit his personal website. For additional resources, check out the StoryBrand website.
3. Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team by Alina Wheeler and Rob Meyerson
Summary:
Alina Wheeler (who passed away recently) and Rob Meyerson’s book is a comprehensive resource for anyone involved in branding. This guide covers many branding topics, providing invaluable insights and tools for novices and seasoned branding professionals.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will deeply understand the branding process, from initial concept to final execution. The book provides practical guidance on creating and maintaining a successful brand identity, defining your brand purpose, with real-world examples, case studies, and expert advice.
Why You Should Read It:
Now in its sixth edition, this book's systematic approach to branding makes it an invaluable tool for designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, students, and agency or in-house branding teams. It provides the knowledge and inspiration to craft compelling brand identities that resonate with audiences.
Quote From The Book:
“Who are you? Who needs to know? How will they find out? Why should they care?”
About The Author:
Alina Wheeler was an author and branding consultant passionate about providing innovative solutions for brand identity. Learn more about Alina and her legacy on her website. Rob Meyerson is a brand consultant, writer, and podcast host. Find him on LinkedIn, Instagram, or his website.
4. Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding by David Airey
Summary:
In this definitive guide, David Airey presents a cohesive understanding of visual branding, offering readers in-depth insights into the intricate process of crafting a brand identity that truly stands out.
What You'll Learn:
Identity Designed provides a glimpse into the mechanics of brand identity development, demonstrating the role of coherent visual elements in creating a memorable brand. The book walks you through case studies from leading design firms, illuminating the process and principles of effective brand identity design.
Why You Should Read It:
If you’re a designer or business owner looking to grasp the subtleties of visual branding, this book offers a wealth of knowledge. It’s an invaluable resource that combines theory and practice to guide readers in developing unique and impactful brand identities.
Quote From The Book:
“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.”
About The Author:
David Airey is a graphic designer and writer based in Northern Ireland. With years of experience in the field, he specializes in creating brand identities for various businesses. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter, or visit his website for more insights on branding and design.
5. Branding: In Five and a Half Steps by Michael Johnson
Summary:
Johnson's work demystifies the branding process, meticulously breaking it down into five and a half comprehensible steps that guide readers from brand creation to implementation. The book unveils the behind-the-scenes of effective branding with vivid visual illustrations and insightful commentary.
What You'll Learn:
Engage with practical insights and a clear roadmap to building successful brands from the ground up. Johnson's structured approach simplifies the complex facets of branding, making it accessible to professionals and enthusiasts eager to craft a brand that endures and thrives.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone perplexed by the branding labyrinth, this book illuminates the path with clarity and precision. It's a must-read for grasping the integral components of branding and learning how to weave them into a coherent and captivating brand story seamlessly.
Quote From The Book:
“Branding is about taking something complex and projecting it simply.”
About The Author:
Michael Johnson is a highly acclaimed designer and author, the brain behind Johnson Banks, a London-based brand consultancy. Connect with him on his company's LinkedIn, visit his company Twitter, or explore Johnson Banks’ website for more branding insights and projects.
6. Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick by Alexandra Watkins
Summary:
Watkins delivers a punchy, insightful guide on crafting brand names destined to stick. With wit and expertise, the book unveils strategies for developing memorable, influential names that resonate, helping your brand break through the clutter and make a lasting impression.
What You'll Learn:
The book imparts Watkins’ invaluable naming philosophies and strategies, providing readers with the tools to devise names that stick and shine in the competitive market landscape. Engage with proven techniques and insightful examples illuminating the path to naming success.
Why You Should Read It:
If naming has you stumped, Watkins offers the lifeline you need. This book is a treasure trove of practical advice, guiding you to names that capture your brand’s essence and possess the magnetic pull that attracts and retains customers.
Quote From The Book:
“A great name makes you stop and take notice; a bad name makes you stop and think.”
About The Author:
Alexandra Watkins is a leading expert in naming and the founder of Eat My Words, a branding agency known for creating unforgettable brand names. For more insights, connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter, or visit Eat My Words’ website.
7. The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier
Summary:
In The Brand Gap, Neumeier presents a unified theory of branding aimed at bridging the divide between business strategy and design. With straightforward language and engaging visuals, the book offers a step-by-step guide to building iconic brands in any industry.
What You'll Learn:
Explore a refined framework for creating a brand that integrates business strategy and extraordinary design seamlessly. Neumeier distills complex concepts into practical advice, empowering readers to develop brands that resonate with audiences and stand the test of time.
Why You Should Read It:
If you seek to traverse the chasm between abstract strategy and tangible design in branding, this resource lights the way. It’s a handbook for professionals longing to create brands that inspire loyalty and thrive in the competitive market landscape.
Quote From The Book:
“Your brand isn’t what you say it is. It’s what they say it is.”
About The Author:
Marty Neumeier is a prominent author and speaker in the fields of brand strategy and innovation. To delve deeper into his expertise, connect with Marty on LinkedIn or check out his website.
8. Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman and Rob Walker
Summary:
Debbie Millman and Rob Walker’s collection invites readers into thoughtful discussions about the nature and significance of brands. Through interviews with renowned thinkers in branding, the book explores the power and impact of brands on our lives and culture.
What You'll Learn:
Engage with enlightening conversations that delve deep into the essence of branding. The book offers readers a unique opportunity to explore varied perspectives on brand creation, evolution, impact, and brand reputation management. The book provides readers with a robust understanding of what brands signify in today's society.
Why You Should Read It:
This compilation is a treasure for those who ponder the why behind brands. It’s a source of inspiration and contemplation for anyone eager to understand the more profound implications and responsibilities of working in the branding field or simply interested in the influence of brands on our lives.
Quote From The Book:
“Brands are not static, they are living organisms that interact with consumers.”
About The Author:
Debbie Millman is a writer, designer, and host of the acclaimed podcast "Design Matters.” Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit her personal website. Rob Walker is a journalist covering design and technology; find more about him through his LinkedIn and website.
9. The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries & Laura Ries
Summary:
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding is a definitive guide offering invaluable insights and guidelines for building strong brands. Al and Laura Ries illuminate the path with principles that are both timeless and universally applicable across various industries.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will navigate through 22 foundational laws crucial for successful branding, each shedding light on different brand development and management aspects. These principles act as cornerstones, assisting marketers in constructing brands that are not only resilient but also magnetic and influential.
Why You Should Read It:
For marketing professionals and enthusiasts, understanding these immutable laws is indispensable. This book equips you with the knowledge and confidence to craft and nurture brands that survive and thrive in the intensely competitive and ever-evolving marketplace.
Quote From The Book:
“The essence of branding is simplicity. The simpler the brand, the easier it is to understand.”
About The Author:
Al Ries is a celebrated marketing strategist and author, with significant contributions to the field of branding. Laura Ries, his daughter, is also a branding expert and author. You can learn more about Al Ries on his LinkedIn.
10. What Great Brands Do: The Seven Brand-Building Principles that Separate the Best from the Rest by Denise Lee Yohn
Summary:
Denise Lee Yohn’s What Great Brands Do outlines seven critical principles that distinguish exceptional brands from their competitors, providing readers with a clear roadmap to achieve and sustain brand greatness.
What You'll Learn:
Within its pages, the book unveils the seven essential brand-building principles, each backed by case studies and practical advice. Yohn’s approach empowers businesses, irrespective of size, to develop and maintain brands that connect with consumers and drive success and loyalty.
Why You Should Read It:
If brand excellence is your pursuit, Yohn’s insights are invaluable. Her book guides you through the nuances of brand-building, providing the tools necessary for creating brands that resonate, inspire, and invariably lead in their respective markets.
Quote From The Book:
“Great brands never have to ‘give back.’ A great brand is a corporate embodiment of the organization’s core purpose.”
About The Author:
Denise Lee Yohn is an esteemed brand-building expert, speaker, and author with years of experience transforming organizations into great brands. Connect with Denise on LinkedIn, Twitter, or visit her website for more insights and resources.
11. Book of Branding - A Guide To Creating Brand Identity For Startups and Beyond by Radim Malinic
Summary:
Book of Branding is Radim Malinic's masterpiece that offers practical and insightful guidance for startups aiming to build a robust brand identity from the ground up. The book extends beyond theory, providing actionable steps to create unique, compelling brands.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will delve into the nuances of crafting an authentic brand identity, emphasizing visual components, narrative, and emotional connection. Malinic shares invaluable lessons from his vast experience, helping startups navigate common branding challenges effectively.
Why You Should Read It:
For startups and entrepreneurs stepping into the branding arena, this guide is indispensable. It illuminates the path with clarity, providing the wisdom and tools required to establish a brand that not only resonates with the audience but also endures market dynamics.
Quote From The Book:
“Your brand is not what you sell, it’s how you sell it.”
About The Author:
Radim Malinic is an acclaimed creative director and the founder of Brand Nu, a multidisciplinary creative studio. Connect with Radim on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or visit his personal website for deeper insights into branding.
12. Brand New: The Shape of Brands to Come by Wally Olins
Summary:
Wally Olins’ Brand New explores the future of branding, delving into its evolving shape and impact in the modern world. The book provides foresight and analysis on how brands can navigate societal and technological changes while maintaining relevance and appeal.
What You'll Learn:
Olins shares predictions and recommendations on the future trajectories of brands, offering readers strategic insights to anticipate market shifts and adapt effectively. Through his exploration, you’ll understand the imperatives of building flexible, responsive brands that resonate in the dynamic global landscape.
Why You Should Read It:
For brand strategists and enthusiasts keen on staying ahead of the curve, Olins’ visionary insights are crucial. Brand New serves as a compass, helping you to not only envision the future of branding but also prepare and innovate for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Quote From The Book:
“A brand is simply an organization, or a product, or service with a personality.”
About The Author:
Wally Olins was one of the most influential brand consultants in the world, with a career spanning decades in branding and corporate identity. Though he has passed away, his legacy and contributions to the branding industry continue to educate and inspire professionals globally. If you want more information on Olins’ work, visit his profile.
13. Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands by Marty Neumeier
Summary:
In Zag, Marty Neumeier outlines a strategy for brands to differentiate themselves effectively in saturated markets. The book introduces a dynamic approach, guiding brands to stand out, captivate audiences, and ultimately lead within their respective industries.
What You'll Learn:
Neumeier presents the “zag” strategy, where brands take unexpected turns to distinguish themselves. Readers gain insights into crafting brands that deviate from the norm and offer unique value, creating an irresistible draw for customers.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone striving to carve a niche in crowded marketplaces, Zag is a beacon of wisdom. It’s an essential guide to developing brands that are not only memorable but also unparalleled in their appeal and value proposition.
Quote From The Book:
“When everybody zigs, zag.”
About The Author:
Marty Neumeier is an author, speaker, and transformation director at Liquid Agency. With a focus on brand strategy, Neumeier has written extensively to help businesses navigate branding challenges. Connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website.
14. Sticky Branding: 12.5 Principles to Stand Out, Attract Customers & Grow an Incredible Brand by Jeremy Miller
Sticky Branding is Jeremy Miller's insightful guide, providing actionable principles for businesses aiming to build brands that resonate and stick with their audience. Miller’s approach is practical and accessible, offering strategies that facilitate brand growth and customer attraction.
What You'll Learn:
Miller unfolds 12.5 crucial principles to create a “sticky” brand. The book offers practical advice, strategies, and real-life examples, assisting businesses of all sizes in crafting brands that are recognizable and loved by their customers.
Why You Should Read It:
If attracting and retaining customers through branding is your goal, Miller’s Sticky Branding is an indispensable resource. The book is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone eager to build a brand that fosters loyalty, recognition, and a strong customer base.
Quote From The Book:
“Great brands know what they stand for, and they show it.”
About The Author:
Jeremy Miller is a branding expert and the founder of Sticky Branding, a strategic consultancy helping companies grow their brands. Engage with Jeremy on Twitter, or explore more on his company website.
15. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
Summary:
In Start with Why, Simon Sinek explores the fundamental reasons behind the success of great leaders and organizations. Sinek posits that starting with "why" inspires and motivates people to take action, leading to more profound and lasting success.
What You'll Learn:
Sinek introduces the concept of the “Golden Circle,” a model that enhances organizational clarity, innovation, and growth. Readers will learn the importance of understanding and articulating their “why,” which is the foundation for inspiring leadership and building a loyal following.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone aspiring to lead and inspire, Start with Why is foundational. The book offers timeless insights into human motivation and leadership, empowering you to cultivate a culture where people are encouraged to contribute their best.
Quote From The Book:
“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
About The Author:
Simon Sinek is a renowned author, speaker, and consultant who writes on leadership and motivation. Connect with Simon on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or explore his personal website for more inspiration and resources.
16. Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy by Martin Lindstrom
Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom unveils companies' covert strategies and psychological tactics to influence consumer behavior. With a deep dive into the consumer’s mind, Lindstrom exposes the sophisticated, often subliminal, methods brands use to win our loyalty and our dollars.
What You'll Learn:
Lindstrom reveals the secrets of the marketing trade, dissecting the mechanisms that drive consumer decisions. Readers understand marketing influences critically and learn to navigate the market with an informed and skeptical eye, making smarter purchasing choices.
Why You Should Read It:
For conscious consumers and marketing professionals alike, Brandwashed is eye-opening. It offers a candid look into the intricate world of marketing psychology, equipping readers with the knowledge to recognize manipulation and make empowered choices.
Quote From The Book:
“Once our emotions are involved, we often find it far harder to abandon a product.”
About The Author:
Martin Lindstrom is a best-selling author and a foremost consultant on brands and marketing. Engage with Martin on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or visit his personal website for deeper insights into the world of branding and marketing.
17. Aaker on Branding: 20 Principles That Drive Success by David Aaker
Summary:
David Aaker’s Aaker on Branding is a comprehensive guide that presents 20 pivotal principles that steer branding success. The book serves as a manual for marketers, providing an insightful framework for building and managing solid and successful brands.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will be introduced to Aaker’s 20 branding principles, each crucial to understanding and effectively managing brand development and growth dynamics. Through these principles, marketers gain a roadmap for crafting brands that resonate, engage, and sustain in the competitive market.
Why You Should Read It:
As a marketer or business owner invested in branding, Aaker on Branding is invaluable. It offers a deep dive into the principles that govern brand success, empowering you with the knowledge and strategies to create brands that attract, retain, and engage audiences.
Quote From The Book:
“A brand vision should be forward-looking, even visionary, opening up possibilities for the future.”
About The Author:
David Aaker is a recognized authority on branding with a wealth of experience and knowledge in marketing and brand strategy. He has authored several books and is a sought-after speaker and consultant. Connect with David on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or explore his website for more branding insights and resources.
18. Creating a Brand Identity: A Guide for Designers: (Graphic Design Books, Logo Design, Marketing) by Catharine Slade-Brooking
Summary:
Creating a Brand Identity is a meticulous guide for individuals delving into brand and logo design. Catherine Slade-Brooking offers a step-by-step approach, making it an essential resource for designers aiming to establish a significant brand identity in marketing.
What You'll Learn:
You will embark on a journey through the various stages of developing a brand identity, understanding the importance of a clear and concise brand message. Slade-Brooking breaks down the process into manageable steps, providing insight into brainstorming, research, logo creation, application, and launching the brand successfully.
Why You Should Read It:
For aspiring designers and marketing professionals, this book acts as a beacon illuminating the pathway to creating influential brands. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to translate their understanding of a brand into visual identity and marketing strategies effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"Design adds value faster than it adds costs."
About The Author:
Catharine Slade-Brooking is an accomplished author and lecturer in branding and graphic design. She possesses extensive experience and understanding of brand creation and management. If you would like to explore her expertise, you can visit her LinkedIn profile.
19. All Marketers are Liars: The Underground Classic That Explains How Marketing Really Works--and Why Authenticity Is the Best Marketing of All by Seth Godin
Summary:
Seth Godin’s All Marketers are Liars is a riveting expose on the marketing mechanisms and the power of storytelling. Godin eloquently explains how authenticity in storytelling and marketing is pivotal for building trust and succeeding in the competitive business landscape.
What You'll Learn:
Godin unveils the art and science of storytelling in marketing, explaining why authentic stories resonate with customers. Readers learn how to craft compelling narratives that reflect the essence of their brand and foster trust and loyalty among their audience.
Why You Should Read It:
If understanding the psychology behind marketing strategies and consumer behavior is your quest, this book is a trove of wisdom. Godin's insights are invaluable for marketers who build connections through authentic and compelling brand stories.
Quote From The Book:
“Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.”
About The Author:
Seth Godin is an esteemed author, entrepreneur, and marketing guru with numerous best-selling books to his name. Connect with Seth on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or explore his personal blog for more insights on marketing and storytelling.
What Best Branding Books Do You Recommend?
Reflecting on the brand journeys of successful entities, understanding the significance of English as a dominant branding language, or even exploring the intricacies of rebranding—it's all been covered here. Yet, the world of branding is vast, and a great book or two might slip great book or two that slipped through the cracks.
If you've come across a gem that offers unique branding insights or believe there's a must-read that deserves mention, I invite you to share it. After all, a community thrives best when knowledge is shared and celebrated.
