The Best Books On Internet Marketing
For anyone looking to enhance their marketing skills, the best marketing books are a must-read.
When it comes to internet marketing, there’s a lot that can be learned, absorbed, and used towards building your business. Just think about the $460 billion US market share for internet marketing revenue or the $786 billion market projected for 2026. With so much out there, I drew up a list of the top 15 internet marketing books that have inspired me and countless others. After reading these, you may just be the next internet marketing billionaire.
17 Best Books On the Internet Marketing Shortlist
Below are books that will refine your skills and expand your understanding of dentistry.
- Digital Marketing Strategy by Simon Kingsnorth
- Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
- Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
- The Digital Pivot: Secrets of Online Marketing by Eric Schwartzman
- Permission Marketing by Seth Godin
- The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott
- Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
- The Art of SEO by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, & Jessie C. Stricchiola
- Youtility by Jay Baer
- Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
- Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
- Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer
- The Big Data-Driven Business by Russell Glass & Sean Callahan
- Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson
Overviews Of The 15 Best Books On Internet Marketing
1. Digital Marketing Strategy by Simon Kingsnorth
Summary:
Technology has advanced from what it was 10 years ago, and internet marketing is evolving much the same way. In Simon Kingsnorth’s bestseller, he shows readers a more strategic approach to online marketing. If you need a book to guide you through the intricacies of e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and working with automation tools, this is the one.
It explores how to make use of analytics and AI in marketing, so you know how best to draw insights from a vast pool of data to meet your internet marketing goals. The book is a practical hands-on guide that shows you everything you need to know to be successful in your digital marketing campaigns, drawing from real-world case studies of various billion-dollar companies.
What You'll Learn:
This book dives deep into developing effective digital marketing strategies that span across various online platforms. It provides insights into aligning business objectives with digital marketing techniques, utilizing analytics for improved performance, and crafting engaging content that resonates with your audience.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone looking to refine their digital marketing skills or develop a holistic online marketing strategy, this book offers practical advice and up-to-date strategies. It's an essential read for marketing professionals and business owners aiming to leverage digital channels for growth.
Quote From The Book:
"The digital landscape is ever-changing, and a flexible, integrated approach is necessary to stay ahead."
About The Host:
Simon Kingsnorth is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in the field. He has helped numerous companies, from startups to global brands, build and implement effective digital marketing strategies. Simon is a sought-after speaker and consultant in the digital marketing space. Find Simon Kingsnorth on LinkedIn and X.
2. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Summary:
Wait, are we talking marketing or boxing? Well… both. In this book, Gary Vaynerchuk, a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company shows you how to apply boxing techniques to selling on the internet. It draws on the premise that no expert boxer would get into the boxing ring and try to knock out an opponent with a single blow. Apparently, it involves a series of jabs—‘efforts’—before delivering the right hook—‘marketing’—as a knockout effect.
He explains that anyone looking to make sales on the internet must be willing to put in the work of creating content and engaging their audience (in a series of jabs) to warm them up. This ultimately leads them to want to buy from you when you’re ready to sell. All of these would require you to make the most of each social media platform in its right context before knocking them ‘in’ to your sales with a ‘right hook’.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will understand the nuances of creating content that provides value and engages the audience across different social media platforms. The book also sheds light on the timing and context of your messages, ensuring they hit the mark.
Why You Should Read It:
It's a must-read for marketers and business owners who want to cut through the noise of social media and connect with their audience in a meaningful way. Vaynerchuk’s insights into social media dynamics are invaluable for crafting compelling narratives that drive engagement and sales.
Quote From The Book:
"Content is king, but context is God."
About The Host:
Gary Vaynerchuk is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and internet personality. Known for his expertise in social media and digital marketing, Gary has built a career on his ability to connect with people and understand market trends. He is the chairman of VaynerX, a media and communications holding company. Find Gary Vaynerchuk on LinkedIn and X.
3. Epic Content Marketing by Joe Pulizzi
Summary:
A masterpiece from the award-winning writer Joe Pulizzi, Epic Content Marketing offers insight into how to do internet marketing right. It brings to mind how everything about digital marketing has evolved from simply throwing sales messages to people (who may not even be paying attention), to learning how to meet your audience where they are.
This book takes you through the process of developing stories that inform, entertain, and compel customers to act. It further explains how to build you following by understanding who your audience is, carving out a niche, and reaching them through the right social media marketing strategy. It's safe to say that if you're tapping into the billion-dollar internet marketing industry, you must know your audience—and what they want—before you can deliver.
What You'll Learn:
The book focuses on strategies for developing content that stands out, creating a loyal audience, and driving profitable customer action. It offers a step-by-step approach to crafting stories that resonate with your target demographic.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for content creators and marketers looking to elevate their content strategy above the competition. Pulizzi’s approach to content marketing as a means to attract, rather than interrupt, is a powerful shift in perspective.
Quote From The Book:
"Your goal is not to be good at content; your goal is to be good at business because of content."
About The Host:
Joe Pulizzi is a content marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Content Marketing Institute, which educates and trains enterprises on content marketing. He is recognized for his forward-thinking content marketing strategies and has been instrumental in helping businesses understand the value of content in the digital age. Find Joe Pulizzi on LinkedIn and X.
4. The Digital Pivot: Secrets of Online Marketing by Eric Schwartzman
Summary:
If you already have a start in online marketing, you know that a lot has changed in the last couple of years, and some strategies are no longer working. In The Digital Pivot, Eric invites his readers to take a different approach to their digital marketing campaigns. He digs into the core of internet marketing and emphasizes the need to understand the different types of media available.
Your owned media—which refers to your website presence—should resonate with your visitors when they come and inspire them to keep coming. Your shared media—which are your social media accounts—should come second, then your focus should go to third-party media which is earned and paid media which refers to your advertising (influencer marketing), last.
What You'll Learn:
The book delves into strategies for a successful digital pivot, covering essential components such as SEO, content marketing, social media, and email marketing. It guides readers on integrating these components into a cohesive online marketing strategy.
Why You Should Read It:
This is a must-read for businesses and marketers who are navigating the shift to digital. Schwartzman’s insights help demystify the process of digital transformation and provide actionable steps for making the most of online marketing tools.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital age, being able to pivot and adapt to new marketing channels is not just an advantage; it's a necessity."
About The Host:
Eric Schwartzman is a leading expert in digital marketing, with extensive experience advising Fortune 500 companies and government agencies on digital strategy. He is a renowned speaker and consultant known for his ability to simplify complex digital marketing concepts. Find Eric Schwartzman on LinkedIn and X.
5. Permission Marketing by Seth Godin
Summary:
Another favorite from the best-selling author of ‘This is Marketing’ you can never want for ideas on how to improve your internet marketing with Seth Godin. In Permission Marketing, he explores the intricacies of interruptive and permission marketing and shows you how to milk the latter to your advantage.
It explains how people have become bored with viewing online advertising and traditional media, and why it’s no longer effective. He further explains how you can get customers to learn more about a product that offers value by asking them to take action, repeatedly. He explains how this can be done by first taking the step to build a great relationship with your customers, as this will make them naturally willing to buy from you.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn the importance of earning the audience's permission through valuable content and engagement, rather than buying attention through ads. The book provides a framework for creating marketing messages that entice customers to willingly accept further communication.
Why You Should Read It:
For marketers and business owners looking to build sustainable relationships with their audience, this book offers a compelling alternative to traditional advertising methods. Godin’s perspective shifts the focus from catching to creating, fostering a more engaged and loyal customer base.
Quote From The Book:
"Turning strangers into friends and friends into customers."
About The Host:
Seth Godin is an author, entrepreneur, and marketing guru who has written numerous bestsellers. He is known for his thought-provoking insights into consumer behavior, innovation, and leadership in marketing. Godin’s blog is a popular resource among marketers and business professionals. Find Seth Godin on LinkedIn and X.
6. The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott
Summary:
This is another great book redefining internet marketing for anyone savvy enough to read it. It explains why a great online presence is great for your business, explores the importance of social media marketing, and shows you how use of great content across multiple platforms can reach your audience.
In summary, it details why a great brand image is important and needs to be protected to gain loyal customers and retain existing ones. It further explains the need to explore video and audio podcast tools to tell your brand story.
What You'll Learn:
The book covers a wide array of digital marketing strategies, including social media, blogging, SEO, and content marketing. Scott emphasizes the importance of creating content that engages and educates the audience, fostering direct connections with consumers.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for anyone looking to leverage the latest digital marketing techniques to reach and engage their target audience more effectively. Scott provides readers with the tools they need to craft compelling digital narratives that resonate with their audience.
Quote From The Book:
"The web has changed the rules. Buyers now demand authenticity, and they want to engage with you directly."
About The Host:
David Meerman Scott is a marketing strategist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. He has revolutionized the way businesses think about marketing with his groundbreaking strategies. Scott’s work has helped redefine the marketing landscape, making him a go-to expert for businesses looking to thrive online. Find David Meerman Scott on LinkedIn and X.
7. Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller
Summary:
An Amazon bestseller, Building a Story Brand explains how to sell to your customers using the storytelling strategy. In simple terms, it describes how you can make reading your brand message and sales page, or generally learning about your product, an interesting adventure for your customers. To do this, you have to think about an exciting story you loved reading or listening to.
What stood out to you? Likely, it was the hero, and how the story connects to your personal experiences or that of someone you know. This book invites you to do the same—make your client your hero, help them feel connected by talking about something personal that your product or service can solve, and then describe the change they can hope to have when using your product.
In short, use stories to help them visualize where they want to be and how you can help them get there. This is a classic guide for beginners and business owners alike.
What You'll Learn:
This book provides insights into creating a customer-centric message that resonates and sticks by positioning the customer as the hero of a story, with your brand playing the role of the guide. It offers a step-by-step StoryBrand framework for refining your messaging across all aspects of your business.
Why You Should Read It:
For any business struggling to make its message heard in a crowded marketplace, Miller’s approach provides a fresh perspective. This book is invaluable for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to improve their brand communication and connect more deeply with their customers.
Quote From The Book:
"If you confuse, you'll lose."
About The Host:
Donald Miller is a best-selling author and CEO of StoryBrand, a marketing company that helps businesses clarify their messaging to grow their brand. His revolutionary approach to brand messaging has transformed the way companies communicate with their customers. Find Donald Miller on LinkedIn and X.
8. The Art of SEO by Eric Enge by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, & Jessie C. Stricchiola
Summary:
The Art of SEO is another masterpiece for anyone looking to dive into search engine marketing. It takes so much more than just keywords and blindly adding links. It details everything about a compelling SEO strategy, with important facts and statistics to bear in mind at any level of your marketing plan.
It’s not your everyday fun read, but if you’re looking for a practical guide to take you from zero knowledge of search engine optimization to as close to a hundred as you can or want to be, the book is your SEO bible. As you might already know, information is critical to internet marketing, and to be in the faces of those who need what you offer, you need a complete SEO strategy.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain an understanding of how search engines work and how to optimize websites to increase visibility and rankings. The book covers technical SEO, content strategy, link building, and the use of analytics to measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
Why You Should Read It:
This is an essential read for digital marketers, website owners, and SEO professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of SEO and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine algorithms. The authors’ expertise provides a foundation for both beginners and seasoned SEO practitioners.
Quote From The Book:
"SEO is not about tricking the search engines, it’s about partnering with them to provide the best search results for users."
About The Host:
Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie C. Stricchiola are renowned experts in the field of SEO. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, having consulted for and helped grow the visibility of numerous high-profile websites. Their contributions to the SEO community have been widely recognized and respected.
- Find Eric Enge on LinkedIn.
- Find Stephan Spencer on LinkedIn.
- Find Jessie C. Stricchiola on LinkedIn.
9. Youtility by Jay Baer
Summary:
The goal of every internet marketer is to see their marketing campaigns convert. In Youtility, Jay Baer invites you to momentarily take the focus off yourself and your marketing efforts, and instead direct it to your customer.
Instead of simply hyping your products, think about how your content can help customers make better decisions. Done correctly, they’ll eventually trust you enough to make a purchase. Of course, you can only get that to happen if you appear early enough in the buying process with the right, relevant information.
What You'll Learn:
The book teaches how to create useful marketing that customers want to consume and share. It guides readers through identifying customer needs, crafting useful content, and integrating this approach into their overall marketing strategy.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is for marketers and business owners looking to shift from interruptive advertising to a more customer-centric approach. Baer’s philosophy on 'help not hype' offers a sustainable model for building customer trust and loyalty.
Quote From The Book:
"Be useful. Being useful is the new marketing."
About The Host:
Jay Baer is a marketing consultant, speaker, and the founder of Convince & Convert, a digital strategy consulting firm. Known for his expertise in customer experience, digital marketing, and social media, Jay has advised more than 700 companies, including The United Nations and 36 of the Fortune 500. Find Jay Baer on LinkedIn and X.
10. Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson
Summary:
No one shows how to generate online traffic better than the CEO of ClickFunnels himself. In this book, he shares the secrets behind the success of his company, sharing with his readers a step-by-step guide on how best to get customers who are already online. He claims that if you go to where your customers are, inspire them to join your mailing list and don’t stop providing value to them, they’ll be ready to buy when you launch your next product.
Of course, before you’re able to find your customers as a business owner, you must know who they are, what they want, and what’s going on in their minds. With this, you can leverage any available platform to hook them in, tell them a compelling story, and share an offer they’ll always be ready to buy.
What You'll Learn:
The book explores tactics for increasing website traffic without relying on the changing algorithms of social media and search engines. It focuses on evergreen strategies for attracting more visitors, understanding your audience deeply, and creating compelling content that converts.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is crucial for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs who seek to understand the intricacies of driving targeted traffic in the digital age. Brunson's insights are practical, actionable, and designed to deliver results regardless of external platform changes.
Quote From The Book:
"Don’t wait for people to come to you. Go out and find your dream customers."
About The Host:
Russel Brunson is a co-founder of ClickFunnels, a sales funnel builder designed to help businesses market, sell, and deliver their products online. He is a bestselling author and internet marketing expert who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their businesses through effective online marketing strategies. Find Russel Brunson on LinkedIn and X.
11. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
Summary:
To sell anything online, you need to understand the psychology of your prospective customers. In his book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Cialdini takes readers through the principles that influence human behavior and makes anyone want to buy a product even if they don’t need it.
As an internet marketer, understanding some or all of these tools can get you raking in more sales online even faster than you imagined. All principles identify patterns that are etched deep in the human subconscious that could easily make them yield where they have naturally been rigid.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn about the principles of reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. The book provides real-world examples and strategies for applying these principles to become more persuasive.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for marketers, salespeople, negotiators, and leaders who want to understand the science of persuasion and how to apply it ethically. Cialdini’s research-backed insights offer valuable lessons on influencing others effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"People prefer to say yes to those they know and like."
About The Host:
Robert Cialdini is a renowned psychologist and author, known for his expert research on influence and persuasion. As a professor emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, Cialdini has spent his career understanding and teaching the dynamics of influence. Find Robert Cialdini on LinkedIn and X.
12. Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Summary:
If you’ve been thinking about getting your products and services in the faces of more people, add this masterpiece to your list. A product of years of experience, he explains how content, products, and brands have gained popularity over the years and how you can leverage similar principles.
He explains how word-of-mouth marketing supersedes all other forms of marketing, especially for small businesses, as it’s more direct and almost of zero cost. It’s effective because it’s solely based on trust and targeted at the very person who needs it. One of the most popular books read by CMOs, you sure don’t want to miss this one.
What You'll Learn:
The book reveals the STEPPS framework: Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value, and Stories. These principles explain how to craft content and ideas that people will share and talk about.
Why You Should Read It:
For marketers, entrepreneurs, or anyone interested in making their ideas stick, "Contagious" offers a blueprint for creating messages that spread. Berger's engaging storytelling and evidence-based strategies provide a clear guide for driving word-of-mouth and virality.
Quote From The Book:
"Word of mouth is the primary factor behind 20 percent to 50 percent of all purchasing decisions."
About The Host:
Jonah Berger is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a world-renowned expert on word of mouth, social influence, consumer behavior, and how products, ideas, and behaviors catch on. He combines groundbreaking research with powerful insights to teach how to make ideas contagious. Find Jonah Berger on LinkedIn and X.
13. Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer
Summary:
Another classic must-read for internet marketers and startup founders, Baer invites online marketers to make ‘lemonade’ out of a typical online ‘lemon’ situation. If you’re finding it difficult to deliver a satisfying user experience to your customers, then don’t joke with Hug Your Haters.
He explains how to make the most of your negative feedback for better results, and how to prioritize all of your customer feedback for increased profit. It’s a go-to on how to manage negative feedback using the H.O.U.R.S. method and how to win back distraught customers using the F.E.A.R. method.
What You'll Learn:
The book offers strategies for effectively engaging with detractors and turning unhappy customers into loyal supporters. It emphasizes the importance of listening to complaints across different channels and responding in a way that reflects positively on your brand.
Why You Should Read It:
In a world where customer feedback can make or break a business, "Hug Your Haters" provides essential tactics for anyone looking to improve their customer service and turn negatives into positives. Baer’s approach is both practical and transformative for businesses of all sizes.
Quote From The Book:
"Customer service is the new marketing."
About The Host:
Jay Baer is a renowned marketing consultant, speaker, and founder of Convince & Convert, a company that helps organizations attract and retain customers. Known for his expertise in customer experience, Jay brings insightful, actionable strategies to the forefront of business practices. Find Jay Baer on LinkedIn and X.
14. The Big Data-Driven Business by Russell Glass & Sean Callahan
Summary:
Data is the lifeblood of successful internet marketing and Russell Glass, head of Product, LinkedIn marketing solutions, draws on real-world case studies to prove this. Anyone looking to take marketing to the next level will find this book a useful guide on how to understand their ever-evolving customer base.
It’s a great guide to learning how to use data to understand where your customers are, where they’ve been, and where they will be. It also shows you how to harness all that information for your profit.
What You'll Learn:
This book explains the fundamentals of big data and how to apply analytics to marketing, sales, and overall business strategies. It includes case studies and real-world examples of companies that have successfully used big data to their advantage.
Why You Should Read It:
For business leaders and marketers who want to navigate the complex world of big data, this book is an invaluable resource. Glass and Callahan provide clear, actionable guidance on harnessing the power of data to achieve business objectives.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is the lifeblood of the modern business."
About The Host:
Russell Glass is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Head of Products for LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. Sean Callahan is a marketing content specialist and senior manager at LinkedIn. Together, they combine deep expertise in marketing, technology, and business strategy to explore the potential of big data.
15. Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson
Summary:
In this Amazon bestseller, Russell Brunson breaks down everything you need to know to take your online business from a lifeless website into one that’s buzzing with potential customers. He explains his funnel creation secrets; good bait, front, mid, and back-end funnel offers that ultimately convert to sales.
He shows readers how a great persona, great product, and reverse-engineering other people’s successful funnels can also lead you to the path of success.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will learn the strategies behind successful online sales funnels, including how to attract more leads, convert those leads into customers, and maximize the lifetime value of each customer. Brunson provides a range of tactics and tips for improving online marketing efforts.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone interested in growing an online business. Brunson's straightforward, actionable advice is grounded in years of successful application, making complex digital marketing strategies accessible to all.
Quote From The Book:
"You are just one funnel away."
About The Host:
Russell Brunson is a co-founder of ClickFunnels and an internet marketing expert who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world grow their businesses online. With his books and software, Brunson has changed the landscape of online marketing and sales funnel optimization. Find Russel Brunson on LinkedIn and X.
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