The 17 Best Marketing Automation Books Of The Decade
Diving into marketing automation books transformed my approach—and it can revolutionize yours. I've poured over best sellers and applied their wisdom, connecting theory to practical marketing automation solutions. Whether you're a beginner wondering how to integrate marketing automation or a pro aiming to upskill in CRM, there are always fresh insights awaiting. After all, the marketing horizon is expanding—with e-commerce, landing pages, and lead nurturing taking center stage. Tools like Pardot and Salesforce are redefining social media marketing and more.
From lead scoring to inbound marketing, take a good look at the latest in marketing automation. Ready to elevate your marketing campaigns? Add these pivotal reads to your wish list—it'll be a game-changer for your team.
17 Best Marketing Automation Books
After poring over numerous titles, I've handpicked these 17 marketing automation books to address your specific challenges.
- Marketing Automation For Dummies by Mathew Sweezey
- Marketing Automation Unleashed: The Strategic Path for B2B Growth by Casey Cheshire
- Think Outside the Inbox: The B2B Marketing Automation Guide by David Cummings and Adam Blitzer
- E-Mail Marketing For Dummies by John Arnold
- Hack The Buyer Brain: A Revolutionary Approach To Sales, Marketing, And Creating A Profitable Customer Journey by Kenda Macdonald
- Introduction to Algorithmic Marketing: Artificial Intelligence for Marketing Operations by Ilya Katsov
- Automate and Grow: A Blueprint for Startups, Small and Medium Businesses to Automate Marketing, Sales and Customer Support by Michael Devellano
- Join or Die: Digital Advertising in the Age of Automation by Patrick Gilbert
- Connect: How to Use Data and Experience Marketing to Create Lifetime Customers by Lars Birkholm Petersen, Ron Person, and Christopher Nash
- Data-Driven Marketing with Artificial Intelligence: Harness the Power of Predictive Marketing and Machine Learning by Magnus Unemyr and Martin Wass
- The Four Step Marketing Blueprint: The Marketing Guide Your Competition Hopes You’ll Never Find by Matt Law and FSMC Community
- Digital Marketing Strategy: An Integrated Approach to Online Marketing by Simon Kingsnorth
- Marketing Automation Foundation: Eliminating Unproductive Marketing by Steve Thomas and Brian Thomas
- Conversational Marketing: How the World's Fastest Growing Companies Use Chatbots to Generate Leads 24/7/365 (and How You Can Too) by David Cancel and Dave Gerhardt
- Marketing Automation and Online Marketing: Automate Your Business through Marketing Best Practices such as Email Marketing and Search Engine Optimization by George Pain
- The Sales Funnel Book v2.0: The Simple Plan To Multiply Your Business With Marketing Automation by Nathan Williams
- MASTERING ONLINE MARKETING - Create business success through content marketing, lead generation, and marketing automation.: Learn email marketing, ... using web analytics and Google Analytics by Magnus Unemyr
Overviews Of The 17 Best Marketing Automation Books
Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote I like from the book. I added the author’s LinkedIn and other places to connect with them online.
1. Marketing Automation For Dummies by Mathew Sweezey
Summary:
Dive into the world of marketing automation with this comprehensive guide. Mathew Sweezey breaks down complex concepts into digestible insights, ensuring readers grasp every aspect of this transformative marketing tool.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into the foundations of marketing automation, strategies for implementing automation in various business models, and methods for measuring the ROI of your marketing automation campaigns.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're looking to modernize your marketing strategy and streamline operations, this book provides a step-by-step guide to integrating automation effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"Marketing automation is not just a tool; it's a strategic shift in how businesses communicate and engage."
About The Author:
Mathew Sweezey is a seasoned marketer with years of experience in the field. He's an active speaker and thought leader in the marketing community. Connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit his personal website.
2. Marketing Automation Unleashed: The Strategic Path for B2B Growth by Casey Cheshire
Summary:
Casey Cheshire provides a deep dive into how B2B businesses can leverage marketing automation for growth. This book offers case studies, practical advice, and advanced techniques for marketers at all levels.
What You'll Learn:
Discover how to tailor marketing automation for B2B businesses, advanced techniques for lead generation and nurturing, and real-world case studies of successful B2B marketing automation.
Why You Should Read It:
For B2B businesses, the right approach to marketing automation can be a game-changer. Casey's insights will provide the roadmap to achieving this.
Quote From The Book:
"In the B2B world, marketing automation is the compass that guides growth, nurturing leads into lifelong customers."
About The Author:
Casey Cheshire is a renowned B2B marketing expert. His wealth of experience makes him a sought-after consultant and speaker. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn or check out his personal website.
3. Think Outside the Inbox: The B2B Marketing Automation Guide by David Cummings and Adam Blitzer
Summary:
This guide by Cummings and Blitzer pushes readers to think beyond conventional email marketing. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive strategies in B2B marketing automation.
What You'll Learn:
Learn how to expand marketing automation beyond the email inbox, discover innovative techniques to engage B2B clients, and understand the customer journey in the B2B space.
Why You Should Read It:
To truly harness the power of marketing automation in the B2B sector, one must think creatively and holistically. This guide provides the tools to do just that.
Quote From The Book:
"Beyond the inbox lies a world of opportunities - a realm where B2B marketing automation flourishes and redefines engagement."
About The Author:
David Cummings and Adam Blitzer are pioneers in the marketing automation field. Both have founded successful tech startups and are recognized for their innovative approach to B2B marketing. Follow David on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn and Twitter.
4. E-Mail Marketing For Dummies by John Arnold
Summary:
John Arnold's E-Mail Marketing For Dummies deciphers the intricacies of email marketing, guiding readers on leveraging email as a potent marketing tool without getting lost in the digital shuffle.
What You'll Learn:
Strategies for effective email content creation, the nuances of segmentation, the art of crafting compelling calls to action that resonate with recipients, and what is most important stats to measure with your email marketing analytics tools.
Why You Should Read It:
Navigate the world of email marketing confidently, boosting engagement rates and ensuring your messages stand out in crowded inboxes.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital age, the inbox becomes a sacred space; approach with value, respect, and clarity."
About The Author:
John Arnold has been at the forefront of digital marketing for over a decade. His insights have shaped many successful email campaigns. Follow him on his LinkedIn and Amazon profile.
5. Hack The Buyer Brain: A Revolutionary Approach To Sales, Marketing, And Creating A Profitable Customer Journey by Kenda Macdonald
Summary:
Kenda Macdonald delves deep into the psychology of the buying process, unveiling how businesses can harness this knowledge for unparalleled marketing success.
What You'll Learn:
The neurological processes behind purchasing decisions, strategies to align marketing efforts with consumer brain behavior, and methods to create memorable customer journeys.
Why You Should Read It:
Unlock the secrets of the buyer's brain, allowing you to craft marketing strategies that are not just effective but revolutionary.
Quote From The Book:
"The human brain isn't just an organ; it's a complex landscape of desires, fears, and dreams. Navigate it right, and success is inevitable."
About The Author:
Kenda Macdonald is an acclaimed neuro-marketing expert whose work has revolutionized sales strategies for numerous businesses. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
6. Introduction to Algorithmic Marketing: Artificial Intelligence for Marketing Operations by Ilya Katsov
Summary:
Ilya Katsov's work offers a profound exploration into the merger of artificial intelligence with marketing. This tome is a beacon for marketers aspiring to meld tech and strategy seamlessly.
What You'll Learn:
Foundational concepts of AI in marketing, development of algorithmic marketing strategies, and methods to integrate machine learning into various marketing operations.
Why You Should Read It:
Be at the cutting edge of marketing's future, understanding and implementing AI-driven strategies that promise unparalleled results.
Quote From The Book:
"When algorithms become the artists, marketers are the conductors orchestrating symphonies of resonant, data-driven campaigns."
About The Author:
Ilya Katsov is a luminary in the realm of algorithmic marketing. His research and strategies have paved the way for the next generation of AI-powered marketing solutions. Engage with him on LinkedIn and Twitter, or peruse his writings on his Amazon portfolio.
7. Automate and Grow: A Blueprint for Startups, Small and Medium Businesses to Automate Marketing, Sales and Customer Support by Michael Devellano
Summary:
Michael Devellano presents a concise blueprint aimed at empowering startups and SMBs to leverage automation, thereby revolutionizing their marketing, sales, and customer support endeavors.
What You'll Learn:
Practical steps to integrate automation into business operations, strategies to scale marketing and sales efforts, and the significance of automated customer support in the digital age.
Why You Should Read It:
Equip your startup or SMB with the tools and knowledge to stay competitive, efficient, and customer-centric in an increasingly automated business landscape.
Quote From The Book:
"Automation isn't just a tool; it's the architect of sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market."
About The Author:
Michael Devellano is an entrepreneur and automation specialist whose innovative methods have been a boon for many startups and SMBs. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
8. Join or Die: Digital Advertising in the Age of Automation by Patrick Gilbert
Summary:
Patrick Gilbert takes readers on a journey through the dynamic world of digital advertising, emphasizing the urgent need to embrace automation or risk obsolescence.
What You'll Learn:
The evolving landscape of digital advertising, techniques for effective ad automation, and insights into the future of automated advertising strategies.
Why You Should Read It:
Position yourself at the vanguard of digital advertising, ensuring you're equipped to thrive in an era where automation is paramount.
Quote From The Book:
"In the grand theatre of digital advertising, automation is the director, scripting successes for those willing to adapt."
About The Author:
Patrick Gilbert has been a pioneering force in digital advertising for years. His expertise is sought after by brands globally. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn and Twitter.
9. Connect: How to Use Data and Experience Marketing to Create Lifetime Customers by Lars Birkholm Petersen, Ron Person, and Christopher Nash
Summary:
This collaboration between Petersen, Person, and Nash offers a deep dive into the synergy of data and experience marketing, laying out strategies to cultivate lifetime customer relationships.
What You'll Learn:
The art of synthesizing data with experience marketing, methods to curate personalized customer experiences, and strategies to foster lasting brand loyalty.
Why You Should Read It:
Harness the power of data-driven experience marketing to transform one-time customers into brand ambassadors for life.
Quote From The Book:
"Data is the brush, experience the canvas. Together, they paint masterpieces of lasting customer loyalty."
About The Authors:
Lars Birkholm Petersen, Ron Person, and Christopher Nash are revered figures in the realm of data-driven marketing. With years of collective expertise, they offer unparalleled insights into creating meaningful customer experiences. Engage with Lars on Twitter, Ron on LinkedIn, and Christopher on Twitter.
10. Data-Driven Marketing with Artificial Intelligence: Harness the Power of Predictive Marketing and Machine Learning by Magnus Unemyr and Martin Wass
Summary:
Dive into the realm of predictive marketing and machine learning with Unemyr and Wass, understanding how artificial intelligence can redefine traditional marketing strategies.
What You'll Learn:
Foundations of predictive marketing, the intertwining of AI and marketing, and actionable insights for harnessing machine learning in campaign strategies.
Why You Should Read It:
To be at the forefront of a marketing revolution where data and AI work in tandem, crafting bespoke and effective campaigns.
Quote From The Book:
"Where data meets decision, AI becomes the bridge. In marketing, this bridge leads to unprecedented success."
About The Author:
Magnus Unemyr and Martin Wass are celebrated authorities in AI-powered marketing. Engage with Magnus on LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit his personal website for deeper dives into AI's impact on marketing.
11. The Four Step Marketing Blueprint: The Marketing Guide Your Competition Hopes You’ll Never Find by Matt Law and FSMC Community
Summary:
Matt Law, in collaboration with the FSMC Community, presents a marketing guide that promises to be a game-changer, revealing a blueprint designed for unparalleled success.
What You'll Learn:
The four pivotal steps in effective marketing, are insights from various industry leaders, and a roadmap to outshine competitors.
Why You Should Read It:
Elevate your marketing strategy with a proven blueprint and gain a competitive edge that your rivals wish remained hidden.
Quote From The Book:
"A journey of a thousand customers begins with a single, well-crafted marketing step."
About The Author:
Matt Law is a marketing maestro whose strategies have been heralded by enterprises globally. Engage with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
12. Digital Marketing Strategy: An Integrated Approach to Online Marketing by Simon Kingsnorth
Summary:
Kingsnorth elucidates the intricacies of online marketing, presenting a holistic strategy that seamlessly merges various digital avenues.
What You'll Learn:
The nuances of online marketing platforms, strategies for integration, and the art of crafting cohesive and compelling digital narratives.
Why You Should Read It:
Master the art and science of digital marketing, ensuring your brand's omnipresence and resonance in the digital realm.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital symphony, every platform is an instrument. The maestro knows how to make them play in harmony."
About The Author:
Simon Kingsnorth is a luminary in the field of digital marketing. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter, or delve into his strategies on his personal website.
13. Marketing Automation Foundation: Eliminating Unproductive Marketing by Steve Thomas and Brian Thomas
Summary:
Steve and Brian Thomas delve deep into the underpinnings of marketing automation, revealing how to sift out inefficiencies and supercharge marketing endeavors.
What You'll Learn:
The building blocks of marketing automation, techniques to weed out inefficacies, and the secrets to boosting ROI with automated marketing tactics.
Why You Should Read It:
Transcend traditional marketing boundaries by embracing a foundation that promises efficiency, precision, and growth.
Quote From The Book:
"Automation isn't about replacing the human touch; it's about enhancing it for a smarter marketing approach."
About The Author:
Steve Thomas and Brian Thomas are trailblazers in the world of marketing automation. Engage with Steve on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Brian on his LinkedIn profile.
14. Conversational Marketing: How the World's Fastest Growing Companies Use Chatbots to Generate Leads 24/7/365 (and How You Can Too) by David Cancel and Dave Gerhardt
Summary:
Cancel and Gerhardt unlocks the secrets of conversational marketing, showcasing how leading companies are leveraging chatbots for round-the-clock lead generation.
What You'll Learn:
The dynamics of conversational marketing, the power of chatbots in generating leads, and strategies employed by the world's most successful companies.
Why You Should Read It:
Step into the future of marketing where conversations are the driving force, and chatbots become your 24/7 salesperson.
Quote From The Book:
"Conversations aren't just about talking; they're about listening, understanding, and responding in real-time."
About The Author:
David Cancel and Dave Gerhardt are recognized thought leaders in conversational marketing. Connect with David on LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with Dave on LinkedIn and Twitter.
15. Marketing Automation and Online Marketing: Automate Your Business through Marketing Best Practices such as Email Marketing and Search Engine Optimization by George Pain
Summary:
George Pain offers a comprehensive guide to the intertwining worlds of marketing automation and online marketing, laying out best practices that promise business transformation.
What You'll Learn:
The essence of marketing automation, the art of email marketing, the science behind SEO, and a roadmap to integrate these for business success.
Why You Should Read It:
Elevate your business to new heights by embracing marketing best practices that not only reach your audience but resonate deeply with them.
Quote From The Book:
"In the digital age, your best salesperson is a well-automated marketing strategy."
About The Author:
George Pain is a revered name in the sphere of marketing automation and online marketing. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
16. The Sales Funnel Book v2.0: The Simple Plan To Multiply Your Business With Marketing Automation by Nathan Williams
Summary:
Nathan Williams unravels the intricacies of the sales funnel, demonstrating how it can be a game-changer when combined with marketing automation.
What You'll Learn:
Deep insights into the structure and mechanics of the sales funnel, its amplification with marketing automation, and strategies to optimize conversions.
Why You Should Read It:
Witness firsthand the potential of a well-structured sales funnel, and leverage it to drive unprecedented business growth.
Quote From The Book:
"In the realm of sales, a funnel isn't just a tool—it's an ecosystem, pulsating with possibilities."
About The Author:
Nathan Williams is an acclaimed expert in sales funnels and marketing automation. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
17. MASTERING ONLINE MARKETING - Create business success through content marketing, lead generation, and marketing automation.: Learn email marketing, ... using web analytics and Google Analytics by Magnus Unemyr
Summary:
Magnus Unemyr provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the digital landscape, emphasizing the roles of content marketing, lead generation, and automation in driving success.
What You'll Learn:
The nuances of content marketing, the art of lead generation, the potential of marketing automation, and the critical role of analytics in shaping online strategies.
Why You Should Read It:
Equip yourself with a holistic understanding of online marketing, and architect strategies that guarantee sustained success in the digital realm.
Quote From The Book:
"In the vast ocean of online marketing, data is your compass, and automation, your trusted sail."
About The Author:
Magnus Unemyr is a luminary in the domain of online marketing and automation. Connect with Magnus on Twitter and dive deeper into his insights on his personal website.
Which Marketing Automation Books Do You Recommend?
If there are outstanding marketing automation books you believe should have made this list, please feel free to share your suggestions. I'm always open to discovering more insightful reads in the field of marketing automation.