Must Read Books for CMOs in the UK

These are also recommended gifts for marketers.

Here’s a curated list of 20 must-read books for CMOs in the UK, covering a wide range of marketing topics at a professional level:

1. “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene M. Schwartz (1966)
   A seminal work on copywriting and consumer psychology, this book provides invaluable insights into understanding customer awareness stages and crafting compelling marketing messages[1].
2. “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller (2017)
   Miller presents a seven-step storytelling framework to help brands clarify their message and connect with customers more effectively, making it essential for brand marketing strategies[1][2].
3. “This Is Marketing” by Seth Godin (2018)
   Godin challenges traditional marketing approaches, advocating for a more empathetic, human-centred approach to marketing that focuses on solving real problems for specific audiences.
4. “Hacking Growth” by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown (2017)
   This book delves into growth hacking strategies, offering practical techniques for rapid customer acquisition and retention used by some of the fastest-growing companies[2].
5. “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” by Al Ries and Jack Trout (1993)
   A classic that outlines fundamental principles of marketing, providing timeless insights into brand positioning and market dynamics.
6. “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger (2013)
   Berger explores the science behind why certain ideas and products go viral, offering valuable insights for creating shareable content and campaigns[2].
7. “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne (2004)
   This book introduces the concept of creating uncontested market spaces, encouraging CMOs to think beyond competitive strategies and explore innovative approaches[2].
8. “The CMO Manifesto” by John Ellett (2013)
   Ellett provides a 100-day action plan for marketing executives to drive positive change and establish themselves as effective leaders within their organizations[2].
9. “The Next CMO” by Peter Mahoney, Scott Todaro, and Dan Faulkner (2019)
   This guide focuses on operational marketing excellence, helping CMOs develop strategies to achieve their goals in a rapidly changing marketing landscape[2].
10. “CMO to CRO” by Mike Geller, Brandi Starr, and Rolly Keenan (2021)
    The authors explore how CMOs can expand their role beyond marketing to drive revenue growth and create seamless customer experiences[2].
11. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries (2011)
    While not exclusively about marketing, this book introduces principles of rapid experimentation and iteration that can be applied to marketing strategies[2].
12. “Invisible Influence” by Jonah Berger (2016)
    Berger examines the hidden forces that shape behaviour, offering insights into consumer psychology and decision-making processes.
13. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini (1984)
    A classic work on the principles of persuasion, provides valuable insights for marketers looking to influence consumer behaviour [1].
14. “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (2007)
    The Heath brothers explore why some ideas thrive while others die, offering a framework for creating memorable and impactful marketing messages[1].
15. “Epic Content Marketing” by Joe Pulizzi (2013)
    Pulizzi provides a comprehensive guide to content marketing, offering strategies for creating and distributing valuable content to attract and retain customers[1].
16. “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products” by Nir Eyal (2014)
    Eyal presents a framework for creating products and services that naturally hook users, offering valuable insights for marketers in the digital age[1].
17. “Playing to Win” by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin (2013)
    Former P&G CEO Lafley and strategist Martin outline a framework for developing and implementing winning strategies in business and marketing.
18. “Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind” by Al Ries and Jack Trout (2001)
    This book explores the concept of positioning in marketing, offering strategies for differentiating brands in crowded markets.
19. “The Attention Merchants” by Tim Wu (2016)
    Wu examines the history of advertising and attention capture, providing context for modern marketing challenges and opportunities.
20. “Marketing 5.0” by Philip Kotler, Hermawan Kartajaya, and Iwan Setiawan (2021)
    The latest in Kotler’s series, this book explores how technology is reshaping marketing in the age of AI, offering strategies for the future of marketing.

Sources

[1] My 26 best marketing books of all time to read in 2024 https://www.marketermilk.com/blog/best-marketing-books
[2] 10 Books For Today’s CMO – Branding Strategy Insider https://brandingstrategyinsider.com/10-books-for-todays-cmo/
[3] 10 Books That Every CMO Needs to Read – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-books-every-cmo-needs-read-susan-navolski

Kevin Harrington Partner

Kevin Harrington is a Partner at Exit Factor UK, helping SME owners increase business value & build a rewarding, well-planned exit. Former CMO at BBC Worldwide.

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