For this reason, we handpicked the five best content marketing books that are worth your time (and the space on your bookshelf). After you’re done reading, you’ll know how to craft compelling narratives, create an effective content strategy, and put AI to work in content marketing.
5 Must-Read Content Marketing Books
The following content marketing books will help you sharpen your skills, connect with your target audience, and grow your career, whether you’re writing website copy or an email.
1. “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley
4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Ann Handley is a marketing guru and the chief content officer at MarketingProfs. “Everybody Writes” is the perfect addition to any marketer’s knowledge base. Handley explains that everyone with a website is a publisher. And everyone on social media is a content marketer. She then compares improving your content to physical exercise: Writing skills are like muscles; they just need a little exercise.
All in all, it’s an enjoyable read with a witty, self-deprecating style and warm tone. It outlines the golden rules for writing and provides actionable tips for:
- Creating trust and authority
- Improving storytelling
- Avoiding excessive self-criticism of your content
In the author’s own words:
“I wrote this book because I couldn’t find what I wanted — part writing guide, part handbook on the rules of good sportsmanship in content marketing, and all-around reliable desk companion for anyone creating or directing content on behalf of brands.”
2. “Stories That Stick: How to Craft Compelling Narratives in Business” by Kindra Hall
4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Why do some brand stories resonate deeply while others fall flat? Kindra Hall, a renowned storytelling expert, unleashes the power of narrative in the business world in “Stories That Stick: How to Craft Compelling Narratives in Business.” This isn’t just about creative writing; it’s about understanding the fundamental elements that make stories memorable, persuasive, and ultimately, drive customers to action.
Hall carefully breaks down the four key types of stories that businesses can leverage: The Value Story, The Founder Story, The Customer Story, and The Purpose Story. Through engaging anecdotes and practical frameworks, she demonstrates how to craft and deploy these narratives to help stand out in a crowded marketplace.
In “Stories That Stick,” you’ll discover:
- How to uncover your organization’s core stories
- Techniques for structuring narratives that capture and hold attention
- Strategies for making your brand message resonate on an emotional level
- Real-world examples of businesses effectively using storytelling
- The importance of authenticity and vulnerability as you build connections
Learning the art and science behind creating “stories that stick” will equip you to craft marketing messages and content that resonate with your target audience and boost your brand’s impact.
3. “On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction” by William Zinsser
4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Whether you’re creating a content strategy, writing blog posts, email newsletters, or anything else, William Zinsser gives practical tips with a beautiful style that shows his respect for the English language. Zinsser began his career on the New York Herald Tribune in 1946 but has continued to write and teach, staying relevant with his craft.
With over 1 million copies sold, this is a book to come back to again and again to level up your writing skills — whether B2B, B2C, or anything else.
In “On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction,” you will learn the fundamentals of writing well, but Zinsser also works to increase your confidence in your writing abilities in a way that will endear you to your readers.
If you love practical advice with lots of examples to help with your writing and communication style, check out this book.
This book will help you:
- Remove the clutter from your writing
- Lead the reader through your piece
- Understand various non-fiction forms
- Improve your attitude about writing
4. “Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing” by Andy Crestodina
4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
“Content Chemistry“ by well-known content marketer Andy Crestodina provides illustrated insights into how to use SEO principles, create viral content, and craft more effective content strategies. Crestodina, a co-founder of Orbit Media Studios, demystifies the often-overwhelming world of content creation and promotion.
Crestodina uses a unique format that includes a breakdown of the principles driving each approach and then a “lab” that outlines a step-by-step strategy based on each concept. This structure makes it easier for readers to build their own content marketing systems using Crestodina’s techniques.
He covers everything from keyword research and on-page SEO to email marketing and social media promotion. He also explores how to build relationships with influencers and websites to amplify your reach.
In “Content Chemistry,” you’ll find insights on:
- Developing a strategic content plan aligned with your business goals
- Conducting effective keyword research to attract the right audience
- Optimizing your content for search engines
- Crafting compelling headlines and engaging content formats
- Building relationships with influencers and earning valuable backlinks
- Measuring the success of your content marketing efforts through analytics
5. “The Modern AI Marketer in the GPT Era: How to Get Ahead with AI and Advance Your Digital Marketing Skills” by Pam Didner
4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Confused about how to get the most from AI in your content marketing? Pam Didner provides an essential guide in “The Modern AI Marketer in the GPT Era.” As a seasoned B2B marketing consultant, fractional CMO, speaker, and podcaster, Didner uses her experience to inspire content creators to incorporate AI into their toolkit.
This easy-to-read (and understand) book on artificial intelligence is ideal for B2B, B2C, and growth marketers.
Didner helps readers understand:
- The evolution of AI and its current significance for marketers
- How to seamlessly integrate AI into your existing workflows
- Strategies to implement and scale AI initiatives within your organization
- Techniques to enhance your generative AI prompts, complete with helpful examples
- The critical importance of data quality in maximizing AI’s effectiveness
- Why the human touch remains crucial in an AI-driven marketing landscape
Ready to put these strategies to work? While these books on marketing offer powerful frameworks, executing a winning content strategy takes time and expertise. If you don’t have time to DIY content creation, connect with a content specialist at ClearVoice today.
