What's the Best Marketing Book You've Ever Read?

37 replies
That's my question: "What is the best marketing book you've ever read?"

I've been very passionate about marketing for many years, specifically direct response marketing.

The book that had the biggest impact on me is "Magnetic Sponsoring" by Mike Dillard. The second book, and a close second, is "Guerrilla Marketing" by Jay Conrad Levinson.

How about you?
#book #marketing #read
  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    what is more interesting than the books .. is watching how people like tony robbins and tim ferris ..and others market their books ..with their podcasts and vlogs ...or blogs .. and getting on other people podcasts or vlogs ..

    so figuring out who your market is .. where their attention is .. and who already has it .. and how to get them to share that attention with you .. ..
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    • Profile picture of the author chuckholmes
      Originally Posted by Odahh View Post

      what is more interesting than the books .. is watching how people like tony robbins and tim ferris ..and others market their books ..with their podcasts and vlogs ...or blogs .. and getting on other people podcasts or vlogs ..

      so figuring out who your market is .. where their attention is .. and who already has it .. and how to get them to share that attention with you .. ..
      Yes, both of those guys are beasts and do a great job marketing their books. I am big fans of both of them. Of course, marketing your book is more important than writing your book.

      So, what is your favorite marketing book?
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      • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
        Originally Posted by chuckholmes View Post

        Of course, marketing your book is more important than writing your book.
        Really? So, it doesn't matter what kind of crap is between the pages, as long as you sell the hell out of it? Is that how you gauge an author's success?

        That said, I'd agree TR is a beast. As in "666.' :-)
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        • Profile picture of the author chuckholmes
          Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

          Really? So, it doesn't matter what kind of crap is between the pages, as long as you sell the hell out of it? Is that how you gauge an author's success?

          That said, I'd agree TR is a beast. As in "666.' :-)
          It helps to have quality writing of course, but the best-selling books aren't always the best written books. Instead, they are the best marketed books. Just my thoughts. You can have the best book in the world, a life changing book, but if you can't promote it properly, it will never become a best-seller.
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          • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
            Originally Posted by chuckholmes View Post

            It helps to have quality writing of course, but the best-selling books aren't always the best written books. Instead, they are the best marketed books. Just my thoughts. You can have the best book in the world, a life changing book, but if you can't promote it properly, it will never become a best-seller.
            Agreed. But, if you have an insanely well marketed book, that is loaded with crap from cover to cover, that sells an incredible number of copies, but doesn't actually 'help' more than a handful of people that would believe anything - because it's in a book, or, who got nothing from the book but were too embarrassed to admit it, lest they be pegged as losers for "not committing," who, other than the author, benefits in any way?

            Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, Tony Robbins.

            I guess the only thing that matters is that the book becomes a, "best seller." That's the true measure of success? OK.
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            • Profile picture of the author Odahh
              Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

              Agreed. But, if you have an insanely well marketed book, that is loaded with crap from cover to cover, that sells an incredible number of copies, but doesn't actually 'help' more than a handful of people that would believe anything - because it's in a book, or, who got nothing from the book but were too embarrassed to admit it, lest they be pegged as losers for "not committing," who, other than the author, benefits in any way?

              Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, Tony Robbins.

              I guess the only thing that matters is that the book becomes a, "best seller." That's the true measure of success? OK.
              well i guess when the people who write self help books understand that 90 plus percent of people who buy them barely finish a few chapters.. and the real purpose is to get speaking gigs ..or get the people who actually read the book into pricey seminars and workshops or coaching ..

              i think i read a tony robbins book 18 years ago ..and stopped reading motivation/self help books ten years ago.. stayed reading business and marketing.. and biographies from successful people.. but even stopped reading those after realizing the couple books from lance armstrong that he swore up and down page after page .. that he wasn't doping ..was bs ..

              you tube and the internet save the hasstle of having to read much of the filler in most books.. getting to listen to a few interviews from any author .. which is how i best learn anyway ..

              and again as i said.. learning about marketing by watch how these peopl are marketing not listening or reading what they are willing to tell you they are doing.. it's interesting when you learn how tony makes most of his money..and it's not from his motivation business or selling books
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        • Profile picture of the author tryinhere
          Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

          Really? So, it doesn't matter what kind of crap is between the pages, as long as you sell the hell out of it? Is that how you gauge an author's success?

          That said, I'd agree TR is a beast. As in "666.' :-)

          On the flip side, you may be the most knowledgable person in the world to write a book / paper / blog on a subject, but if you do not know how to market it, then nobody can read it / share in your wisdom, that only can now exist in the bubble of your own thoughts and paper.
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          • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
            Originally Posted by tryinhere View Post

            On the flip side, you may be the most knowledgable person in the world to write a book / paper / blog on a subject, but if you do not know how to market it, then nobody can read it / share in your wisdom, that only can now exist in the bubble of your own thoughts and paper.
            If you are that knowledgeable and your book is that good, it will find an audience - and, sales!

            Many books have become classics over the decades, when the only form of marketing known to man, was 'word of mouth.' The concept of marketing books didn't really come of age until the early 1900's, which is around the same time period that marketing classes started being taught in American universities.

            The history of book publishing with many tomes which went on to become 'classics,' was quite strong, long before the advent of marketing. Additionally, I've heard talk of this thing called, 'viral marketing.' :-)
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      • Profile picture of the author Odahh
        Originally Posted by chuckholmes View Post

        Yes, both of those guys are beasts and do a great job marketing their books. I am big fans of both of them. Of course, marketing your book is more important than writing your book.

        So, what is your favorite marketing book?
        though i don't have the book anymore.. it was breakthrough advertising by Eugene Shultz if you can find talks he gave they are even more powerful than the book ..

        very short book.. that teaches you important stuff .. without trying to get you into expensive seminars or coaching programs.. or consulting contracts
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    • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
      Originally Posted by Odahh View Post

      tony robbins
      aka 'The Devil.' Is there a bigger bullshit artist on the planet? NO!!! lol
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      • Profile picture of the author BigDan1
        how do you figure?

        Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

        aka 'The Devil.' Is there a bigger bullshit artist on the planet? NO!!! lol
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        • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
          Originally Posted by BigDan1 View Post

          how do you figure?
          I have a fully functioning brain and a healthy store of skepticism. Additionally, my bullshitometer has a fresh set of batteries.
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  • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
    Have never read a book on marketing. Nor have I read books on many other things I have pursued in life. Somehow, I managed to do quite well. Could I have done better? Possibly, but I don't think that any book would have made the difference.

    Books are for people that believe that reading books will help them succeed. I'm so glad I was never one of those people. I can't imagine how much precious time I would have wasted - reading books. :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

      Have never read a book on marketing.
      Maybe you should have. At your age I'm surprised that you think you know everything without educating yourself.
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      • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        Maybe you should have. At your age I'm surprised that you think you know everything without educating yourself.
        A typical snide, condescending comment from the Spiritual Warrior. lol

        Never said I know everything. That's just something you made up - as usual. I know enough to have created the success I wanted.

        If reading books is a prerequisite for success, based on your lack of any success at all, I have to think you've never read anything beyond the intellectual level of a Little Lotta comic book.

        Yes, I have decided to take you off ignore. It's much more fun responding to your bullshit than ignoring it. lol

        You asked for it. I'm happy to oblige you.

        Must take a break from 7 to 10 to do a live stint on my radio station. I'll be back, if you need more.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

          A typical snide, condescending comment from the Spiritual Warrior. lol
          Call it Karma. You're the heavyweight champion of being snide and condescending. And that's a fact.

          Never said I know everything. That's just something you made up - as usual. I know enough to have created the success I wanted.
          Well that's awesome. However many People have to learn the lessons of success by educating themselves. Just because (you think) you did it all on your own doesn't mean other People can.

          If reading books is a prerequisite for success, based on your lack of any success at all, I have to think you've never read anything beyond the intellectual level of a Little Lotta comic book.
          Another insulting comment. (By the way that's why I gave you a warning.) For me readers are leaders. The more you learn the more you earn. (IMO)

          Yes, I have decided to take you off ignore. It's much more fun responding to your bullshit than ignoring it. lol
          Hallelujah. I would call your responces bullshit as well however I've decided not to,

          You asked for it. I'm happy to oblige you.
          Lol. In all honesty I find our exchanges funny and entertaining. So keep it coming.
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          • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
            Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

            Call it Karma. You're the heavyweight champion of being snide and condescending. And that's a fact.
            No - that's your opinion. lol Which is valued about as much as your contributions to the forum. That would be none - in case you are keeping score.

            Well that's awesome. However many People have to learn the lessons of success by educating themselves.
            Then that's what they should do. Who's stopping them or telling them not to? Certainly not I.

            Just because (you think) you did it all on your own doesn't mean other People can.
            Oh, don't worry. I fully recognize just how gifted I am. That should be painfully obvious, by now. If not, just LMK and I'll crank-up the volume. lol

            Another insulting comment.
            But, oh so, well deserved. :-)

            (By the way that's why I gave you a warning.)
            You know what you can do with your warnings. If not, I'd be happy to draw you a map.

            For me readers are leaders. The more you learn the more you earn. (IMO)
            Another totally bullshit-laden trope from the master. (IMO)

            Hallelujah. I would call your responces bullshit as well however I've decided not to,
            That's because you don't want to be regarded as a liar, on top of everything else.

            Lol. In all honesty I find our exchanges funny and entertaining.
            It's sad when you don't know you are being ridiculed, but we both know that you do know it, but would rather try to laugh it off as entertaining. So, so sad.

            So keep it coming.
            OK. Back to show. I'll check-in to see if you need more on my next music break.
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            • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
              Banned
              You really are a nasty piece of work. (Seriously). Please don't ever respond to my posts ever again. And definitely don't be insulting (again) otherwise I will post another warning.
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              "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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              • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
                Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                You really are a nasty piece of work. (Seriously). Please don't ever respond to my posts ever again. And definitely don't be insulting (again) otherwise I will post another warning.
                Insulting is an opinion. If you find the truth, insulting, that's on you. Deal with it.

                I thought I told you what you can do with your warnings. Maybe it's better if you put me on ignore, but you'd never do that. You can't live without me. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Just Jess
    I just watched a replay of :
    Law of Attraction: Lead a Wonderful Life using Affirmations

    on youtube. I picked a few gems from there.
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    This one of course...



    Although l don't understand why the last chapter is called, "How to Motivate Your Group Through the Use of Donut Batter".

    Must be another one in the pipeline?

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    • Profile picture of the author chuckholmes
      Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

      This one of course...



      Although l don't understand why the last chapter is called, "How to Motivate Your Group Through the Use of Donut Batter".

      Must be another one in the pipeline?

      I'm gonna have to order a copy of that one. It looks like a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. Never even heard of it before.

      I also like the book "Scientific Advertising".
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  • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
    This is going to sound odd because I'm a marketer.


    But, I've never read a marketing book in my life.



    I read things like, As A Man Thinketh Vol 2. By far the best book I've ever read.



    There is a little tiny pocket version which is Vol 1. Skip that, go for Vol 2 which is out of print, but you can find it if you dig.
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    Originally Posted by chuckholmes View Post

    I'm gonna have to order a copy of that one. It looks like a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. Never even heard of it before.

    I also like the book "Scientific Advertising".
    I believe that Claude has a few million copies left, (usually stacked dangerously up in disused toilet blocks in condemned fertilizer factory's)?

    And l have to admit that the book is a fake, but these are real, promise.





    I especially liked his chapters on "How do l make Dough".

    Although the opening statement saying, "Warning, this material may cause seizures and serious bowel conditions, and should only be read after consultation with a physician" was worrying.

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  • Profile picture of the author Ruilk Gold
    How To Get Your Website Noticed by Filip Mateus it was short and sweet with to the point explinations and loads of tools ,free and paid, to use. Plus it's for beginners
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    • Profile picture of the author chuckholmes
      Originally Posted by Ruilk Gold View Post

      How To Get Your Website Noticed by Filip Mateus it was short and sweet with to the point explinations and loads of tools ,free and paid, to use. Plus it's for beginners
      Thanks for the recommendation. I will check that out as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author affmarketer101
    "Designing Brand Identity An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team" - this is the good one.
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    Here's a good one. It's from the greatest salesman in the world. It has a lot of information so it's not a fast read, but if you take the time to read it you'll be able to get a lot out of it. The link is below. Copy and paste it into your web address bar and hit enter.

    https://www.u-cursos.cl/usuario/7c1c...Og_Mandino.pdf
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  • Profile picture of the author Yvon Boulianne
    some awesome book
    building a story brand by donald miller
    just get on with it by ali campbell
    rebel talent by Francesca Gino
    hello my name is awesome by alexantra watkins
    don't eat the marshamallow yet joashim the posada
    the secret language of influence dan seidman
    big think strategy
    what is your what by steve olsher
    start with a why by simon sinek
    the power of unpopular by erika napoletano
    brand premium nigel hollis
    top mind john hall
    badass yoru brand pia silva

    got so much more (2000 books in my kindle) but you will be busy for a while with that
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    • Profile picture of the author chuckholmes
      Originally Posted by Yvon Boulianne View Post

      some awesome book
      building a story brand by donald miller
      just get on with it by ali campbell
      rebel talent by Francesca Gino
      hello my name is awesome by alexantra watkins
      don't eat the marshamallow yet joashim the posada
      the secret language of influence dan seidman
      big think strategy
      what is your what by steve olsher
      start with a why by simon sinek
      the power of unpopular by erika napoletano
      brand premium nigel hollis
      top mind john hall
      badass yoru brand pia silva

      got so much more (2000 books in my kindle) but you will be busy for a while with that
      Thanks for sharing. I've only read one book on your list. I'm going to order a few of these titles today on Amazon. Which 2-3 would you recommend first?
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      • Profile picture of the author Yvon Boulianne
        depend of what you search, ready the chapters list from amazon to see which are clicking with you...
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  • Profile picture of the author Ti Hu Du
    I am learning more about marketing strategy and digital marketing.
    Can you recommend me some HOT books about marketing strategy and digital marketing?
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