woman reading a brand management book

5 Must Read Brand Management Books

As a brand manager, you know that branding is more than just creating a logo and tagline. It’s about creating a compelling story that resonates with your target audience. And the best way to learn how to do that is by reading brand management books from the experts.

Here are five books that every brand manager should read:

start with why
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Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

In this book, Sinek argues that the most successful leaders start with why they do what they do. He explains how to identify your own why and use it to create a brand that inspires others.

  • Key takeaway: The most successful leaders start with why they do what they do. They have a clear understanding of their purpose and they communicate that purpose to others in a compelling way.
  • How to apply this in your work: As a brand manager, you need to be able to articulate the why behind your brand. What is your brand’s purpose? What do you stand for? Once you have a clear understanding of your brand’s why, you can use it to inspire others and create a loyal following.
the brand gap
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The Brand Gap: Why Most Companies Are Failing to Connect with Today’s Consumers and How to Fix It by Marty Neumeier

This book delves into the difference between a brand and a product, and how to create a brand that is relevant and meaningful to your target audience.

  • Key takeaway: Most companies fail to connect with today’s consumers because they don’t understand the difference between a brand and a product. A product is something that you can touch and feel. A brand is something that you believe in.
  • How to apply this in your work: As a brand manager, you need to focus on building a brand that people believe in. This means creating a brand that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable.
the purple cow
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Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin

Godin provides a framework for creating products and services that stand out from the competition.

  • Key takeaway: In order to succeed in today’s crowded marketplace, you need to create something that is truly remarkable. You need to stand out from the competition.
  • How to apply this in your work: As a brand manager, you need to find ways to make your brand remarkable. This could mean creating a unique product or service, offering a superior customer experience, or simply telling a great story.
building a story brand
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Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message so Customers Will Remember It by Donald Miller

Miller teaches you how to use storytelling to connect with your customers and create a brand that they will love. He provides a step-by-step process for creating a clear and compelling brand story.

  • Key takeaway: People remember stories, not facts. As a brand manager, you need to learn how to use storytelling to connect with your customers and create a brand that they will love.
  • How to apply this in your work: As a brand manager, you need to create a clear and compelling brand story. This story should be about your brand’s purpose, its values, and its journey.
contagious
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Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger

A compelling book that explores the science of why some ideas, products, and stories spread more than others.

  • Key takeaway: Berger identifies six key factors that contribute to virality: social currency, triggers, emotions, practical value, public, and stories
  • How to apply this in your work: As a brand manager, you can use the principles in Contagious to create marketing campaigns that are more likely to go viral.

Remember, the best brand managers are constant learners. They understand that the world of branding is continually evolving and they must evolve with it. Happy reading!

*We use affiliate links for our book recommendations. This helps us keep marketHER a free platform for everyone.

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