Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
  • SmallBizLady University
  • Free Tools
  • Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • We’re Hiring!
You are here: Home / 10 Things Lists / 10 Best Small Business Marketing Books Everyone Should Read

10 Best Small Business Marketing Books Everyone Should Read

October 10, 2016 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

You know that I’m all about books that help small business owners do more without spending a ton of money. For this list of business resources, I wanted to focus exclusively on marketing books. All of these are books worth the time and money investment, and will actually tell you how to grow your business rather than just talk theory. Every book on this list has actionable tips you can immediately use in your business.

newrulesofmarketingandpr1. The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly
There’s a reason David Meerman Scott’s book has been updated five times: its information is so valuable. Scott covers a wide range of marketing tools in this book, from blogging to video and social media, and I love that he keeps updating the book to keep it relevant as technology changes.

Why You Should Read It: If you’re looking for a high-level overview of some of the hardest hitting marketing strategies, while still getting some great hands-on tips, this book is ideal.

millionairemarketing2. Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget: How to Attract a Steady Stream of Happy Clients, Make More Money and Live Your Dream
Author Debra Jason understands that sometimes your best efforts to attract customers still don’t net results. In her book, she teaches readers how to develop business-building strategies that will grow with time. She covers the gamut, from providing copywriting tips to offering cost-effective marketing strategies.

Why You Should Read It: Not only does Jason’s book offer some useful marketing tips, but it’s also the ideal book to get you in the right headspace for success. She talks about finding your path and embracing the change required to run the business of your dreams.

launch3. Launch: An Internet Millionaire’s Secret Formula To Sell Almost Anything Online, Build A Business You Love, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams
I’m a sucker for “secret formulas,” and Jeff Walker’s book did not disappoint. Walker focuses on the idea of a launch, whether that’s launching a new brand or a new product. He shares his own story so that he’s credible (and believe me, he is), and then provides strategies you can apply to your own business.

Why You Should Read It: Walker is serious about helping you. He’s even got special resources in addition to what he offers in the book available on his website for people who buy the book.

handmadeentrepreneur4. The Handmade Entrepreneur—How to Sell on Etsy, or Anywhere Else (2016 Updated): Easy Steps for Building a Real Business Around Your Crafts
If you’re interested in running an Etsy shop to sell your craft goods, this book, by Dani Marie, was written for you. The techniques in the book are geared specifically toward setting up a successful handmade business, including how to take great photos and price your items correctly.

Why You Should Read It: A general marketing book won’t give you nearly the specifics that this one does with regards to selling on Etsy and similar channels.

seo-for-growth5. SEO for Growth: The Ultimate Guide for Marketers, Web Designers & Entrepreneurs
I don’t care how “techie” you are or aren’t, as a business owner, you must understand search engine optimization if you want to turn your website into a cash machine John Jantsch and his co-author has written a hugely valuable resource that will help you move up search engine results. His tips range from beginner to advanced, so it’s a book to hang onto as your skills grow. No longer just another tactic, search engine optimization has become a full-blown channel on par with PR and advertising — one you can’t afford to ignore. All business owners can benefit from understanding and applying SEO best practices.

Why You Should Read It: Because the SEO landscape changes so frequently, it’s nice that Jantsch organizes his book so that anyone can get better at SEO.

getnoticed6. Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World
If you want to become a top blogger in your industry, you must read, Platform by Michael Hyatt. He provides down-to-earth guidance for building and expanding a powerful author platform. To be successful in the market today, you must possess two strategic assets: a compelling product and a meaningful platform. In this step-by-step guide, Michael Hyatt, former CEO and current Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, takes readers behind the scenes, into the world of social media success. He shows you what best-selling authors, public speakers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and other creatives are doing differently to win customers in today’s crowded marketplace.

Why You Should Read It: If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book or becoming known in your industry as an expert, this is the best book to help you achieve those goals.

will-it-fly7. Will It Fly?: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don’t Waste Your Time and Money
Before you can even start marketing your products, you need to do the research to know if you even have a viable idea. That’s the premise of Pat Flynn’s book. In it, he provides exercises to help you determine whether you have a great idea, and gives case study examples to guide you.

Why You Should Read It: Even if you know nothing about market research, this book will help you find out exactly what your audience wants.

predictableprospecting8. Predictable Prospecting: How to Radically Increase Your B2B Sales Pipeline
If your company’s success is driven by B2B sales, you need to know how to market effectively to a B2B audience. You must be an expert prospector to successfully target, qualify, and close business opportunities. This book by Marylou Tyler and co-author have written a game-changing guide provides the immediately implementable strategies you need to build a solid, sustainable pipeline

Why You Should Read It: If you are marketing your business B2B, you need you have your marketing straight, you’ll appreciate his honest answers and deep experience. It’s not fluff, and you can apply these principles to your own brand.

1pagemarketingplan9. The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand Out From The Crowd
Having a marketing plan is essential for your business, but who has time to create a 20-page document? Allan Dib, author of this book, says you don’t need more than a page. In the book, he shares his strategy for a one-page plan that will help you attract more customers and win out against the competition.

Why You Should Read It: Having a one-page marketing plan is better than having none, so if you’re currently lacking a plan, you need this book.

power-of-broke10. The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage
Daymond John knows a thing or two about going from broke to success. This Shark shares lessons from his own rise to financial success, as well as case studies from Shark Tank. His is an inspiring tale that will help you define your own competitive advantage.

Why You Should Read It: Even if you never reach the level of fame and glory that John has achieved, it’s good to see how someone so successful got there.

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

Filed Under: 10 Things Lists, My Recommendations Tagged With: 10 best books, entrepreneur

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing consulting firm serves Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Clients include Amazon, Adobe, Verizon, VISA, Google, FedEx, Chase, American Express, The Hartford, and Pitney Bowes. She also has an online school, www.smallbizladyuniversity.com, that teaches people online marketing and how to start and grow a successful small business and publishes a blog SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Her advice is widely read, reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She hosts The Smallbizchat Podcast and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner

Sign up for the SmallBizLady BUZZ Newsletter and be the first to receive updates and details about upcoming events:

We’re proud to be part of the Mediaplanet Empowering Small Business campaign! The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship and ruin on the nation’s small businesses, but there’s now reason for hope. Learn about the resources, support, and tools available to help your small business bounce back and grow stronger than ever by picking up a copy of the campaign in USA Today and reading it online here.

Get a FREE Chapter of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded"!

Become Your Own Boss

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

Bloomberg News Interview
How to Support Small Businesses During the Holidays

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference

Fox 29 Philadelphia
'Small Biz Lady' gives best advice for starting a new business in the New Year

Fox Business
Starting a Business

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Testimonials

Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

Latest #SmallBizChat

How Smart Nonprofits are Building Recession-Proof Revenue Streams

Let’s face it—if your nonprofit is still relying solely on grant applications and those annual galas where board members reluctantly bid on vacation packages they don’t want, you might as well be using a rotary phone to call potential donors. In today’s economic climate, diversification isn’t just smart—it’s survival. Several nonprofit CEOs I’ve spoken with […]

Fix Your Business Q&A Video

Recent Posts

  • How Smart Nonprofits are Building Recession-Proof Revenue Streams
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Mitch Axelrod, Dr. Dan Young, and Rich Trotter
  • 50 Best Free Apps for Small Business Owners
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Reinvent a Legacy Business with Rich Trotter
  • May 2025 #SmallBizChat: How to Position Your Brand with Multicultural Markets

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

Products

Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2025
Quintessence Entertainment, Inc
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner