Top 50+ Marketing Books Every CMO Should Read in 2025

The marketing landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) must constantly sharpen their skills and knowledge to stay ahead. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the top 50+ marketing books every CMO should read in 2025.

This comprehensive list covers various topics, including digital marketing, customer experience, branding, leadership, and more. Whether you want to deepen your understanding of data-driven marketing, master the art of storytelling, or explore emerging trends like the metaverse, these books will equip you with the insights and strategies you need to succeed.

From industry thought leaders to renowned authors, our selection features the best and brightest minds in marketing. As you explore these must-read titles, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on the future of marketing and how to navigate the ever-changing landscape.

As the marketing landscape evolves, staying ahead of the curve is essential for CMOs. Dive into these top marketing books for 2025 to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and drive success for your organization.

Top 50+ Marketing Books Every CMO Should Read in 2025

• “The Future of Marketing” by Philip Kotler: A visionary guide to navigating the ever-changing marketing landscape, packed with insights on digital transformation, customer engagement, and emerging trends.
• “The Ethical Marketer” by Seth Godin: This thought-provoking read explores the role of ethics in modern marketing and offers strategies for building trust and driving positive change through your brand.
• “The Power of Visual Storytelling” by Ekaterina Walter and Jessica Gioglio: Learn how to harness the persuasive power of visuals to create compelling narratives that captivate audiences and elevate your brand.
• “Marketing in the Metaverse” by Cathy Hackl: Dive into the rapidly emerging virtual and augmented reality world and uncover innovative strategies for engaging customers in this groundbreaking new frontier.
• “Building Brand Experiences” by Steve Dustin and Steve Blank: This book provides a roadmap for creating engaging, immersive brand experiences that foster customer loyalty and drive business growth.
• “Data-Driven Marketing” by Mark Jeffery: Gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of data to optimize marketing strategies and achieve measurable results.
• “The Empathy Advantage” by Claudia Vetesi: Discover the importance of empathy in modern marketing and learn how to create meaningful connections with customers through authentic, compassionate communication.
• “The New Rules of Reputation Management” by Chris Abraham: This practical guide covers strategies for building, protecting, and repairing your brand’s image and navigates the complex world of online reputation management.
• “Purpose-Driven Marketing” by Alan Hart: Learn how to leverage purpose and social responsibility to create a strong emotional connection with customers and differentiate your brand from competitors.
• “Mastering Influencer Marketing” by Neal Schaffer and Jessica Zweig: Discover the secrets to building successful influencer partnerships and creating impactful campaigns that drive results.
• “The Persuasion Code” by Christophe Morin and Patrick Renvoise: Dive into the science of persuasion and learn how to craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
• “The Mobile Marketing Revolution” by Michael J. Becker: Learn how to harness the power of mobile marketing to engage customers and drive business growth in an increasingly mobile-first world.
• “The Community-Driven Growth Playbook” by Jeff R.G. Mendoza: Discover how to build and nurture a thriving online community that fosters brand loyalty and fuels business growth.
• “The Video Marketing Formula” by Brian G. Johnson and Josh K. Cavalier: Unlock the secrets to creating effective video marketing strategies that captivate audiences, build brand awareness, and generate leads.
• “Neuromarketing for Dummies” by Stephen J. Genco, Andrew P. Pohlmann, and Peter Zalinski: Delve into the world of neuromarketing to understand how consumers make decisions and learn how to apply neuroscience principles to your marketing strategies.
• “The Customer Success Economy” by Nick Mehta and Dan Steinman: Discover how to build a customer-centric organization focusing on long-term customer success and retention to drive sustainable growth.
• “The Martech Handbook” by Scott Brinker: Navigate the complex world of marketing technology with this comprehensive guide, which covers the latest tools, trends, and strategies to optimize your marketing stack.
• “The Growth Hacking Playbook” by Raymond Fong and Chad Ridderson: Learn how to apply growth hacking techniques to rapidly acquire new customers, boost retention, and drive business growth.
• “The New Language of Marketing 2.0” by Sandy Carter: Explore the latest marketing trends and technologies, including AI, IoT, and blockchain, and learn how to harness their power to create breakthrough customer experiences.
• “Brand Storytelling” by Miri Rodriguez: Discover the art of crafting compelling brand stories that engage customers and build a loyal following.
• “Marketing with Artificial Intelligence” by Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput: Learn how to leverage AI to improve customer experiences, optimize marketing campaigns, and drive business growth.
• “The Digital Transformation Playbook” by David L. Rogers: Gain valuable insights into digital transformation, learn how to navigate the challenges, and seize opportunities for your organization.
• “The Human-Centric Marketer” by Rishi Dave and Dave Dickson: Explore the importance of empathy and human-centered design in marketing and discover strategies for creating meaningful customer connections.
• “The Purposeful Brand” by Alain Sylvain: Delve into the power of purpose-driven marketing and learn how to build a brand that stands for more than just profits.
• “The Sustainable Marketing Revolution” by Tamsin Lejeune and Lana K. Porter: Discover how to incorporate sustainability into your marketing strategies to build a responsible, eco-friendly brand.
• “Customer Experience Marketing” by Tony Zayas: Learn how to design exceptional customer experiences that foster loyalty, drive growth, and set your brand apart.
• “The Omnichannel Marketing Playbook” by Jessica Ann and Kelly McDonald: Unlock the secrets to creating a seamless, integrated customer experience across all channels and touchpoints.
• “The Storytelling Edge” by Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas: Master the art of storytelling to engage customers, differentiate your brand, and build a loyal following.
• “The Performance Marketing Playbook” by David Angell: Discover actionable strategies to optimize your marketing campaigns, maximize ROI, and drive business growth in a data-driven world.
• “The Future of Branding” by Nick Westergaard: Explore the evolving landscape of branding and learn how to build a future-proof brand that resonates with customers.
• “The B2B Social Media Playbook” by Kipp Bodnar and Jeffrey L. Cohen: Unlock the secrets to mastering B2B social media marketing to drive leads, nurture relationships, and close deals.
• “The Digital Customer Journey” by Tiffany C. Fry and Adam R. Johnson: Discover how to create a seamless, personalized customer journey that guides prospects through the funnel and turns them into loyal customers.
• “The Account-Based Marketing Playbook” by Jessica Fewless: Delve into account-based marketing and learn how to target, engage, and convert high-value accounts for maximum ROI.
• “The Purpose-Driven Marketing Revolution” by Chris Daly and Susan McPherson: Explore the growing importance of purpose-driven marketing and learn how to build a brand that inspires customers and drives positive change.
• “Conversational Marketing” by David Cancel and Dave Gerhardt: Discover how to leverage real-time conversations to engage customers, drive growth, and build lasting relationships.
• “The Customer Data Playbook” by Martijn De Koning and Markus Tillmanns: Learn how to harness customer data to create personalized, data-driven marketing strategies that boost ROI.
• “The Visual Marketing Revolution” by Stephanie Diamond and Ellen D. Veksler: Unlock the power of visual content to captivate audiences, drive engagement, and elevate your brand.
• “The Collaborative Marketing Advantage” by Keith Niedermeier and Michelle Brigman: Explore the benefits of cross-functional collaboration within your organization and learn how to break down silos for marketing success.
• “The AI Marketing Revolution” by Rob Thomas and Paul Roetzer: Discover how artificial intelligence transforms the marketing landscape and how to leverage AI for competitive advantage.
• “The Humanized Brand” by Christian Mikkelsen and Stephen Lepitak: Discover the importance of empathy and authenticity in modern marketing and learn how to create a humanized brand that resonates with customers.
• “The Agile Marketer” by Roland Smart and Ryan Deiss: Learn how to adopt an agile marketing approach that enables you to adapt quickly, innovate, and drive growth in a fast-paced world.
• “The Hyper-Personalization Playbook” by Andrew Addison and Stephen Powers: Delve into the world of hyper-personalization and discover how to create highly targeted, individualized experiences that build customer loyalty.
• “The Marketing Innovation Handbook” by Tessa Barron and Mike Saunders: Explore the latest marketing innovations and learn how to stay ahead by embracing cutting-edge tools, technologies, and strategies.
• “The Purpose-Driven Leader” by Alaina Love and Marti Spiegelman: Discover the power of purpose-driven leadership and learn how to inspire your team, create meaningful impact, and drive business success.
• “The Engaged Customer” by Troy Campbell and Allison Hoffman: Learn how to cultivate deep customer engagement and loyalty by creating immersive experiences, building communities, and fostering authentic connections.
• “The Strategic Marketing Playbook” by Christopher Ross and Gregory R. Hlavaty: Discover a framework for developing and executing effective marketing strategies that align with your organization’s goals and drive results.
• “The Data-Driven CMO” by Mark Jeffery and John Costello: Delve into the world of data-driven marketing and learn how to leverage analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to optimize your strategies and maximize ROI.
• “The Transformative CMO” by Gaurav Bhalla and Pete Canalichio: Explore the evolving role of the CMO as a driver of organizational transformation and learn how to lead your company through change, innovation, and growth.
• “The Purposeful Enterprise” by Aaron Hurst and Trevor Hall: Discover how to build a purpose-driven organization that creates positive social and environmental impact while driving business success and customer loyalty.
• “The Experience Economy” by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore: Discover how to create memorable, engaging customer experiences that build brand loyalty and drive growth in an increasingly commoditized world.
• “The Influential Mind” by Tali Sharot: Dive into the science of influence and learn how to craft persuasive messages that resonate with your audience and drive action.
• “The Modern CMO” by Josh Steimle and Seth Price: Explore the essential skills, strategies, and technologies modern CMOs need to lead their organizations through digital transformation and succeed in today’s marketing landscape.
• “The Ethical Data-Driven Marketer” by Richard H. Levey and Jane Rentz: Learn how to harness the power of data and AI while navigating ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and regulatory challenges.
• “The Marketing Agility Playbook” by Andrea Fryrear and Christopher K. Davis: Discover how to create an agile marketing organization that adapts quickly to changing market conditions, customer needs, and emerging trends.

As we’ve explored the top 50+ marketing books for CMOs in 2025, it’s clear that the marketing landscape is evolving rapidly. Marketing leaders must continually adapt and grow to stay ahead, embracing new strategies, technologies, and perspectives.

From leveraging AI and data-driven insights to creating immersive customer experiences and embracing ethical marketing practices, these books offer invaluable guidance on navigating the future of marketing. By reading and applying the lessons from these essential titles, you’ll be well-equipped to drive success for your organization and excel as a modern CMO.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end here. Continually seek new ideas, perspectives, and strategies to stay at the forefront of the marketing world. Share these valuable resources with your team, peers, and network, and encourage ongoing learning and growth within your organization.

Together, let’s embrace the exciting future of marketing and redefine what it means to be a successful CMO in 2025 and beyond. Happy reading!

Which book will you read first? Share your choice or additional recommendations in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should CMOs read marketing books in 2025?
Reading marketing books helps CMOs stay current with evolving trends, strategies, and technologies, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing digital landscape.

What topics do the recommended books cover?
The books span a wide range of topics including digital marketing, customer experience, branding, data-driven strategy, storytelling, AI, leadership, sustainability, and agile marketing.

Who are some of the top authors featured in this list?
Notable authors include Philip Kotler, Seth Godin, Scott Brinker, Paul Roetzer, Shane Snow, and Tamsin Lejeune, among others.

Are these books suitable for first-time CMOs or only experienced professionals?
They are suitable for both—new CMOs can build foundational knowledge, while experienced leaders can gain advanced insights and discover innovative strategies.

How can marketing books support strategic decision-making?
These books offer frameworks, case studies, and data-backed approaches to help CMOs make informed, effective, and forward-thinking marketing decisions.

Which book focuses on the future of marketing and digital transformation?
“The Future of Marketing” by Philip Kotler and “The Digital Transformation Playbook” by David L. Rogers are top recommendations.

Are any books focused on AI in marketing?
Yes, titles like “Marketing with Artificial Intelligence” by Paul Roetzer and “The AI Marketing Revolution” by Rob Thomas explore the role of AI in modern strategies.

Is there a book that helps with marketing in the metaverse?
Yes, “Marketing in the Metaverse” by Cathy Hackl provides a practical guide to virtual and augmented reality marketing strategies.

Which books help improve customer experience and engagement?
Books such as “Customer Experience Marketing” by Tony Zayas and “The Engaged Customer” by Troy Campbell focus on building impactful CX.

What books focus on branding and storytelling?
“Brand Storytelling” by Miri Rodriguez and “The Storytelling Edge” by Shane Snow and Joe Lazauskas are excellent choices.

Is there a focus on ethics and purpose-driven marketing?
Yes, “The Ethical Marketer” by Seth Godin and “Purpose-Driven Marketing” by Alan Hart delve into trust, ethics, and values in marketing.

Which books should data-focused CMOs read?
“The Data-Driven CMO” by Mark Jeffery and “The Customer Data Playbook” by Martijn De Koning are tailored for data-driven leadership.

Are influencer marketing strategies included?
Yes, “Mastering Influencer Marketing” by Neal Schaffer and Jessica Zweig provides actionable insights for modern influencer strategies.

Which books provide practical marketing playbooks?
“The Growth Hacking Playbook,” “The Strategic Marketing Playbook,” and “The Account-Based Marketing Playbook” are among the top selections.

Can CMOs benefit from books on martech and automation?
Definitely. “The Martech Handbook” by Scott Brinker and “The AI Marketing Revolution” explore automation, tools, and tech integration.

What books focus on B2B marketing and social media?
“The B2B Social Media Playbook” by Kipp Bodnar and “Conversational Marketing” by David Cancel are essential B2B resources.

Is sustainability covered in these marketing books?
Yes. “The Sustainable Marketing Revolution” by Tamsin Lejeune emphasizes eco-friendly and ethical branding practices.

Which book emphasizes neuromarketing and consumer psychology?
“Neuromarketing for Dummies” by Genco, Pohlmann, and Zalinski is a beginner-friendly entry into the science of consumer behavior.

Are these books applicable to both digital and traditional marketers?
Yes, they balance modern digital-first approaches with timeless marketing principles and leadership development.

How often should CMOs read new marketing books?
CMOs should aim to read quarterly or monthly to continuously adapt to trends, enhance team knowledge, and stay innovative.