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A quick web search for books about CPG will show you more than 25 different covers almost immediately — with barely any scrolling necessary. You could choose your next read by cover art, but if you don’t want to judge a book by its cover, use our categorized guide instead.
From the novice with a dream of starting a consumer goods business to the head of marketing at a multi-million dollar corporation, there are relevant books for CPG marketers at every stage.
Books for CPG Marketers Who Are Just Getting Started
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for helpful, high-level resources about growing and scaling a CPG business, consider these four options.
1. How Brands Grow: What Marketers Don't Know Hardcover – by Byron Sharp
Sharp argues that growth comes from increasing brand awareness and reaching more potential customers, rather than focusing on loyalty. The book emphasizes the importance of broadening a brand's appeal and using evidence-based marketing strategies.
2. This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See Hardcover – by Seth Godin
Godin teaches that effective marketing starts with truly understanding and seeing your audience. Godin emphasizes creating genuine value and building trust instead of relying on flashy tactics. The book focuses on connecting with people who care and making meaningful changes in their lives.
3. The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses - by Eric Ries
Aimed at better using human resources and capital to create a successful startup, this book applies lean manufacturing principles to the process of building a company and launching (digital) products. While the book is a tech darling, many of the ideas and concepts are transferrable to the CPG industry.
Books for Small to Mid-Sized CPG Brands Ready to Grow
Take your CPG business to the next level with three books about growth.
1. Brand Gap – by Marty Neumeier
Neumeier offers practical advice on how to bridge this gap by aligning your brand's promise with its delivery. The book highlights the importance of design, differentiation, and creating a cohesive brand experience.
2. Breakout Brands: Why Some Brands Take Off... and Others Don't - by Jared Schrieber
Learn how to balance your short-term goals with smart decisions for long-term, sustainable growth. Schrieber identifies the factors that make winning brands rise above the rest.
3. Ramping Your Brand: How to Ride the Killer CPG Growth Curve Hardcover – by James F Richardson
Richardson offers insights on how to achieve explosive growth in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Richardson shares strategies for scaling your brand effectively, focusing on understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Shaking Up a Well-Established CPG Brand
Encourage continued innovation and avoid plateaus with the industry’s the best book(s) for larger brands.
2. Fire in the Machine: Driving Entrepreneurial Innovation in Large CPG Organizations by Jonathan Tofel and Carolina Sasson
Learn how to avoid stagnancy and seek continuous innovation. Find opportunities to incorporate the startup mindset into corporate systems.
Eager for more?
Check out part two of this series, which recommends CPG marketing books by topic. Delve into consumer psychology, memorable messaging, and new business perspectives in 11 more recommended books.
If you'd rather talk through your CPG strategies, reach out. We'll bring fresh eyes and new ideas to let the world know about your product.
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