17 Best Ecommerce Books to Expand Your Strategic Mind
Navigating the world of ecommerce books can be daunting, especially for beginners.
But having delved deep into countless bestsellers, engaging podcasts, and insightful case studies, I've honed my expertise in ecommerce marketing—from Shopify tactics and dropshipping mastery to innovative ecommerce management.
I've decoded the essentials of increasing conversion rates, mastering digital marketing, harnessing social media marketing, and optimizing for SEO.
As business owners strive for ecommerce growth, understanding the nuances of usability, shaping the right business model, and diving into the depths of search engine optimization becomes paramount.
Whether you're crafting your first ecommerce website, tweaking your online store's functionality, or refining your marketing plan, I've curated the ultimate guide for marketing strategy—with ecommerce books that cover every facet—to help you skyrocket your venture.
So, let's embark on this journey, elevating your business strategies and pushing the boundaries of traditional entrepreneurship.
17 Best Ecommerce Books Shortlist
Having explored countless ecommerce books, I've handpicked these 17 gems tailored to address your specific challenges.
- Profit First for E-commerce Sellers: Transform Your E-commerce Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Cyndi Thomason
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
- The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
- One Click: Jeff Bezos and the Rise of Amazon.com by Richard L. Brandt
- Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
- Ecommerce Evolved: The Essential Playbook To Build, Grow & Scale A Successful Ecommerce Business by Tanner Larsson
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
- Killing Giants: 10 Strategies to Topple the Goliath in Your Industry by Stephen Denny
- Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
- The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
- Launch: An Internet Millionaire's Secret Formula To Sell Almost Anything Online, Build A Business You Love, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams by Jeff Walker
- Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money by Nathaniel Popper
- The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau
- Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy - and How to Make Them Work for You by Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Paul Choudary
- Click Millionaires by Scott Fox
Overviews Of The 17 Best Ecommerce Books
Here’s a quick summary of each book, what you’ll learn, and why you should read it, plus a quote I like from the book. I added the author’s LinkedIn and other places to connect with them online.
1. Profit First for E-commerce Sellers: Transform Your E-commerce Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Cyndi Thomason
Summary:
Cyndi Thomason takes a deep dive into the world of e-commerce, providing invaluable insights and practical strategies to transform struggling e-commerce businesses into thriving, profitable ventures.
What You'll Learn:
In this resourceful guide, you'll discover effective strategies to make your e-commerce business more profitable, the pitfalls many e-commerce entrepreneurs fall into, and techniques to manage cash flow and maximize profitability.
Why You Should Read It:
Thomason's approach is grounded in real-world experience and offers actionable steps that can be implemented immediately. If you're serious about making your e-commerce business more profitable, this book is a must-read.
Quote From The Book:
"Profit isn't something that happens at year-end; it's an ongoing discipline."
About The Author:
Cyndi Thomason is a renowned e-commerce consultant and the founder of Bookskeep, an accounting firm specializing in e-commerce. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or visit her company website.
2. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Summary:
Donald Miller introduces a powerful framework for improving the way businesses talk about their brands, focusing on the power of stories to captivate and engage audiences.
What You'll Learn:
Miller uncovers the seven universal story points all humans respond to, offers insights on how to simplify your brand message, and shares techniques for creating effective messaging across various platforms.
Why You Should Read It:
With real-world examples and actionable strategies, Miller provides a roadmap for clearer, more effective branding and messaging, making it a critical resource for marketers and business leaders.
Quote From The Book:
"When you are confused, you lose."
About The Author:
Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand and a sought-after public speaker. Engage with him on LinkedIn.
3. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
Summary:
Michael E. Gerber explores the myths surrounding starting your own business and shows how commonplace assumptions can interfere with running a business. He provides insights into the steps in the life of a business and the idea of the entrepreneurial myth.
What You'll Learn:
Gerber teaches the distinction between working on your business versus working in it, the path to move your business from chaos to order, and how to structure your enterprise for scalability.
Why You Should Read It:
Gerber’s insights challenge the way many view business, making this book an essential read for anyone looking to transform their business from a mere job into a scalable company.
Quote From The Book:
"If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business—you have a job."
About The Author:
Michael E. Gerber is a world-renowned business guru and author. Get to know him better on LinkedIn, follow his journey on Twitter, or delve deeper into his philosophies on his company website.
4. One Click: Jeff Bezos and the Rise of Amazon.com by Richard L. Brandt
Summary:
Richard L. Brandt uncovers the intriguing journey of Jeff Bezos and his relentless pursuit of online retail domination with Amazon.com. This book offers a deep dive into the strategies and vision that transformed a simple online bookstore into an e-commerce giant.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into Jeff Bezos's business philosophy, the pivotal moments in Amazon’s rise, and the innovative strategies that pushed the boundaries of online retailing.
Why You Should Read It:
For those curious about the inner workings of Amazon and the mindset of its visionary founder, this book offers invaluable insights.
Quote From The Book:
"Innovation is the key to our success. But innovation is nothing without the people behind it."
About The Author:
Richard L. Brandt is an esteemed journalist and author known for his in-depth profiles on influential tech leaders. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or follow him on Twitter.
5. Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Summary:
Jonah Berger examines the science behind why certain things go viral and how products, ideas, and behaviors can become contagious. He breaks down the complex process into six basic principles that drive all sorts of things to become popular.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the factors that make content shareable, discover the secrets behind virality, and learn how to craft messages and campaigns that people spread organically.
Why You Should Read It:
If you've ever wondered why certain trends take off while others fizzle out, this book provides an evidence-based exploration that's both enlightening and practical.
Quote From The Book:
"People don't listen to advertisements; they listen to their peers."
About The Author:
Jonah Berger is a renowned marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dive into his insights on LinkedIn, catch his updates on Twitter, or visit his website.
6. E-commerce Evolved: The Essential Playbook To Build, Grow & Scale A Successful Ecommerce Business by Tanner Larsson
Summary:
Tanner Larsson presents a definitive playbook for e-commerce entrepreneurs. With a balance of theory and actionable strategies, he guides readers through the intricacies of building, growing, and scaling a profitable e-commerce venture.
What You'll Learn:
Master the frameworks and methodologies for successful e-commerce operations, from traffic acquisition to conversion optimization and customer retention.
Why You Should Read It:
For those serious about elevating their e-commerce game, this book is a comprehensive guide that covers every facet of creating a robust online business.
Quote From The Book:
"Success in e-commerce is not about the product you sell but about the system through which you sell it."
About The Author:
Tanner Larsson is a serial e-commerce entrepreneur with a passion for scaling businesses. Engage with his insights on LinkedIn.
7. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Summary:
Eric Ries introduces a new approach to business that's being adopted around the world. It focuses on adapting and adjusting before any large sums of money or time are invested.
What You'll Learn:
Discover a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age where companies have to innovate more than ever.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're an entrepreneur or thinking of starting a business, this book provides a blueprint to ensure that your efforts are productive, not wasteful.
Quote From The Book:
"Startups are a grand kind of human experiment."
About The Author:
Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and author recognized for pioneering the Lean Startup movement. Connect with him on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or visit his company website.
8. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Summary:
The Heath brothers delve into the anatomy of ideas that "stick" and provide an understanding of why some ideas thrive while others vanish.
What You'll Learn:
Unravel the traits of sticky ideas and learn the art of presenting your ideas in ways that capture attention and remain memorable.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone aiming to communicate more effectively and leave a lasting impact, this book is a treasure trove of insights.
Quote From The Book:
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
About The Authors:
Chip Heath and Dan Heath are renowned authors and researchers known for their insights into business communication. Explore more about their works on their Amazon portfolio: Chip and Dan.
9. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Summary:
Dr. Cialdini explores the psychology behind why people say "yes" and how readers can use these understandings to become better persuaders.
What You'll Learn:
Dive deep into the six universal principles of influence and how they function in guiding human behavior.
Why You Should Read It:
To master the art of persuasion in both personal and professional spheres, this book offers a foundational understanding.
Quote From The Book:
"People’s ability to understand the factors that affect their behavior is surprisingly poor."
About The Author:
Dr. Robert B. Cialdini is a globally recognized expert in persuasion, compliance, and negotiation. Connect with him on LinkedIn, or delve deeper into his company website.
10. Killing Giants: 10 Strategies to Topple the Goliath in Your Industry by Stephen Denny
Summary:
Denny presents a roadmap for businesses to challenge and beat bigger competitors in their industries by focusing on agility, speed, and innovation.
What You'll Learn:
Grasp the ten key strategies that empower smaller players to take on the giants, outmaneuver them, and capture the market share.
Why You Should Read It:
For any business feeling overshadowed by industry giants, this book provides actionable insights to turn the tables and thrive.
Quote From The Book:
"Big can be bad if you're faster, clearer in purpose, and more inspiring to your customers and staff."
About The Author:
Stephen Denny is an expert in competitive strategy and marketing. Stay connected with Stephen on LinkedIn, check his insights on Twitter, or visit his website.
11. Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
Summary:
Weinberg and Mares unveil a framework that helps startups identify the best channels to attain customer growth, based on their successful experiences.
What You'll Learn:
Understand nineteen channels businesses can use to find a scalable, repeatable, and sustainable growth mechanism.
Why You Should Read It:
This book decodes the challenge of achieving rapid growth and how startups can set themselves up for long-term success.
Quote From The Book:
"Almost every failed startup has a product. What failed startups don't have are enough customers."
About The Authors:
Gabriel Weinberg, the founder of DuckDuckGo, and Justin Mares, a startup growth guru, have combined their expertise in this must-read. Engage with Gabriel on LinkedIn, and follow Justin on Twitter.
12. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
Summary:
Brad Stone offers an unprecedented look into the rise of Amazon from its humble beginnings to its status as a global e-commerce titan.
What You'll Learn:
Journey through the relentless ambition of Jeff Bezos and the vision that drove Amazon's staggering growth.
Why You Should Read It:
It's an in-depth exploration of how Amazon transformed the way the world shops and how Jeff Bezos became the business visionary of his generation.
Quote From The Book:
"If you're not stubborn, you'll give up on experiments too soon. And if you're not flexible, you'll pound your head against the wall and you won't see a different solution to a problem you're trying to solve."
About The Author:
Brad Stone is a seasoned journalist with a focus on tech industries. Connect with Brad on LinkedIn, follow his insights on Twitter, or delve deeper into his website.
13. Launch: An Internet Millionaire's Secret Formula To Sell Almost Anything Online, Build A Business You Love, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams by Jeff Walker
Summary:
Walker lays out a step-by-step guide on the art of launching online businesses, products, and services with unprecedented success.
What You'll Learn:
Dive into the specific tactics and strategies that Jeff Walker developed to launch his online courses and how these can be applied to virtually any online business.
Why You Should Read It:
Walker's Product Launch Formula has transformed the online business landscape. This is the blueprint for those looking to achieve unparalleled online selling success.
Quote From The Book:
"Your launch will change your business... and it just might change your life."
About The Author:
Jeff Walker is an online marketing pioneer known for his innovative approaches. Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn, follow his updates on Twitter, or visit his website.
14. Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money by Nathaniel Popper
Summary:
Popper delves into the intriguing world of Bitcoin, chronicling its evolution and the colorful characters that drive this digital currency revolution.
What You'll Learn:
Experience the thrilling journey of Bitcoin from its anonymous creator to the tech moguls investing in its potential.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're curious about how a digital currency can challenge the foundations of global finance, this is your entry point.
Quote From The Book:
"Bitcoin was the beginning of something great: a currency without a government, something necessary and imperative."
About The Author:
Nathaniel Popper is a noted journalist at The New York Times covering finance and technology. Engage with Nathaniel on LinkedIn, or discover more at his online portfolio.
15. $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau
Summary:
Guillebeau illustrates how individuals can lead a life of adventure, meaning, and purpose by earning a good living on their terms.
What You'll Learn:
Discover stories of entrepreneurs who found ways to turn their passions into income with minimal investments.
Why You Should Read It:
This book breaks the myth that businesses require hefty investments and instead showcases the potential of micro-enterprises.
Quote From The Book:
"Value means helping people. If you're trying to build a microbusiness and you begin your efforts by helping people, you're on the right track."
About The Author:
Chris Guillebeau is an entrepreneur and writer, known for his expertise in startups and side hustles. Stay connected with Chris on LinkedIn, get his latest updates on Twitter, or explore his website.
16. Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy - and How to Make Them Work for You by Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Paul Choudary
Summary:
This groundbreaking exploration of platform-based businesses uncovers the new blueprint for wealth creation in the digital age.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the intricate mechanics of how platforms function, the principles behind their success, and the ways they can be leveraged for disruptive advantage in various industries.
Why You Should Read It:
In today's digital economy, platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and Alibaba are reshaping industries. This book offers insights into why these platforms succeed and how to innovate with them.
Quote From The Book:
"Platforms do not just create and consume goods, they enable users to create and consume value."
About The Authors:
Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Paul Choudary are renowned thought leaders in the field of platform businesses.
17. Click Millionaires by Scott Fox
Summary:
Fox unveils the modern blueprint for establishing a prosperous internet business and capitalizing on the most flexible work and income opportunities of our time.
What You'll Learn:
Discover the strategies to transform your passions into profitable online enterprises, leveraging the vast opportunities the internet offers.
Why You Should Read It:
In an era where the internet provides limitless potential, this book serves as a guide for those aiming to achieve online entrepreneurial success without being tied to a desk.
Quote From The Book:
"The new American Dream is not about buying a house. It's about owning your own life."
About The Author:
Scott Fox is a celebrated internet entrepreneur and business coach. Follow Scott's journey on LinkedIn, stay updated with his latest tips on Twitter, or explore more on his website.
Further Reading
Here are some other lists of ecommerce books:
- Essential ecommerce SEO books covering strategies to improve your online store's search engine rankings
- Comprehensive ecommerce analytics books offering insights into data analysis and performance tracking for your ecommerce business
The Takeaway
While this curated list highlights some of the top ecommerce books, the world of literature is vast. If you've come across a transformative book in this niche that's not mentioned here, please share. Your recommendations enrich our collective learning.
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