Top Picks for Brand Positioning Mastery Books

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, understanding brand positioning has become crucial for businesses striving to distinguish themselves in a crowded market. A plethora of books authored by industry leaders offer invaluable insights into crafting and sustaining a unique brand image. From classic staples like Al Ries and Jack Trout’s "Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind" to contemporary guides such as Marty Neumeier's "Zag: The Number One Strategy of High-Performance Brands," there is no shortage of resources from which marketers can draw inspiration and knowledge. To uncover a curated list of some of the best brands for brand positioning books, check out the recommendations below.

Illustration of brand positioning books

Best brands of brand positioning books in 2025

Harvard Business Review Press

Harvard Business Review Press is renowned as one of the leading producers of brand positioning books, offering insightful and rigorous content that helps professionals and organizations enhance their branding strategies. Founded in 1994, Harvard Business Publishing, the parent organization, has a strong mission to improve management practices globally, reaching a wide audience through its various platforms. The press has published seminal works such as the "Marketing Reading: Brand Positioning" which provides comprehensive guidance on crafting unique brand positions and defending market positions. With a global reach and a workforce of approximately 450 employees, Harvard Business Review Press continues to be a trusted source for management and marketing knowledge. Its publications, including books and digital content, are widely used in academic and corporate settings.

Wiley

Wiley is a leading publisher in the field of brand positioning, offering a range of authoritative books that guide marketers in crafting effective brand strategies. For instance, their publications, such as "Kellogg on Branding" and "Marketing Research," provide updated insights on marketing trends, including the impact of technology and digital marketing, with chapters revised to reflect the latest business trends and company examples. Wiley's books are designed to help brands differentiate themselves, with strategies like quality-based positioning and benefit positioning, and they include practical examples and case studies to reinforce these concepts. Over 50% of product searches are now made on Amazon, a key distribution partner for Wiley, highlighting the importance of their SEO-focused marketing efforts. Wiley's comprehensive approach ensures that their books are positioned correctly in the market, reaching a wide audience globally.

Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House, recognized as the world's most global trade book publisher, generates 15.7% of global publishing revenue and captures 39% of the Big Five publishers' revenue as of 2021. The company impressively produces over 85,000 titles each year, with 15,000 in print and 70,000 in digital format, while selling over 600 million copies annually. Exceeding $4.7 billion in revenue in 2021, Penguin Random House stands as the highest-earning publishing house, outpacing its main competitors. The company's brand identity, expertly crafted by Pentagram, merges a new corporate wordmark with its 250 renowned publishing divisions, spotlighting both global scale and local creativity. This strategic branding has been pivotal in cementing the company's leadership in the publishing industry. For more insights, explore their branding animation video.

Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is a renowned leader in the publishing industry, particularly excelling in brand positioning through its diverse and influential book titles. Founded in 1924, the company has published numerous bestselling and culturally significant books, including works by authors like Bob Woodward, David McCullough, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Simon & Schuster's strategic marketing efforts have enhanced its brand visibility, with initiatives such as streamlined social media posting and targeted newsletter deployments, resulting in significant increases in engagement and sales. The company's strong presence in various segments, including fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and self-help, has solidified its position as one of the top publishers, with over 50% of its revenues sometimes coming from backlist titles. Its ability to adapt and innovate has made it a premier choice for authors and readers alike. For more information, visit their official website.

McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global education company renowned for producing high-quality resources, including books on brand positioning. The company's financial reports highlight its strong digital momentum, with digital billings accounting for 61% of total billings and nearly 90% in Higher Education as of 2024. McGraw-Hill's commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion fosters a culture of belonging, serving over 45 million learners and educators worldwide. Their products, such as those featured in the "Get to Aha!" book, provide insightful case studies and methodologies for effective brand positioning. The company's global reach includes over 30 offices and learning solutions available in more than 80 languages.

Routledge

Routledge stands as a premier publisher for brand positioning books, notably with titles like "Brand Positioning: Connecting Marketing Strategy and Communications" by Erik Kostelijk and Karel Jan Alsem, which is a highly acclaimed translation of a Dutch textbook and serves as core reading for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students. This book is divided into three key parts, covering the foundations, creation, and implementation of brand positioning strategies, and is valued for its unique focus on the relationship between branding, marketing, and communications. It includes international case studies, examples, and practical exercises, making it a must-read for marketing professionals. Published in 2020, this book has been recognized for its comprehensive approach to brand positioning. The book's structured approach and use of real-life examples make it an invaluable resource.

Kogan Page

Kogan Page is renowned as one of the leading publishers of brand positioning books, offering a comprehensive range of titles that guide marketers in developing and implementing effective brand strategies. Books like "Brand Strategy in Three Steps" by Jay Mandel and "Brand Love" by Lydia Michael provide invaluable insights into brand identity, intention, and implementation, as well as building strong consumer-brand connections. These publications are backed by practical examples and case studies from prominent companies, ensuring readers gain actionable knowledge. With a focus on customer-based brand equity and emotional engagement, Kogan Page's books are essential for both new and established brands looking to enhance their market presence. By emphasizing the importance of multicultural perspectives and sustainable marketing practices, Kogan Page's books remain relevant in today's diverse and rapidly changing market.

FT Press

FT Press is renowned as one of the leading publishers of authoritative books on brand positioning, offering insightful guides that have significantly impacted marketing strategies. For instance, books like "Brand Positioning with Power: Maximize Your Marketing Impact" by Robert S. Gordon, which builds on the original positioning concept by Al Ries and Jack Trout, provide measurable results and essential building blocks for successful brand positioning. These publications have been instrumental in shaping the marketing landscape, with many becoming textbooks in college business courses. The books often include practical examples and strategies, such as those from well-known brands like Apple and Xerox, to illustrate effective positioning techniques. By focusing on key elements like emotion, unique selling propositions, and proof points, FT Press books help brands differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

Springer

Springer Nature is renowned as one of the best producers for books on brand positioning, leveraging its extensive marketing and promotional strategies to maximize visibility and impact. With a strong focus on SEO, social media reach, and targeted email campaigns, Springer Nature ensures that books reach a wide and relevant audience, enhancing their discoverability on search engines like Google and Google Scholar. The company's dedicated marketing, library sales, and support teams collaborate globally to offer eBook licensing options and promote books through various channels, including online shops and industry conferences. This comprehensive approach has been instrumental in making Springer Nature a leading publisher, with its books often featured as new releases, best sellers, and foundational literature. For authors looking to further amplify their work, they can benefit from promotional homepages and optimized content to increase their book's visibility.

John Wiley & Sons

John Wiley & Sons is a renowned publisher, particularly esteemed for its comprehensive guides on brand positioning and strategy. With a history spanning over 200 years since its founding in 1807, the company has established itself as a global leader in providing academic journals, books, and educational resources. Notably, Wiley has shifted its focus towards digital products and tech-enabled services, which now account for over 85% of its total revenue. Their publications, such as "Designing Brand Identity" and "Kellogg on Branding," offer invaluable insights into branding fundamentals, strategy, and process, making them essential resources for marketing professionals. Wiley's commitment to innovation and adaptation has positioned the company for continued success in a rapidly evolving market.