12 Ecommerce Books Scaling Brands Should Read in 2023

April 30, 2023

61fb044ac070e507dce72dfc 12 ecommerce books your team needs to read ecommerce books

Books are a gateway to expanding the mind and—as many entrepreneurs have also found—your business! Anyone that’s been in the ecommerce world for any given time can tell you there is a lot to learn.

No matter if you run a growing omnichannel brand or are navigating the world of ecommerce now that your business has taken off, it’s likely you’ll want to learn about sustainable business practices, hiring, team leadership, and more.

So we’ve rounded up some of the best ecommerce books we think you should add to your reading list:

  1. Supermaker by Jaime Schmidt
  2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
  3. Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
  4. Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
  5. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
  6. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger
  7. Linchpin by Seth Godin
  8. The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
  9. Talent Makers by Daniel Chait and Jon Stross
  10. Who: The Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street
  11. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
  12. Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Without further ado, here are some of the best ecommerce books that’ll serve up a big dose of inspiration and key takeaways no matter what stage of ecommerce growth you’re at.

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Build a better Shopify store<cta-title>Make your store look and feel as unique as your brand by customizing with the best page builder for Shopify.Start building for free

 

The best ecommerce books for brand building

Let’s take a look at some of the top books for building an enviable ecommerce brand.

Supermaker by Jaime Schmidt

Summary:

Supermaker is chock-full of memorable lessons, stories, and the perspective of Schmidt’s Naturals founder, Jaime Schmidt.

Step inside Jaime’s world and see how she grew her natural products brand into a global success story, eventually resulting in a nine-figure acquisition with Unilever.

Why it’s worth your time:

Jaime covers the business basics—all things PR, marketing, branding, and more—but also offers a peek behind the curtain of growing a business from her kitchen in Portland and navigating the entrepreneurial life. This title will inspire and motivate any ecommerce team.

Notable review:

“If you have an idea, follow Schmidt’s playbook.”

Forbes

The cover of Jaime Schmidt's book "Supermaker"
(Image Source)

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Summary:

Shoe Dog offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Nike founder, Phil Knight, built a multi-billion dollar shoe empire by simply choosing the road less traveled. After deciding at an early age he didn’t want to get a job at a huge company, Phil set out to do something different.

Why it’s worth your time:

Packed with lessons learned, breakthroughs, and obstacles brands may encounter when doing something different, Shoe Dog is an essential read for ecommerce teams.

Notable review:

“A fascinating warts-and-all account of the company’s early years, a rascally tale of scrappiness and survival, a great read. Knight provides plenty of entertaining reading and laugh-out-loud moments.”

Motley Fool

The cover of Phil Knight's book "Shoe Dog"
(Image Source)

Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

Summary:

Derek Sivers, the founder of CD Baby—an “anti-label” digital music distribution platform—shares everything he’s learned about building and selling CD Baby in his book Anything You Want.

Sivers holds nothing back, including advice on how to approach various situations both in business and in life.

Why it’s worth your time:

According to Sivers, Anything You Want is “10 years of experience in one hour” (if listening to the audiobook)—ideal for ecommerce teams short on time who need to make an impact fast.

Notable review:

“If you want a true manifesto, a guidebook with clear signposts, and a fun ride you’ll return to again and again, you have it here in this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”

― Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek

The cover of Derek Sivers' book "Anything You Want"
(Image Source)

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Summary:

Scaling brands know the importance of a bulletproof brand, and who better to learn from than marketing expert Donald Miller?

The StoryBrand Framework teaches business owners the importance of brand messaging and how to create a story that moves the needle. You’ll learn things like why customers make purchases (and how to leverage buyer psychology), how to simplify your brand message, and more.

Why it’s worth your time:

If you’re struggling with defining your ecommerce brand’s identity, the StoryBrand Framework is a great place to get unstuck.

Notable review:

“If you like making money, read this book. The StoryBrand Framework will help you create sales messages that people listen to and respond to. We use it all the time, and it works!”

– Ryan Deiss, Founder and CEO of Digital Marketer

The cover of Donald Miller's book "Building a Story Brand"
(Image Source)

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Build a better Shopify store<cta-title>Make your store look and feel as unique as your brand by customizing with the best page builder for Shopify.Start building for free

The best ecommerce books for leading and growing teams

Leadership is something you’re always honing, so learn how to become the best leader for your team.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Summary:

Radical Candor is one of the most popular frameworks on leadership. Written by former Google employee Kim Scott, Radical Candor teaches how leaders and individual contributors alike can balance caring for team members while offering direct feedback.

Using the framework, you can help your team do their best work. Practicing Radical Candor builds an environment where people feel seen, cared about, and motivated to make positive changes and contributions.

Why it’s worth your time:

Practicing radical candor can help you create a work environment built on trust, compassion, and honesty—all characteristics associated with strong leaders. Whether you’re an individual contributor or an executive, everyone can benefit from radical candor.

Notable review:

“Radical Candor is packed with illuminating truths, insightful advice, and practical suggestions, all illustrated with engaging (and often funny) stories from Kim Scott’s own experiences at places like Apple, Google, and various start-ups. Indispensable.”

— Gretchen Rubin, Author of NYT bestseller 
The Happiness Project

The cover of Kim Scott's book "Radical Candor"
(Image Source)

The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

Summary: 

Former Disney CEO Robert Iger shares his experiences and lessons learned from leading the multi-billion dollar company in his book, The Ride of a Lifetime.

Iger joined Disney at an interesting time—technology was changing fast, and competition was paramount. His leadership rested on three big ideas: quality matters, embrace technology, and think bigger—think global.

Why it’s worth your time:

Teams at scaling, multi-channel brands know all too well the importance of staying agile, adapting to change, and committing to quality, making this book a must-read. Plus, the book includes Iger’s leadership principles, which can be applied to any workplace setting: from the fulfillment warehouse through to point of sale with your brand’s customers.

Notable review:

“Nurturing creativity is less a skill than an art—especially at a company where the brand alone is synonymous with creativity. That’s a lot to live up to. Bob Iger has not only lived up to ninety-six years of groundbreaking history but has moved the Disney brand far beyond anyone’s expectations, and he has done it with grace and audacity. This book shows you how that’s happened.”

— Steven Spielberg

The cover of Robert Iger's book "The Ride of a Lifetime"
(Image Source)

Linchpin by Seth Godin

Summary:

Seth Godin has been called one of the most prolific writers, with a whopping 19 best-selling books under his belt.

In Linchpin, Godin explains how linchpins are people who are indispensable in their roles. They’re the ones who see solutions where no one else does, challenge and delight their peers and customers, and pour themselves into their work.

Why it’s worth your time:

This book explores how to step into your uniqueness, rewire your approach to career growth, and become truly irreplaceable.

Notable review: 

“If Seth Godin didn’t exist we’d need to invent him—that’s how indispensable he is! You hold in your hands a compelling, accessible, and purpose-filled book. Read it, and do yourself a big favor. Your future will thank you!”

— Alan Webber, Founder, Fast Company

61fafe90308662d80be994ea Screen20Shot202022 01 2520at205.24.5520PM ecommerce books
(Image Source)

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Summary:

In The Art of Gathering, facilitator, author, strategic advisor, and podcast host Priya Parker challenges readers to rethink how we spend time with one another—whether it’s at work, at home, or in our communities.

Parker shows us how to hold more meaningful gatherings and facilitate richer human connections. This book walks through various types of gatherings—meetings, courtrooms, and more—and explains how simple yet intentional changes can change any group experience for the better.

Why it’s worth your time:

Marketers are constantly meeting. Whether you’re in a weekly 1:1 with your direct reports or in a kick-off for a new project, collaboration is the heartbeat of marketing.

However, teams are being more precious with their time—as they should, no one cares for an unproductive meeting. The Art of Gathering can show teams how to supercharge their meetings for an experience that improves productivity and connection.

Notable review:

“As social animals, humans gather, meet, and bond—seeking meaning, purpose, creative expression, and more. In almost all cases this is an unconscious process leading to subtle frustration and a lack of satisfaction. For the last few years, I’ve avoided social gatherings because I find them meaningless and banal. I learned much from this book. Priya Parker has created both an art and a science to gathering in ways that can bring joy and fulfillment to any meeting.”

—Deepak Chopra

61fafee80cd9e7364121c127 Screen20Shot202022 01 2620at2010.34.1020AM ecommerce books
(Image Source)

Best ecommerce books for building a high-impact team

Your brand is nothing without your team, so choose wisely.

Talent Makers by Daniel Chait and Jon Stross

Summary:

They say a company is only as great as its people. That’s why having a strong hiring strategy (and company culture) will help you attract and keep top talent.

In Talent Makers, Co-founders of Greenhouse, Daniel Chait and Jon Stross share their methods and advice on how to make hiring a strategic and organized component of your company.

Why it’s worth your time:

Who you hire onto your team ultimately determines how it will grow. This book will help team leaders and hiring managers learn how to align company culture and hiring practices to attract top talent with a step-by-step framework.

Notable review:

“The co-founders of human resources software firm Greenhouse Software make a strong case for systematizing talent acquisition. Their fervent belief that senior executives need to be more engaged in the staffing process, rather than simply delegate it to human resources, is the cornerstone of their approach, which aims to help readers to identify, attract, and retain the best talent. A forward-thinking and enlightening view of hiring practices.”

Kirkus Reviews

The cover of Daniel Chair and Jon Stross'book "Talent Makers"
(Image Source)

Who: The Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street

Summary:

Hiring mistakes are costly. In Who: The Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street, leaders and hiring managers learn how to give their hiring practices a complete makeover.

This book teaches how to ask the right interview questions, attract the right people you want to hire, define your hiring outcomes, and more. With simple-to-follow steps, this book offers advice and lessons on how to find the right people for the right role.

Why it’s worth your time:

Who is another excellent read for strengthening your team’s hiring practices. If your team has struggled with hiring, this is a must-read.

Notable review:

“Seventy percent of the game is finding the right people, putting them in the right position, listening to them, and alleviating what gets in their way. Who is a practical guide to making sure you get the right people to start with! Excellent advice and guide.”

— Robert Gillette, president and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace

The cover of Geoff Smart and Randy Street's book "Who: The Method for hiring"
(Image Source)

Best ecommerce books for getting stuff done

Learn how to get stuff done so you can get more out of your time.

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

Summary:

Eat That Frog lends itself to the old metaphor, “eat the frog”—or do the task you’re dreading to do first rather than put it off.

Author Brian Tracy shows you how to quit procrastinating and take control of your to-do list and time. Readers learn how to structure their day for optimal productivity—from triaging tasks to focusing on one thing at a time.

Why it’s worth your time:

Ecommerce teams have a lot on their plates at any given time. Being able to prioritize your to-do list based on importance, due date, and length of time the task will take to complete can help you get more focused work done in a day. And who doesn’t love checking things off their to-do list?

Notable review:

“You’ll learn how to prepare yourself mentally and physically to tackle the task at hand, along with strategies for dividing it into manageable segments to keep you moving forward. You’ll even find out what to tell yourself to do if you’re having trouble getting started, or become distracted and need to get back on track.”

—Carnegie Library Business Librarians, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

61fb00dc5e79d323b7819d41 Screen20Shot202022 01 2620at2011.41.3720AM ecommerce books
(Image Source)

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Summary:

Here’s a humbling thought: If you live to be 80, you live just 4,000 weeks. It goes without saying that making the most of your time is, well, of the essence.

In Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman offers a way around overflowing inboxes and to-do list traps by rejecting the mindset of “getting everything done.” Readers will learn how to better use their time and, instead, focus on building a meaningful life.

Why it’s worth your time:

We’ve all been overwhelmed by to-do lists (maybe you’re feeling that way now), but there’s a way out of the thick, never-ending to-do list fog. Instead of focusing on trying to get everything done, try shifting your mindset with the help of Mr. Burkeman.

Notable review:

“Four Thousand Weeks will challenge and amuse you. And it may even spur you on to change your life.”

― Robbie Smith, Evening Standard (UK)

The cover of Oliver Burkeman's book "Four Thousand Weeks"
(Image Source)

The best ecommerce books for industry pros

A pretty strong list, right?

Each of these books is packed with essential skills and advice needed as a founder or a member of a multi-channel brand in ecommerce. You might be surprised what you’ll learn!

 

#cta-visual-pb#<cta-title>Build a better Shopify store<cta-title>Make your store look and feel as unique as your brand by customizing with the best page builder for Shopify.Start building for free

Kaitlyn Ambrose

Kaitlyn works on all things content at Shogun. ⚡

The latest ecomm tips sent to your inbox

share this post

You might also like

Advanced Multi-store Discounts

Number of Stores
  • 1 Store
  • 2 Stores
  • 3 Stores
  • 4 Stores
  • 5 Stores
  • 6 Stores
  • 7 Stores
  • 8 Stores
  • 9 Stores
  • 10+ Stores
Annual Discount
  • 20%
  • 20%
  • 25%
  • 25%
  • 30%
  • 30%
  • 35%
  • 35%
  • 40%
  • 45%
We use cookies to store data for analytics, marketing and personalization to give you a better experience while visiting our website. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.
We use cookies to store data for analytics, marketing and personalization to give you a better experience while visiting our website. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.

Cookie Settings is not available. Cookie Consent is disabled or is just disabled for your country.