Hot Takes & Must-Reads: The 2025 Marketing & Tech Books You Can’t Ignore

As winter sets in, it’s time to cozy up with a book that will transform your marketing game in 2025. Whether you're running a local business in St. Louis, a growing startup, or a thriving retail shop, staying ahead of digital trends is key to keeping your customers engaged.

We've curated a no-fluff, all-strategy list of must-read marketing books that will help you master social media, AI, branding, and digital advertising—so your business can thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape. If you're a small business owner in St. Louis, these books will give you the competitive edge you need to market smarter, reach more customers, and grow your brand locally and beyond.

1. The Year in Tech 2025 – Harvard Business Review

Best for: Small business owners who want to stay ahead of AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing trends. Length: 208 pages

Why Read It: The Harvard Business Review doesn’t just predict trends—it breaks down what they mean for your business. From AI-driven marketing to blockchain for small business transactions, this book covers the biggest shifts in tech and marketing that will impact your business in 2025.

How It Applies to Your Business in St. Louis:

AI marketing – Learn how local businesses can use AI to automate marketing, create content faster, and personalize customer experiences.🔹 Cybersecurity – Protect your business from the latest online scams, fraud, and data breaches.🔹 Evolving consumer behavior – Understand how St. Louis customers shop, research, and make buying decisions online in 2025.

💡 Pro Tip: Small business owners who understand and adopt tech trends early can outpace competitors and connect with more customers online.

2. Digital Marketing Strategy: An Integrated Approach to Online Marketing – Simon Kingsnorth

Best for: St. Louis entrepreneurs looking to increase website traffic, run effective social media campaigns, and improve digital ad performance. Length: 424 pages

Why Read It: Marketing today is digital—plain and simple. This book is a step-by-step guide to building a winning SEO, social media, and digital ad strategy that drives real business growth. It covers everything from AI-powered automation to advanced Google Ads strategies that local businesses can use to attract more customers in St. Louis.

How It Applies to Your Business in St. Louis:

🔹 Boost your local search ranking – Learn proven SEO techniques to make sure your business shows up when people Google “best [your service] in St. Louis.”🔹 Social media strategies that actually work – No more guessing! Learn how to create content that connects with your audience.🔹 Paid ads without wasting money – Find out how to set up Google Ads and Facebook Ads the right way for maximum ROI.

💡 Pro Tip: If your business isn’t visible online, you’re invisible. This book will help you make sure your customers in St. Louis can find you easily.

3. Marketing 5.0: Technology for Humanity – Philip Kotler, Hermawan Kartajaya & Iwan Setiawan

Best for: Business owners in St. Louis who want to combine technology + human connection for more effective marketing. Length: 272 pages

Why Read It: Marketing is no longer just about selling—it’s about building relationships. This book dives deep into how small businesses can use AI, data analytics, and digital tools to enhance customer interactions while keeping their marketing human and relatable.

How It Applies to Your Business in St. Louis:

🔹 AI-powered personalization – Learn how to automate emails, social media, and customer service while still making it feel personal.🔹 Understanding what customers want – Use data to tailor your marketing to St. Louis customers and boost engagement.🔹 Turning one-time buyers into repeat customers – Build loyalty programs and personalized experiences that keep people coming back.

💡 Pro Tip: In 2025, businesses that combine tech with personal connection will win. This book shows you how to do both.

4. The Guide to Going Viral – Brendan Kane

Best for: St. Louis businesses looking to create shareable content and grow their online presence Length: 66 pages (a quick, powerful read!)

Why Read It: Ever wonder why some brands explode online while others struggle for engagement? Brendan Kane breaks down the formula for creating viral content and growing your brand’s visibility on social media.

How It Applies to Your Business in St. Louis:

🔹 Get more engagement on Instagram & TikTok – Learn what makes people stop scrolling and interact with your content.🔹 Viral storytelling strategies – Whether you run a restaurant, fitness studio, or home service business, this book will teach you how to craft stories that people want to share.🔹 Create marketing that sells itself – Learn psychology-backed strategies to get people talking about your business.

💡 Pro Tip: Social media isn’t just for influencers—local businesses in St. Louis can go viral, too! This book teaches you how to make content that actually gets noticed and shared.

5. Building a StoryBrand – Donald Miller

Best for: St. Louis business owners who want to improve branding, clarify their message, and connect with customers on a deeper level. Length: 240 pages

Why Read It: Most businesses struggle to explain what they do in a way that actually resonates with customers. Donald Miller’s StoryBrand framework helps you clarify your message so people immediately understand who you are, what you do, and why they need you.

How It Applies to Your Business in St. Louis:

🔹 Craft a clear, compelling brand story – Make sure your messaging is engaging, not confusing.🔹 Stand out from the competition – Learn how to differentiate your brand in crowded industries.🔹 Improve website conversions – Apply StoryBrand principles to your website, emails, and ads to boost sales.

💡 Pro Tip: If your brand messaging isn’t clear, you’re losing customers. This book helps you fix that.

Ready to Take Your St. Louis Business to the Next Level?

These books aren’t just for reading—they’re your 2025 business playbook. Whether you’re looking to boost your SEO, master social media, or harness AI for smarter marketing, these reads will help your St. Louis business grow and thrive.

📚 Which book will you start with? Drop your pick in the comments!