The best books for brainy branding (that results in buying)

Why am I passionate about this?

The more I learn about the brain, the more I want to dig in and discover more. Why do we procrastinate? Why do people buy things? Why do some people love unlocking these topics weekly on The Brainy Business podcast (where each person on this list has been a guest) and sharing those insights with the world? When it comes to selling and buying in a brainy way, behavioral economics is the best way to get there, and these books are all a great first step into learning what behavioral science is, how the brain really works, and up-leveling your brand. 


I wrote...

What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You: Unlocking Consumer Decisions with the Science of Behavioral Economics

By Melina Palmer,

Book cover of What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You: Unlocking Consumer Decisions with the Science of Behavioral Economics

What is my book about?

It explains the neuroscience of consumer behavior. Learn exactly why people buy—and how to use that knowledge to improve pricing, increase sales, create better “brain-friendly” brand messaging, and be a more effective leader.

Behavioral economics is the marketing research future of brands and businesses. This book goes beyond an academic understanding of behavioral economics and into practical applications. Learn how real businesses and business professionals can use science to make their companies better. Business owner, consultant, and behavioral economics expert Melina Palmer helps leaders like you use the psychology of the consumer, innovation, and truly impactful branding to achieve real, bottom-line benefits.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Using Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty by Prompting Instinctive Responses

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

When it comes to applying behavioral economics concepts to your branding, practical examples are a must. Nancy’s book is full of them, and while it shares about the science, it doesn’t lead with that, making it very approachable for everyone in business to be able to apply to their marketing.

A great book by a wonderful person who has really been there.

By Nancy Harhut,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Using Behavioral Science in Marketing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER: 2023 American Marketing Association Foundation Leonard L. Berry Marketing Book Award WINNER: 2024 Axiom Business Book Awards - Silver Medal in Advertising / Marketing / PR WINNER: National Indie Excellence Awards 2023 - Marketing & Public Relations WINNER: Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2023 - Gold Medal in Non-Fiction - Marketing WINNER: NYC Big Book Award 2023 - Marketing & Public Relations WINNER: 2023 Chanticleer International Book Awards, Harvey Chute Grand Prize Winner - Non-Fiction Business & Enterprise FINALIST: Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2023 - Business FINALIST: American Book Fest Best Book Award 2023 - Marketing & Advertising SHORTLISTED:…


Book cover of Blindsight: The (Mostly) Hidden Ways Marketing Reshapes Our Brains

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

“If someone believes that their shoes make them jump higher or run faster…who is to say they don’t?”

This is one of the many quotes and insights from Blindsight that will help you understand how brands and the brain overlap and can create a virtuous cycle when they are allowed to influence each other. The brain gets what it expects, and when you apply this to your branding while layering in personal identity, amazing things can happen.

By Matt Johnson, Prince Ghuman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Blindsight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ever notice that all watch ads show 10:10 as the time? Or that all fast-food restaurants use red or yellow in their logos? Or that certain stores are always having a sale?

You may not be aware of these details, yet they've been influencing you all along.

Every time you purchase, swipe, or click, marketers are able to more accurately predict your behavior. These days, brands know more about you than you know about yourself. Blindsight is here to change that.

With eye-opening science, engaging stories, and fascinating real-world examples, neuroscientist Matt Johnson and marketer Prince Ghuman dive deep into…


Book cover of Using Semiotics in Marketing: How to Achieve Consumer Insight for Brand Growth and Profits

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

Signs and symbols are all around us – are you using the right ones for your brand? When you don’t spend enough time thinking about the semiotics, it can create an undercurrent that misaligns what you are saying with what people experience with your brand.

If you want to sell more easily, I highly recommend Using Semiotics in Marketing (and her other book, Using Semiotics in Retail) – this fascinating world will change your branding for the better forever!

By Rachel Lawes,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Using Semiotics in Marketing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Semiotics is a superpower for marketers. It's a proven, powerful method of uncovering consumer insight, tailoring brand strategies that work and generating profit for brands. Companies such as Unilever and P&G have attested to the success of Lawes semiotics in stimulating innovation and boosting sales. Now newly updated, this second edition is packed with even more revelations about brands, consumers and their emerging needs. Three new chapters reveal the unseen social forces that drive the Be Kind movement, public appetite for sincerity and the emotions of younger generations. Using Semiotics in Marketing is an acclaimed how-to guide that makes semiotics…


Book cover of Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

“The opposite of a good idea can still be a good idea.” Rory Sutherland is full of practical tips and examples from big brands and projects that can be applied to any business. By not being afraid of asking the dumb and obvious questions, you can open up a whole world of possibilities in your branding and experience. 

By Rory Sutherland,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Alchemy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

HOW DOES MAGIC HAPPEN?The Ogilvy advertising legend—“one of the leading minds in the world of branding” (NPR)—explores the art and science of conjuring irresistible products and ideas.

"Sutherland, the legendary Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, uses his decades of experience to dissect human spending behavior in an insanely entertaining way. Alchemy combines scientific research with hilarious stories and case studies of campaigns for AmEx, Microsoft and the like. This is a must-read." —Entrepreneur ("Best Books of the Year")

Why is Red Bull so popular, though everyone—everyone!—hates the taste? Humans are, in a word, irrational, basing decisions as much on subtle external…


Book cover of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Melina Palmer Why did I love this book?

No list on behavior, sales, and brand messaging would be complete without including Robert Cialdini on the list. Concepts like social proof, scarcity, and reciprocity are key for getting customers to buy in on your product or service before they even get to the buying moment.

If you are one of the millions of people who has already read Influence, his other book Pre-Suasion is amazing as well and so helpful for brands!

By Robert B. Cialdini,

Why should I read it?

24 authors picked Influence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The foundational and wildly popular go-to resource for influence and persuasion-a renowned international bestseller, with over 5 million copies sold-now revised adding: new research, new insights, new examples, and online applications.

In the new edition of this highly acclaimed bestseller, Robert Cialdini-New York Times bestselling author of Pre-Suasion and the seminal expert in the fields of influence and persuasion-explains the psychology of why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically in business and everyday settings. Using memorable stories and relatable examples, Cialdini makes this crucially important subject surprisingly easy. With Cialdini as a guide, you don't have…


You might also like...

Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme

By Mari Sangiovanni,

Book cover of Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme

Mari Sangiovanni

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Introducing the irrepressible Liddy-Jean Carpenter, a young woman who has learning disabilities but also has a genius plan.

While Liddy-Jean spends her days doing minor office tasks with nobody paying attention, she sees how badly the wand-waving big boss treats the Marketing Department worker bees. So, she takes lots of notes for a business book to teach bosses to be better. Liddy-Jean likes office-mate Rose and Rose’s new friend Jenny, but she doesn’t like Rose’s creepy boyfriend. So how can she save Rose?

Liddy-Jean knows with certainty that love is love, and she concludes that Rose should be with Jenny,…

Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme

By Mari Sangiovanni,

What is this book about?

Novelist and filmmaker Mari SanGiovanni introduces readers to the irrepressible Liddy-Jean Carpenter, a matchmaker with special talents who will charm readers with her wit, wisdom, and sensibilities in this warm, enchanting love-is-love office romance.

Liddy-Jean Carpenter has learning disabilities. But she also has a surprisingly genius plan.

While she spends her days doing minor office tasks with nobody paying attention, she sees how badly the wand-waving big boss treats the Marketing Department worker bees. So, she takes lots of notes for a business book to teach bosses to be better.

While compiling pages of bad behavior notes, she finds she…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in consumer behaviour, marketing, and persuasion?

11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about consumer behaviour, marketing, and persuasion.

Consumer Behaviour Explore 31 books about consumer behaviour
Marketing Explore 191 books about marketing
Persuasion Explore 21 books about persuasion