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Top 10 Best Books On Branding Design & Identity

Top 10 Best Books On Branding Design & Identity

The brand is the promise your product or service makes to your audience. It is the central core of your identity. Every aspect of your business, from packaging and product design to product naming and logos, should reinforce and strengthen your brand. A strong brand defines your company, its products, culture, and values, which affect your customer experience.

We all have an idea in our head of what we think brand identity should look like—whether it's something specific, like “Apple” or “Nike,” or a broader vision, like “friendly and modern.” Most companies today don't even have a clear concept of their brand identity. But what does this mean for your business? It means you have no idea how to attract the right customers.

Today, I will help you pick the best books on Branding design and identity. These books can be a great starting point if you're getting into this topic or an excellent refresher for experienced designers.

Top 10 Best Books On Branding

Building A Storybrand Book

1 – Building a StoryBrand

SaleBestseller No. 1
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
  • Hardcover Book
  • Miller, Donald (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages – 10/10/2017 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins Leadership (Publisher)

Building a StoryBrand is an easy read full of practical advice for B2B and B2C companies.

The book shows you how to build and tell powerful stories that resonate with people and gives you the tools to do so.

Miller teaches you the seven universal story points everyone responds to and the real reason people make purchases. This is something that many marketers know but need to articulate, and it's often difficult to put into words.

You'll also learn the difference between a short story and a long one, which will help you write the most effective copy.

Finally, he helps you to simplify your message so that people can understand it, and he teaches you how to use social media to reach the widest audience possible.

While this is a business book, it's also a personal guide to understanding and communicating.

So if you want to learn how to speak your truth, and connect with others, get Building a StoryBrand.

2 – Identity Designed

SaleBestseller No. 1
Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding
  • Hardcover Book
  • Airey, David (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 288 Pages – 01/22/2019 (Publication Date) – Rockport Publishers (Publisher)

I am a graphic designer, and this book has been an invaluable resource for my work.

David Airey has done a fantastic job of providing insight into a topic often overlooked in the business world and bringing clarity to it.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone in the design field and anyone who wants to take their business to the next level.

The book is full of great ideas, examples, and tips and is broken down so that you can understand the concepts even if you have little design experience.

This book contains real-life examples you can use in your work, and David Airey clearly defines how to implement each concept.

If you're interested in taking your work to the next level and want to find out how to use design to increase your sales and profits, this book is for you.

3 – Creating a Brand Identity

Bestseller No. 1
Creating a Brand Identity: A Guide for Designers: (Graphic Design Books, Logo Design, Marketing)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Slade-Brooking, Catharine (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 161 Pages – 01/18/2016 (Publication Date) – Laurence King Publishing (Publisher)

This book is written by a graphic designer who works as one. It's packed with helpful information and case studies about creating a brand.

It's written in a way that makes it easy to follow, and there's lots of good practical advice for both beginners and experienced designers. The author provides valuable tips, such as ‘how to find your voice as a designer' and ‘how to work with a client'.

You can use the book as a reference for your projects or get some client ideas. For example, you can use it to help you write a brief and work through the steps of a design brief.

It's not a design manual but a how-to guide for designers new to branding.

This is an excellent read for anyone interested in designing or branding or anyone who wants to understand the basics of how to do so.

4 – The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding

SaleBestseller No. 1
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding
  • Ries, Al (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages – 09/01/2002 (Publication Date) – Harper Business (Publisher)

A fascinating book that combines marketing and branding with some beneficial insights.

The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding is an excellent read if you want to learn how to establish a brand online. It's packed full of insights, tips, and techniques.

While the first few chapters are about branding on the web, the rest of the book focuses more on traditional marketing and branding. But that's not to say that the book isn't relevant online – it's just that the author concentrates on branding for traditional businesses.

This book is worth reading if you're thinking about starting your own business or are already doing so and want to improve your branding.

You can also use this book as a reference to help you out when you're building your website or creating your branding.

The book is written in a very conversational tone, and the author gives plenty of examples to illustrate his points.

One of my favourite parts is the section where he talks about creating a brand; then, he details the different types of brands.

This book is a great read and definitely worth the money. If you're interested in establishing a brand online, buy this book.

5 – The Future of Purpose-Driven Branding

Sale
The Future of Purpose-Driven Branding: Signature Programs that Impact & Inspire Both Business and Society
  • Aaker, David (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 260 Pages – 10/04/2022 (Publication Date) – Morgan James Publishing (Publisher)

I was surprised at how great this book is. I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the basics of branding and why it is crucial to build a brand that connects to the public and the customers.

David Aaker is an expert in his field, and he can give you some excellent advice about the importance of branding. I like his idea of creating a purpose and culture that nurtures social and environmental efforts and using signature programs to carry that message.

This book is a must-read for any entrepreneur, especially those who want to create a brand that connects to their customers and the public.

This is the book to read if you're looking for a practical guide on creating a brand that connects to people.

6 – Designing Brand Identity

Sale
Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team
  • Hardcover Book
  • Wheeler, Alina (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 10/24/2017 (Publication Date) – Wiley (Publisher)

We like the design of this book and how it presents the information clearly and concisely.

It's broken down into three sections, each containing around 20 chapters. The first section covers the fundamentals of branding and explains what a brand means, why brands matter, and how to conduct research to create compelling brand strategies. It's a comprehensive overview of branding principles that everyone should read before diving into more complex topics.

Related:  How to Keep your Brand Design Consistent

In the second section, the authors explain the various stages of the branding process, from ideation to launch. They go through the basics of brainstorming, brand strategy, and user personas. They also cover how to develop the brand's visual identity and how to execute it.

The book's third section is the most comprehensive, containing 50 case studies from companies of varying sizes and industries. They describe their goals, process, strategy, solution, and results. Each case study is broken down into several parts to help you understand the topic in greater depth.

This very well-written book provides the reader with a solid understanding of the topic.

There are no errors, and the diagrams are well-illustrated and easy to follow. The authors provide practical advice for both beginners and advanced marketers.

7 – Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Millman, Debbie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 05/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Allworth (Publisher)

A refreshing and informative read that explores the reasons behind our brand choices.

What makes a brand? Is it the logo, the product, the marketing, the packaging, or the services? Does a brand exist without the product or vice versa? What does it mean when we say we “love” a brand? Is it a sense of loyalty or a sense of belonging? Do we feel a sense of ownership? How do brands connect with us?

Debbie Millman, an expert on branding and consumer behaviour, explores these questions and more. In an unprecedented, wide-ranging survey of the leaders in branding, she asks them to share their insights on how they think about and talk about brands.

Millman interviews twenty-two influential thinkers, including Malcolm Gladwell, Seth Godin, Wally Olins, Paul Hawken, and Tom Peters. She uncovers the motivations behind their opinions and positions and asks what we should do to better understand the world around us.

I've always found it challenging to explain brand decisions, but Millman's book does an excellent job of explaining their reasons. If you're interested in branding, this is a must-read.

8 – Obsessed

Sale
Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love from Day One
  • Hardcover Book
  • Heyward, Emily (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages – 06/09/2020 (Publication Date) – Portfolio (Publisher)

Obsessed is a must-read for anyone who wants to build a successful brand from the ground up.

Emily Heyward is an entrepreneur and understands the challenges of starting a business.

She has an excellent understanding of how you should build a brand, and she clearly explains how to get there. She also shows you how to test the market, find the right customers, and create a business model that will work.

In addition to being a great read, Obsessed is a great tool to use when building a brand.

You can use it to guide you through the process, but it's also a great resource to refer to when you need inspiration or ask for help.

You can also use it to see how other brands are doing and find a partner to help you build your brand.

It's a great read and a must-have for everyone who wants to build a brand.

9 – The Brand Gap

Sale
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design
  • Neumeier, Marty (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 208 Pages – 08/04/2005 (Publication Date) – New Riders (Publisher)

In a world where companies need help to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape, it can be challenging to understand why certain companies are still doing so well. But The Brand Gap, written by two advertising professionals, is the answer.

This book is designed to help businesses understand the importance of branding and its impact on the business. The authors present a clear and concise explanation of branding and how it can help a business stay ahead of its competitors.

They explain the difference between brands and logos and how they work together. They also explain how brands can become iconic and create a connection with customers. Brands are important because they define a company, and they're used to communicate brand values to customers.

This book is an excellent guide for any business that wants to improve its brand or anyone who wants to understand how to use branding in their business.

10 – Brand Identity Breakthrough

Sale
Brand Identity Breakthrough: How to Craft Your Company's Unique Story to Make Your Products Irresistible
  • Diehl, Gregory V. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages – 05/09/2016 (Publication Date) – Identity Books (Publisher)

Diehl is one of my favourite book authors because he teaches you how to be creative while still being logical.

I love how he explains things in such a simple manner so that anyone can understand and apply it to their own business.

You can tell that he has worked in the business for a long time and has seen many companies go under because they didn't know how to make money.

He teaches you how to get your product or service to the customers and sell it at a profit.

I like that he doesn't just teach you marketing techniques but also shows you how to apply them in your own business.

You'll learn how to write a product description that will convert better and how to price your product correctly. He teaches you how to create a logo that will stand out and how to use it in your advertising. He also teaches you how to create a website that will make people want to buy from you.

You'll learn the importance of having a great product and also the importance of having a great sales page.

I appreciate how he teaches you the basics and then shows you how to apply them in your business.

Brand Identity Breakthrough is for you if you're looking for a creative way to sell and help you figure out what to charge for your products.

Why Is It Important To Understand Branding

Generate Leads Branding Campaign

In today's world, businesses are constantly being exposed to potential clients. A great logo design and identity helps you stand out among other brands, ensuring you get the attention you deserve.

Good brand identity includes a well-rounded message that tells a story and communicates your company's purpose in an easy-to-understand way. If you're new to branding, developing a brand that resonates with your target audience can take years. That's why creating a design that speaks to your audience while remaining distinct from the competition is critical.

As you think about your business's direction, there are several areas to consider. Consider what your customers want, how they use your products, and what your brand represents. Keep in mind that you're building a brand for life. How do you want your company to be remembered in five, 10, or 20 years?

To ensure a successful outcome, starting with a strategy and plan is essential. Think about your company's vision and how it will represent itself. What is the purpose of your business? Who are you, and what does that look like? What type of people do you want to attract? When you know what you're looking for, you can narrow down your options and focus your efforts on creating a brand that's uniquely yours.

When you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, it's time to create a brand identity that fits the needs of your business. Start by choosing an appropriate font, colours, and images to communicate your company's purpose, style, and personality.

Include your target audience in the process. Talk to your existing customers to see if they have any input on the direction of your brand. Remember to ask your competitors for feedback, as well. To get the best results, it's always wise to combine various research and consultation techniques.

Once you've created a brand specific to your business, it's time to make it come to life. Create a visual identity that embodies your brand. Whether a simple logo, a catchy slogan, or a memorable logo, it should be unique, memorable, and representative of your business.

Now, it's time to put your new brand to the test. Test your identity on paper, then on websites, social media, and in real life. Ask your customers what they think, and talk to them about the results. This feedback is critical in helping you refine your brand to be effective and meaningful.

Conclusion

To me, brand identity is everything. It's how people first perceive a company and their products. It can mean the difference between having a successful company and being left in the dust.

A great brand can take a company from another company on the street to a household name. It's not just about what people say about you, but what they do.

And the best part is that a well-designed brand is easy to create and market.

This list of best books on branding is by no means exhaustive, and I'm sure many others could be added. But these are the ones that are the most useful, especially for beginners and professionals alike.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Stuart Crawford

Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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