15 Best E-Commerce Books to Read

In the second quarter of 2023, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached $277.6 billion, marking a 2.1 percent increase from the previous quarter. Total retail sales remained relatively unchanged at $1,798.2 billion. Compared to the second quarter of 2022, e-commerce sales saw a significant growth of 7.5 percent, while total retail sales increased by 0.6 percent. E-commerce sales accounted for 15.4 percent of total sales during this period.

E-commerce has revolutionized how businesses operate, offering unlimited opportunities for growth and prosperity. As this field continues to evolve, so does the need for fresh insights, strategies, and perspectives. A well-curated selection of e-commerce books can provide invaluable guidance on navigating this dynamic landscape.

From understanding the basics of online selling to mastering sophisticated digital marketing courses, these books offer a wealth of knowledge. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this carefully chosen list of the 15 best e-commerce books can help unlock your potential and steer your online business toward success.

In today’s rapidly digitizing world, e-commerce knowledge is key to staying competitive and relevant. Understanding the ins and outs of e-commerce is not just about setting up an online store; it involves grasping consumer behavior, leveraging digital marketing strategies, and optimizing user experience. This knowledge significantly influences a business’s ability to attract, engage, and retain customers in a crowded online marketplace.

This list aims to direct readers toward the best e-commerce books offering foundational insights and advanced strategies for those keen on venturing into or thriving in e-commerce. By delving into these hand-picked resources, readers can understand the e-commerce ecosystem better, leverage digital marketing tools effectively, and grasp the nuances of customer engagement and retention. The practical knowledge and insights gained from these books can significantly enhance the reader’s ability to successfully navigate and compete in the rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.

List of 15 Best E-Commerce Books

Here’s a list of the top 15 e-commerce books, each with a brief description or key takeaway.

The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon

The book of Brad Stone is a detailed chronicle of Amazon’s journey, offering valuable insights into the e-commerce giant’s strategies and business model. This book is a must-read for understanding how Amazon became today’s dominant force and the lessons other businesses can learn from its success. It also delves into the personal life and leadership style of Jeff Bezos, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs.

Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence 

Gary Vaynerchuk’s motivational guide features stories of successful online entrepreneurs, providing inspiration and practical advice on digital marketing and personal branding. The book emphasizes the importance of building a strong online presence and leveraging social media to grow an e-commerce business. It also highlights the value of creating and maintaining genuine connections with customers. The book is also available in an updated version with new examples and insights.

Launch: An Internet Millionaire’s Secret Formula to Sell Almost Anything Online 

This book by Jeff Walker offers a step-by-step guide offering a proven formula for selling products online, ideal for newcomers to e-commerce. The book outlines a strategy for creating a buzz and generating excitement around product launches through email marketing and other digital channels. It also offers tips on building a loyal customer base and fostering long-term customer relationships. The book also features case studies and examples of successful product launches.

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More 

An insightful book from Chris Anderson that explains how niche markets are becoming increasingly profitable, highlighting the importance of personalized offerings in e-commerce. The author argues that catering to smaller groups’ specific interests and needs can be more lucrative than targeting a mass audience. It provides valuable insights on how to tap into the potential of niche markets for e-commerce success. The book also includes examples from various industries, including music and publishing.

Omnichannel Retail: How to Build Winning Stores in a Digital World 

The book by Miya Knights and Tim Mason is a comprehensive guide to integrating physical and digital channels to offer seamless shopping experiences. The book provides valuable insights on creating a unified brand experience across channels and leveraging customer data to drive sales. It also delves into the latest trends in omnichannel retail, such as click-and-collect services and social media commerce. The book also includes case studies from successful omnichannel retailers.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

This is a must-read book by Robert Cialdini exploring the psychology behind why people say ‘yes,’ which is crucial for crafting compelling marketing messages. It offers valuable insights into the principles of persuasion and how businesses can use them to influence consumer behavior. The book also delves into the power of social proof and scarcity in driving sales. It also includes practical tips for using these principles in e-commerce marketing strategies.

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable

A call to action for businesses to differentiate themselves by being remarkable is a vital strategy in e-commerce. Seth Godin’s book emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded marketplace and creating a buzz around products. It also highlights the value of constantly reinventing and improving offerings to maintain relevance. The book offers practical tips on how to achieve ‘remarkability’ through product design, packaging, marketing, and more.

E-Business and E-Commerce Management 

This book by Dave Chaffey is a detailed academic textbook covering the fundamentals and latest trends in e-commerce and e-business. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technologies in today’s business landscape. The book covers e-commerce strategy, website design, online marketing, supply chain management, and more. It also features case studies and real-life examples to enhance learning.

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive, and Others Die

A guide on how to make your ideas unforgettable, applicable in marketing and product development. This book by Chip and Dan Heath delves into the principles of ‘stickiness’ and how to make messages resonate with audiences. It also offers valuable insights on crafting memorable stories and creating emotional connections with customers through storytelling. The book features real-world examples, making it relatable for e-commerce businesses.

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products 

This book by Nir Eyal explores how to create products that keep customers coming back for more by leveraging psychological triggers. It offers a four-step process for building habit-forming products, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior and creating user habits. The book also highlights the power of social proof, rewards, and other motivators in driving customer loyalty. It includes case studies from successful e-commerce businesses, making it relevant for the industry.

Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age 

A scientific approach to why things go viral is valuable for online marketers seeking to boost their reach. The book by Jonah Berger explores the psychology behind why people share certain content and how businesses can leverage this to their advantage. It offers practical tips on creating contagious content that resonates with audiences and inspires them to take action. The book also delves into the power of social influence in shaping consumer behavior.

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More

The book by Chris Anderson explores niche markets in e-commerce and how businesses can profit from them. The book emphasizes the importance of personalization and catering to smaller groups’ specific interests and needs. It also offers insights into identifying and tapping niche markets backed by real-world examples. Understanding the long tail concept is crucial for e-commerce entrepreneurs seeking a competitive edge.

The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization

The book by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola is a comprehensive SEO or search engine optimization guide crucial for improving online visibility. This book offers practical tips for optimizing website content and understanding search engine algorithms. It also delves into the importance of keyword research, link building, and social media in driving website traffic. The book is essential for e-commerce businesses looking to boost their online presence and attract a larger audience.

DotCom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online by Russell Brunson

A playbook revealing tactics to drive traffic, convert visitors, and scale a business online. This book offers valuable insights on using sales funnels, email marketing, and social media to generate leads and increase sales. It also features real-world case studies and examples of successful online businesses. The updated version includes new strategies for leveraging chatbots and video marketing.

The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google

An insightful analysis of the four tech giants’ strategies provides lessons for aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs. The book by Scott Galloway delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each company and how they have shaped the digital landscape. It also offers valuable insights into building a strong brand, leveraging data, and innovating in e-commerce. The Four is a thought-provoking read for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of online business.

Bottom Line

The aforementioned e-commerce books cover various topics critical to success in the online business landscape. They provide insights into the journey and strategies of established e-commerce giants like Amazon and lessons from successful online entrepreneurs.

These books emphasize the importance of understanding consumer behavior, crafting compelling marketing messages, offering personalized experiences, and creating a strong brand presence across channels. They also highlight the significance of leveraging digital marketing tools, mainly social media and SEO, to reach a wider audience and boost sales. With a focus on continuous innovation, adaptability, and customer engagement, these e-commerce books offer practical advice and strategies to enhance any online business’s competitiveness and growth.

These insightful books are indispensable resources for e-commerce professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the competitive field of online business. By offering a blend of proven strategies, innovative ideas, and real-world examples, they equip readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the dynamic e-commerce landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to stay updated with the latest trends, an entrepreneur starting a new venture, or simply someone intrigued by e-commerce, these books provide invaluable lessons that can help shape successful strategies, maximize growth, and achieve long-term success in e-commerce.