5 books to help marketers make better decisions in 2019

Estimated reading time
2 minutes
10th January 2019
Author: Nick Mason
Posted in: Education & Upskilling, Psychology & Science

According to one estimation circling the internet, we humans make about 35,000 decisions a day. Considering how many I get through before breakfast alone, this seems about right. But how many of those are we consciously making?

To improve how we make decisions and how we influence the decisions of others, there are deep mechanisms at play. For example, it isn’t merely a matter of weighing logic or emotion, the typical head vs heart debate.

In order to help you get to grips with what these are and how you can leverage them, here’s a brief suggestion of reads for your 2019 book list. You’ll be thinking better in no time!

1. The Choice Factory by Richard Shotton – released February 2018

Richard Shotton sets out to help the reader understand what drives decisions and in turn, how they can then become the influencer within the process. The book is split into 25 short chapters, each tackling a different cognitive bias. In short, you are sure to find a variety of ways to look at and approach marketing challenges.

2. Webs of Influence: The Psychology of Online Persuasion (2nd Edition) by Nathalie Nahai – released February 2017

Nahai’s second edition outlines the latest insights in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural economics. Consequently, readers explore persuasive ideas to interpret the motivations behind consumer behaviour. Easy-to-digest content allows this book to help any reader engage with their own audience in a more purposeful way. 

3. The Art of Thinking Clearly: Better Thinking, Better Decisions by Rolf Dobelli – released May 2014

Intelligent and witty, Dobelli’s book is set out across 100 short chapters. Each chapter focuses on a specific bias. The book transforms decision making in both professional and personal circumstances.

4. Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy by Phil P. Barden – released February 2013

Decoded focuses on behavioural science and the opportunities it creates for delivering more effective marketing. Barden covers a range of case studies, of which all are still extremely relevant in today’s ever-changing market.

5. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – released May 2012

In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel prize winner Kahneman, provides an overview of his and his late colleague Amos Tversky’s major ideas and discoveries in the field of behavioural economics. As a result, the book outlines the two systems that drive the way we think; fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, rational thinking. Kahneman provides the reader with practical techniques for the latter.  

Happy reading!

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