Your Summer Reading List
Remember when you used to get summer reading lists? You probably either loved or hated them. We’re hoping our list is all love because we promise there’s no book report at the end!
Whether you’re at the beach, pool, or simply mixing up your lunch break, this summer reading list will take your marketing knowledge to the next level. You’ll learn fresh perspectives on everything from web design to an old school approach to advertising.
Get those credit cards or library cards ready! Here are book recommendations straight from The Good Lemon team:
For those (brand) fashionistas: How To Style Your Brand: Everything You Need to Know to Create a Distinctive Brand Identityby Fiona Humberstone. We already mentioned how awesome brand expert Fiona Humberstone is in our Slice about brand colors. Well, we’re back to say you should probably read her book to learn even MORE! She goes over all of the basics of styling your brand, including vision, colors, patterns, and more to create a cohesive identity to stand out from the crowd! This book is a combination of all of your favorite Pinterest Boards with great advice on how to define every visual aspect of your brand.
For those lovers of simplicity: Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usabilityby Steve Krug. You know how we always say your audience’s attention span is basically nonexistent? Well it’s for a reason! This book goes over all of the basics of web design and mobility with one guiding principle in mind: don’t make your audience think! You don’t have to be a web designer to get essential knowledge on how to guide your users through your website. Bonus: there are A LOT of illustrations and charts to illustrate his point and (double bonus) he writes in a witty, fun way.
For some much-needed career inspo: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told Youby Kelly Cutrone. Being a career women is hard. Sharing her insights from high-pressure jobs in Hollywood and public relations, Kelly offers a no-bullshit approach on how to carve your own successful career path. Fun fact: The Good Lemon owes a lot to this book because it made Katie want to open a business one day!
For your inner scholar: Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy. Want to feel like you’re getting a classic education in advertising? There’s no better way than to read this classic take on advertising. While it may have been written before the world of internet (hello 1980s), this book still offers amazing insights into advertising from one of the “fathers of advertising." Think old school knowledge to offer you some fresh perspectives on your current strategy.
For the budding psychologists: To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink. Everyone is a salesperson. Think about it, no matter what you do in some capacity you’re trying to sell someone on something whether it’s an idea, product, etc. This is the whole premise of this book. It’s part psychology, part real-world tools to strengthen your elevator pitch and refine your messaging.
For getting back to basics: The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. This book has four editions for a reason. It offers timeless principles on writing and how you can convey your message clearly. After all, if you want to make sure your content is compelling, you should start with the basics! Think English class vibes, but without the homework.
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