Building a strong LinkedIn brand means positioning yourself as an authority in your niche. In 2025, personal branding remains a competitive advantage on LinkedIn: these 10 books provide actionable Personal Branding Frameworks and strategies to boost your visibility, credibility, and lead generation. This carefully chosen list of Books to Transform Your Marketing and refine your Personal Brand Story is curated with insights and recommendations by branding specialist Bhavik Sarkhedi. Each title below includes the author’s name, publication year, and where to buy, along with a short review of why it matters for marketing your personal brand.

These resources combine inspiring storytelling with data-driven tactics and illustrate how an integrated strategy involving SEO, Backlink Building, and LinkedIn marketing can amplify the lessons you learn. Wherever possible, we include citations from trusted sources on each book or author. Ready to stand out on LinkedIn? Let’s dive into the list of must-read Personal Branding Books for LinkedIn Professionals in 2025.

The Top 10 Personal Branding Books

1. Become Someone From No One (2025)

Brand Professor’s own new ebook (co-authored by the same Sahil Gandhi above) does not hide its pedigree. It combines decades of consulting experience into one guide. The authors reviewed 50+ branding books so you possess the best information, and distilled the essence into a single framework. This book is a boil-down of everything they have learned while helping entrepreneurs and startups with brand and strategy. Though it is technically an ebook, it is meant to feel like a comprehensive playbook. It covers defining your brand DNA, telling your story effectively, and applying that story to your content and marketing. According to early reviews, this title “holds insights, knowledge, and branding wisdom for years to come.” If you want to accelerate growth, it is a shortcut to a battle-tested approach. (There is no bias here; it is built on proven workshop methodologies used by Brand Professor in startup branding.)

Where to buy: Ebook – Bhavik Sarkhedi

2. LinkedIn for Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide (Sandra Long, 2020)

Sandra Long’s LinkedIn for Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide (Impact Publications, 2020) is a comprehensive manual by a LinkedIn expert for all professionals. As a LinkedIn Branding Consultants herself, Long writes specifically on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile and content to position yourself as an industry leader. The book covers best practices for every profile section (headline, summary, experience, etc.), content strategy, and networking techniques on LinkedIn. It also includes case studies and writing prompts (for example, her site notes “writing prompts, ideas, and five persona examples for the About essay”). The publisher info lists it as ©2020, 264 pages. Reading this book will give you practical LinkedIn brand-building tactics. 

Where to buy: Available on the Impact Publications website and Amazon.

3. Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future. (Omar Garriott & Jeremy Schifeling, 2022)

Linked (Wiley, 2022) is written by two former LinkedIn employees. In Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future, Omar Garriott and Jeremy Schifeling explain the “inside scoop” on LinkedIn’s job market. The Barnes & Noble page confirms the publication date (May 3, 2022) and 320 pages. This book is tailored for professionals at any stage: it shows how to burnish your personal brand on LinkedIn so recruiters and clients notice you, including optimizing your profile, leveraging the network effect, and even gaming search algorithms. Key takeaways include focusing your profile on a clear value proposition (so “recruiters come to you”) and turning connections into referrals. If you’re looking for Game-Changing LinkedIn Personal Branding Tips specifically for LinkedIn, LinkedIn provides step-by-step guidance from insiders. 

Where to buy: Available on Wiley’s site and Amazon.

4. LinkedIn Personal Branding & Marketing: The Complete Learning Guide (Patricia Will, 2023)

A very new entry (launched Sep 2023), LinkedIn Personal Branding & Marketing: The Complete Learning Guide by Patricia Will is aimed at professionals who want up-to-date tactics for LinkedIn branding. Will’s guide promises actionable strategies to “discover new opportunities, enhance your brand, and network effectively” on LinkedIn. Though it’s too new for many reviews, its inclusion here is based on authoritativeness and timing: it covers both personal branding and marketing in one volume. Expect sections on content creation, network building, and even LinkedIn ad tips. This 2023 book offers a look at leading-edge LinkedIn strategy. 

Where to buy: New release (Amazon, Goodreads, etc.).

5. Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It (Dorie Clark, 2015)

Dorie Clark’s Stand Out (Portfolio, 2015) is a classic personal branding guide. Clark, a Harvard Business Review contributor, teaches how to identify your unique perspective and find your breakthrough idea. As her site notes, Stand Out was Inc. Magazine’s #1 leadership book of 2015. The Wikipedia entry confirms the title and publisher year. Key concepts include: brainstorming and vetting big ideas, testing them for interest, and then building an audience around that idea. The book is full of vivid examples and interviews (think Seth Godin, Adam Grant, etc.) of thought leaders who have “found a niche” and owned it. In the LinkedIn context, Stand Out shows you how to craft posts and articles that reflect your personal brand’s niche, so that you become the go-to expert on a specific topic.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

6. Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success (Dan Schawbel, 2009)

Dan Schawbel’s Me 2.0 (Kaplan Publishing, 2009) was one of the first books on digital personal branding. While now a bit older, its core message, take charge of your online reputation, still resonates for LinkedIn professionals. It teaches how to use emerging social networks and media (LinkedIn included) to find opportunities. The CartMango reference lists Me 2.0 by Dan Schawbel as a key title. In practice, the book guides you through defining your career goals, building an online profile (like a LinkedIn summary) that tells your story, and engaging influencers. One exercise is crafting a personal value statement that you would post on your profile. For marketers, Me 2.0 reminds us that being searchable and memorable online attracts client and employer attention.

 Where to buy: Available via online retailers.

7. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen (Donald Miller, 2017)

Donald Miller’s Building a StoryBrand (HarperCollins Leadership, 2017) is not about personal branding per se, but its storytelling framework is invaluable. Miller presents the 7-part StoryBrand framework (like heroes, problems, guides, etc.) that can easily be adapted to your personal LinkedIn brand. The CartMango list cites Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. In branding terms, think of yourself as the “hero” in your story, with LinkedIn posts and profile sections organized like a narrative. The book’s example prompts (e.g., transforming bullet points into compelling stories) can help you rewrite your LinkedIn “About” or “Experience” as a story of professional growth. For instance, use the problem/challenge section to explain your “why,” and position your skills as tools for solving that problem. This emphasizes how purpose matters in personal branding. 

Where to buy: Widely available online.

8. Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence and How You Can, Too (Gary Vaynerchuk, 2018)

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Crushing It! (HarperBusiness, 2018) is another popular branding book focused on social media. It’s less about LinkedIn specifically, but emphasizes authenticity and content creation, two cornerstones of personal brand building. CartMango notes Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk as a top personal branding pick. Gary’s core tip for LinkedIn users: document your journey and share behind-the-scenes updates. He shows how influencers turned hobbies or side hustles into million-follower brands by consistently sharing daily life and value. For LinkedIn professionals, apply his advice by sharing real client stories or “a day in the life” posts that reflect your expertise. 

Where to buy: Amazon, etc.

9. You Are the Brand: The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise and Build a Highly Profitable Personal Brand (Mike Kim, 2020)

Mike Kim’s You Are the Brand (Mountain Dog Media, 2020) is a concise guide for solo entrepreneurs and consultants. The book lays out an 8-step “brand success blueprint,” from clarifying your niche to packaging your services. CartMango lists You Are the Brand by Mike Kim in its recommendations. Key steps include defining your target market and personal message, then creating a content roadmap around that message. For a LinkedIn Personal Branding Specialist, this means fine-tuning your profile headline, summary and post topics to match one clear narrative. For example, one step is “Narrow Your Niche,” which teaches how to avoid sounding generic. The book also covers monetizing your expertise, a good complement for those who use LinkedIn for lead generation or coaching. Where to buy: Available on Amazon and other retailers.

10. Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future (Dorie Clark, 2013)

Another Dorie Clark favourite, Reinventing You (Harvard Business Review Press, 2013), is about pivoting careers by reshaping your personal brand. It’s on Clark’s Wikipedia page along with her other titles. This book is ideal if you’re changing industries, roles, or simply updating your image. It guides readers through self-assessment exercises, LinkedIn profile revisions, and networking strategies. For LinkedIn professionals, think of Reinventing You as a guide to a profile overhaul: updating skills, adding targeted endorsements, and storytelling in your experience section. It includes the idea of creating a strategic networking plan. According to Clark, Reinventing You includes a “stepwise branding & repositioning plan,” which means it’s very actionable. 

Where to buy: Amazon and bookstores.

Applying the Personal Branding Frameworks to Your LinkedIn Strategy

Each of these books offers practical frameworks and inspiration you can integrate into your daily LinkedIn routine. They cover everything from Personal Branding Frameworks from Bestselling Books (how to structure your brand narrative) to hands-on social media tactics. As you read, take notes on exercises and set aside time to apply them, for example, drafting new post ideas or redefining your headline. Combine insights from these books with professional support: our Personal Branding Consultant and LinkedIn Marketing services can help turn these lessons into real results. Personal Branding Drives Real Visibility when executed correctly.

In addition to these books, remember that a strong LinkedIn brand relies on quality content and strategy. Utilize Content & Storytelling and Backlink Building to drive attention back to your profile, and refine conversion tactics (CRO) so your profile visits turn into connections or clients. Our team of SEO Consultants often sees how aligning on-page optimization with the messaging in these books boosts overall visibility. For Branding Companies For Founders and Entrepreneurs, and even CEO, CTOs, and Executive Branding Agencies, these service areas all complement the brand-building tips you’ll learn, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Reading these 10 books will give you a wealth of personal branding tips and bestselling frameworks for personal brands to transform your LinkedIn marketing. Whether you’re a freelancer, founder, or corporate leader, applying this knowledge will help you stand out and attract the right opportunities. The journey to Build Your Personal Brand starts with a clear plan, and these books provide the blueprint.

You’ve explored the best books for building your personal brand on LinkedIn; now it’s time to put those insights into action. If you’re ready to apply these frameworks and start standing out, begin with Bhavik Sarkhedi and Sahil Gandhi’s powerful new ebook, “Become Someone From No One.”

This guide distils years of branding experience into actionable steps that help professionals, founders, and creators move from visibility to influence. Whether you want to refine your content strategy, sharpen your story, or position yourself as a LinkedIn thought leader, this is your playbook for 2025 and beyond.

Need expert guidance? Contact Bhavik Sarkhedi to get a personalized strategy session and start building your LinkedIn presence with confidence.