The 19 Must-Read Books for SaaS Founders in 2024

Hey fellow SaaS founders, let's talk about growth—not just the kind where you watch your numbers climb, but the growth that happens in your mind, shaping the future of your SaaS adventure. I've been there, in the trenches, building Jimo from the ground up. It’s been a journey of epic proportions, filled with ups, downs, and aha-moments, largely inspired by the wisdom tucked away in pages of some game-changing books.

So, in the spirit of sharing that drive-the-industry-forward vibe we all cherish, I’ve curated a no-fluff, all-juice reading list for 2024. These aren’t just any books; they’re your arsenal for mastering the SaaS domain.

For the Sales Strategists

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert Cialdini Let's kick off with a classic. If you're looking to understand the core of what moves your customers, Cialdini’s insights are timeless. Think of it as your secret weapon in crafting irresistible offers.

The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge Here's the deal: Roberge has the blueprint you need to scale your sales without losing your mind. It's all about leveraging data to make smart decisions. Yes, it's possible to sell without selling your soul.

To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink Pink takes us on a journey to rediscover sales. Spoiler: We’re all in sales. This book will change how you communicate, not just with customers but with your team too.

For the Product Gurus

Hooked: How To Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal If you've ever wondered why some apps stick and others flop, Nir’s your guy. This is about making your product an unmissable part of your users’ lives.

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon Creativity isn’t a magical gift; it's a skill. Kleon shows you how to unlock yours to innovate and problem-solve in ways you never thought possible.

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug Simplicity wins, always. Krug’s masterpiece will have you looking at your product in a whole new light. It's all about creating a seamless experience for your users.

For the Marketing Mavericks

They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan Sheridan basically hands you a map to content gold. It's about turning your knowledge into the answers your customers are searching for, and in turn, driving your business forward.

Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday This is your crash course in making a big impact with a not-so-big budget. Holiday’s approach is all about agility, creativity, and understanding the digital landscape.

All Marketers Tell Stories by Seth Godin Storytelling isn’t just for bedtime. Godin illustrates the power of narrative in building a brand that people love and trust. It’s about connecting, not convincing.

For the Visionary Leaders

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Horowitz doesn’t sugarcoat the startup life. He tells it like it is, offering gritty, honest advice that’ll prepare you for the rollercoaster ride.

Rework by Jason Fried Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about running a business. Fried’s insights are about working smarter, not harder.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries Ries introduces a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies need to innovate more than ever.

For the Customer Champions

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh Zappos’ legendary customer service didn’t happen by accident. Hsieh’s vision for business and life is a masterclass in building a company people love.

The Effortless Experience by Matthew Dixon, Nick Toman, and Rick DeLisi Surprise: Customers don’t want to be wowed; they want things to be easy. This book is a guide to making sure they get just that.

Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman Turn transactions into lifelong relationships. Coleman’s eight-phase process is a blueprint for customer loyalty.

For the Future Thinkers

The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab We’re at the cusp of a new era. Schwab’s insights into the impact of emerging technologies are crucial

The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly Understanding the future begins with understanding the forces that shape it. Kelly offers a compelling vision of how technological trends will unfold, impacting everything we do.

The Age of AI by Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan AI is more than a buzzword; it’s the frontier of innovation. Lee and Qiufan delve into the profound implications AI has on society, industry, and how we perceive value creation.

Wrapping It Up With A Bow (And A Bookmark)

Embarking on the SaaS founder journey is like setting sail into uncharted waters. The right books are like the stars guiding you; they illuminate paths taken by those before you and inspire you to navigate your own course with confidence and wisdom.

But here’s the thing—these books are more than just bedtime reading. They’re tools, mentors, and, at times, the harsh reality checks we all need. As we dive into 2024, let’s not just read; let’s implement, experiment, and share the lessons we learn. The SaaS landscape is ever-evolving, and so are we.

I challenge you to pick up at least one of these titles this month. Whether it’s refining your sales strategy, reimagining your product design, elevating your marketing game, fostering leadership, or anticipating the future of tech, there’s something here for you.

Remember, it’s not about how many books you can get through, but the depth of the impact they have on your journey. Here's to a year of growth, not just in metrics, but in knowledge, understanding, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Happy reading, SaaS founders! Let’s make 2024 a year for the books.