7 Best-Selling User Acquisition Books Millions Trust

Recommended by Alexis Ohanian, Sean Ellis, and Jeff Walker, these User Acquisition books deliver proven growth strategies and actionable insights.

Alexis Ohanian
Sean Ellis
Aidan Fitzpatrick
Jim Edwards
Kent Stuver Internet Marketing
Alvin Lindsay
Dan Olsen
Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in fields as dynamic as User Acquisition. Millions of readers have turned to expert-recommended titles to crack the code of attracting and retaining customers effectively. With user acquisition strategies evolving rapidly, these best-selling books offer frameworks that have stood the test of time, providing you with proven methods to grow your business sustainably.

Experts like Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and Initialized Capital, swear by these selections. His experience scaling tech communities underscores the value of books like Traction. Meanwhile, Sean Ellis, founder of GrowthHackers, co-authored Hacking Growth, a book that has transformed how startups think about rapid experimentation and data-driven acquisition. Jeff Walker, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Launch, praises Dotcom Secrets for its deep insights into sales funnels that convert.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific User Acquisition needs might consider creating a personalized User Acquisition book that combines these validated approaches with your unique goals and background. This can help bridge the gap between general strategies and your distinct challenges, giving you a competitive edge.

Best for scalable lead generation
Alex Hormozi, entrepreneur and investor behind Acquisition.com's $200 million annual portfolio, wrote this book to share the lead generation strategies that propelled his success. With experience licensing gym models to thousands worldwide and scaling multiple businesses, Alex's insights are grounded in high-stakes, practical business growth. His aim is to make lead acquisition tactics accessible to entrepreneurs ready to grow their customer base effectively.

The proven track record that speaks for itself: Alex Hormozi draws from his journey scaling businesses to $200 million annually to decode the art of lead generation. You’ll learn specific frameworks like the "hook-retain-reward" system and an effective six-part ad formula that transforms cold strangers into eager prospects. The book dives deep into practical methods such as direct referral tactics and affiliate partnerships that amplify leads across diverse industries. If you’re aiming to expand your customer base quickly and systematically, this book offers usable playbooks that don’t just theorize but reflect real-world scaling.

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Best for mastering sales funnels
Kent Stuver Internet Marketing, a digital nomad and entrepreneur, highlights how DotCom Secrets helped him learn to attract target customers online, aligning with the book's wide popularity among marketers. He shares, "Wanna learn how to attract your target customers online? The book, DotCom Secrets is a great place to start." This recommendation resonates with many who see sales funnels as crucial to online growth. Alvin Lindsay, CEO of ClickFunnels, also endorses the book, noting how the author generously shares his best funnel strategies, making complex funnel building approachable and actionable.

Recommended by Jeff Walker

Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Launch

I've underlined something on almost every page! I wish I wrote this book -- it's really that good!

Russell Brunson's experience building online businesses from his college days shapes this book's core insight: the real barrier to online growth isn't traffic or conversion tweaks, but the sales funnel itself. You learn how to identify and fix the hidden flaws in your funnel that repel customers, with detailed frameworks and scripts drawn from tens of thousands of split tests. Chapters break down funnel components and customer journeys, showing you how to build a funnel that consistently turns prospects into buyers. If you're looking to grow your company online by mastering the sales process, this book offers a focused approach; however, if you're seeking general marketing theory, this might feel too tactical.

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Best for custom user acquisition plans
This AI-created book on user acquisition is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific goals. You share the aspects of lead generation and user acquisition you want to explore, and the book is tailored to cover those exact areas. By focusing on your unique needs, it offers a learning experience that goes beyond generic advice, helping you develop methods that work specifically for you.
2025·50-300 pages·User Acquisition, Lead Generation, Channel Selection, Audience Targeting, Conversion Optimization

This tailored book explores strategic lead generation techniques specifically crafted to match your background and goals. It reveals how to combine widely recognized user acquisition methods with your individual interests, enabling you to focus on the approaches that truly resonate with your objectives. The content covers core concepts like channel selection and lead nurturing, while delving into personalized tactics that enhance your ability to attract and engage your target audience effectively. By addressing your unique challenges, this book offers a focused learning experience that sharpens your understanding of user acquisition nuances and empowers you to apply methods that fit your context seamlessly.

Tailored Content
Acquisition Techniques
3,000+ Books Created
Best for data-driven growth teams
Morgan Brown, a seasoned growth product manager at Facebook with over 15 years of experience scaling startups, brings his hands-on expertise to this book, driven by a passion for uncovering why some companies explode in growth while others stall. His journey from early tech jobs to leading growth initiatives at venture-backed startups underpins the strategies shared here, making the book a practical toolkit for marketers and entrepreneurs alike. Alongside co-author Sean Ellis, Brown lays out clear frameworks that have powered companies like Airbnb and LinkedIn, giving you insights rooted in real-world successes.
SE

Recommended by Sean Ellis

Founder of GrowthHackers and Qualaroo

What started as a deep dive into Silicon Valley's fastest-growing companies became a detailed guide to growth hacking, authored by Sean Ellis and Morgan Brown, veterans in startup marketing. You learn how companies like Airbnb and Pinterest transformed from niche players to global giants through a methodology that combines rapid experimentation with data-driven customer engagement. The book walks you through building cross-functional teams focused on acquiring, retaining, and activating users efficiently, demonstrating these principles with practical frameworks and case studies. If you’re involved in marketing, product management, or entrepreneurship and seek a more systematic approach to scaling user growth, this book offers clear strategies without hype.

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Best for startup growth channels
Aidan Fitzpatrick, known for building Camo and investing at Fitcap Fund, found this book especially insightful during his growth journeys. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "@benbarbersmith Great book, enjoyed the process!" His endorsement highlights how the book's practical approach to nineteen traction channels aligns with what many startups need to move beyond early struggles. Alongside him, Simon Høiberg, a SaaS co-founder, emphasized its value for marketing and gaining traction, noting its detailed coverage of strategies tailored to SaaS growth. Their perspectives underscore why this book remains a touchstone for founders focused on scaling effectively.
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Recommended by Aidan Fitzpatrick

Building Camo, investor at Fitcap Fund

@benbarbersmith Great book, enjoyed the process! (from X)

What happens when a tech entrepreneur with a physics background meets startup growth challenges? Gabriel Weinberg, CEO of DuckDuckGo, teamed up with Justin Mares to tackle the problem that most startups face—not product flaws, but lack of customer traction. You dive into a practical framework known as Bullseye, guiding you through nineteen distinct marketing channels, from unconventional offline ads to targeted media outreach and sophisticated email campaigns. This book doesn’t promise a one-size-fits-all solution but equips you to identify and prioritize growth avenues tailored for your startup’s unique needs, helping you build a customer base that fuels sustainable momentum.

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Best for acquisition cost insights
Understanding Customer Acquisition offers a straightforward approach to mastering how to attract and keep new customers, focusing on essential metrics like COCA and CLV. This book’s appeal lies in its practical guidance for entrepreneurs looking to build a solid user acquisition strategy without getting lost in jargon or trendy tactics. Whether you run an e-commerce site or a brick-and-mortar store, it helps decode the complex landscape of paid marketing and partnerships, empowering you to make smarter decisions. If you want to reduce costs while growing your customer base thoughtfully, this guide lays out a clear path to follow.
2015·50 pages·Customer Acquisition, User Acquisition, Marketing, Strategy, Cost Analysis

This isn't another user acquisition book promising vague growth hacks; Phillip Stanton zeroes in on practical metrics like Cost of Customer Acquisition (COCA) and Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) that truly matter for entrepreneurs. He breaks down how to evaluate different marketing channels to maximize your return on investment, whether you're running an online business or a physical storefront. The book also explores leveraging networking and strategic partnerships to expand your customer base beyond paid ads. If you're aiming to understand not just how to attract customers but also how to convert and retain them efficiently, this concise guide will give you a clear framework without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for rapid user acquisition
This AI-created book on growth hacking is tailored to your skill level and specific user acquisition goals. By sharing your background and what you want to achieve, you get a book that focuses precisely on the growth tactics that suit your needs. Instead of generic advice, this personalized guide narrows in on strategies that can deliver fast results for your unique situation. It’s like having a growth mentor who knows exactly what your challenges are and shows you the most effective path forward.
2025·50-300 pages·User Acquisition, Growth Hacking, Data Analytics, Customer Funnels, A/B Testing

This tailored book explores rapid user acquisition through custom growth hacking approaches designed around your unique background and goals. It covers foundational concepts of user acquisition before diving into fast-acting tactics personalized to your interests and experience level. By focusing on strategies that match your specific business context, the book reveals how to accelerate growth while avoiding one-size-fits-all advice. It engages with proven techniques validated by millions of readers but adapts them to address your unique challenges, ensuring every chapter is relevant and actionable. You will gain insights into optimizing user funnels, leveraging data-driven experiments, and implementing targeted growth hacks. The personalized format ensures you learn efficiently, concentrating on the areas that matter most to your rapid acquisition journey.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Growth Tactics
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mobile user acquisition
Bob Bentz is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive expertise in mobile marketing, sales, and advertising. As president of Advanced Telecom Services and its brands ATS Mobile and Purplegator, Bentz brings firsthand knowledge of the industry's evolving landscape. His background in telecom and interactive marketing drives this book, providing you with actionable insights into mobile engagement and acquisition. Bentz's experience coaching professional baseball players adds a unique perspective on strategy and performance, reflected in the practical frameworks he shares for succeeding in mobile marketing.
2016·354 pages·User Acquisition, Mobile Marketing, Customer Acquisition, Marketing, Text Message Marketing

Bob Bentz's decades of experience in mobile marketing and telecommunications shape this book into a hands-on guide that focuses on practical strategies rather than abstract theory. You'll learn how to leverage mobile channels effectively, including SMS marketing, mobile-optimized websites, social media, and app development, with detailed chapters addressing each area. The book also covers key performance indicators, legal requirements, and emerging trends like virtual reality and the Internet of Things, making it valuable if you're actively managing or launching mobile campaigns. If you want insights drawn from real-world business applications rather than marketing fluff, this book offers clear direction, especially for marketers aiming to boost engagement and conversions via mobile platforms.

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Best for foundational scaling strategies
Ken McDonald has been involved with customer growth for the better part of 25 years. Starting in 1998, he helped grow Oracle’s e-commerce business from a small site to one generating hundreds of millions annually. Later, at LifePics, he expanded the user base to over 12 million, and as Chief Growth Officer at TeamSnap, he grew users from half a million to 15 million. This extensive experience laid the foundation for writing a book that demystifies customer acquisition and scaling online businesses, offering you proven methods from a seasoned expert.
2017·146 pages·User Acquisition, Customer Acquisition, Marketing, Sales, Strategy

Ken McDonald challenges the conventional wisdom that scaling an online business requires complex, inaccessible tactics. Drawing on over two decades of direct experience growing major platforms like Oracle's e-commerce and TeamSnap, he breaks down customer acquisition into understandable, actionable elements. You’ll learn how to define growth metrics, deploy diverse marketing channels—from SEO to influencer partnerships—and retain users effectively. The book’s combination of practical diagrams and real-world examples makes it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned marketers aiming to boost their online customer base. If you’re looking for a straightforward guide to building a scalable online business foundation, this book offers clear insights without overcomplication.

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Popular Strategies That Fit Your Situation

Get proven popular methods without following generic advice that doesn't fit.

Proven user acquisition
Tailored growth tactics
Accelerated learning curve

Validated by top experts and millions of readers worldwide

Acquisition Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Growth System
Strategic Foundations Guide
Success Blueprint Secrets

Conclusion

These seven books together highlight key themes in user acquisition: the importance of measurable, cost-effective strategies, the power of well-designed sales funnels, and the value of mobile and digital channels in today's market. If you prefer proven methods grounded in real-world success, start with $100M Leads and Understanding Customer Acquisition for solid foundational knowledge.

For validated approaches that emphasize rapid growth and experimentation, combine Hacking Growth with Traction. If you're focused on digital sales processes, Dotcom Secrets offers tactical funnel-building strategies that many have found indispensable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized User Acquisition book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, and tailoring them to your situation can accelerate your path to sustainable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with $100M Leads if you want a broad, actionable approach to scaling lead generation. It's practical and well-suited for building a strong acquisition foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to User Acquisition?

Not at all. Books like How to Acquire Your First Million Customers and Understanding Customer Acquisition provide clear, accessible strategies ideal for beginners.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like Understanding Customer Acquisition, then move to tactical books such as Dotcom Secrets and Hacking Growth for advanced strategies.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your focus, but combining insights from a few, like Traction and Hacking Growth, often yields the best results.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast User Acquisition changes?

While user acquisition evolves, these books cover timeless principles and adaptable frameworks that remain relevant despite industry shifts.

How can personalized User Acquisition books complement these expert recommendations?

Personalized books tailor proven strategies from these experts to your specific goals and background, providing focused, actionable insights. Learn more here.

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