3 Cutting-Edge Positioning Books That Shape 2025

Discover fresh insights from Luke Stevens, Robert S Gordon, and Sebastian D. P. Hidalgo in new Positioning books transforming 2025 marketing strategies

Updated on June 24, 2025
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The Positioning landscape changed dramatically in 2024, as brands seek sharper narratives and more authentic connections in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Staying ahead means understanding not only your audience but the deeper psychological and strategic forces shaping brand perception today. This wave of innovation is reflected in the newest Positioning books, which blend neuroscience, emotional branding, and profit-driven strategy to guide you through the latest developments.

Forward-thinking experts like Luke Stevens, who applies split-brain neuroscience to B2B SaaS narratives, Robert S Gordon, merging decades of advertising experience with emotional brand connection, and Sebastian D. P. Hidalgo, challenging conventional wisdom with profit-focused positioning frameworks, exemplify this fresh approach. Their work reveals how Positioning is evolving beyond buzzwords into a discipline grounded in science and real-world business impact.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Positioning goals might consider creating a personalized Positioning book that builds on these emerging trends. This allows you to zero in on your unique challenges and opportunities with a custom roadmap for success.

Best for B2B SaaS marketers
Luke Stevens is a seasoned expert in B2B SaaS narrative, positioning, and messaging. Grounded in neuroscience and years of industry experience, he developed this book to fill a gap he saw in how startups handle narrative and positioning. His deep dive into split-brain theory and its application to marketing offers a unique lens on how to craft impactful narratives that stick. If you're serious about mastering B2B SaaS positioning, his insights provide a fresh, rigorous perspective.
2024·637 pages·Positioning, B2B, SaaS, Marketing, Narrative Strategy

Luke Stevens challenges the conventional wisdom that positioning is just a marketing buzzword by grounding his insights in modern neuroscience, especially the split-brain theory of Dr. Iain McGilchrist. You learn how to craft strategic narratives that resonate deeply with B2B SaaS audiences, exploring everything from category creation to competitive uniqueness with detailed case studies on companies like Slack, Salesforce, and Figma. This book benefits product marketers and GTM strategists who want to move beyond fluff and understand the real mechanisms behind narrative impact and market positioning. Its depth demands commitment but offers a rare, science-backed approach to mastering positioning in complex tech markets.

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Best for practical brand strategists
Robert S. Gordon’s career spans journalism and decades in advertising, marketing, and public relations, complemented by a master’s degree in writing from Queens College, CUNY. Drawing on this diverse background, he crafted Brand Positioning With Power to update and clarify the classic positioning framework for today's marketers. His expertise shines through in a concise, engaging style that breaks down complex ideas into manageable, practical steps. If you want a fresh take on positioning that’s easy to grasp and implement, Gordon’s insights deliver a thoughtful guide for elevating your brand’s presence.
2023·168 pages·Positioning, Marketing, Branding, Emotional Branding, Strategy

Robert S. Gordon brings a fresh perspective to the classic positioning concept originally proposed by Al Ries and Jack Trout, weaving in his extensive experience in advertising and marketing. You’ll learn a straightforward, systematic process for brand positioning that emphasizes three core building blocks, including the surprisingly pivotal role of emotion in connecting with audiences. Practical examples span from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, making the concepts applicable regardless of your organization's size. If you're looking to sharpen your brand’s identity with clear, actionable frameworks grounded in real marketing challenges, this book offers a direct path without overcomplication.

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Best for custom positioning plans
This AI-created book on positioning is tailored to your specific goals and interests, crafted after you share your background and the latest topics you want to explore. Positioning is evolving rapidly, and having a custom guide helps focus on the developments most relevant to your needs. By concentrating on emerging knowledge and cutting-edge insights, this personalized book gives you a clear path through the complex, shifting landscape of modern positioning.
2025·50-300 pages·Positioning, Brand Strategy, Emotional Branding, Neuroscience, Market Differentiation

This tailored book explores the latest developments and emerging discoveries shaping the field of positioning in 2025. It covers cutting-edge insights drawn from recent research and innovative practices, focusing on how new trends influence brand narratives and market differentiation. By matching your background and specific goals, the content reveals how modern positioning is evolving beyond traditional methods to embrace nuanced psychological and strategic dimensions. The personalized approach ensures the book focuses on your interests, addressing the intricate dynamics of positioning that matter most to you. It examines advancements in emotional branding, neuroscience applications, and profit-oriented tactics, presenting a rich learning experience that keeps you ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Tailored Content
Neuroscience Insights
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Best for startups and growth leaders
In the crowded arena of business growth literature, "Are You Ford or Ferrari?: How To Position Your Brand For Profit" offers a fresh lens on positioning that separates it from mere marketing jargon. Sebastian Hidalgo’s book cuts through the noise by framing positioning as the decisive factor in brand destiny and profit realization. Through a crisp, 81-page guide, it unpacks the latest thinking on choosing the right brand identity and market stance, making it especially relevant for companies aiming to sharpen their competitive edge or startups seeking clear strategic footing. This book invites you to rethink your brand’s place in the market and make strategic choices that matter.
2023·81 pages·Positioning, Marketing, Strategy, Branding, Business Growth

What if everything you knew about positioning was wrong? Sebastian D. P. Hidalgo challenges the common misconceptions about positioning, presenting it not merely as a marketing buzzword but as the critical factor that determines a brand’s fate. This concise guide walks you through choosing the right strategic position to align your brand with profit potential, using sharp contrasts like Ford and Ferrari to illustrate divergent approaches. You’ll gain clarity on how to differentiate your business in crowded markets and learn when to pursue mass appeal versus niche excellence. If you manage a startup or lead an established company seeking rejuvenation, this book offers insights to help you rethink your brand’s direction without unnecessary jargon.

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Conclusion

A clear pattern emerges from these three books: successful Positioning in 2025 requires a blend of scientific understanding, emotional resonance, and strategic clarity. Luke Stevens’ neuroscience-based narrative approach complements Robert S Gordon’s practical frameworks on emotional branding, while Sebastian Hidalgo’s profit-driven perspective cuts through complexity with decisive brand choices.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with the Positioning Playbook for deep B2B SaaS insights. For cutting-edge implementation, combine Brand Positioning With Power’s frameworks with Are You Ford or Ferrari?’s strategic clarity to sharpen your brand’s market stance.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Positioning book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Positioning Playbook" if you're in B2B SaaS or want a deep dive into narrative strategy. It's detailed and science-backed. For a practical brand framework, "Brand Positioning With Power" offers clear steps. If you're leading a startup or seeking profit-focused strategy, "Are You Ford or Ferrari?" is concise and sharp.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Positioning?

Not at all. Each book caters to different levels. "Brand Positioning With Power" is accessible for beginners, while "Positioning Playbook" is more in-depth for those ready to explore neuroscience in marketing. "Are You Ford or Ferrari?" provides a straightforward approach ideal for newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with "Brand Positioning With Power" to grasp core frameworks, then dive into "Positioning Playbook" for advanced narrative techniques. Finish with "Are You Ford or Ferrari?" to sharpen your strategic decision-making focused on profit and market positioning.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Positioning?

They vary. "Positioning Playbook" expects some marketing background due to its depth, whereas "Brand Positioning With Power" and "Are You Ford or Ferrari?" are designed to guide readers with limited prior experience through practical concepts and strategies.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Brand Positioning With Power" stands out for actionable frameworks and examples you can implement quickly. "Are You Ford or Ferrari?" also offers clear strategic choices. "Positioning Playbook" provides rich insights but requires more commitment to apply fully.

Can personalized Positioning books complement these expert reads?

Yes, personalized books tailor insights from experts like Stevens and Gordon to your unique needs, keeping you current with evolving trends. They bridge general theory and your specific goals. Explore this option here.

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