The Top 17 SaaS Books to Read in 2024
SaaS founders are always searching for a playbook or a guide that charts the path to a successful business — and I'm no exception. As I've built companies and refined go-to-market strategies over the years, I've found invaluable insights in these pages.
If you're more of an audio person, I've also curated a list of the top SaaS podcasts. Let's make 2024 the year of learning and growing together.
17 Best SaaS Books Shortlist
I've handpicked the most impactful SaaS books to help drive revenue growth.
- The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America by Margaret O'Mara
- The SaaS Sales Method: Sales As a Science by Jacco Van Der Kooij, Fernando Pizarro, and Winning by Design
- The SaaS Sales Method Fundamentals: How to Have Customer Conversations (Sales Blueprints Book 3) by Jacco Van Der Kooij, Dominique Levin, and Winning by Design
- Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself by Bush Wes
- Growth Units: Learn to Calculate Customer Acquisition Cost, Lifetime Value, and Why Businesses Behave the Way They Do by Paul Orlando
- Customer Success: How Innovative Companies Are Reducing Churn and Growing Recurring Revenue by Nick Mehta, Dan Steinman, and Lincoln Murphy
- Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish
- From Impossible To Inevitable: How Hyper-Growth Companies Create Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz and Kevin Kenerly
- The Essential SaaS Metrics Guide: How To Grow Your Subscription Business By Measuring It The Right Way by Leandro Faria
- Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
- Disciplined Growth Strategies by Peter S. Cohan
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition by Geoffrey A. Moore
- Cloud Computing: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, Virtualization, Business Models, Mobile, Security and More by Kris Jamsa
- The Pricing Roadmap: How to Design B2B SaaS Pricing Models That Your Customers Will Love by Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt
- Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com by Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler
Overviews of the 17 Best SaaS Books
1. The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America by Margaret O'Mara
Summary:
"The Code" delves deep into the history of Silicon Valley and its rise as the world’s tech capital. O'Mara explores the dynamic tapestry of politics, innovation, and societal shifts that transformed a seemingly ordinary valley into a hub of technological advancement and economic power.
What You'll Learn:
This book offers readers an intricate look at the intertwined growth of Silicon Valley with American politics and culture. From the humble beginnings of tech startups to the monumental impacts of tech giants, "The Code" reveals the decisions, moments, and key players that sculpted the Valley's incredible journey.
Why You Should Read It:
If you've ever wondered how Silicon Valley became the epicenter of tech innovation, this is your definitive guide. O'Mara's impeccable research and engaging narrative make this not just a history book but an insightful analysis of the forces that shaped the modern tech landscape.
Quote From The Book:
"Silicon Valley, in its short and storied history, has become the undisputed center of the tech universe, synonymous with digital innovation and the attendant riches."
About The Author:
Margaret O'Mara is a historian focusing on the tech industry and its broader societal impacts. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, personal website, and other relevant platforms.
2. The SaaS Sales Method: Sales As a Science by Jacco Van Der Kooij, Fernando Pizarro, and Winning by Design
Summary:
"The SaaS Sales Method" is an illuminating guide that redefines the sales process specifically for SaaS companies. Drawing from their vast experience, the authors present a methodological approach, asserting that sales, like any science, can be studied, understood, and perfected.
What You'll Learn:
Venture into the mechanics of the SaaS sales process with step-by-step tactics and strategies that are backed by data and real-world examples. From lead generation to closing deals, this book covers every facet of the SaaS sales journey, equipping you with the knowledge to scale your SaaS business efficiently.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a treasure trove of actionable insights for any SaaS business aiming to boost its sales. The author’s holistic approach ensures that you're not just selling—but selling effectively, sustainably, and in sync with modern SaaS dynamics.
Quote From The Book:
"In SaaS, sales isn't just an art—a science. And like any science, it demands precision, understanding, and a method."
About The Author:
Jacco Van Der Kooij, Fernando Pizarro, and Winning by Design are reputed figures in the SaaS world, mentoring numerous startups and established companies.
3. The SaaS Sales Method Fundamentals: How to Have Customer Conversations (Sales Blueprints Book 3) by Jacco Van Der Kooij, Dominique Levin, and Winning by Design
Summary:
Diving deeper into the art and science of sales, this third installment in the Sales Blueprints series is an in-depth exploration of effective customer interactions. Focusing on SaaS businesses, the authors decode the essentials of leading productive customer conversations that drive results.
What You'll Learn:
This book provides a deep understanding of the nuanced dance of customer interactions. Beyond just sales pitches, you'll uncover how to foster genuine connections, address concerns proactively, and tailor your approach for different customer personas, leading to more fruitful sales conversations.
Why You Should Read It:
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful sale. This book serves as a masterclass in the often-overlooked skill of guiding meaningful customer conversations in the SaaS landscape.
Quote From The Book:
"Customer conversations are more than transactions; they are the bridges that connect a product's potential to a client's need."
About The Author:
Jacco Van Der Kooij, Dominique Levin, and Winning by Design are recognized authorities in SaaS sales and strategy.
4. Product-Led Growth: How to Build a Product That Sells Itself by Bush Wes
Summary:
"Product-Led Growth" is a comprehensive manual for businesses aiming to create products that captivate and sell. Wes details how companies can transition from sales to product-led, emphasizing the power of a standout product in driving business growth.
What You'll Learn:
Gain insights into the principles of product-led growth and how to implement them. From understanding your users and building features that resonate to iterating based on feedback, this book covers the entire spectrum of creating a product that stands as its best salesperson.
Why You Should Read It:
In a world cluttered with products, standing out is paramount. This book offers a blueprint for businesses to pivot their strategies, focusing on product excellence as a primary growth driver.
Quote From The Book:
"A stellar product doesn't just meet needs—it anticipates them, becoming an indispensable part of the user's life."
About The Author:
Bush Wes is a stalwart in product development and growth strategies. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other platforms of relevance.
5. Growth Units: Learn to Calculate Customer Acquisition Cost, Lifetime Value, and Why Businesses Behave the Way They Do by Paul Orlando
Summary:
In "Growth Units," Paul Orlando presents a comprehensive guide to understanding the metrics that drive business growth and behavior. Breaking down complex financial concepts, Orlando offers an accessible approach to grasping the essentials of customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and the underlying motives of business actions.
What You'll Learn:
This book is a deep dive into the crucial metrics every business owner and decision-maker should know. From understanding how to accurately calculate customer acquisition cost to discerning the nuances of lifetime value, readers will understand the financial dynamics that shape business behavior and growth strategies.
Why You Should Read It:
To effectively navigate the business landscape, understanding critical financial metrics is vital. "Growth Units" equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills to harness these metrics for business success.
Quote From The Book:
"Behind every business decision lies a metric; understanding it is the key to unlocking growth."
About The Author:
Paul Orlando is an acclaimed financial analyst and business strategist. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other relevant platforms.
6. Customer Success: How Innovative Companies Are Reducing Churn and Growing Recurring Revenue by Nick Mehta, Dan Steinman, and Lincoln Murphy
Summary:
"Customer Success" offers a transformative approach to building and maintaining customer relationships. The authors explore how modern companies are reshaping their strategies to reduce churn and enhance recurring revenue, placing customers at the heart of their operations.
What You'll Learn:
Dive into pioneering companies' methodologies and strategies to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn how to create an environment where customers stick around and become vigorous advocates for your brand, driving consistent growth and revenue.
Why You Should Read It:
In today's competitive market, customer retention is as crucial as acquisition. This book provides a roadmap for businesses to foster lasting customer relationships, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
Quote From The Book:
"A loyal customer is worth more than their weight in gold, and building that loyalty is an art and science combined."
About The Author:
Nick Mehta, Dan Steinman, and Lincoln Murphy are renowned figures in customer relationship management and business growth strategies.
7. Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish
Summary:
"Scaling Up" is Verne Harnish's magnum opus on the intricacies of business expansion. Through comprehensive research and real-world examples, Harnish demystifies why some companies soar to success while others falter on their growth journey.
What You'll Learn:
This book provides a step-by-step blueprint for business scaling, emphasizing the critical pillars of people, strategy, execution, and cash. You'll unravel successful companies’ strategies and learn to sidestep common pitfalls hindering growth.
Why You Should Read It:
Growth isn't just about expanding; it's about scaling smartly. "Scaling Up" hands you the toolkit to elevate your business, making climbing an achievable and sustainable goal.
Quote From The Book:
"Scaling isn't just growth. It's mastering the art of timely expansion without losing the essence of your brand."
About The Author:
Verne Harnish is a globally recognized business strategist and educator. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other significant platforms.
8. From Impossible To Inevitable: How Hyper-Growth Companies Create Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin
Summary:
Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin's "From Impossible To Inevitable" is a deep dive into the world of hyper-growth companies. Unpacking these organizations' strategies and frameworks, the authors highlight how consistent and predictable revenue can be achieved, even in turbulent markets.
What You'll Learn:
Explore the mechanisms that drive hyper-growth, from building a robust sales team to leveraging technology for scalable operations. Delve into case studies and real-world examples illustrating the journey from startup uncertainty to predictable success.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is your roadmap if you aim to transition from sporadic growth spurts to consistent upward trajectories. Discover how industry titans make hyper-growth seem not just possible but inevitable.
Quote From The Book:
"Predictable revenue isn't a fluke; it's a formula. Master it, and success becomes inevitable."
About The Author:
Aaron Ross and Jason Lemkin are pillars in the SaaS and business growth communities.
9. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz and Kevin Kenerly
Summary:
In "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, unveils his challenges and lessons he gleaned while managing, buying, selling, and founding technology companies. He presents unfiltered insights into leadership, culture, and building a sustainable enterprise.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will explore the nuanced world of entrepreneurship, gaining a first-hand view of the difficult decisions and lonely nights that characterize startup journeys. Horowitz guides addressing complex issues, from managing problematic employees to navigating a company's evolution in a shifting market.
Why You Should Read It:
The book serves as a testament that business has no simple recipes. By diving into Horowitz's experiences, readers can arm themselves with strategies to tackle the most formidable business challenges.
Quote From The Book:
"Hard things are hard because there are no easy answers or recipes. They are hard because your emotions are at odds with your logic."
About The Author:
Ben Horowitz is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other notable platforms.
10. The Essential SaaS Metrics Guide: How To Grow Your Subscription Business By Measuring It The Right Way by Leandro Faria
Summary:
Leandro Faria's "The Essential SaaS Metrics Guide" illuminates the intricate world of metrics in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. Faria emphasizes the pivotal role of data-driven decisions in scaling subscription-based businesses.
What You'll Learn:
Unpack the vital metrics that every SaaS company should monitor, from churn rates to customer acquisition costs. This guide also sheds light on interpreting these metrics, ensuring companies can leverage them to make informed growth decisions.
Why You Should Read It:
For any SaaS business aiming for sustainable growth, metrics are the compass. Faria's comprehensive guide ensures that you're measuring the right things correctly, setting the stage for long-term success.
Quote From The Book:
"In the realm of SaaS, data isn't just numbers—it's the language of growth and sustainability."
About The Author:
Leandro Faria is a renowned SaaS metrics expert. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
11. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
Summary:
In "Zero to One," Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and a prominent venture capitalist, shares unconventional wisdom on startup innovation. Thiel argues that actual progress in business comes not from iteration but unique, groundbreaking innovation.
What You'll Learn:
This book imparts the critical importance of moving from zero to one, emphasizing that the next Bill Gates will not build an operating system, and the next Larry Page won't create a search engine. Thiel showcases how to think differently about innovation, challenging common beliefs to drive startups toward creating new things.
Why You Should Read It:
"Zero to One" provides a refreshing perspective on startups, emphasizing that to change the world truly, one must not just improve on what's been done but venture into the unknown and create something entirely novel.
Quote From The Book:
"Every moment in business happens only once. The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system."
About The Author:
Peter Thiel is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
12. Disciplined Growth Strategies by Peter S. Cohan
Summary:
"Disciplined Growth Strategies" delves into the growth patterns of companies, discerning the strategies that lead to success and those that precipitate failure. Peter S. Cohan explores the intricacies of business growth, dissecting the decisions that can make or break a company.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will uncover five distinct growth trajectories that successful companies adopt. Cohan also reveals the strategies, tactics, and leadership practices that drive these trajectories while providing a roadmap for businesses to gauge and recalibrate their growth plans.
Why You Should Read It:
With many real-world examples, this book is a comprehensive guide for businesses seeking sustainable growth, helping them navigate pitfalls and harness opportunities effectively.
Quote From The Book:
"Growth without discipline is the precursor to a company's peril."
About The Author:
Peter S. Cohan is a celebrated author, professor, and growth strategy consultant. Engage with him on LinkedIn and website.
13. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Summary:
"The Lean Startup" is Eric Ries' revolutionary approach to business, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and innovation in today's fast-paced digital age. The book proposes a systematic, scientific method for creating and managing successful startups in an age where companies must innovate more than ever.
What You'll Learn:
Ries introduces the concept of the “Minimum Viable Product” (MVP) as a way to test business hypotheses, adapt to changing circumstances, and respond to what customers truly want without spending unnecessary time or resources. By following the Lean Startup methodology, entrepreneurs can reduce the risk of building products nobody wants and enhance their chances of startup success.
Why You Should Read It:
If you're an entrepreneur or work in a startup or innovation-focused role, this book offers invaluable insights into creating a sustainable business model in an unpredictable environment.
Quote From The Book:
"Startups exist not to make stuff, make money, or serve customers. They exist to learn how to build a sustainable business."
About The Author:
Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and the creator of the Lean Startup methodology. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other prominent platforms.
14. Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition by Geoffrey A. Moore
Summary:
"Crossing the Chasm" is a landmark guide that addresses the challenges startups face when transitioning from early adopters to a broader market. Geoffrey A. Moore articulates the realities of navigating the treacherous chasm between these two market phases.
What You'll Learn:
Moore presents a comprehensive model showcasing the stages of technology adoption, emphasizing the chasm between early adopters and the early majority. He provides strategies and insights on how businesses can bridge this chasm, ensuring the broad market acceptance of their products.
Why You Should Read It:
If you’re in a tech-based startup or are introducing an innovative product to the market, understanding the principles in this book could mean the difference between thriving in the mainstream market or getting stuck in the niche phase.
Quote From The Book:
"The chasm is where high-tech fortunes are lost... the tornado is where they are made."
About The Author:
Geoffrey A. Moore is a renowned author, advisor, and consultant in the tech industry. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other leading platforms.
15. Cloud Computing: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, Virtualization, Business Models, Mobile, Security and More by Kris Jamsa
Summary:
"Cloud Computing" provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse world of cloud technology. Kris Jamsa delves into the intricacies of Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and other critical cloud components, offering insights into their potential and challenges.
What You'll Learn:
Through Jamsa's expert lens, readers will understand the foundational concepts of cloud computing, the pros and cons of different cloud models, and strategies for implementing and securing cloud services. This book serves as a guide to navigating the potential pitfalls and harnessing the transformational power of cloud technology for businesses.
Why You Should Read It:
If you aim to integrate or deepen your understanding of cloud solutions in your professional landscape, this book provides an indispensable roadmap, demystifying complex topics with clarity and precision.
Quote From The Book:
"The transformative power of the cloud reshapes how businesses view IT infrastructure, scalability, and cost."
About The Author:
Kris Jamsa is a seasoned author and expert in cloud computing. Connect with him on LinkedIn and his academic website.
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16. The Pricing Roadmap: How to Design B2B SaaS Pricing Models That Your Customers Will Love by Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt
Summary:
"The Pricing Roadmap" offers a deep dive into the intricate world of B2B SaaS pricing. Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt shares valuable insights and strategies to design pricing models that maximize profitability and resonate with customers.
What You'll Learn:
Lehrskov-Schmidt reveals proven methodologies and tactics to design SaaS pricing that aligns with customer value perception. The book covers essential topics like understanding your target market, the psychology of pricing, and tactical steps to test and refine pricing structures.
Why You Should Read It:
In the competitive SaaS landscape, pricing can differentiate between success and stagnation. This book is a must-read for professionals looking to optimize their SaaS product pricing or to understand the intricacies of pricing dynamics.
Quote From The Book:
"Pricing isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding, aligning with, and reflecting the perceived value of your customer."
About The Author:
Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt is a renowned expert in B2B SaaS pricing strategies. Engage with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and other leading platforms.
17. Predictable Revenue: Turn Your Business Into a Sales Machine with the $100 Million Best Practices of Salesforce.com by Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler
Summary:
"Predictable Revenue" unveils the secrets behind the extraordinary sales growth of Salesforce.com, detailing how the company added an extra $100 million in recurring revenue. Drawing from their experiences, authors Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler present a roadmap to replicate Salesforce's success in any business, demonstrating how to create a scalable and predictable revenue stream.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will delve into the revolutionary outbound sales development system implemented at Salesforce.com. Ross and Tyler break down the process of segregating the sales process into three specialized roles, focusing on market response, inbound lead qualification, and outbound sales development. They also offer practical insights into building an outbound sales team, predicting revenue through the pipeline, and driving growth without heavy spending.
Why You Should Read It:
For business leaders and entrepreneurs striving for consistent and scalable growth, "Predictable Revenue" provides the blueprint. It discusses strategies and offers actionable steps to foster a sustainable sales machine that can weather market fluctuations.
Quote From The Book:
"Sales is not just about growth, but predictable growth."
About The Author:
Aaron Ross is a celebrated authority in the sales field, mainly known for his work at Salesforce.com. Marylou Tyler is a renowned sales process expert. Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn, Twitter, his website, and Marylou on her LinkedIn, Twitter, and personal website.
What SaaS Books Will You Recommend?
Over time, the world of SaaS evolves, as do the books that chronicle it—from onboarding methodologies to SaaS marketing practices. The recommendations culminate with practical advice, proven strategies, and insights from podcasts and top SaaS founders. Whether you're searching for a comprehensive template or insights from a bestseller on Amazon, the SaaS books above should serve as a formidable starting point.
However, this list is never complete. I invite you to share the best SaaS books that you believe deserve a spot on this list—or if you've found a gem that's aided your journey as a startup founder. Your recommendation could be the next game-changer for an upcoming software company or the catalyst for a groundbreaking marketing strategy.