Updated: Apr. 3, 2025

Community management is both an art and a science, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, empathy, and practical tools. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, the right books can be your greatest allies. Here’s a curated list of must-read books for community managers, blending foundational texts with fresh insights to help you master the craft.

Essential Reads for Every Community Manager

1. “The Indispensable Community” by Richard Millington
   This book dives deep into strategies for building thriving online communities, emphasizing data-driven approaches to engagement and growth.
2. “Building Brand Communities” by Carrie Melissa Jones and Charles Vogl
   A definitive guide to creating authentic brand communities that foster belonging and shared purpose.
3. “Buzzing Communities” by Richard Millington
   A practical manual on how to create vibrant, active online communities while avoiding common pitfalls.
4. “Get Together: How to Build a Community with Your People” by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh, and Kai Elmer Sotto
   This heartfelt book provides actionable advice on building communities with people rather than for them.
5. “The Art of Community: Building the New Age of Participation” by Jono Bacon
   A comprehensive guide to fostering participation and collaboration in communities, enriched with real-world case studies.
6. “People Powered: How Communities Can Supercharge Your Business, Brand, and Teams” by Jono Bacon
   Jono’s second masterpiece offers a blueprint for leveraging communities to drive business success.
7. “The Accidental Community Manager” by Adrian Spyer
   Perfect for those who find themselves unexpectedly managing communities, this book equips readers with essential tools and strategies.
8. “Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities” by Amy Jo Kim
   A classic that lays out timeless principles for designing and sustaining online communities.
9. “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” by Priya Parker
   While not strictly about online communities, this book offers invaluable insights into creating meaningful gatherings—a skill every community manager needs.
10. “The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement” by David Brooks
    A deep dive into human behavior that helps community managers understand the psychology behind connection and engagement.
11. “Resilience: Why Things Bounce Back” by Andrew Zolli and Ann Marie Healy
    This book explores how communities can adapt to disruptions—an increasingly relevant topic in today’s dynamic world.
12. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson et al.
    Essential for managing difficult conversations within your community while maintaining trust and respect.
13. “Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges and Leaderboards” by Yu-kai Chou
    How you can design experiences that motivate, engage, and drive real results, using the proven Octalysis Framework.

Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss

While the above books are staples, here are some lesser-known but equally impactful reads:

• “Smart Business: How Knowledge Communities Can Revolutionize Your Company” by Jim Botkin & James Wetherbe
  This is the “OG” book on Knowledge Communities online, published in 1999 and a part of the reason I’m a Community Manager today.
• “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari – Offers a macro perspective on how humans form societies.
• “Fierce Loyalty: Unlocking the DNA of Wildly Successful Communities” by Sarah Robinson
• “Building Successful Communities of Practice: Discover How Connecting People Makes Better Organizations” by Emily Webber
• “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg

Books That Could Expand Your Horizon

To further enrich your bookshelf, consider these interdisciplinary titles that offer fresh perspectives:

• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie – Timeless lessons on interpersonal relationships.
• Jobs to Be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony Ulwick – A framework for understanding what drives people’s decisions.
• Mastering Community Association Management by Rita Khan – A niche guide for managing community associations effectively.

Building a successful community requires continuous learning and adaptation. These books provide a wealth of knowledge across strategy, psychology, communication, and design—everything you need to thrive as a community manager. Start with one or two titles that resonate most with your current challenges, and watch your skills grow!

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