Customer Experience

10 Customer Experience Books Worth a Read

AskNicely Team

Find your glasses and a cup of coffee, it’s time to sit back, and tuck into some of the most inspiring customer experience reads.  In this curated list, we present 10 epic CX books, each offering a unique perspective on fostering customer loyalty, enhancing satisfaction, and creating experiences so awesome that customers keep coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned CX professional or just embarking on your journey, these gems are sure to inspire, inform, and elevate your approach to delivering unparalleled customer experiences. Enjoy! 

1. "The Customer Service Revolution" by John R. DiJulius III

Available via Amazon

John DiJulius, a renowned customer service guru, dives deep into the concept of transforming ordinary customer service into an extraordinary customer experience. Through real-life stories and actionable advice, this book reveals how businesses can create a culture of service excellence that keeps customers coming back, advocating for the brand, and becoming lifelong supporters.

2. "Hug Your Haters: How to Embrace Complaints and Keep Your Customers" by Jay Baer

Available via Amazon

While customer complaints aren’t always fun to hear, they are goldmines when it comes to leveling up your customer experience. Jay Baer explores the power of these goldmines, and reveals not only how to address negative feedback effectively, but the realm of possibilities that open up when you do. Baer's insights guide us on how to turn haters into advocates through responsive and empathetic interactions.

3. "Outside In: The Power of Putting Customers at the Center of Your Business" by Harley Manning and Kerry Bodine

Available via Amazon

Manning and Bodine, leading customer experience experts, explore how top companies excel by aligning their internal operations with customer needs. Filled with compelling case studies, this book provides a blueprint for organizations to transform from the inside out.

4. "Serve Up, Coach Down" by Nathan Jamail

Available via Amazon

"Serve Up, Coach Down" by Nathan Jamail is a dynamic guide that turns the traditional leadership playbook on its head. With a refreshing twist, Jamail navigates the landscape of customer experiences by focusing on an often overlooked aspect: empowering employees. Through insightful anecdotes and actionable strategies, he reveals how a top-down approach to coaching can revolutionize the way businesses create exceptional interactions. Jamail’s book is a rallying call for leaders to step into the role of mentors, fostering a culture of growth and innovation that not only elevates customer service but also transforms the workplace into a thriving ecosystem of motivated and engaged individuals. 

5. "Uncommon Service" by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss

Available via Amazon

Diving deep into the world of service innovation, Frei and Morriss shatter conventional norms, offering a fresh perspective on how to deliver exceptional service without compromising profitability. This book isn't just about service; it's a call to transform your entire approach to business, infusing your operations with a customer-centric mindset that stands out in today's competitive landscape. If you're ready to break free from the ordinary and create a service that defies expectations, "Uncommon Service" is your guide to unlocking a new era of success.

6. "Moments of Magic: Inspiring Customer Service" by Shep Hyken

Available via Amazon

Hyken weaves a tapestry of inspiration and strategy, revealing how even the tiniest interactions can wield extraordinary influence. Through captivating narratives and expert guidance, he introduces the "Five Intuitive Magic Principles," illuminating the path to creating experiences that linger in the hearts of customers. With a dash of humor and a pinch of wisdom, this book offers a unique recipe for transforming routine encounters into spellbinding memories.

7. "Talk Triggers: The Complete Guide to Creating Customers with Word of Mouth" by Jay Baer and Daniel Lemin

Available via Amazon

Another gem from Jay Baer, this book introduces the concept of "talk triggers" – unique and remarkable customer experiences that naturally generate word-of-mouth marketing. Baer and Lemin provide actionable advice on identifying and implementing talk triggers that set your brand apart and ignite customer conversations.

8. "Woo, Wow, and Win" by Thomas A. Stewart and Patricia O'Connell

Available via Amazon

This book is your compass to navigate the intersection of technology and human touch in the realm of customer experiences. Stewart and O'Connell craft a roadmap that encourages businesses to embrace both high-tech solutions and high-touch interactions. Through compelling stories and actionable insights, they demonstrate how companies can strike the delicate balance between leveraging cutting-edge tools and fostering authentic connections.

9. "Customer Experience 3.0: High-Profit Strategies in the Age of Techno Service" by John A. Goodman

Available via Amazon

In this book, John Goodman explores the evolution of customer experience in the digital age. He emphasizes the role of technology in shaping customer interactions and discusses how businesses can leverage data and automation to enhance customer experiences. Through case studies and examples, Goodman offers practical guidance for aligning technology with customer needs.

10. The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Available via Amazon

While not exclusively focused on customer experience, this book explores the concept of creating impactful moments that resonate with people. Chip Heath and Dan Heath delve into the psychology behind memorable experiences and how businesses can intentionally design moments that leave a lasting positive impression. The principles discussed can be applied to crafting exceptional customer interactions.

There you have it – a collection of insightful reads that span the spectrum of customer experience. With the turn of each page, these books unveil the secrets to crafting remarkable customer experiences that defy the ordinary. Each title in this collection offers a unique lens through which to view the world of customer interactions, from transforming service complaints into opportunities for growth, to aligning internal operations with customer desires. The authors, including seasoned experts and fresh voices, have gifted us a treasure trove of strategies, anecdotes, and frameworks that challenge us to rethink our perspectives on customer experience. 

Up next: Turning Customer Feedback into Action: 5 Strategies for Success

AskNicely Team
About the author

AskNicely Team

AskNicely Team
About the author

AskNicely Team

Ready to take action on customer experience?

Book a Demo >