Top 10 Russell Brunson Books (Latest Updated): Which Books To Read First?

October 11, 2025

Russell-brunson-book

Russell Brunson’s books have sold over 600,000 copies combined from 3 core titles (making him a New York Times Bestselling Author). His books are designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their companies online with sales funnels. In addition to his writing, Russell Brunson has co-founded several successful companies, including ClickFunnels.

The top 10 books by Russell Brunson include:

  • Dotcom Secrets (First published in 2015, and 2nd Edition, 2020)
  • Expert Secrets (First published in 2017, and 2nd Edition, 2020)
  • Traffic Secrets (2020)
  • Unlock The Secrets (2020)
  • The Linchpin (2023)
  • Lead Funnels Swipe File (2019, PDF format)
  • Network Marketing Secrets (2018)
  • 30 Days (2018)
  • Marketing Secrets Blackbook (2018, PDF format)
  • Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook (2017)

Each book focuses on a specific aspect of building a successful online business, from creating high-converting sales funnels to positioning yourself as an expert and filling those funnels with dream customers.

These books matter because they provide practical, tested strategies that have helped thousands of entrepreneurs build million-dollar businesses. Russell Brunson popularized the sales funnel concept. It’s now a digital marketing standard. ClickFunnels proves its methods work—growing from startup to 9-figure company.

In this guide, you’ll discover what each Russell Brunson book covers and the reading order.

1. Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook For Growing Your Company Online With Sales Funnels

Dotcom Secrets is the first book in the “Secrets Trilogy” series. It reveals the secret formulas that convert website visitors into paying customers through sales funnels. The book has sold over 250,000 copies and reached USA Today’s bestseller status. Most online entrepreneurs consider it the best book on sales funnels.

dotcom secrets book by russell brunson

The book holds a 4.7-star rating on Amazon and 4.2 stars on Goodreads (2nd edition). These ratings come from thousands of readers who actually applied the strategies.

Russell breaks down 10 different funnel types for various business models.

You’ll find the right structure whether you sell physical products, digital courses, coaching services, or anything else.

The book covers the Value Ladder concept, which shows you how to structure offers from free content to premium services. This approach maximizes customer lifetime value. You also learn frontend and backend sales strategies, split testing methods, and the psychology that makes funnels convert.

Here’s what makes Dotcom Secrets different from other marketing books:

  • Evergreen strategy: Most marketing tactics become obsolete quickly when platforms update their algorithms, layout, or features. Many people chase trending AI tools and growth hacks but skip the fundamentals. Dotcom Secrets principles are based on traditional direct marketing. It works regardless of platform changes.
  • Proven in real businesses: ClickFunnels grew from $0 to $100 million in three years using the exact funnels in this book. Russell continues running these same systems across his portfolio companies, including Prime Mover, Secrets Of Success, and OfferLab.
  • Easy-to-digest format: Russell uses hand-drawn doodles, diagrams, and relatable stories to explain each concept. These simple visual frameworks help you remember and implement the strategies when you’re actually building your funnels.

If you’re just starting your online business, Dotcom Secrets gives you the foundation to understand how successful websites actually make money. The systematic approach helps beginners avoid common mistakes. Experienced marketers get advanced techniques to improve their existing funnels.

I recommend getting Dotcom Secrets from the official site, as it’s free (you only pay for shipping, which is less expensive than Amazon). Additionally, you will receive bonus resources and extra training at no additional cost.

💡 Learn more: Dotcom Secrets book review

2. Expert Secrets: The Underground Playbook For Converting Your Online Visitors Into LifeLong Customers

Expert Secrets is the second book in the Secrets Trilogy. While Dotcom Secrets teaches you how to build funnels that attract visitors, Expert Secrets shows you how to turn those visitors into raving fans who buy everything you offer.

expert secrets cover 250x250

The book has sold over 225,000 copies. You’ll learn the fundamentals of persuasion, story selling, and building a tribe. Russell teaches you how to become a leader and communicate with people who enter your funnels.

The Expert Secrets frameworks help you attract your dream customers and break their false beliefs. When you remove these mental blocks, you can serve them at your highest level.

Key lessons you’ll learn:

  • The Epiphany Bridge: A storytelling framework that helps you share the moment you discovered your solution, making your audience experience the same “aha” moment that drives them to buy
  • Breaking false beliefs: Your customers have three types of false beliefs (about the vehicle, internal capability, and external factors) that stop them from buying—Russell shows you how to identify and break each one
  • Creating a mass movement: How to position yourself as a leader who guides people toward a new opportunity rather than just selling another product or improvement
  • The Perfect Webinar script: A presentation formula that educates, entertains, and sells your offer without feeling pushy or sales-heavy

Coaches, consultants, and course creators love the Expert Secrets book because it addresses the challenge many experts face: Having valuable knowledge but struggling to package and sell it.

If you have expertise in delivering results for your clients but struggle to turn that into a business, this book offers frameworks to help you create multiple revenue streams. You’ll also learn how to build a loyal customer base that actively applies your teachings.

Get the book today and start turning your expertise into a movement.

💡 Learn more: Expert Secrets book review

3. Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook For Filling Your Websites And Funnels With Your Dream Customers

Traffic Secrets is the final book of the Secrets Trilogy, which focuses on customer acquisition and traffic generation. The book has sold over 150,000 copies since its 2020 release.

traffic secrets cover 250x250

Most traffic books teach you fly-by-night tactics that stop working after a few months.

Traffic Secrets takes a different approach.

Russell Brunson teaches you evergreen traffic strategies that create a consistent flow of people into your websites and funnels. The strategies in this book will work as long as there are humans to sell to.

The Traffic Secrets frameworks work on all advertising platforms—past, present, and future. This means that even if Facebook, Google, or any other platform changes its algorithm, layout, or features, the key principles will still apply.

Key lessons you’ll learn:

  • The Dream 100 Strategy: Identify the 100 influencers, platforms, or publications where your dream customers already gather, then systematically build relationships with them—this gives you direct access to warm audiences instead of spending months building followers from scratch
  • “Work Your Way In” and “Buy Your Way In”: Russell teaches you how to fill your funnel organically through consistent publishing and how to fill it with paid ads—you learn to create a publishing plan that gets consistent traffic from any advertising platform, so you’re never dependent on just one method
  • Growth Hacking Techniques: ClickFunnels still uses these strategies today to beat competitors. Some of these include the Funnel Hub, cultivating an affiliate army, and employing butterfly marketing – these techniques give you an unfair advantage by multiplying your reach without multiplying your ad budget.

Traffic Secrets gives you the final piece of the puzzle: How to get the right people into the funnels you built with Dotcom Secrets and convert them using the methods from Expert Secrets.

Ready to fill your funnels with dream customers? Pick up Traffic Secrets today for free.

💡 Learn more: Traffic Secrets book review

4. Unlock The Secrets: Your Underground Playbook For Scaling Your Company To The “Two Comma Club” And Beyond

Unlock The Secrets is the bonus workbook for the Secrets Trilogy. Russell created this so you can write down your thoughts, ideas, and inspiration as you read Dotcom Secrets, Expert Secrets, and Traffic Secrets.

unlock the secrets book cover 250x250

Many people read the trilogy and feel overwhelmed. 

They don’t know where to start.

  • Should you create offers first?
  • Build funnels?
  • Identify your Dream 100?
  • Start publishing content to generate traffic?

This workbook guides you every step of the way.

If you have an existing business, Unlock The Secrets helps you set everything up correctly.

The workbook assignments help you understand the fundamentals Russell Brunson teaches at a deeper level. You’ll see how all these principles work together and get fully immersed in simplified strategies.

What you get from this workbook:

  • Step-by-step implementation roadmap: Follow a clear sequence that tells you exactly what to build first, second, and third—you’ll never waste time wondering if you’re doing things in the wrong order
  • Business plan creation exercises: Answer targeted questions that turn Russell’s concepts into your specific action plan—you finish with a complete roadmap tailored to your business, not generic advice
  • Concept reinforcement activities: Complete hands-on assignments that make you apply each principle immediately—this moves knowledge from your head into your business so you actually implement instead of just learning.

When you finish the trilogy and complete this workbook, you’ll have a solid business plan, step-by-step strategies to implement it, and real excitement to take action.

You can’t buy Unlock The Secrets alone. You must purchase the Secrets Trilogy bundle for $127 (plus shipping). You need to decide whether to buy the books separately or get the complete bundle with the workbook included.

💡 Learn more:

5. The Linchpin

The Linchpin is Russell Brunson’s latest book. This book teaches you how to turn cold traffic into recurring revenue—the gold standard for any business owner who wants predictable income.

The Linchpin Book by Russell Brunson

The Linchpin isn’t some new funnel type or trendy marketing tactic.

This is how you should do marketing today if you want a sustainable, long-term business. The strategies work especially well during inflation or economic turmoil when other businesses struggle.

What you’ll learn from The Linchpin:

  • The Continuity Mindset Shift: Discover the sneaky strategy Russell uses on all ClickFunnels “Thank You” pages that helped grow the company from startup to nine figures in three years—you’ll learn how to get hordes of people on continuity subscriptions where they stay, pay, and become hardcore fans
  • The 7 Core Elements Framework: Get the complete system to make The Linchpin model work for your specific business—you’ll know exactly what pieces you need and how to put them together so you’re not guessing or missing critical components
  • MIFGE Strategy with Examples: Learn the Most Incredible Free Gift Ever strategy with real examples you can copy and adapt—this helps you create irresistible offers that increase sales fast without discounting your prices

Most people assumed Russell shared all his secrets in Dotcom Secrets, Expert Secrets, and Traffic Secrets. But he held back one super secret. He only shared it with the Inner Circle members who pay him between $50,000 and $250,000 per year. At the last Funnel Hacking Live event, Russell decided to reveal this final secret for the first time ever.

Want to learn the strategy Russell’s highest-paying clients use? Grab The Linchpin and start building recurring revenue into your business today.

6. Lead Funnels Swipe File

Lead Funnels is an ebook that contains 106 real case studies of the world’s most successful lead generation funnels. Russell Brunson and his team scoured the internet to find his favorite high-performing lead funnels across all niches. They combined all these examples into one giant “Lead Funnels Swipe File” book.

lead funnels swipe cover 250x250

This resource gives you ready-made templates you can copy and adapt for your business. You’ll see exactly what works in the real world, not just theory from someone who’s never built a funnel.

What you get inside:

  • Behind-the-scenes breakdowns: See exactly how these funnels generated millions of leads and revenue—you’ll understand why certain elements work so you can apply the same principles to your business
  • Proven templates you can steal: Get complete examples of landing pages, popups, order bumps, and thank you pages—you can model these templates instead of starting from scratch and wondering if your funnel will convert
  • Step-by-step guidance: Russell walks you through every aspect of lead funnel creation, from crafting lead magnets to building email list strategies—even if you’re brand new to funnels, you’ll know exactly what to do next

You don’t need marketing expertise to use this swipe file. The examples show you what works, and you simply adapt them for your business.

Stop guessing what your lead funnel should look like. Grab the Lead Funnels Swipe File and get 106 proven examples you can model today to start building your email list faster.

💡 Learn more: Lead Funnels Swipe File review

7.  Network Marketing Secrets

Network Marketing Secrets is a 104-page book designed specifically for network marketers. If you’ve ever struggled to build your team or downline, you know the frustration. You spend hours at coffee shops, hotel meetings, and home parties trying to recruit people. Most say no. The few who join often quit within weeks. You’re working hard but your team stays small.

Network marketing secrets book review cover

This book teaches you how to use sales funnels to build and grow your network marketing team online. By bringing network marketing from offline to online, you reach more people and get more leads faster than knocking on doors or hosting living room presentations.

Russell Brunson started his career in network marketing. He became the #1 money earner in his company and won the Ferrari prize. He knows what works.

What you’ll discover:

  • 3 Proven Funnel Strategies: Learn the exact funnels that built 99% of all successful network marketing companies—you can plug your opportunity into these templates within minutes instead of spending months figuring out what works
  • Online Recruiting System: Set up automated funnels that pre-qualify prospects before you talk to them—you’ll spend your time with interested people instead of wasting hours with tire-kickers who’ll never join
  • Lead Generation at Scale: Generate dozens of qualified leads daily while you sleep—your funnel works 24/7 so you’re not dependent on how many people you can physically meet each day

Want to stop chasing cold prospects and start attracting people who actually want to join your team? Download Network Marketing Secrets for free and build your downline the modern way.

💡 Learn more:

8. 30 Days

30 Days is published by Russell Brunson, but he didn’t write it himself. Instead, Russell posed a challenge to members of the Two Comma Club—entrepreneurs who’ve made over $1 million with their funnels.

30 days summit cover 250x250

Here’s the scenario he gave them:

Imagine you LOST everything.

  • Your money, your reputation, your name recognition—all gone.
  • Bills are stacking up, and creditors are calling.
  • You have a roof over your head for one month, internet access, a phone, and a ClickFunnels account.

That’s it.

No audience. No joint venture partners. No one knows who you are. You’re starting from absolute zero with only your marketing knowledge.

What would you do in the next 30 days to rebuild?

The 30 Days book contains their answers—real action plans from successful entrepreneurs showing you day by day what they would do to get back on top.

What makes this book valuable:

  • Real-world survival strategies: See exactly what proven entrepreneurs would do with zero resources—you get practical steps that work when you’re starting from scratch, not fluffy motivation
  • 30-day implementation roadmap: Follow day-by-day actions instead of vague advice—you know exactly what to do today, tomorrow, and next week to start making money fast
  • Multiple perspectives: Learn from different entrepreneurs who took different paths to seven figures—you’ll find an approach that matches your skills and situation

This book is perfect for you if you’re starting with nothing, feel stuck in your business, or want to see how successful entrepreneurs think when their backs are against the wall.

Ready to see how millionaire marketers would rebuild from zero? Get 30 Days for free and start your comeback today.

💡 Learn more: Clickfunnels 30 Days book review

9. Marketing Secrets Blackbook

Marketing Secrets Blackbook is an ebook that contains 99 of Russell Brunson’s best stories, examples, and strategies from his podcast “Marketing Secrets.” These are the lessons that had the greatest impact on business owners who listened.

marketing secrets blackbook cover 250x250

The book is like “Cliff Notes” for the podcast. You can jump in, read a few secrets, and then dig deeper on the ones that intrigue you by listening to the actual episodes.

Marketing Secrets podcast is where Russell documented his journey from the brink of bankruptcy to building a software company that did over $100 million in sales. Listeners hear the ups, the downs, and everything in between—the real story behind ClickFunnels’ growth.

What you get from this book:

  • Quick-reference format: Jump to any lesson you need right now instead of searching through hundreds of podcast episodes—you get answers in minutes, not hours
  • Battle-tested strategies: Learn from Russell’s real successes and failures building a nine-figure company—you avoid expensive mistakes he already made and paid for
  • Episode roadmap: Each secret links to the full podcast episode—you can read the summary now and dive deeper later when you’re ready to implement

Want the shortcut to Russell’s best marketing lessons without listening to 500+ podcast episodes? Download Marketing Secrets Blackbook for free and get instant access to the strategies that built a $100 million company.

💡 Learn more: Review of Marketing Secrets Blackbook

10. Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook

funnel hacker cookbook cover

Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook is like a recipe book for weight loss, but for funnels. Inside, you’ll find the 22 core funnel types you need, the pages that go inside each funnel, and what elements you need on each page.

The book doesn’t go deep into strategy. You won’t learn how to position offers or craft messages here. Get that from Dotcom Secrets and Expert Secrets.

Here’s the problem this book solves:

Many people read Dotcom Secrets and Expert Secrets and still feel confused. They don’t know what type of funnel to build for their situation, what pages to include, or what order to put them in.

The Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook shows you what ingredients to add and in what order to create each type of funnel.

What makes this cookbook useful:

  • Visual funnel blueprints: See the exact page sequence for each funnel type—you’ll know immediately which pages you need and where they go, instead of guessing your way through the build
  • Element checklists: Get a complete list of what goes on each page (headlines, forms, videos, buttons)—you won’t forget critical conversion elements that make or break your funnel’s performance
  • Quick-reference format: Flip to the funnel you need in seconds—perfect when you’re building and need to check if you’re doing it right without rereading entire books

The Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook comes in digital and physical versions. The physical version sits on your desk while you build your funnels. But the digital version works great too.

Ready to stop guessing and start building funnels the right way? Download the digital Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook for free and get your step-by-step blueprint today.

💡 Learn more: Review of Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook

Which Russell Brunson Books To Read First?

Start with Dotcom Secrets, then Expert Secrets, then Traffic Secrets. Complete the Unlock The Secrets Workbook as you read each book.

This order matters. Each book builds on the previous one.

Dotcom Secrets teaches you how to build funnels that convert visitors into customers. Expert Secrets shows you how to sell through those funnels using stories and breaking false beliefs. Traffic Secrets reveals how to get people into your funnels. If you read them out of order, you’ll miss the connections.

After you finish the trilogy, add these books as supplements:

  • Funnel Hacker’s Cookbook – Use this while you build your funnels. Keep it on your desk as a quick reference that shows exactly what pages and elements each funnel needs. You’ll flip to it constantly during the building process.
  • The Linchpin – Read this when you’re ready to scale or want to build a subscription-based business. This book teaches you how to turn one-time buyers into recurring revenue customers who pay you monthly.
  • Lead Funnels Swipe File – Grab this when you’re building lead generation funnels. The 106 real examples spark ideas and show you what works in actual businesses across different industries.
  • Marketing Secrets Blackbook – Download this if you need more tips or lessons from Russell. The 99 stories and strategies give you quick wins you can implement immediately without reading entire books.
  • 30 Days – Read this when you need funnel ideas, business plans, or marketing tips from successful entrepreneurs. See exactly what millionaire marketers would do if they had to start from zero with just 30 days to rebuild.
  • Network Marketing Secrets – Read this only if you’re in network marketing and want to build your team online instead of chasing people at coffee shops or hosting home parties.

You probably have questions about Russell Brunson’s books. Here are the most common ones we get.

Frequently Asked Questions About Russell Brunson’s Books

No. The principles work on any platform. You can use WordPress, Shopify, or any website builder that lets you create landing pages and capture leads. ClickFunnels makes it easier, but you don’t need it.

Yes. Russell assumes you know nothing about funnels. He builds concepts step by step. You’ll understand the strategies even if you’ve never built a funnel before.

Yes, some overlap exists. Russell repeats key concepts to help you remember them. But each book focuses on different areas—building funnels, selling through them, and getting traffic. The overlap shows you how the strategies connect. Each book works as a standalone resource, too.

Yes. All main books are on Audible and other audiobook platforms. Russell narrates them himself. He adds personal insights and emphasis that enhance the learning experience.

Key logo funnel secrets

Author

Key Nguyen

Key is the brainchild behind Funnelsecrets.us. You’ll often find him analyzing conversion rates, tweaking landing pages, and exploring new marketing automation software. He loves to write about sales funnel building and is always tinkering with the latest conversion optimization techniques!