Obviously Awesome vs Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
This comparison helps product managers choose between Obviously Awesome and Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind based on reader fit, focus area, and the kind of product challenge they are trying to solve.
Decision Summary
Obviously Awesome is the stronger choice when you want depth in product marketing & gtm, while Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind is the better fit when your priority is product marketing & gtm or positioning.
You want stronger guidance in product marketing & gtm.
You are a better fit for Product Marketers and Product Managers.
You prefer a broadly accessible read.
You want stronger guidance in product marketing & gtm.
You are a better fit for Product Marketers and Product Managers.
You prefer a broadly accessible read.
How they differ
Primary angle
How to nail product positioning so customers get it and buy it.
The classic marketing bible on owning a position in the customer's mind.
Best audience
Product Marketers, Product Managers, Founders
Product Marketers, Product Managers, Marketers
Typical use case
Best when your priority is positioning.
Best when your priority is positioning.
At a Glance
Compare_FAQ
Comparison FAQ
Which book is better for a new PM: Obviously Awesome or Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind?
Start with the book whose audience and experience level most closely matches your current role. For many readers, that will be the title with the clearer introductory framing and the more accessible examples.
Should I read both Obviously Awesome and Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind?
If the books approach adjacent problems from different angles, reading both can give you a broader toolkit. If you only need one, choose the title that best matches your immediate product decision or skill gap.
Next places to explore
Obviously Awesome page
Go deeper on April Dunford's book page.
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind page
Go deeper on Al Ries's book page.
Product Marketing & GTM
How to nail product positioning so customers get it and buy it.
Another related comparison
Continue comparing adjacent books in the same cluster.
Editorial_Method
How this comparison page is curated
PM Books Directory exists to help product managers find high-signal books faster. We prioritize practical usefulness, durable ideas, and clear guidance on who each book is for.
We organize pages using topic relevance, reader fit, durable frameworks, and practical usefulness rather than pure popularity alone.
Read the editorial policy