Keywords & Categories Research: Boost Your Book's Discoverability
Choosing the right keywords and categories for your book is one of the most powerful ways to help readers find your book on online retail platforms like Amazon. This isn't just about describing your book; it's about understanding how readers search and browse.
Strategic keyword and category selection can significantly increase your book's visibility and sales.
Understanding Keywords
Keywords are the search terms that potential readers type into a search bar when looking for books. Platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to enter up to seven keywords or short phrases. These are crucial for your book's search engine optimization (SEO) within the platform.
Our Process: How to Research Keywords Effectively
We recommend a two-phase approach to keyword research: initial brainstorming with AI, followed by refinement with advanced tools.
Brainstorm with AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini)
Start by using AI tools to generate a broad list of potential keywords. Provide the AI with details about your book, such as:
- Your book's genre and sub-genre.
- Main themes and topics.
- Key characters and their struggles.
- Setting and time period.
- Target audience.
Ask the AI to suggest keywords that readers might use, including long-tail keywords and common phrases in your niche. This provides a great starting point.
Refine with Advanced Tools
Once you have a brainstormed list, use dedicated book marketing tools to validate and refine your keywords. These tools provide data on search volume, competition, and sales potential:
- Publisher Rocket: Excellent for finding profitable keywords and categories specifically for KDP. It shows estimated searches and competition.
- Helium 10 (Cerebro, Magnet): While primarily for Amazon FBA, its keyword research tools can be adapted for books to find high-volume, low-competition phrases.
- Jungle Scout: Similar to Helium 10, offers robust keyword analysis that can be beneficial for understanding broader Amazon search trends.
- KDP Spy (Browser Extension): A quick way to see keywords used by competing books directly on Amazon product pages.
- Amazon's Search Bar: Still a valuable free tool. Pay attention to auto-suggestions as you type in your brainstormed keywords.
Aim for a balance of high-volume, relevant keywords and more specific "long-tail" keywords that attract highly targeted readers.
Analyze Competitors
Look at successful books similar to yours on Amazon. What keywords do they use in their titles, subtitles, descriptions, and even in their reviews? This can give you insights into what's already working.
Avoid Redundancy and Your Own Name
Don't repeat words already in your title or subtitle. Don't use your author name as a keyword unless you're very famous. Focus on terms readers would actually search for.
Understanding Categories (Genres)
Categories (often called genres) are how your book is classified and where it appears in Amazon's browse structure. Most platforms allow you to select two categories, but you can often get into more through KDP support.
How to Choose Categories:
Be Specific
Instead of just "Fiction," try to drill down to the most specific sub-genre possible (e.g., "Fiction > Thrillers > Psychological"). The more niche your category, the easier it is for your target audience to find you.
Check Competition
Browse Amazon's categories. Look for categories where your book fits but where the top-selling books have lower sales ranks. This indicates less competition and a better chance of ranking higher.
Use All Available Slots
Always utilize all the category slots provided by the platform. On Amazon KDP, you can initially select two, but you can often email KDP support to add up to eight additional categories (for a total of ten).
Re-evaluate Periodically
Market trends and reader interests change. Revisit your keywords and categories every few months to see if new opportunities have emerged or if your current choices are still optimal.
Why Keywords & Categories Matter
- Increased Visibility: The better your keywords and categories, the more likely your book is to appear in search results and browse lists.
- Targeted Audience: Correct keywords and categories attract readers who are actively looking for books like yours, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Sales Rank Improvement: When your book is easily found by the right readers, it leads to more sales, which improves your sales rank and further boosts visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keywords & Categories
Common questions about optimizing your book's discoverability.
Amazon KDP allows you to enter up to seven keywords or short phrases. Make sure each slot is used effectively, focusing on unique terms that readers would search for.
Yes, you can change your keywords and categories at any time through your KDP dashboard. It's a good practice to review and update them periodically to adapt to market trends or if you notice your book isn't being found by your target audience.
It's best to use phrases (long-tail keywords) as they are more specific and often reflect how readers search. For example, "space opera adventure" is more effective than just "space" or "adventure." Amazon's algorithm combines words from your keywords, title, and subtitle, so focus on unique phrases in your keyword slots.
Initially, KDP allows you to select two categories directly from your dashboard. However, you can email KDP support after your book is live and request up to eight additional categories, bringing your total to ten. This can significantly increase your book's visibility in different niches.
Keywords are the specific terms or phrases readers type into the search bar to find books. They are about search intent. Categories (or genres) are the browse paths readers follow to discover books, organizing them into broad and niche sections. Both are vital for discoverability, but they serve different functions in the search and browse ecosystem.