Whether you’re self-publishing your first book or launching your latest release, keyword and category research is one of the most important steps to boost visibility and drive book sales. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right keywords and categories for platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), so your book appears in the right searches and reaches the right readers.
💡 Why Keyword and Category Research Matters in Publishing
In today’s crowded digital marketplace, great writing isn’t enough. Keywords and categories help algorithms understand what your book is about and recommend it to the right audience.
- Keywords help your book show up in search results.
- Categories help your book rank and appear in relevant browsing sections.
Without the right metadata, even a beautifully written book can remain invisible.
🔎 Step 1: Understand Your Ideal Reader
Before you start researching keywords, ask:
- Who is your book for?
- What topics or problems does it address?
- What would your ideal reader type into a search bar to find it?
For example:
- A memoir about overcoming grief may include keywords like “healing after loss,” “grief memoir,” or “inspirational story.”
- A fantasy novel may include terms like “epic fantasy,” “female warrior,” or “magic adventure.”
✏️ Step 2: Do Keyword Research for Book Discovery
Where to Research Keywords:
- Amazon Search Bar: Start typing a word and see what autocomplete suggestions pop up.
- Google Keyword Planner (for broad interest trends)
- Publisher Rocket: A popular paid tool specifically for book keyword and category research.
Tips:
- Use 1–3 word phrases that describe your book’s genre, theme, or audience.
- Avoid generic terms like “book” or “story.”
- Think like a reader, not a writer.
Amazon allows 7 keyword fields on KDP, so make them count.
🗊 Step 3: Choose the Right Categories
Categories determine which Amazon bestseller list your book can appear on.
Where to Research Categories:
- Visit similar books on Amazon.
- Scroll down to the “Product Details” section.
- Look at the categories those books are ranking in.
How to Select Categories:
- Amazon only lets you pick 2 categories during setup, but you can request up to 10 via Amazon support.
- Aim for categories that are relevant but not overly competitive.
- If you can rank in a niche category, you’ll get a “#1 Bestseller” badge more easily.
💡 Real-World Example:
Let’s say you’re publishing a self-help book for women entrepreneurs.
Keywords might include:
- “women in business”
- “female entrepreneurship”
- “mindset for success”
Categories might include:
- Business & Money > Women & Business
- Self-Help > Personal Success
- Business & Money > Entrepreneurship
🔧 Pro Tips for Authors:
- Revisit and update your keywords regularly (especially if sales slow down).
- Test different keyword sets using A/B testing tools or by tracking ranking changes.
- Keep your book description optimized with relevant keywords too (without keyword stuffing).
📅 Final Thoughts
Mastering keyword and category research can dramatically improve your book’s visibility, discoverability, and sales. It connects your story to the right audience, helps you rank on bestseller lists, and ultimately drives success.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your keywords, our team can help you audit and optimize your listings for better results. Reach out for a metadata consultation and get your book the visibility it deserves!
