AUTHOR GUIDE
How to choose Amazon KDP keywords that readers actually search
THE SHORT ANSWER
Good KDP keywords are the phrases real readers type into Amazon, such as “small town romance second chance.” Use all seven keyword boxes, use phrases rather than single words, don’t repeat words already in your title, and never use other authors’ names or misleading terms.
What the seven keyword boxes do
When you publish on KDP you can add up to seven keywords or phrases. Amazon uses them, along with your title, subtitle and description, to decide which searches your book can appear in.
Step 1: think like a reader
Write down what someone would type if they wanted a book like yours but had never heard of you: the genre, the setting, the type of character, the problem it solves.
Step 2: check Amazon’s suggestions
Type the beginning of each phrase into the Amazon search bar in the Kindle Store. The suggestions that drop down are phrases real shoppers use.
Step 3: check the competition
Search each phrase. If the results are full of books just like yours, the phrase fits. If the results are unrelated, readers using that phrase probably don’t want your book.
Mistakes to avoid
Leaving boxes empty. Repeating words from your title. Using other authors’ names or book titles, which goes against Amazon’s rules. Adding words like “bestseller” or “free.”
WANT US TO CHECK YOUR BOOK?
MENTOR offers a free Amazon audit of your book page. We look at your cover, description, categories and keywords and tell you what to fix first. Get your free audit.