Maximizing Your Book’s Potential: Selecting Keywords for Success

How Do You Pick Keywords for Books?

As an author, I’ve learned that writing a great book is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure readers can actually find it. In today’s digital age, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the strategic use of keywords for books. Whether you’re publishing on Amazon, other online platforms, or even marketing your traditionally published book, understanding and leveraging keywords can significantly boost your book’s visibility and sales potential.

Why Do Keywords Matter?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting keywords, let’s talk about why they’re so crucial. Keywords are the words and phrases that potential readers type into search bars when looking for books like yours. They act as a bridge between your book and your target audience. When used effectively, keywords can:

1. Increase your book’s discoverability

2. Attract the right audience

3. Improve your book’s ranking in search results

4. Enhance the overall success of your marketing efforts

In essence, well-chosen keywords can be the difference between your book languishing in obscurity and finding its way into the hands of eager readers.

How Does Amazon’s Keyword System Work?

Since Amazon is the largest online bookseller, let’s start by focusing on their keyword system. Amazon allows authors to input seven keyword phrases when listing their books. These keywords should accurately represent your book’s content and reflect the terms customers are likely to use when searching.

It’s important to note that Amazon’s algorithm doesn’t just match exact phrases. It’s sophisticated enough to understand related terms and concepts. This means you don’t need to stuff your keywords with every possible variation of a phrase.

How to Choose Effective Keywords for Books

Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter: how to choose the right keywords for your book. Here’s a step-by-step process I’ve found effective:

Brainstorm Relevant Terms

Start by listing words and phrases that describe your book’s genre, plot, themes, and characters. Think about what terms your ideal reader might use to find a book like yours.

Research Popular Search Terms

Use Amazon’s search bar to your advantage. Start typing relevant terms and see what auto-complete suggestions come up. These suggestions are based on popular searches, giving you insight into what readers are actually looking for.

Analyze Competitor Keywords

Look at books similar to yours that are performing well. What keywords are they using? Tools like Publisher Rocket (formerly KDP Rocket) can be incredibly helpful for this step. It allows you to see the keywords other successful books in your genre are using, giving you valuable competitive intelligence.

Use Keyword Research Tools

Speaking of tools, there are several designed specifically for authors. Publisher Rocket, for instance, not only helps you find profitable keywords but also shows you estimated Amazon search volume and competition level for each keyword. This data can be invaluable in choosing keywords that have a good balance of search volume and competitiveness.

Consider Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. While they might have lower search volumes, they often have less competition and can attract more targeted readers. For example, instead of just “romance novel,” you might use “second chance romance novel set in Paris.”

Test and Refine

Once you’ve selected your keywords, it’s crucial to test their effectiveness. You can do this by searching for them on Amazon and seeing if your book appears in the results. If it doesn’t, you may need to refine your choices.

Update Regularly

The world of online search is constantly evolving. What works today might not work as well in six months. Make it a habit to review and update your keywords regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Avoiding Common Keyword Mistakes

In my journey of mastering keywords for books, I’ve encountered (and made) several common mistakes. Here are a few to avoid:

1. Keyword Stuffing: Don’t try to cram every possible keyword into your list. Focus on quality over quantity.

2. Ignoring Reader Intent: Always consider what a reader typing that keyword is actually looking for. Make sure your book delivers on the promise of the keyword.

3. Using Irrelevant Terms: It might be tempting to use popular keywords even if they’re not directly related to your book. Resist this urge. Irrelevant keywords might bring more eyes to your book, but they won’t result in sales and could harm your book’s ranking in the long run.

4. Neglecting to Use All Available Keyword Slots: On Amazon, you have seven keyword phrases to work with. Use them all!

5. Forgetting About Metadata: Remember that your book’s title, subtitle, and description are also searchable. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into these elements as well.

Beyond Amazon: SEO for Authors

While Amazon is a crucial platform, it’s not the only place where keywords matter. As an author, you should also consider search engine optimization (SEO) for your author website, blog, and social media profiles.

Here are a few tips for SEO beyond Amazon:

Optimize Your Website: Use relevant keywords in your website’s title tags, meta descriptions, and throughout your content.

Create Content Around Keywords: Consider writing blog posts or articles that target specific keywords related to your book or genre.

Use Keywords in Social Media: Incorporate relevant keywords into your social media bios and posts to improve discoverability.

Don’t Forget About Google: While Amazon is crucial for book sales, many readers start their search on Google. Optimize your online presence for both.

Keywords for Books: Resources

To help you in your keyword journey, here are some valuable resources:

Publisher Rocket: As mentioned earlier, this tool is specifically designed for authors to find profitable keywords, categories, and more.

Google Keyword Planner: While not book-specific, it can provide useful data on search volumes and trends.

Amazon’s Own System: Don’t underestimate the power of Amazon’s search bar and suggested keywords. They can provide valuable insights into what readers are actually searching for.

KDP’s Keyword Guide: Amazon provides its own guide on how to choose effective keywords for your books.

How Do I Use Publisher Rocket for Keyword Research?

Publisher Rocket (formerly KDP Rocket) is a powerful tool for authors looking to optimize their Amazon listings.

Here’s a quick guide on how to use it:

Keyword Search: Use this feature to find your seven keywords for Amazon. It provides data on competition, estimated Amazon searches per month, and potential earnings.

Category Search: This helps you find less competitive categories for your book, potentially increasing your chances of becoming a bestseller.

Competition Analyzer: This feature allows you to see everything in one place and compare books and keywords.

AMS Keyword Search: Use this to find keywords for Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) ads.

Remember, while tools like Publisher Rocket can save time and provide valuable insights, they’re most effective when combined with your own understanding of your book and target audience.

Happy Keyword Hunting!

Mastering the art of selecting keywords for books is an ongoing process. It requires a mix of creativity, research, and continuous refinement. But the payoff can be significant. With the right keywords, you can dramatically increase your book’s visibility, connect with your target audience more effectively, and ultimately boost your sales.

Remember, keywords are just one piece of the puzzle. They work best when combined with a great book, an eye-catching cover, compelling description, and consistent marketing efforts. But when used effectively, keywords can be the secret weapon that helps your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.

So, fellow authors, I encourage you to dive into the world of keywords. Experiment, learn, and watch as your books find their way into the hands of more and more readers. Happy writing, and even happier keyword hunting!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.