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Here’s the next part of our KDP series. Let’s talk about keywords and categories. As an indie author, your goal is to get your book into as many hands (or e-readers) as possible. But in a marketplace as vast as Amazon, how do you ensure your book stands out? The secret lies in mastering keywords and categories—two critical tools Amazon uses to help readers discover your work.
In this guide, we'll not only walk you through the process but also show you how partnering with a publishing service can take these tasks off your plate entirely, letting you focus on what matters most—writing your next masterpiece.
Why Keywords and Categories Matter (And Why You Should Care)
Imagine this: a reader is looking for a book just like yours. They type something into the Amazon search bar, hoping to find their next great read. If you’ve nailed your keywords and categories, your book pops up, and boom! You've got a new fan. But if you’ve skipped this step—or didn’t do it right—you might as well be invisible.
Getting this right can be the difference between your book sitting unnoticed and it becoming a bestseller in its category. Sounds important, right? It is, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Let's break it down.
Step 1: Mastering Amazon Keywords – Find Your Audience
Keywords are essentially the phrases people type into Amazon when looking for a specific book. And you get to choose seven keywords or keyword phrases to tell Amazon what your book is about. The better you choose, the more likely your book will show up in search results.
How to Choose Killer Keywords:
Think Like Your Reader
What would your ideal reader type in the search bar? If you’ve written a cozy mystery, they’re probably searching for “mystery with a quirky detective” or “small-town cozy mystery.” Make sure your keywords reflect what they’re looking for.
Use Long-Tail Keywords
Be specific. Instead of just “historical fiction,” use “historical fiction set in WWII.” Why? Because long-tail keywords are less competitive, which means your book is more likely to pop up for niche searches—and those niches are often filled with die-hard fans.
Tools to Help You
Tools like Publisher Rocket or even Amazon’s own auto-suggest feature (just start typing a keyword, and Amazon will give you suggestions) can be your best friend here. They help you see what readers are actually searching for.
Monitor and Adjust
After your book is published, don’t just set it and forget it. If your book isn’t getting much traction, go back and tweak your keywords. Stay flexible—it can make all the difference.
Example of Great Keywords:
General keyword: "Fantasy adventure"
More specific keyword: "Epic fantasy with dragons"
Niche keyword: "Urban fantasy detective"
Step 2: Choosing the Right Categories – The Key to Bestseller Status
Amazon lets you choose two categories when you publish, but here’s a secret: you can actually get listed in up to ten categories by reaching out to KDP support. Categories define where your book appears on Amazon and are a huge factor in your visibility. A well-chosen category can help you become a bestseller without selling thousands of copies.
How to Pick the Best Categories:
Research Your Genre
Head over to Amazon and check out similar books in your genre. Scroll to their Product Details section to see which categories they’re listed in. If it’s a good fit for your book, add it to your list of potential categories.
Find Low-Competition Categories
Some categories are extremely competitive, while others are hidden gems. Look for categories where the top-ranking books aren’t mega-bestsellers but still have a devoted following. You can see this by checking the Best-Seller Rank—a book ranked around #100,000 or higher suggests less competition.
Use Niche Categories
Broad categories like “Romance” are packed with competition. But niche categories like “Romantic Comedy” or “Military Romance” are more focused, giving your book a better shot at standing out.
Cross-List for Maximum Reach
If your book spans genres—say, “Historical Fiction” with a “Mystery” twist—pick categories from both genres to attract multiple audiences.
Pro Tip: Add More Categories
Once your book is live, email KDP support and request to be added to eight additional categories. This gives your book even more opportunities to be discovered.
Example for a Historical Fiction Mystery:
Primary Category: Fiction > Historical > Mystery
Secondary Category: Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Historical Mysteries
Additional Categories: Fiction > Historical > Europe, Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Cozy
Step 3: Ranking on Bestseller Lists – It’s Easier Than You Think
Here’s the exciting part: you don’t need to sell thousands of books to become a bestseller on Amazon. By choosing smart, niche categories, you can land on a bestseller list with just a handful of sales. When your book ranks in the top 100 of any category, it gains exposure, and that exposure often leads to more sales.
How to Hit Bestseller Lists:
Pick Smaller, Niche Categories
Smaller categories are less crowded, so it's easier to get on the list. But don’t go too niche—there’s a balance. You want enough readers to drive sales but not so much competition that you get lost.
Capitalize on Early Sales
The first few weeks after your book launch are crucial. Push for as many sales as possible through email lists, social media, and promotions. The more sales you generate early on, the higher your book will rank.
Step 4: Combining Keywords and Categories for Maximum Impact
When you combine well-researched keywords and smartly chosen categories, your book’s visibility skyrockets. For example, if you’re in the “Epic Fantasy” category, make sure your keywords include phrases like “magic” or “dragon quest” to align with reader searches.
Step 5: The Publishing Service Option – Why Do It Yourself?
All of this sounds like a lot of work, right? That's because it is! Mastering keywords and categories takes time, effort, and ongoing tweaking. But you don’t have to do it alone. Many indie authors find the whole process overwhelming—and that’s perfectly okay.
Here’s where a Publishing Service steps in:
Expert Keyword and Category Research
A publishing service does all the heavy lifting. They’ll research and choose the best keywords and categories to ensure your book has the highest chance of success.
Book Formatting and Design
From formatting your manuscript to creating a stunning cover, they handle the technical details that can make or break your book’s first impression.
Marketing and Promotions
Need help with Amazon ads or social media campaigns? Many publishing services offer comprehensive marketing packages to drive sales and boost visibility.
Long-Term Support
Instead of constantly tweaking keywords or categories yourself, a publishing service monitors your book’s performance and makes adjustments when necessary.
Benefits of Working with a Publishing Service:
Save Time – Focus on writing while experts handle the technical and marketing aspects.
Maximize Sales – Professional services know what works and can help your book gain traction faster.
Ongoing Support – Enjoy peace of mind knowing your book is being taken care of, even after it’s published.
Whether you decide to tackle keywords and categories on your own or partner with a publishing service, one thing is clear: these elements are essential to your book’s success on Amazon. By strategically using keywords and categories, you can increase visibility, boost sales, and even become a bestseller in your niche. And if the process feels too daunting? There’s no shame in seeking help—let a professional service take the hassle out of the equation so you can focus on what you do best: writing.
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