Amazon KDP Keyword Research for Beginners

Amazon KDP allows anyone to become an author and sell books on Amazon. Keyword research is the first step to success. This guide provides a detailed approach to effective keyword research, helping your book reach the right audience and boost sales.

Finding Primary Keywords on Amazon

Start by logging out of your Amazon account and visiting the Kindle Store. Enter a general keyword related to your book’s topic in the search bar. For example, if you’re writing about the keto diet, enter “ketogenic diet”. Amazon will display the number of search results, indicating keyword competitiveness. A large number (e.g., over 5000) usually means high competition.

Analyze the search results page, paying attention to:

  • Best Sales Rank (BSR): The lower the BSR, the better the book is selling. Ideally, target keywords with multiple books on the first page having a BSR under 100,000.
  • Book Types: Distinguish between traditionally published and self-published books. Self-published books often price between $2.99 and $4.99, have titles matching keywords, use stock photos for covers, and have fewer reviews. A page dominated by traditionally published books indicates tougher competition.
  • Publication Date: Many recently published books suggest a volatile market. New releases often get an Amazon boost for the first 30 days, increasing competition.

Expanding Your Keyword List

After identifying primary keywords, expand your list:

  • Analyze Secondary Keywords in Titles and Descriptions: Observe secondary keywords used in best-selling books’ titles and descriptions. For example, “ketogenic diet” can expand to “ketogenic diet for beginners”, “ketogenic recipes”, “ketogenic diet weight loss”.
  • Utilize Amazon’s Suggestions: When typing in the search bar, Amazon suggests related keywords. This is a valuable resource.
  • Research Author Pages: Visit the author pages of successful self-published books. Their book catalogs often reveal potential keywords.

Assessing Keyword Viability

Evaluate the viability of each keyword:

  • Search Results Volume: Prioritize keywords with lower search result numbers.
  • Competition Level: Consider BSR and book types on the search results page.
  • Relevance: Ensure the keyword aligns with your book’s content.

Analyzing the Competition

For potential keywords, analyze competitors on the search results page:

  • Book Covers: Your cover needs to be more appealing.
  • Pricing: Consider competitor pricing when setting your book’s price.
  • Content: Your book must offer unique value compared to competitors.

Conclusion

Keyword research is an ongoing process requiring patience. By applying these steps, you can find effective keywords to help your book succeed on Amazon KDP. Continuously monitor and update your keyword list to optimize sales performance.

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