How to Run Amazon Ads for KDP Books

If you’ve self-published a book through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you’ve probably realized one thing: publishing is just half the work. The real challenge? Getting people to actually see and buy your book. 📚 And that’s where Amazon Ads come in.

Many new authors think “if I just write a great book, it will sell itself.” Unfortunately, that almost never happens. Amazon has millions of books, and unless you’re running ads, your book can easily get buried. Let’s talk about how you can run Amazon ads for your KDP books in a simple way that actually works.

Why Amazon Ads are Important for KDP Authors

Amazon ads put your book directly in front of readers who are already searching for something similar. Unlike social media ads where people might not even care about books, Amazon users are in “buying mode.” That’s why ads here are so powerful.

Think of it like this: if someone searches “mystery thriller book,” and your ad shows up at the top, they’re way more likely to click and buy compared to random ads on Facebook or Instagram.

Types of Amazon Ads You Can Run

There are a few main ad types, and it’s important to know which one to use:

For most KDP beginners, Sponsored Product Ads are the best place to start. They’re easier to set up and cheaper to test.

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your First Amazon Ad

1. Log in to KDP or Amazon Advertising
   Go to your KDP dashboard, and click on the “Promote and Advertise” button next to your book.

2. Choose Your Ad Type
   Start with Sponsored Products if you’re new.

3. Pick Your Targeting
   You can either choose automatic targeting (Amazon decides where to show your book) or manual targeting (you pick keywords). For beginners, automatic targeting works fine. Once you learn, switch to manual for more control.

4. Set Your Budget
   Start small. Even $5 per day can bring results if your targeting is good.

5. Write a Catchy Ad Copy
   If you’re running an ad where you can add text, keep it simple and highlight the benefit:

   • “A page-turning thriller you won’t put down.”

   • “Perfect for fans of [famous author].”

6. Launch and Monitor
   Don’t just launch and forget. Check your ads every few days to see what’s working.

Keyword Research for Amazon Ads

Keywords are the heart of Amazon ads. If you’re doing manual targeting, you need the right keywords.

• Use Amazon search bar: Type a word and see the auto-suggestions. Those are real searches from buyers.

• Use tools like Publisher Rocket (paid) or just note down similar books and their keywords.

• Mix broad and specific: “romance novel” (broad) + “enemies to lovers romance Kindle” (specific).

👉 Tip: Long-tail keywords (the specific ones) usually convert better because they match exactly what a reader wants.

How Much Should You Spend?

A common worry is overspending. But here’s a reality check: ads are not an expense, they’re an investment.

If you spend $10 and make $20 in book sales, that’s a win. The key is tracking your ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sales).

Here’s a quick example:

As long as your ACOS is lower than your profit margin, you’re making money.

Common Mistakes New Authors Make

1. Running only automatic ads forever – Start there, but move to manual.

2. Not testing enough keywords – Try at least 30–50 keywords per campaign.

3. Stopping ads too soon – Ads take time to optimize. Give it 2–3 weeks.

4. Not tracking paperback vs ebook sales – Sometimes one format sells better.

How to Optimize Your Amazon Ads

Once your ad is running, look at the numbers:

• Impressions – How many times your ad was shown.

• CTR (Click-Through Rate) – Out of 100 people who saw it, how many clicked.

• Conversion Rate – Out of 10 people who clicked, how many bought.

👉 If impressions are high but no clicks, your cover or title isn’t attractive enough.
👉 If clicks are high but no sales, maybe your book description or reviews need work.

Boosting Sales Beyond Ads

Running ads is powerful, but ads alone won’t save a poorly presented book. Make sure these things are strong:

• Book Cover: Invest in a professional design.

• Book Description: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and a hook.

• Reviews: Encourage reviews from real readers. Social proof sells.

Ads will only amplify what’s already there. If your book looks appealing, ads will push it further.

Quick Tips for Better Results

• Start small, scale later.

• Test multiple ad campaigns, don’t rely on just one.

• Target your competitors’ book titles as keywords.

• Keep checking Amazon reports—don’t “set and forget.”

• Be patient; ads usually get better with time.

FAQs about Amazon Ads for KDP Books

Q1: Can I run Amazon ads if I only published one book?
Yes, absolutely. Even a single book can benefit from ads, especially if it’s in a competitive genre.

Q2: How much money do I need to start?
You can start with as little as $2–5 per day. It’s more about testing and learning at first than spending big.

Q3: Are Amazon ads better than Facebook or Instagram ads for books?
Most of the time, yes. Amazon ads target readers who are already shopping for books, while Facebook users may not be in a buying mood.

Q4: What if my ad doesn’t work?
Don’t panic. Test new keywords, adjust your bids, and check if your book cover or description needs improvement.

Q5: How long should I keep ads running?
At least 2–3 weeks before making big decisions. Ads take time to optimize.

Final Thoughts

Running Amazon ads for KDP books may sound overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s actually straightforward. Start small, test different strategies, and learn from the results.

Think of ads as a way to buy visibility in a crowded marketplace. And once readers find your book, your story takes over. That’s when the magic happens. ✨

So if you’ve been waiting to try Amazon ads—don’t wait anymore. Set up a small campaign today, experiment, and watch your book slowly climb the charts. 🚀