KDP Keyword Research: Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you are just starting out with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), one of the most confusing things is figuring out how people will actually find your book. The truth is, publishing a book is only half the journey. The real challenge begins when you want readers to discover it. And that’s where KDP keyword research steps in.

Think of it like this: Amazon is basically a giant search engine (like Google but for products). When readers search for books, they type specific words or phrases. If your book shows up for those words, you win more visibility. If not, your book just sits quietly, hidden away.

So, let’s walk through everything you need to know about keyword research in the most beginner-friendly way possible.

What exactly are KDP keywords?

In simple words, KDP keywords are the search terms people use on Amazon when looking for books. For example, if someone types “weight loss journal” or “bedtime stories for kids,” those are keywords.

When you upload a book on Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon allows you to enter seven keyword slots. These are your chances to tell Amazon, “Hey, my book is about this!” But here’s the catch—choosing the wrong keywords means your book won’t show up in the right searches.

Why are keywords so important?

Keywords basically act like the bridge between your book and potential readers. Without the right ones, you might have the best content but nobody will find it. Imagine opening a store in the middle of a desert with no signboard—that’s what happens when you don’t use proper keywords.

Some reasons they matter:

• They decide whether your book shows up on Amazon search results.

• They directly influence your sales.

• They help Amazon’s algorithm understand your book’s category and target audience.

• Good keywords can push your book ranking higher without extra advertising.

How to think like a reader (not an author)

Here’s where many beginners get stuck. They think about keywords from their own perspective instead of the reader’s. For example, if you wrote a cookbook, you might be tempted to use something broad like “recipes.” But readers don’t search like that. They might type:

• “Quick 5-minute healthy recipes”

• “Budget meals for college students”

• “Air fryer cookbook for beginners”

See the difference? Readers are specific, and so should your keywords be.

Where do you find KDP keywords?

Now comes the practical part. You don’t have to guess your keywords. There are many ways to find them:

1. Amazon Auto-Suggest 🛒
   Simply go to Amazon and start typing a phrase. For example, type “journaling” and you’ll instantly see suggestions like “journaling for anxiety,” “journaling prompts for self-discovery,” etc. These are real searches people are making.

2. Look at competitors
   Search for books in your niche and analyze their titles, subtitles, and descriptions. You’ll often find repeating phrases.

3. Free keyword tools
   Tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, or even Google Keyword Planner can give ideas.

4. Paid tools (optional)
   If you’re serious, tools like Publisher Rocket are designed specifically for KDP keyword research. They save time and give competitive data.

Short-tail vs. Long-tail keywords

Here’s something you need to understand before picking any keyword:

Long-tail keywords are specific, easier to rank for, and usually lead to higher conversions.

So, instead of just using “coloring book,” you can try “relaxing mandala coloring book for adults.” That way, you’re targeting a more specific audience that is more likely to buy.

How many keywords should you use?

Amazon gives you 7 keyword boxes, but that doesn’t mean you should only enter 7 single words. Each box can hold a phrase of up to 50 characters. That’s a lot of space if used wisely.

Bad Example:

• recipes

• cooking

• food

Better Example:

• quick healthy recipes for beginners

• budget-friendly cooking for students

• air fryer recipes for weight loss

Notice the difference? Phrases are better than single words.

Mistakes to avoid in KDP keyword research

Many beginners unknowingly make mistakes that stop their books from showing up. Avoid these:

• Don’t repeat the same keyword multiple times.

• Don’t use words like “bestseller” or “free”—Amazon doesn’t allow it.

• Don’t choose overly broad keywords like “book” or “story.”

• Don’t pick a keyword just because it sounds good—check if people are actually searching for it.

Step-by-step process to find your keywords

Here are the Best Free Tools for Amazon KDP Research.

Here’s a simple beginner workflow:

1. Write down your book’s main topic.

2. Go to Amazon and type it in the search bar. Note all auto-suggestions.

3. Check at least 5–10 competitor books and note repeating phrases.

4. Use a keyword tool (free or paid) to confirm if people search for it.

5. Choose 7 phrases that are specific but still have demand.

6. Enter them into your KDP keyword slots.

Example: Let’s say you are publishing a children’s bedtime storybook.

Your keyword brainstorming might look like this:

• bedtime stories for kids

• short bedtime stories for toddlers

• bedtime stories with pictures

• calming bedtime stories for kids age 4-6

• bedtime stories about animals

Now, instead of just putting “bedtime,” you’ve got a set of highly targeted keywords.

Using keywords in title and description

Keywords don’t just belong in the KDP slots. You should naturally include them in your:

• Title and subtitle (without stuffing)

• Book description (in a conversational way)

• Backend keywords (KDP slots)

Example:
Instead of a generic title like “Stories for Kids”, try:
“Bedtime Stories for Kids: Short and Calming Tales for Ages 4–6”

A quick table to remember keyword strategy

How often should you change your keywords?

Many beginners wonder, “Should I change my keywords if my book isn’t selling?” The answer is yes—but slowly. Give your book at least 30 to 60 days with the current keywords. If you see no sales or ranking improvement, then try swapping 2–3 keywords with fresh ones.

Extra tips for beginners

• Always think: “Would a reader type this into Amazon?”

• Use keywords that match your actual book content (Amazon can penalize irrelevant ones).

• Long-tail phrases work best for beginners.

• Don’t copy-paste keywords from other authors—do your own research.

• Save all your keyword ideas in a spreadsheet for future books.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do keywords really make a difference for beginners?
Yes! In fact, for new authors without an audience, keywords are the only way to get discovered.

Q2: Can I use the same keyword in multiple slots?
No need. Amazon already considers all your keywords together. Use the space for variety.

Q3: Should I use commas in keyword slots?
No commas needed. Just type the phrases with spaces. Amazon treats it the same.

Q4: Can I rank for a keyword even if I didn’t type it?
Yes, if your title and description naturally include it. But adding it in keyword slots increases your chances.

Q5: How long does it take to see results?
Usually 2–8 weeks depending on the competition and sales.

Final thoughts

KDP keyword research might sound scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty straightforward. The golden rule is: don’t guess—research. Always step into the shoes of your reader, think about what they would type, and then use that as your keyword.

With the right keyword strategy, even a brand-new author can beat big competitors and get consistent sales. Remember, keywords are not magic—they won’t sell your book on their own—but they open the doors to readers who are already searching for exactly what you’re offering.

🚀 Now, grab a notebook, start typing into Amazon, and build your keyword list. Your future readers are already searching—make sure they can find you.