How to Choose the Perfect Category and Keywords for Your Amazon Book

Choosing the right category and keywords for your Amazon book can make the difference between being invisible and becoming a bestseller. When publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon allows you to select two categories and up to seven keywords. But don’t just guess—be strategic!

Start by researching books similar to yours. Look at their categories and note which ones have high rankings but low competition. Use Amazon’s search bar to test keywords—type phrases your readers might search for and see what books pop up.

Think like your audience: What would you type if you were looking for your book? Keywords should reflect your book’s content, genre, and benefits. Avoid generic terms—be specific! Instead of “romance,” try “second chance small-town romance.”

Finally, update your keywords as your marketing evolves. Amazon rewards relevance and engagement, so tweak over time. Categories and keywords aren’t set in stone—experiment, track your rankings, and don’t be afraid to refine. Small changes can lead to significant visibility.