How to Choose Keywords for KDP – Here's How We do it!

Let me be straight with you: I don’t think there’s any real “science” behind picking Amazon KDP keywords. Not like some magic formula where you plug in a number and instantly rank. In my experience, most people overcomplicate it and end up using keywords that don’t really match what readers are searching for.

That said, I still have a process—and it’s the one I use to choose the 7 keywords for each book. It’s designed to help your book show up in more relevant searches (and yes, it’s meant to convert, not just “look good” on paper).

How to Choose Keywords for KDP – Quick Method

If you want the fastest route, I recommend using one of the tasks in our app. I built this with Amazon KDP publishers in mind, so the workflow matches what you actually need to do inside KDP (not some generic “SEO” process that doesn’t fit).

What you’re using here is basically a KDP keywords generator that outputs 7 keywords designed to be both transactional and relevant to your book. And yes—I’ve tested it enough times to feel confident saying the quality doesn’t feel like “random AI suggestions.” It’s usually closer to what I’d pick myself after digging around.

Here’s a video showing exactly how we do it:

And if you prefer steps you can follow without pausing a video, here you go:

Step 1: Register on automateed.com

Click the “get a sample for free” button. That takes you to the registration page, where you can create your free account.

Step 2: Log in, open the tasks tab, then choose Keyword Research for Amazon KDP

This task works like a KDP keywords generator. It’s built to help you generate 7 keywords/keyword phrases that are relevant to what you’re publishing (not just generic filler terms).

Step 3: Paste in your outline

Here’s the important part: the generator isn’t guessing from your title. It scans your outline and uses that to figure out your target audience and the likely search terms readers use.

So paste your outline into the field on the task page. The better your outline (more specific topics, chapters, and themes), the better the keyword suggestions tend to be.

Step 4: Pick 3 variations, then hit Generate

Step 5: Choose the variation that fits your book best

After you generate, you’ll get 7 keywords that are optimized for Amazon searches and pulled from phrases people actually browse for. That matters, because Amazon doesn’t just rank “keywords”—it ranks books that match the intent behind the search.

So when you add these to your KDP keyword fields, you’re basically giving Amazon clearer signals about what your book is about. The end result? More relevant impressions and (usually) better conversion, because the keyword matches the reader’s expectations.

That’s the fast way. Now, if you’re the type who likes doing things the old-school way—totally fair—I’ll walk you through that too.

How to Choose Keywords for KDP – Traditional Method

Here’s how I build my “magnificent 7” the slower way. It’s not complicated, but it does take a bit more attention than most people expect.

Step 1: Brainstorm initial keyword ideas

I always start with the book itself. Genre first. Themes next. Who’s the reader? What problem does the book solve? What makes it different?

Then I try to think like a buyer. If I were searching for this exact type of book, what words would I type into Amazon? That’s where the first list comes from.

Quick trick I use a lot: I go to Amazon and start typing variations of my topic in the search bar. The auto-suggestions are painfully useful. They’re basically showing you what people are actually trying to find.

Step 2: Expand your keyword list

Once I have a rough list, I widen it with tools. Publisher Rocket is my go-to for KDP because it’s built for us. It gives me search volume and competition so I’m not just guessing.

If I want a second opinion (or I’m stuck), I’ll also check tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner. They’re broader than Amazon-only research, but they still help me spot terms I would’ve missed.

Step 3: Analyze keyword metrics

This is where most people either rush or overthink. I’m looking for keywords that have enough searches to matter, but not so much competition that I’m basically trying to outrun everyone in the same lane.

But metrics aren’t everything. Relevance is. If the keyword doesn’t match what the book actually delivers, it won’t convert. And if it doesn’t convert, rankings won’t last.

Publisher Rocket helps me see the numbers behind competition, but I still sanity-check each keyword against my outline and cover promise.

Step 4: Refine your list (and lean into long-tail)

Long-tail keywords are usually where I get the best results. They’re longer phrases that are more specific—so the people searching them tend to be closer to “yes, this is what I want.”

They might not always have huge search counts, but the intent is stronger. For example, instead of only using something broad like “cooking,” you might use a more specific phrase like “quick weeknight dinners” or “air fryer chicken recipes” (whatever matches your book).

I balance broad terms with niche terms. That way I’m not betting everything on one exact phrase.

Step 5: Keyword placement strategy (what I actually do)

I place the most important keywords where they matter most—title and subtitle when it fits naturally. If the keyword makes your title awkward or misleading, don’t force it. Readers can tell.

Then I use the backend keyword fields in the KDP dashboard for the rest. This is where I add the phrases that didn’t fit into the title but are still relevant. Think of it as giving Amazon more context behind the scenes.