How to Choose Keywords for Your Print on Demand Book

What exactly is the key when it comes to choosing keywords for your print on demand (POD) book? Keywords have the power to help your book reach the right audience, boost sales, and improve visibility in online stores. They are more than just words; keywords are the bridge between your POD book and readers that are actively searching for content like yours! Understanding how to select effective keywords is a crucial step in professional self-publishing.

Why Keywords Matter for POD Books

Keywords act as signals for search algorithms, helping match your book to relevant queries. Poorly chosen keywords, or those that are overly broad, can bury your book, while precise, targeted phrases increase the likelihood of appearing in front of readers actively seeking your content.

When authors upload a book to platforms such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital, the metadata they provide determines how easily readers can find your title. Keywords are particularly important for POD books because print editions are less flexible than eBooks. While digital books can benefit from discoverability features like “Look Inside” or recommendations, a POD book relies heavily on metadata to guide buyers.

Your title, subtitle, categories, and keywords all work together to ensure your book surfaces in searches, making keyword selection an essential marketing step.

Understanding the Difference Between Keywords and Phrases

A keyword is a type of metadata, serving as a tag to help organize the search for content. For example: “romance”

A long-tail phrase is a multi-word search query with the same objective, just a bit more specific. For example: “historical romance with a strong female lead”

When thinking of keywords and long-tail phrases, think like a reader: what would someone type into a search bar to find your book?

6 Simple Steps to Finding Your Keywords

Step 1: Research Your Genre and Competitors

Start off by reviewing the bestselling titles in your genre. Examine their metadata to understand what keywords they emphasize in titles, subtitles, and descriptions. While you should never copy competitors directly, noticing trends can guide your own keyword choices.

With the mind of a reader who is searching for a book like yours, head over to Amazon and use the search bar’s autocomplete feature as a magic mirror to see what readers frequently search for. Typing your genre or topic into the bar provides suggested phrases that indicate real search behaviour. For instance, typing “self-publishing guide” might show suggestions like “self-publishing guide Canada” or even “self-publishing guide for beginners,” which would then lend an idea for location-specific or audience-specific keywords.

In thinking about your genre and competitors, you might also consider visiting Foglio’s Formatting & Typesetting and Cover Design pages, which provide insight to how metadata, including keywords, works in conjunction with professional design elements to enhance visibility.

Step 2: Consider Your Target Audience

Knowing your audience is critical. Are your readers casual or highly specialized? A business book for Canadian entrepreneurs will need keywords reflecting professional jargon or local context, whereas a fantasy novel should include descriptors that appeal to genre enthusiasts.

Think about location, age, and interests. If your book has a niche angle, such as “eco-friendly living for beginners,” include keywords that reflect both the subject matter and audience intent. This ensures that your book reaches those most likely to purchase, rather than a broad audience whose searches may not convert to sales.

Step 3: Balance Specificity and Search Volume

Not all search terms are equal and sometimes it takes a bit of Goldilocks-ing to find which ones are just right. High-volume keywords may seem appealing, but they often come with heavy competition. Conversely, very specific, long-tail phrases may have low search traffic but are sure to attract readers actively searching for that specific topic.

Aim for a balance: choose phrases that are specific enough to stand out but still represent terms people actually search. Focus on phrases that align with your book’s content and your target audience’s language.

Pro Tip: Tools like Amazon’s category filters, Publisher Rocket, or even Google’s Keyword Planner can provide insight into what people are searching for.

Step 4: Use Keywords Strategically in Metadata

Once you have a list of potential keywords, use them wisely:

• Title and Subtitle: Incorporate main keywords naturally to improve discoverability and clarity.

• Description: Mention secondary keywords contextually within sentences. Avoid stuffing them unnaturally.

• Amazon Keyword Fields: Utilize all seven keyword slots, combining terms creatively without repeating words.

• Categories: Pair your keywords with appropriate categories to enhance algorithmic matching.

Metadata should be cohesive, and keywords should feel like a natural extension of your book’s identity rather than a marketing afterthought.

Step 5: Test and Refine Keywords

Keyword optimization is an ongoing process. After publishing, monitor your book’s performance in searches and sales. Adjust your keywords as needed based on trends, seasonal topics, or reader feedback.

Using services like Foglio’s Print-on-Demand or consultation offerings allows authors to revisit metadata without the risk of errors, ensuring that your book stays competitive and discoverable over time.

Step 6: Avoid Common Keyword Pitfalls

• Too Broad: Words like “fiction” or “book” are unlikely to drive targeted traffic.

• Too Niche: Extremely rare phrases may result in no searches.

• Repetition: Using the same keyword in multiple fields wastes potential.

• Misleading Terms: Keywords must accurately represent content to avoid negative reviews.

Balancing accuracy and discoverability ensures that your book attracts the right readers while maintaining credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many keywords should I choose for my POD book?

  Amazon allows seven keyword fields. Focus on seven unique, high-quality phrases that accurately reflect your book’s content.

• Can I update keywords after publishing?

  Yes, metadata can usually be updated on most POD platforms. Regular review helps maintain visibility.

• Should I use keywords in my title and subtitle?

  Yes, but they should read naturally. Keywords in titles improve discoverability and make the book’s purpose clear to readers.

• Are long-tail keywords better than single words?

  Typically, yes. Long-tail keywords attract readers who are searching for exactly what your book offers, increasing conversion likelihood.

• Do Canadian-specific keywords help?

  Absolutely. Including location-specific phrases can help your book stand out in the Canadian market.

Conclusion

Choosing keywords for your print on demand book is both an art and a science. By researching competitors, understanding your audience, selecting strategic long-tail phrases, and regularly refining your metadata, you increase your chances of reaching the readers who are most likely to enjoy your work.

Working with experts can save time, reduce errors, and provide professional insight into the competitive world of POD publishing. Explore our Publishing Packages or book a Free Consultation to get tailored guidance on keywords and metadata for your book.