How to Choose KDP Keywords

How Amazon’s Keyword Slots Work

When you publish on KDP, you can fill up to 7 keyword slots, each up to 50 characters. Amazon matches these phrases against what shoppers type. Books with weak, duplicated, or empty keywords sink to the bottom of search results — even if they’re great.

Your keywords are search engine fuel. Get them right and you get discovered; get them wrong and you’re invisible.

The Mistakes That Waste Your 7 Slots

• Using commas — a comma splits a slot into two keywords and wastes it. Use spaces.
• Repeating the title words — Amazon already indexes your title. Use slots for new phrases.
• Filling all 7 with the same idea — diversify to cover different ways shoppers search.
• Being too clever — use the plain phrases buyers actually type, not industry jargon.

A Keyword Formula That Works

1. Start with the category word — e.g. “coloring book” or “bedtime story”.
2. Add the audience — “for kids ages 4-8”, “for toddlers”.
3. Add the format — “workbook”, “activity book”, “for beginners”.
4. Add a problem or benefit — “screen-free”, “easy to read”.
5. Fill 7 distinct phrases — mix broad terms and specific ones.

A Real Example

Get All 7 Keywords in 30 Seconds

No need to brainstorm — the free generator fills all 7 slots with niche-matched phrases, ready to paste into KDP. Free for 3 uses.

Try the KDP Keyword Generator →