KDP Keyword Research Tool
Brainstorm long-tail keyword phrases for your book and plan all 7 of Amazon KDP's backend keyword slots. Combine a seed term with buyer-intent modifiers to surface phrases real shoppers type.
No fake numbers. This tool helps you generate and organize keyword ideas — it does not display search volume or competition scores. Amazon does not publish that data, so any tool showing “exact KDP search volume” is estimating. Validate demand for free using Amazon's own search-bar autocomplete (see the tips below).
33 keyword ideas
Tap a phrase to add it to a slotYour 7 KDP Keyword Slots
0 / 7 filledAmazon gives you seven backend keyword fields, each up to 50 characters. Fill them with distinct phrases — don't repeat words already in your title or subtitle, and don't repeat the same word across slots.
Why Keywords Matter on KDP
Keywords are how Amazon decides which searches your book can appear in. Your title, subtitle, and 7 backend keyword fields all feed the search index. Strong, specific keywords put your book in front of shoppers who are ready to buy; vague or repeated ones waste the limited space you get.
The biggest wins on KDP come from long-tail phrases — three- to five-word searches like “large print sudoku for seniors” rather than just “sudoku.” They have less competition and signal exactly who the book is for, so the shoppers who find you are far more likely to buy.
Keywords also influence which browse categories your book can be placed in. Some categories are only reachable through specific keyword phrases, so smart keyword choices can unlock more “Best Seller” category slots.
How to Validate Keywords for Free
- 1
Generate ideas above
Start with your core topic and mix in audience, format, benefit, and occasion modifiers to build long-tail candidates.
- 2
Test them in Amazon's search bar
Type each phrase into the Amazon search box. The autocomplete suggestions are real, popular searches — if Amazon suggests your phrase, shoppers are typing it.
- 3
Scan the competition
Search the phrase and look at the results. A page of weak covers and few reviews signals an opening; a wall of bestsellers means it's crowded.
- 4
Fill your 7 slots with distinct phrases
Use the planner above. Avoid repeating words from your title and don't reuse the same word across multiple slots — it's wasted space.
- 5
Skip prohibited terms
Amazon bans subjective claims (‘best’, ‘free’), other authors' or brand names, and time-sensitive terms like ‘new’ in backend keywords.
Common Keyword Mistakes
Repeating title words in the backend
Amazon already indexes your title and subtitle. Repeating those words in the 7 slots wastes space — use the slots for new phrases instead.
Using single broad words
‘Journal’ or ‘cookbook’ alone is impossibly competitive. Long-tail phrases convert better and rank faster.
Stuffing one slot with commas
You don't need commas. Amazon treats the whole field as a phrase pool, so use the full 50 characters for natural multi-word phrases.
Including banned terms
Subjective claims, other brands/authors, and time-bound words can get your book suppressed. Keep keywords descriptive and factual.
Never revisiting keywords
Search trends shift. Review and refresh your keywords every few months, especially if sales stall.
Put these keywords to work
KDP Builder takes you from this free tool to a complete, upload-ready package — manuscript or interior, cover, and metadata.
More Free KDP Tools
Keep prepping your book — every tool below is free and needs no signup.
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KDP Royalty Calculator
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KDP Upload Checklist
Interactive checklist covering manuscript, cover, metadata and account setup.
Related KDP Guides
Step-by-step formatting guides that pair with this tool.
Ready to Build the Whole Book?
Take it further with a complete, Amazon-ready project in KDP Builder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many keywords does Amazon KDP allow?+−
KDP gives you 7 backend keyword fields, each up to 50 characters. You can use natural multi-word phrases in each field — you don't need to separate words with commas. These are in addition to the keywords already captured by your title and subtitle.
Does this tool show keyword search volume?+−
No, and that's intentional. Amazon does not publish keyword search volume, so any tool claiming exact KDP search numbers is estimating from third-party signals. This worksheet helps you generate and organize phrases, then validate them for free using Amazon's own search autocomplete and results pages.
How do I find good KDP keywords for free?+−
Start typing your topic into the Amazon search bar and note the autocomplete suggestions — those are real, popular searches. Combine your core topic with audience, format, benefit, and occasion modifiers to build long-tail phrases, then check how competitive each phrase looks on the results page.
What are long-tail keywords and why do they matter?+−
Long-tail keywords are specific multi-word phrases like 'large print sudoku for seniors' instead of broad terms like 'sudoku.' They have less competition and match buyer intent more precisely, so books targeting them often rank faster and convert better.
What keywords are not allowed on KDP?+−
Amazon prohibits subjective claims (such as 'best' or 'free'), other authors' or brands' names, references to other titles, time-sensitive terms like 'new' or 'sale', and anything misleading. Using banned terms can get your book suppressed in search.
Should I repeat my title words in the keyword fields?+−
No. Amazon already indexes your title and subtitle, so repeating those words in the backend keyword slots wastes the limited space. Use the 7 slots for fresh, distinct phrases that aren't already covered by your title.