How to Fill in The 7 Backend Keywords on KDP for Maximum Sales (Most Do it Wrong)

Summary

In this informative video, Sean discusses the strategy for optimizing Amazon KDP backend keywords to boost book sales. He emphasizes the importance of not repeating keywords from the title and subtitle and avoiding metadata manipulation. Sean reveals the KDP algorithm's ability to mix and match keywords for broader ranking opportunities, but also notes the trade-off between ranking strength and the number of keywords. He suggests a balanced approach, using both single keywords for stronger ranking and multiple keywords for a wider reach. Sean also shares methods for keyword research, including analyzing competitors' titles, using the Amazon Search Suggestion Expander, and Publisher Rocket for conversion rates.

Takeaways

• 📈 Maximize book sales on Amazon KDP by properly utilizing the seven backend keywords feature.
• 🔍 Do not include keywords in the backend keywords section that are already in the title or subtitle.
• 🤖 Understand the Amazon algorithm; it's beneficial to know how it works for better book ranking.
• 🚫 Avoid metadata manipulation, which can lead to a poor customer experience and potentially result in account suspension.
• 💡 Amazon KDP allows mix and match of keywords, creating various combinations for better visibility.
• 📊 A single keyword in a box may result in a stronger ranking (higher chance to be on the first page) compared to multiple keywords in one box.
• 🔥 Use a mix of strategies: some boxes with a single keyword for stronger ranking and others with multiple keywords for broader reach.
• 🔍 Conduct keyword research using competitors' titles and subtitles, search suggestions, and tools like Publisher Rocket.
• 📈 Use tools like Publisher Rocket to identify keywords that have high search volume and conversion rates.
• 📚 Be cautious about using the word 'book' in the backend keywords as it may not be allowed.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to explain how to properly fill out the seven backend keywords for Amazon KDP to maximize book sales.

Why is it important to understand the Amazon algorithm when filling out backend keywords?

Understanding the Amazon algorithm is important because it helps you to know how your book will rank in search results for different keywords, which can lead to better visibility and increased sales.

What should you avoid including in the backend keywords section?

You should avoid including keywords that are already in the title and subtitle, as well as any form of metadata manipulation such as using terms like 'free', 'sale', 'new', 'bestseller', or competitors' names and book titles.

How does the KDP system handle multiple keywords in one box?

KDP mixes and matches keywords in the same box, creating various combinations that your book can rank for, thus increasing its visibility across different search terms.

What is the trade-off between using one keyword per box versus multiple keywords in the same box?

Using one keyword per box may result in a stronger ranking for that specific term, while using multiple keywords in the same box can lead to a weaker ranking but cover more search terms.

What are some methods to find keyword ideas for the backend keywords section?

Methods to find keyword ideas include analyzing competitors' titles and subtitles, using search suggestion expanders, and utilizing tools like Publisher Rocket for keyword research and conversion rates.

Why is it recommended to mix both strategies of using one keyword per box and multiple keywords in the same box?

Mixing both strategies allows you to target high-priority keywords with stronger rankings while also covering a broader range of search terms, maximizing your book's visibility and potential sales.

How can you use the Amazon Search Suggestion Expander plugin?

The Amazon Search Suggestion Expander plugin provides more keyword ideas as you type, offering a wider range of suggestions than the standard Amazon search results.

What is the significance of the green indicators in Publisher Rocket's keyword search section?

The green indicators in Publisher Rocket's keyword search section signify keywords that have a high conversion rate, meaning they are more likely to lead to sales.

What is the recommended approach to using the seven backend keyword boxes?

The recommended approach is to use a combination of one keyword per box for high-priority terms and multiple keywords in the same box for broader coverage. This strategy balances ranking strength with the number of keywords targeted.

What is the role of Publisher Rocket in the self-publishing process?

Publisher Rocket is a comprehensive tool used in the self-publishing process for keyword research, analyzing competition, and optimizing book listings to increase visibility and sales.

Outlines

00:00

📈 Maximizing Book Sales with Amazon KDP Backend Keywords

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on optimizing Amazon KDP backend keywords to increase book sales. The speaker, Sean, explains the importance of using the seven backend keywords effectively and avoiding the inclusion of keywords already present in the book's title or subtitle. He emphasizes understanding the Amazon algorithm and stresses the significance of not engaging in metadata manipulation, which can lead to account suspension. Sean also shares a tip about how KDP mixes and matches keywords, allowing books to rank for various combinations of those keywords.

05:01

🔍 Strategizing Keyword Use for Higher Rankings

In this paragraph, the speaker delves into strategies for using keywords effectively. He discusses the trade-off between ranking higher with fewer keywords versus ranking lower with more keywords. Kindlepreneur Dave Chesson's research is mentioned, highlighting the finding that using a single keyword can lead to a stronger ranking, while using multiple keywords can cover more ground but with less impact. Sean suggests a balanced approach, using a few boxes for one keyword and the rest for multiple keywords. He also provides advice on finding keyword ideas through competitor analysis, search suggestions, and tools like Publisher Rocket.

10:03

🛠️ Utilizing Tools and Techniques for Keyword Research

The final paragraph focuses on practical methods and tools for keyword research. Sean demonstrates how to use the Amazon Search Suggestion Expander and Publisher Rocket's Competition Analyzer to gather keyword ideas from competitors' titles and subtitles. He also mentions the keyword search feature in Publisher Rocket, which provides data on conversion rates and search volumes, helping authors choose the most effective keywords. Sean advises on selecting keywords that show green in Publisher Rocket, indicating high conversion rates. He promotes Publisher Rocket as a valuable publishing tool and mentions his own publishing course for those interested in learning more about building a successful publishing business.

Keywords

💡Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP, or Kindle Direct Publishing, is a platform that allows authors to self-publish their books directly to Amazon. In the video, the speaker discusses optimizing one's KDP account to maximize book sales, specifically focusing on the use of backend keywords to improve book visibility and rankings on Amazon's platform.

💡Backend Keywords

Backend keywords are additional search terms that authors can add to their Amazon KDP book listings to help their books rank in more search results. The video emphasizes the importance of not including keywords already present in the book's title or subtitle and avoiding metadata manipulation to ensure a positive customer experience.

💡Amazon Algorithm

The Amazon algorithm is the system that determines the visibility and ranking of products on Amazon's platform. Understanding how the algorithm works is crucial for authors to optimize their book listings and increase sales. The video provides tips on how to use backend keywords effectively to align with the algorithm's preferences.

💡Metadata Manipulation

Metadata manipulation refers to the practice of trying to trick the Amazon algorithm by using unrelated keywords or terms that are not genuinely representative of the book's content. This practice is discouraged and can lead to account suspension as it negatively impacts the customer experience.

💡Ranking Strength

Ranking strength refers to how high a book appears in search results for a given keyword. The video explains that using a single keyword in a box can result in a stronger ranking, meaning a higher chance of appearing on the first page of search results, whereas using multiple keywords can lead to a weaker ranking across more terms.

💡Keyword Research

Keyword research is the process of identifying the most relevant and high-traffic words and phrases that potential readers might use when searching for books on Amazon. The video provides several methods for conducting keyword research, including analyzing competitors' titles and subtitles, using tools like the Amazon Search Suggestion Expander, and Publisher Rocket.

💡Publisher Rocket

Publisher Rocket is a software tool used by authors for keyword research and book marketing on Amazon KDP. It provides data on keyword search volume and conversion rates, helping authors choose the most effective keywords for their book listings. The video highlights the recent update of Publisher Rocket that shows which keywords convert the best.

💡Search Volume

Search volume refers to the number of times a particular keyword is searched for on a platform, in this case, Amazon. High search volume indicates that a keyword is popular and could potentially lead to more book sales if used effectively in a book listing. The video advises authors to consider search volume when selecting keywords for their backend keyword section.

💡Conversion Rate

Conversion rate in the context of Amazon KDP refers to the percentage of readers who click on a book listing and then go on to purchase the book. The video emphasizes the importance of selecting keywords with high conversion rates to increase the likelihood of sales, as these are the terms that effectively lead to purchases.

💡Book Sales Optimization

Book sales optimization involves using strategies and tools to increase the visibility and desirability of a book on Amazon's platform, thereby leading to more sales. The video provides a comprehensive guide on how to fill out backend keywords effectively, conduct keyword research, and use tools like Publisher Rocket to maximize book sales.

Highlights

The video provides a guide on how to properly fill out the seven backend keywords for Amazon KDP to maximize book sales.

The importance of understanding the Amazon algorithm for better book ranking is emphasized.

It is recommended not to include keywords in the backend keywords section that are already in the title or subtitle.

The best keywords should be in the main title for maximum ranking.

Avoiding metadata manipulation is crucial as it can lead to account suspension.

KDP does not allow ranking for certain terms like 'free', 'sale', 'new', 'bestseller', or 'Kindle Unlimited' in the backend keywords section.

Adding competitors' author names or book titles as keywords is considered metadata manipulation and is not allowed.

KDP mixes and matches keywords in the same box, creating various combinations for better ranking opportunities.

Using a single keyword in a box can result in a stronger ranking for that specific keyword.

Adding multiple keywords in one box can lead to a weaker ranking across more keywords.

A strategy of using a mix of single keyword boxes and multiple keyword boxes is suggested for optimal results.

The video provides tips on how to find keyword ideas by looking at competitors' titles and subtitles.

The Amazon Search Suggestion Expander is a useful tool for generating keyword ideas.

Publisher Rocket is recommended for its ability to show keyword conversion rates and search volumes.

The video suggests using keywords marked green in Publisher Rocket as they have the best conversion rates.

The video creator offers a complete publishing course for those interested in building a publishing business.

A link to Publisher Rocket is provided in the video description for those interested in using the tool.

Transcripts

in this video i'll show you how to

properly fill out your seven backend

keywords for amazon kdp so that you can

maximize book sales

[Music]

what is going on guys sean here welcome

back to my channel where i talk about

self-publishing passive income streams

and retiring early and the many lessons

and failures i learned along the way so

if you're interested in any of those

topics make sure to leave a like and

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bell so you don't miss out on any future

videos that i post so in this video i

want to talk about how to properly fill

out your seven back-end keywords for

amazon kdp because there is a little

trick to it and it's good to know about

how the amazon algorithm works uh it's

always good to understand those kind of

things so it's a quick tip kind of video

and let's get right into it alright so

i'm in my kdp account right now and uh

this is just a dummy title and subtitle

it's somebody else's title that i just

took from amazon so

um just ignore that but this is the

section that i'm talking about when i

say seven back in keywords so these are

keywords that you can enter uh to

have your book rank in these additional

keywords besides the one that you've

entered in the title and the subtitle

okay so it's always a good practice to

fill out the seven backend keywords now

there is a

good way and a bad way of doing it or

actually i feel like it's more so

personal preference and how you want to

do it

but i'll show you the different ways and

how i approach

this section so the first thing to note

is you don't want to include keywords

that are already in the title in the

subtitle so in this case you know we

have the ketogenic diet

keyword in the title so we wouldn't put

that in the seven back in keyword

section because we're already ranking

for that keyword same as keywords you

find or you have in the subtitle as well

so we're just putting other keywords

that you think is good but you couldn't

add in the title in the subtitle in the

seven keywords section okay

um the best keywords that you find

should be in your main uh title okay so

the main keywords should be in your main

title and the subtitle for maximum

ranking so you should be adding other

good but not you know was not better

than the ones that you used in your

title right uh in the seven backend

keywords hopefully that makes sense

so

another thing to consider is you want to

avoid meta data manipulation this is

huge on kdp they always do not like it

if somebody's trying to manipulate

metadata and what that means is trying

to trick the algorithm to show your

books in unrelated keywords unrelated

categories those kind of things

amazon is all about customer experience

so if your book is showing up on

completely unrelated keywords they do

not like that because it does not lead

to good customer experience right

so

they're pretty strict on that you could

lose your account if you abuse that so

what's considered uh metadata

manipulation when it comes to your seven

backend keywords section

is adding some terms right adding

phrases keywords in this section to try

and rank uh for those

keywords so in this case kdp clearly

states that you must avoid terms such as

free you cannot rank for keywords like

free sale new bestseller those kind of

terms also you cannot rank for kdp

kindle unlimited um those kind of like

amazon trademark keywords as well you

cannot put

your competitors author names uh because

you might be thinking that if i put my

competitor's name my book will rank

under my competitor you know when

somebody searched for my competitor my

book will show up and i can probably

leach some sales off of that and you

probably can but that is not allowed

because it's metadata manipulation right

same thing as putting somebody else's

book titles that is also against the

terms so do not do that now here comes a

little trick when it comes to

properly filling out the

keyword box so believe it or not kdp

actually mix and match keywords in the

same box so if you put multiple words

in that one box kdp will mix it up in

all different combinations and rank your

book

in all of the combinations so let me

show you what i mean by going back to

kdp so if you just put one keyword such

as keto diet in this box then you're

only ranking for that one keyword

however if you go and put other keywords

like recipes cookbook

guide

beginners

and just fill out the box right so

perhaps for beginners and we still have

some space

so let's do

vegan

okay so

that couldn't fit there so this is all

the words that we were able to fit and

if you put all these different words in

the same box what uh amazon does is they

will mix and match different

combinations so your book will rank on

keto diet

you also rank for keto diet recipes

keto diet cookbook keto diet guide

keto recipes keto cookbook keto for

beginners diet recipes diet cookbook

diet for beginners you can also rank for

guide for beginners

hopefully that makes sense so basically

all the different combinations that is

inside here now if you understand that

that means you're ranking for so much

more different keywords so a lot of

people think well that's better right if

you can rank on so much different

keywords compared to just one keyword so

a lot of people do this and they pretty

much max out every single box uh for

seven times right for seven boxes and

they just go with that and that is fine

too

but there's actually a little more to

that so kindlepreneur dave chesson has

an article on this so all credits to him

because he's the one that actually uh

tested this you know scientifically i'm

the one that just read that article and

relaying the information to you right

but

he found out that if you only put one

keyword in that box

you obviously will only rank for that

one keyword but you will rank higher so

the ranking strength is stronger if you

only have one keyword

when i say higher than means more chance

to be on page one four in terms of where

you rank

but if you add multiple keywords into

one box you will reach more keywords

because you will be ranking in more

keywords right

but you typically rank

lower so basically it's a trade-off

between ranking and more keywords but

ranking uh

weaker or you can rank in just one

keyword but you rank stronger okay so

which one should you do well what i

recommend is you should do

both you should mix it up so if you have

a keyword that you really really want to

rank for you should probably just use

that one keyword in the box but if you

have a bunch of keywords that you know

uh that is like okay you sh you're

thinking you know probably best to put

it in but you're not really particularly

trying to rank for uh you can just bunch

those in uh the same box so you should

balance both meaning you should probably

use three to four boxes just to put one

keyword

and you can use the rest of the boxes to

just put a bunch of keywords inside

there or if you just have seven

keywords that you really want to rank

for then you can totally just put one

keyword per box seven times sometimes i

do that too so it's basically case by

case but in this video i just wanted to

explain how the algorithm works

so that you can you know decide whether

to put just one keyword or put a bunch

of keywords in the same box now how do

you get keyword ideas right where do you

find uh keywords to put in this seven

keyword section well it's pretty much

the same as any other keyword research

method

you just want to take notes on different

keywords that you find in your

competitors title or the subtitle you

can also use search suggestion expander

so let me show you right now

how to do that all right so this is the

plug-in you can look it up on the chrome

store uh but basically it's called

amazon search suggestion expander it's a

free plug-in and you can get a ton

of different

ideas as you type in the

keywords so if you put keto diet it just

pulls so much more ideas rather than

just the five to ten you know search

results that amazon usually give you

right

so you can pick different uh ones and

then obviously with the combination

example you can just put keto diet for

and then you put

pcos 70 years old one pre-diabetes all

in the same box and it basically just

ranks you on all of that so you can

definitely do that too

other example is just looking at the

title and the subtitle of your

competition and the final example is

with publisher rocket so we're on

publisher rocket right now and i'll show

you actually

using the competition analyzer how to

get your competitor's title in the

subtitle you just basically look at it

and extract

any keywords that you can find so we

have

keto lifestyle that could be a keyword

we can do easy low carb

homemade cooking is a key word so

basically just look at what you see here

like you know boost brain health reverse

disease

and then you can just

get ideas and put it in the seven back

and keywords but another way is to go to

the keyword search section type in your

keyword or anything related

and it's pretty similar to the search

suggestion expander on amazon it'll just

kick you a lot of different uh

keyword ideas for you to go into now if

you don't know which one to use i just

shot a video on this but publisher

rocket

actually made a huge update recently

where the it tells you how well the

keyword converts

on top of how many people are searching

for this keyword on amazon so you can

see the search

volume but you can also see that the

ones that shows green are the ones that

converts the best so those are the ones

that you want to use so you don't want

to use keto diet you want to use the

ones in green now don't quote me on this

but you're not supposed to use the

phrase

book

in the seven backend keywords just like

you cannot use kdp

so

i'm not 100 certain if you put keto diet

book

it's allowed so you should probably

check with kdp on that but in this case

you can do keto diet cookbook for

beginners

keto diet for beginners it is showing

green that means it converts uh the best

out of all these

uh keywords and so you should choose

those to put in your seven backend

keywords so hopefully that made sense

and clarified how you can actually max

out your seven back and keywords this

way

if you want to grab publisher rocket if

you don't own the software yet i highly

recommend it it's one of my favorite

publishing tool if not it is my

number one favorite publishing tool

so the link is below this video and if

you want to learn how i built my

publishing business to over 35 000 a

month in revenue then i do have a

complete publishing course you guys can

check it out in the link in the

description as well as all the tools and

resources that i recommend so thanks for

watching if you enjoy this kind of

videos please leave a like comment if

you have any questions and i'll see you

guys in the next one

[Music]

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