How to Use Keywords to Boost Your Book’s Discoverability
Read on to learn how to position your book for success on the market and grow your audience by effectively using keywords. Pick up additional self-publishing tips on The Inspired Choice Podcast.
How to Use Keywords to Boost Your Book’s Discoverability
Our last post discussed how to research and select the appropriate keywords for your book. However, identifying the right keywords is only one step. This week, we’ll take a step further and explore how to use those keywords effectively to boost your discoverability.
Incorporating Keywords in Book Metadata
Metadata includes vital information about your book, such as the title, subtitle, book description, BISAC categories, and, of course, keywords. Platforms like IngramSpark and KDP allow authors to craft and manually insert their own metadata, giving indie authors control over how their book is positioned on the market.
KDP allows up to seven keyword terms/phrases, and IngramSpark may allow more if they fit within the maximum character count (though they also recommend seven). You should use the maximum number of keywords allowed on each platform in order to reach the widest, most relevant audience possible. However, keywords aren’t limited to these sections. You should also use keywords in other elements of your metadata. Remember: Each element presents an opportunity to optimize your book's visibility.
Your title and subtitle are often the first items readers see and should include your primary keywords to improve your book’s searchability. The book description, too, should integrate high-ranking keywords.
Just try not to stuff your keywords, as this can lead to penalties from search algorithms. Keyword integration should be organic and flow seamlessly with the rest of the description. Crafting a compelling book description is no easy task, but 1106 Design is here to help.
Also, check your spelling, and try not to use punctuation in keywords (except semicolons to separate keywords at IngramSpark).
Monitoring and Adjusting Keywords for Book Performance
Selecting keywords is not a one-time task. Authors who wish to stay ahead of the latest market trends and keep their book competitive should continuously monitor and adjust their keywords for optimal performance. After your book is published, track your sales data, reviews, and overall visibility to determine if any changes to your keyword selection are needed.
If you find customers complaining that your book wasn’t what they were expecting, you should revisit your description, BISAC categories, and keyword choices to determine if any improvements should be made. Or, if your book isn’t ranking as well as hoped for, it may be time to try out other keywords. Different keywords trend at different times.
You can also gather feedback directly from your readers by engaging with them via social media, newsletters, or your website. This can help you keep up with their preferences and the latest terms they’re using.
Once you make updates, allow ample time for each platform to incorporate them and adjust.
Conclusion
Adding keywords to your book's metadata, monitoring performance, and adapting to changes in the market are essential for maintaining long-term visibility and engagement. Effective marketing is an ongoing, time-consuming engagement.
And, of course, before you market your book, you should ensure it’s the best it can be. That means thorough editing, stunning cover design, expert interior design and layout, and releasing your book in multiple formats to capture every possible sale. Contact us today to learn how 1106 Design can help.
In case you missed it…
How to Select Keywords for Your Book
Click here to explore how to research keywords and why they're important.
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