Keyword Research for Authors: Finding What Readers Actually Search
Keyword research isn't just for marketers. Here's a simple approach authors can use to find what readers actually search for.
2-Minute Summary
Keyword research for authors means finding the actual terms readers type into Google and Amazon when looking for books like yours — genre terms, comparable author names, and specific topics — then using those terms naturally in your content.
Why It Matters
Writing content around guesses instead of real search terms means your pages may never match what readers actually type. A small amount of keyword research prevents writing content that technically covers a topic but misses the exact language readers use.
Benefits of Keyword Research
- Content that matches real reader search behavior
- Better odds of ranking for terms with actual search volume
- Insight into comparable authors and genre trends
Step-by-Step: A Simple Process
- Start with Amazon autocomplete — type your genre into Amazon search and note what it suggests
- Check Google autocomplete too — often surfaces different, broader search phrasing
- Note comparable author names — "books like [author]" is a real, common search pattern
- Look at reader reviews of similar books — the language readers use in reviews often mirrors what they search for
- Use these terms naturally — in book descriptions, blog posts, and page titles, never forced or repetitive
Common Mistakes
- Guessing at keywords instead of checking actual autocomplete suggestions
- Keyword stuffing — repeating a term unnaturally throughout a page
- Ignoring "books like X" style comparison searches
Examples
An author writing romantic suspense might discover through Amazon autocomplete that "small town romantic suspense" is a common specific search, and use that exact, more specific phrase in their book description and category selection instead of the broader, more competitive "romance."
Frequently Asked Questions
See below.
How AuthorLoft Helps
AuthorLoft's SEO Audit Tool (Premium) includes keyword density analysis, helping you check whether your content naturally reflects the terms readers actually search for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do authors do keyword research without expensive tools?
Amazon and Google autocomplete are free and reveal real search phrasing — start by typing your genre or topic and noting the suggestions.
Is "books like [author]" a real search pattern worth targeting?
Yes, comparison searches are common and worth targeting in content that positions your work alongside comparable, well-known authors.
What is keyword stuffing and why is it bad?
It is repeating a keyword unnaturally throughout content to try to rank for it. It reads poorly to actual readers and can hurt rather than help search rankings.
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