If you are staring at the “7 Backend Keywords” slots on Amazon KDP, or trying to upload your book to IngramSpark or Goodreads, you have likely paused.
Do I put “Romance” here? Is “Enemies to Lovers” a keyword or a tag? Does it even matter?
In the self-publishing world, mixing these up can mean the difference between your book appearing on Page 1 of Amazon or getting lost on Page 50. Here is exactly how to differentiate them and where to use them to sell more books.
What is a Keyword? (The “Search” Tool)
In the context of publishing, a keyword is what a reader types into the search bar when they are looking for a book to buy, but don’t have a specific title in mind.
Keywords are the backbone of your Amazon KDP metadata. They are how the algorithm connects a reader’s vague desire (“I want a scary story in space”) with your specific product.
- Where they live: Amazon KDP Dashboard (the 7 boxes), IngramSpark, Google (for your author website).
- The Goal: Rank high in search results to generate sales.
- The Vibe: Broad, commercial, and functional.
- Example: A reader types: “Clean historical romance mystery series.”
Pro Tip for Authors: On Amazon, you don’t need to repeat words. If your keyword is “steamy romance,” you don’t need to put “romance” in another box. Use that space for new words!
What is a Tag? (The “Social” Tool)
A tag is a label used to categorize the “flavor” or specific content of your book. While keywords are for algorithms, tags are usually for humans browsing specific platforms like Goodreads, Wattpad, BookBub, or your author blog.
Tags often describe Tropes and Vibes. They help readers who have already found your book (or your profile) decide if it is exactly their cup of tea.
- Where they live: Goodreads shelves, Wattpad, TikTok/Instagram (hashtags), BookBub, Library catalogs.
- The Goal: Signal the specific sub-genre or trope to the right reader.
- The Vibe: Niche, descriptive, and emotional.
- Example: A reader clicks a tag for: “#GrumpySunshine,” “Slow Burn,” or “HEA Romance.”
The Core Differences
Think of a bookstore.
- The Keywords are the signs on the aisle headers (e.g., “Sci-Fi,” “New Releases,” “Cooking”). They get the customer to the right shelf.
- The Tags are the handwritten staff-recommendation cards pinning a specific detail (e.g., “Great twist ending,” “Dragons!”, “Make me cry”).
| Feature | Keywords (Amazon/KDP) | Tags (Social/Goodreads) |
| Primary Audience | The Amazon Algorithm (A9) | The Reader Community |
| Format | Phrases or strings of text | Single words or short hyphenated phrases |
| Focus | What users search for | What users group books by |
| Examples | “crime thriller set in london” | “whodunnit”, “cozy-mystery”, “booktok” |
| Revenue Impact | High (Direct visibility) | Medium (Social proof/branding) |