When you’re trying to write and sell short steamy romance fiction on Amazon, finding the right keywords is everything. Keywords are what connect readers to your stories, whether they’re searching for “forbidden workplace romance” or “spicy billionaire novella.” But if you’re on a budget, paying for expensive tools might not be an option. Don’t worry—you can still uncover golden keywords without spending a cent. Here’s how.
Why Keyword Research Matters for Romance Writers
Before we get into the tools, let’s talk about why this matters. Romance fiction is one of the hottest categories on Amazon, especially in the Kindle Unlimited market. However, with that popularity comes insane competition. Your keywords help you stand out by ensuring readers looking for exactly what you offer find your book instead of someone else’s.
Whether you’re targeting “best friends to lovers” or “hot alpha wolf shifter,” nailing those keywords means snagging readers who are already searching for books in your niche.
Fun Fact
Keywords don’t just help readers find your books—they also influence how Amazon categorises them. Pick the right terms, and your story will show up on pages where your ideal reader hangs out. For more on optimising your Amazon listing, check out my guide to crafting killer descriptions and titles
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1. The Amazon Search Bar Hack
Amazon basically gives you keyword ideas for free. Here’s how to use it:
- Step 1: Open an incognito (private) browser window. This prevents your own search history from messing with the suggestions.
- Step 2: Go to the Books > Kindle Books section on Amazon.
- Step 3: Start typing words related to your story. For instance, type “billionaire romance,” and Amazon will auto-suggest phrases like “billionaire romance novella” or “free billionaire romance Kindle books.” These are actual terms people are searching for.
- Step 4: Add variations connected to your story’s themes. Trying “spicy shifter romance”? Amazon might spit back results like “spicy shifter love triangle Kindle.”
🎯 Pro Tip: Mix these suggestions into:
- Your book’s title.
- Subtitle.
- Backend keywords on KDP.
For a deeper understanding of how to use backend keywords effectively, check out our article, Top Tips for Amazon KDP Success.
This simple process can uncover dozens of terms readers are actively hunting for.
2. Diving Into Reddit Communities for Ideas
Sometimes, your best readers hang out on Reddit. Subreddits like r/eroticauthors or niche ones like r/SluttyConfessions are goldmines for not only story ideas but also for keywords. Here’s how to use Reddit for research:
- Search Threads for Trends: Look for common tropes or themes people talk about, like “power play romances” or “taboo step-sibling love.” These discussions often include buzzwords you can sprinkle into your listing.
- Title Scavenger Hunt: Scan posts for spicy phrasing. A title like “Heated Encounters at the Ski Lodge” could inspire keywords for your next novella.
- Ask Questions Yourself: Become part of these communities. Writers sharing tips might use terms you can spin into search phrases.
💡 Example: If someone posts “I’m obsessed with dark mafia romance,” you could explore similar keywords like “dark bad boy mafia Kindle” or “steamy mafia novella.”
You can also read our guide on finding story ideas from Reddit and online trends to make the most of these brainstorming sessions.
3. Explore Google Trends for Hot Tropes
Google Trends isn’t specific to books, but it’s amazing for spotting tropes people are curious about. Here’s how to use it:
- Type in a keyword like “forbidden romance” or “reverse harem.”
- Set the region to major Amazon audiences—like the US, UK, or Canada.
- Look at the Related Queries section for inspiration. Phrases like “taboo billionaire affair Kindle” might pop up.
Pair rising trends with the existing demands you see on Amazon for maximum impact. For instance, if cowboy romances are peaking on Google and they’re also popular on Amazon, you’ve got yourself a solid keyword.
For more insights on staying ahead of trends, take a look at how to identify rising tropes in erotica.
4. Use Pornhub Reports for Keyword Themes (Yes, Really)
Hear me out—this isn’t as wild as it sounds. Every year, Pornhub releases reports on the most popular search terms. While they’re aimed at an entirely different audience, the searches overlap with common tropes in steamy romance. For example:
- Popular terms like “lesbian,” “threesome,” and “step fantasies” can reveal niche interests.
- Research which of these terms pair well with your niche. A “lesbian billionaire office romance” novella might hit the jackpot.
📌 Just keep it classy! Whatever you borrow should fit the style and tone of your story.
5. Free Keyword Tools You Can Use Today
There are some tried-and-true tools that cost nothing but can still deliver great keyword lists:
Google Keyword Planner
Though it’s built for online ads, it’s also a handy free resource for researching keyword popularity. Search terms like “taboo romance,” and the planner will show you how often people search for it and suggest related keywords.
Ubersuggest
Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest helps generate long-tail keyword ideas. You can type in your niche keyword and see related suggestions, search volume, and competition level.
Keyword Sheeter
If you want a massive dump of keyword ideas, this tool spits out hundreds of terms based just on a single seed word. For example, type “billionaire romance,” and you’ll get variations with hot keywords like “spicy billionaire vacation.”
Keyword Surfer
This free Chrome extension shows search volume directly in Google search results, letting you see which keywords are worth pursuing.
Already using these tools?
Learn how to integrate your findings seamlessly into your book’s metadata with our step-by-step optimiser guide.
6. How to Organise and Apply the Keywords You Find
Once you have a big juicy list of keywords, how do you use them?
- Book Title: Slide your main keyword in naturally. Example: “Steamy Nights with the Billionaire.”
- Subtitle: Add a long-tail phrase. Example: “A Forbidden Second-Chance Romance.”
- Amazon Backend Keywords: Use the less obvious terms you unearthed, like “spicy office affair novella.”
- Description: Use keywords to craft a compelling blurb. Not just to rank better, but to hook readers emotionally.
Check out our guide to writing book descriptions that sell for more practical tips.
Aim for relevance over stuffing. Keywords are only helpful if they genuinely reflect your book’s content.
TL;DR
Yes, there are plenty of free tools for keyword research, and they’re perfect for romance writers on a budget. Whether you’re typing into Amazon’s search bar, mining Reddit for spicy trends, or combining Google tools, the key is consistency. Play around with the suggestions, adapt them to your story’s vibe, and keep refining over time.
🎯 The more on point your keywords, the more you connect with readers who’ll love—and buy—your stories. Now go forth and conquer that Amazon marketplace!