If you’re an author, you’ve probably been asked to provide your publisher’s marketing folks with a list of keywords for your latest novel. If you’re me, you’ve been given that “product packet” and asked to provide yet more keywords, preferably better ones, when you’re writing the cover copy for said book.
When the Internet was newer than it is now, I only vaguely understood the purpose of keywords. I’m a little better at it now, but MacGregor Literary’s Amanda Luedeke has put together a great introductory article that will help you get a handle on keywords:
Think of it … in terms of an online search. Keywords tend to be the words that you type in when looking for, say, “chocolate cake recipe” or “cheap oil change in Atlanta.” Keywords come in both short-tail and long-tail form. The short-tail contains simple, generic words or ideas, like “romance novel” or just plain “romance.” These keywords have a large reach. The long-tail form is usually two or more of the short-tail words put together … typically phrased like a question or a thought. This narrows the keyword’s reach and creates a more specific phrase that targets a smaller audience. So, while “romance novel” targets all romance novels and romance readers, “difference between sweet and contemporary romance” zeroes in on those specific romance genres and that specific problem. Long-tail keywords will reach fewer people, but the people they DO reach will tend to be perfect matches. Short-tail keywords have more of a spaghetti-to-wall approach. You throw them out there, and see what you end up with.
Wonder no more!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”