Keyword Research and AI: What Readers Actual Search
“Great content is the best SEO—because good SEO amplifies what already deserves to be found.” —Rand Fishkin, SparkToro
Most new indie authors know they “should” do keyword research, but very few understand how simple (and powerful) it can be. Keyword research in the age of AI isn’t about chasing complicated SEO metrics. It’s about understanding what your ideal readers are searching for, the words they use, and the questions they actually ask.
As AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity rise in popularity, keyword strategy now does more than help your articles rank. It also helps:
- AI engines understand your topics
- AI tools choose your content for summaries
- Your articles match reader intent
- Your books show up in topical or genre-based queries
This part of our SEO, GEO, and AI Search for Indie Authors Series breaks keyword research down in a clear, approachable way—so you can discover the language your readers use and create content that resonates.
What Keyword Research Means for New Indie Authors
Keyword research is simply the process of learning:
- What your readers search for
- How they phrase their questions
- What problems they’re trying to solve
- What challenges or goals they have
- What comparison or buying questions they ask
For authors, keywords fall into two primary categories:
Reader-Focused Keywords
Used when readers want:
- advice
- tutorials
- comparisons
- genre searches
- writing help
- publishing guidance
Examples:
- “how to write a mystery novel”
- “best editing software for authors”
- “YA sci-fi books for teens”
Author-Focused Keywords
Used when authors want:
- publishing information
- marketing help
- writing strategies
- book launch tips
Examples:
- “book marketing for beginners”
- “self-publishing step-by-step”
- “how to get more book reviews”
By understanding both, you create content that meets your audience exactly where they are.
The 4 Types of Keywords Every Author Should Know
Not all keywords serve the same purpose. Here’s the simplest breakdown.
1. Informational Keywords
Used when someone wants to learn something.
Examples:
- “how to outline a novel”
- “what is GEO search”
- “how long should a chapter be”
Informational keywords are perfect for:
- blog posts
- pillar content
- FAQs
- tutorial-style guides
2. Commercial Keywords
Used when someone wants to compare choices.
Examples:
- “Atticus vs Vellum”
- “best AI tools for writers”
- “Kindle vs paperback sales pros and cons”
Great for:
- list posts
- reviews
- comparison guides
3. Transactional Keywords
Used when someone is ready to take action or buy.
Examples:
- “hire a book editor”
- “buy YA sci-fi books”
- “order book formatting services”
These are ideal for:
- service pages
- book sales pages
- pricing or offer pages
4. Navigational Keywords
Used when someone wants a specific place.
Examples:
- “KDP login”
- “Kickass Writers Guide”
- “Scrivener support”
These are helpful for your brand visibility—the more your author name and book titles show up in navigational queries, the better.
How to Find Keywords Your Readers Actually Use
Here’s the simple, no-intimidation keyword research method designed specifically for new indie authors.
Method 1: Use AI Tools (Fastest & Easiest)
Ask ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude:
“Give me 30 keywords readers search for related to [your genre/topic].”
Then follow up with:
“Group these by informational, commercial, transactional, and navigational intent.”
AI keyword brainstorming is simple, fast, and shockingly accurate.
Method 2: Google’s “People Also Ask”
Search your topic on Google. Then look at:
- “People also ask”
- Related searches
- Autocomplete suggestions
These are real questions users are typing right now.
Method 3: AnswerThePublic
This tool shows hundreds of real reader questions.
For example:
Search “self-publishing,” and you’ll get questions like:
- “Is it expensive to self-publish?”
- “How do indie authors market books?”
- “Can you self-publish without social media?”
These are instant blog post ideas.
Method 4: Book Keywords (Amazon-Specific)
Search for books in your genre and look for:
- phrases in titles
- subtitle keywords
- bullet points
- descriptions
Amazon is a gold mine for understanding how readers describe what they want.
Method 5: Social Media Trends
Watch readers on:
- TikTok
- Facebook groups
- BookTok
- Writing forums
Readers reveal their language when they comment, ask questions, or vent frustrations.
What Makes a Keyword “Good” for Indie Authors?
A keyword is “good” if it matches:
- What your target reader searches
- What your content can explain clearly
- Your writing niche or genre
- Real reader intent
- Topics you enjoy teaching or exploring
You don’t need huge volumes, complex tracking, or expensive SEO tools.
You need resonance and relevance.
How to Turn Keywords into Articles Readers Want
Once you have a list of keywords, group them into themes. For example:
Keyword Cluster: “Self-Publishing Basics”
- how to self-publish
- best self-publishing platforms
- self-publishing cost
- print vs ebook
- ISBN vs ASIN
- how long does self-publishing take
Each becomes its own article or subtopic.
Keyword Cluster: “YA Sci-Fi Books”
- YA sci-fi recommendations
- best sci-fi books for teens
- dystopian sci-fi YA
- sci-fi adventure books 12–15
- sci-fi books similar to [popular title]
If you’re writing fiction, these keywords tell you:
- how readers search for books like yours
- how to position your book description
- what tropes or themes readers expect
Why Keywords Matter for GEO & AEO
AI search engines run on meaning, not just words.
Keywords help AI:
- identify your topic
- understand your definitions
- match your content to user questions
- recognize your article as the right answer
- compare your content to similar pages
Clear topics + structured content = a higher chance of being quoted in AI answers.
Real Examples (For Nonfiction & Fiction Authors)
Example 1: Nonfiction Author (Self-Publishing Niche)
Keyword: “how to market a self-published book”
AI-friendly answer starter:
“To market a self-published book, begin with three pillars: audience clarity, platform presence, and consistent outreach.”
Example 2: Fiction Author (YA Sci-Fi)
Keyword: “best sci-fi adventure books for teens”
Book description phrasing:
“If you love fast-paced sci-fi adventures with brave teens, dangerous tech, and a mystery at the heart of the universe, this series is for you.”
Keywords don’t need to be robotic. They guide you to speak your readers’ language.
A Simple Keyword Research Routine (15 Minutes)
Step 1: Pick one topic you want to write about.
Step 2: Ask an AI tool for 20–30 keywords.
Step 3: Group them by intent.
Step 4: Check Google’s “People also ask.”
Step 5: Choose 3 keywords with strong reader intent.
Step 6: Outline a blog post or update your website.
Consistent keyword research compounds over time.
Printable Keyword Checklist (For Authors)
Keyword Discovery
✔ Brainstorm using AI
✔ Use People Also Ask
✔ Check Amazon books
✔ Review social media language
✔ Explore AnswerThePublic
Keyword Evaluation
✔ Matches reader intent
✔ Matches your niche
✔ Clear search purpose
✔ content you can answer well
Keyword Usage
✔ Use naturally
✔ Include in headings where appropriate
✔ Reflect in summaries or definitions
✔ Match to reader intent
FAQs
Do keywords still matter in AI-driven search?
Yes, but differently. Keywords help establish topic relevance. Whereas, intent and clarity determine whether content is reused by AI systems. Keywords open the door, while helpful answers keep it open.
What matters more: keywords or reader intent?
Reader intent matters more. Keywords help identify topics, but content succeeds when it clearly solves the problem the reader or AI system is trying to address.
Do tools matter more than strategy?
No. Tools support strategy, but they don’t replace it. Clear goals, reader-focused content, and consistency matter more than any specific tool.
Can blog content really help sell books?
Yes. Blog content builds trust, visibility, and authority, which makes readers more likely to subscribe, follow, and eventually buy books.
We hope you’ve found the writer’s guide strategies useful and motivating. We hope it’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.
For more guidance, see other writer’s guides in this series, starting with the first one, Is SEO Dead? What to Know About GEO and AI Search. Or see AI Empowers New Indie Authors: 5 Best Hacks.
Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
If you have a draft you want to publish and are wondering how AI can help, read it. Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a nonfiction book, read Write Your First Nonfiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.
Don’t wait. Start today!
