Introduction
Here’s a weird thought — Amazon sellers and psychic octopuses actually have something in common: they both win by knowing what’s coming before it happens.
In the case of sellers, though, it’s not intuition or eight arms — it’s Amazon keyword research.
We get it. Keyword research doesn’t sound like the sexiest part of selling online. But at Kanhasoft, we’ve seen firsthand that it’s often the difference between a listing that collects virtual cobwebs and one that’s printing money while you sleep. One of our clients actually once said, “I thought my product was the problem — turns out, it was just invisible.”
Amazon isn’t like Google. It’s a buying engine. People don’t come to Amazon to browse cat memes — they’re ready to buy. And if your product doesn’t show up when they type, click, or speak their query… well, it’s basically stuck on a desert island.
Keyword research isn’t just SEO fluff — it’s sales strategy. And in this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 Amazon keyword research tips that we actually use for our clients (and ourselves).
Why Amazon Keyword Research Matters
Let’s play a quick game of logic: No visibility = No traffic. No traffic = No clicks. No clicks = No sales.
This isn’t philosophy — it’s Amazon SEO.
Unlike traditional SEO, Amazon doesn’t care how clever or poetic your product title is. It wants relevance, precision, and purchase intent — all delivered in a tight package that aligns with the Amazon product keywords buyers are already using.
Amazon’s algorithm (known as A9, and recently A10 in some updates) doesn’t just crawl your listing — it crunches engagement metrics, relevance, and yes, keyword placement. If you’re not doing solid Amazon keyword research, you’re handing your competitors the sale before the shopper even scrolls.
We’ve worked with brands that had stunning packaging, killer product quality… and page 5 visibility. Why? They chose keywords based on what they thought was important — not what their customers were actually searching for.
Smart keyword strategy isn’t about stuffing in as many terms as possible. It’s about finding what real people type when their credit card is already halfway out of the wallet — and placing those exact phrases where the algorithm can find them.
Do it right, and the Amazon product ranking magic starts working for you.
Tip 1: Start with Seed Keywords
Every powerful keyword strategy starts with something simple: seed keywords. Think of them as the “starter dough” of your Amazon listing — the base terms that spark discovery.
Let’s say you’re selling a yoga mat. Your seed keywords might be “yoga mat,” “non-slip yoga mat,” or “eco-friendly mat.” These are the foundational phrases that real buyers use to start their search.
At Kanhasoft, we always tell clients — do keyword research for Amazon, not for your ego. You might love the phrase “luxury zen fitness pad,” but no one’s searching for that (unless your aunt invented it). Instead, you need to think like your customer. What would they type into Amazon at 11:43 PM after swearing to finally stretch more?
There are tons of tools to help here: Helium 10, Jungle Scout, even Amazon’s own autocomplete bar. Use them. But don’t just copy and paste whatever’s trending. Validate it against your product, your niche, and buyer intent.
The goal is to build a list of seed keywords that are relevant, specific, and aligned with what people want — not what you wish they wanted.
And remember: the right seed can grow into sales that scale.
Tip 2: Use Backend Search Terms Wisely
Ah yes — the mysterious “backend search terms” field. Amazon sellers often treat it like a junk drawer: crammed with leftover keywords, random synonyms, and occasionally… misspellings. But in reality, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Amazon keyword research.
When used strategically, backend search terms give you a hidden layer of discoverability. Buyers won’t see them, but Amazon’s algorithm will — which means you can target keywords that don’t quite fit in your product title or bullets without cluttering your listing.
Here’s the catch: Amazon gives you a limited character count (usually around 250 bytes). That means every character must earn its place. At Kanhasoft, we advise our clients to skip commas, avoid duplicate terms, and focus on highly relevant FBA keyword strategy elements like alternative phrases, regional spellings, and competitor brand terms (carefully).
Want to really level up? Use Amazon seller tools like Helium 10’s Scribbles to monitor keyword inclusion across visible and backend content. This ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Bottom line: the backend field isn’t a dumping ground — it’s your stealth SEO weapon. Use it wisely, and the algorithm just might give you that visibility bump you’ve been chasing.
Tip 3: Analyze Competitor Listings Like a Spy
We’re not saying you should lurk in dark corners of the internet with night vision goggles — but when it comes to Amazon keyword research tips, competitive analysis is as close as it gets to ethical espionage.
Let’s break it down. Your top competitors? They’ve likely poured time (and plenty of money) into figuring out what Amazon product keywords convert best. So why not learn from them?
Start by identifying the top-ranking listings in your niche. What terms appear consistently in their titles, bullet points, and descriptions? Are there recurring phrases that show up across multiple listings? That’s your keyword blueprint — served on a silver platter.
We love using Amazon seller tools like Helium 10’s Cerebro or Jungle Scout’s Reverse ASIN Lookup for this. These tools let you input a competitor’s product and see which keywords drive their traffic. It’s like hacking the Matrix — legally.
But here’s the twist: don’t just mimic blindly. Look for keyword gaps — terms your competitors missed or underused. These are golden opportunities to rank with less competition.
Tip 4: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords and Buyer Intent
If you’re still targeting keywords like “phone case,” we need to talk. Broad keywords are fine for billion-dollar brands — but for most sellers, they’re the fast lane to invisibility (and frustration).
Here’s where long-tail keywords come in — those juicy, hyper-specific phrases like “shockproof iPhone 14 case with MagSafe” or “black vegan leather yoga mat for hot yoga.” These aren’t just more targeted — they’re packed with buyer intent.
When we do keyword research for Amazon, we prioritize phrases that signal the shopper knows exactly what they want. Why? Because these users are closer to the “Add to Cart” button — they’re not browsing, they’re buying.
Yes, long-tails tend to have lower search volume, but the conversion rates? Often much higher. That’s why they’re a cornerstone of any solid Amazon SEO and FBA keyword strategy.
We’ve seen clients double their daily orders just by switching their focus from high-volume, vague terms to laser-focused long-tails. No change in product. Just better targeting.
Tip 5: Track and Tweak Regularly
If you treat Amazon keyword research like a “set it and forget it” checklist, we’ve got bad news: your product might be silently slipping into search result oblivion.
Amazon’s marketplace isn’t static — it’s a digital jungle that shifts daily. New competitors enter, trends change, and the A9 algorithm keeps evolving like it drinks too much coffee. That’s why ongoing optimization is part of every effective FBA keyword strategy.
Tracking your keyword performance over time helps you understand which terms are driving traffic, which are converting, and which ones are just eating space. Tools like Keyword Tracker (Helium 10) or Sellics can show how your Amazon product ranking changes for each term — across devices and regions.
We advise clients to review their keyword data monthly. Remove underperformers. Replace them with rising trends. A/B test bullet points. And yes — sometimes even rewrite the product title if the numbers demand it.
You wouldn’t drive a car with a dirty windshield and no dashboard. Why run a product listing without monitoring its keyword health?
Personal Anecdote: When a Niche Term Changed Everything
Here’s one of our favorite stories — and yes, it’s 100% real.
A client came to us selling artisanal soy candles (great product, even better packaging). They were targeting keywords like “scented candle” and “aromatherapy gift,” but their listings weren’t converting. Visibility was okay-ish, but sales? Not so much.
So, we dove deep into their niche, customer reviews, competitor listings, and… Reddit threads (don’t judge). That’s where we stumbled across a golden keyword: “candle for migraine relief.”
Turns out, many customers were buying these candles specifically for that reason — the clean-burning soy, the natural oils, the lack of harsh scents. But the listing never said that.
We re-optimized the product title, added that term to the bullets and backend, and within two weeks, the product ranked top 3 for the phrase. Sales spiked. Reviews rolled in. The client was thrilled. (They sent us candles. We’re not mad about it.)
The lesson? Sometimes, the most powerful Amazon product keywords aren’t the ones with the highest volume — they’re the ones that speak directly to a problem your product solves.
And Amazon SEO done right? It’s not just about visibility. It’s about understanding your audience better than they understand themselves.
The Role of Amazon Seller Tools
You could technically do Amazon keyword research with just your brain, a spreadsheet, and a caffeine-fueled sense of adventure. But honestly? Why work harder when you can work smarter — with tools built for the job?
We’ve tested dozens of Amazon seller tools over the years — from the sleek and sexy to the bloated and buggy. A few favorites consistently rise to the top:
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Helium 10: Practically the Swiss Army knife of keyword tools. From Cerebro (reverse ASIN) to Magnet (keyword discovery), it’s powerful, precise, and packed with data.
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Jungle Scout: Great for market research and spotting product trends. Keyword Scout is solid, especially for newer sellers.
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AMZ Tracker: Strong on keyword rank tracking and alerts, though the UI could use a glow-up.
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SellerApp: A solid all-in-one option with intuitive features for both PPC and keyword research.
Here’s the catch — tools are only as smart as the person using them. Don’t fall into “tool paralysis,” where you obsess over dashboards but never actually optimize anything. The best Amazon keyword research tips come from combining tool data with human strategy.
At Kanhasoft, we don’t just use tools — we build custom ones for clients who outgrow cookie-cutter solutions. Because no software knows your brand quite like you do.
Amazon SEO vs FBA Keyword Strategy
If Amazon SEO is the engine, FBA keyword strategy is the fuel mix — and using the wrong one can make the whole thing stall.
Here’s the thing: not all keyword strategies are created equal. Selling via FBA changes how and where your keywords should shine. Why? Because FBA listings tend to get better placement by default (thanks, Prime eligibility!), but that also means stiffer competition.
We advise sellers to approach keyword research for Amazon with fulfillment method in mind.
For FBA products, front-load high-converting, purchase-intent keywords into the title and bullet points — especially those that hint at speed, convenience, or Prime delivery. These buyers expect fast shipping, so terms like “shipped by Amazon” or “fulfilled by Amazon” often resonate.
With FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) products, you may need to target more niche, less competitive keywords — especially long-tail phrases where you’re less likely to be out-ranked by Prime listings.
Also worth noting: FBA sellers should optimize their back-end search terms for international markets — especially if you sell in regions like the UK, UAE, or Switzerland. Alternate spellings and local jargon can boost visibility significantly.
Keyword Research for Product Listing Optimization
Here’s where the magic happens — applying your hard-earned keyword research directly into your product listing. But beware: good Amazon product keywords can still fail if you stuff them into your listing like socks into an over-packed suitcase.
At Kanhasoft, we’ve audited enough Amazon listings to know most sellers fall into one of two traps:
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They underuse keywords and miss ranking opportunities.
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They overstuff listings, which annoys both the algorithm and the buyer.
The sweet spot lies in strategic product listing optimization. Here’s our go-to structure:
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Title: Place your primary keyword early. Think “Men’s Leather Wallet RFID Blocking – Slim Bifold” instead of “Slim Stylish Wallet for Men.”
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Bullet Points: These should flow like natural language but include 1–2 long-tail keywords each. Think “Designed for heavy-duty workouts” not “gym gloves, gym gloves, gym gloves.”
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Description: Use this space for storytelling. Sprinkle in secondary and LSI (latent semantic indexing) keywords. Keep it readable.
Don’t forget formatting. Use spacing, caps, and symbols (sparingly) to make information digestible. And whatever you do — avoid copying your competitor’s listing verbatim. It doesn’t help with Amazon SEO, and it could get you flagged
How Kanhasoft Helps Amazon Sellers Get Results
We don’t just preach Amazon keyword research — we live it. At Kanhasoft, we’ve been building, customizing, and optimizing Amazon seller systems for over a decade, and we’ve helped sellers across industries and continents scale smarter, not harder.
Here’s how we roll:
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We analyze your current listings to uncover missed keyword opportunities, content gaps, and optimization issues.
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We build custom Amazon seller tools for tracking keyword performance, syncing backend search terms, and simplifying A/B testing.
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We provide data-backed strategy, not cookie-cutter advice. Your product is unique — your keyword game plan should be, too.
One of our recent clients — a niche electronics brand from Switzerland — saw a 3x revenue jump in just 90 days. What changed? Their listing wasn’t just prettier; it was search-optimized and buyer-aligned.
Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling your FBA empire, we bring the technical expertise and marketing finesse to help you compete (and win) on Amazon’s ultra-competitive stage.
Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s take a breather and look at what not to do — because in our experience, avoiding these blunders is half the battle in smart Amazon keyword research.
Mistake 1: Obsessing Over High Search Volume Only
We get it. That 50,000 searches/month keyword looks tempting. But if it has intense competition and low purchase intent, it’s a trap. Focus on relevance over volume — always.
Mistake 2: Keyword Stuffing Your Product Listing
Shoving every keyword into your title and bullets like you’re hoarding search terms is a fast way to tank your Amazon product ranking. The algorithm can spot it. So can customers — and neither will be impressed.
Mistake 3: Copy-Pasting from Competitors
Sure, your competitor is ranking well. But blindly copying their listing ignores your product’s unique selling points. It’s lazy, risky, and counterproductive to long-term product listing optimization.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Mobile Optimization
Most shoppers browse on mobile. Long, cluttered titles and dense bullet points get chopped or skipped. If it doesn’t read cleanly on a phone screen, it’s time for a rewrite.
Mistake 5: “Set and Forget” Mindset
Keyword trends shift. New competitors pop up. Seasonality affects searches. If you’re not revisiting your keyword strategy monthly, you’re already behind.
Avoid these, and you’re halfway to a smarter, more effective listing.
Checklist: Is Your Keyword Strategy Amazon-Ready?
Before you hit that “Publish” button on your shiny new listing, run it through our battle-tested checklist. If you can’t confidently check off each item — pause and tweak. Trust us, your future sales will thank you.
- Have you used real Amazon seller tools to identify your core keywords (not just guesses)?
- Does your product title include a high-volume, buyer-intent keyword — ideally placed near the beginning?Are your bullet points readable, benefit-focused, and naturally infused with long-tail keywords?
- Did you include relevant backend search terms, free of duplicates and punctuation?
- Have you scanned competitor listings for keyword gaps or inspiration (without straight-up copying)?
- Are your keywords optimized for mobile shoppers (clean structure, front-loaded info)?
- Do you have a plan to revisit keyword performance monthly and make iterative improvements?
If you scored a perfect checklist — congrats! You’re on track for Amazon SEO glory. If not? Well, there’s no shame in tweaking until it’s right.
Conclusion
At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, Amazon keyword research is the backbone of your entire selling strategy. Without it, you’re flying blind — hoping a shopper will stumble upon your product like it’s a hidden gem. Spoiler: they won’t.
But with the right keywords, the right placement, and the right tracking mindset? You turn your listing into a conversion machine.
At Kanhasoft, we believe in building smarter Amazon businesses. That doesn’t mean chasing every new trend — it means mastering fundamentals like Amazon SEO, optimizing with intention, and tweaking until the data smiles back.
So whether you’re launching your first product or optimizing your hundredth, remember this: Visibility drives clicks. Relevance drives sales. And strategy drives everything.
And if you ever get stuck? You know where to find us — just one keyword away.
FAQs
Q. What are backend search terms in Amazon?
A. Backend search terms are hidden keywords entered into your Amazon Seller Central listing that customers don’t see — but Amazon’s algorithm does. They’re crucial for improving Amazon product ranking without cluttering your visible content.
Q. How often should I update my Amazon keywords?
A. We recommend reviewing your Amazon keyword research every 30–45 days. Search behavior changes, competitors evolve, and new trends emerge — your listings should too.
Q. Which tools are best for Amazon keyword research?
A. Some of our go-to Amazon seller tools include Helium 10, Jungle Scout, AMZ Tracker, and SellerApp. Each has strengths, but Helium 10 offers the most comprehensive keyword features.
Q. Do keywords affect Amazon PPC campaigns?
A. Absolutely. Strong keyword research isn’t just for organic rankings — it directly impacts your Amazon PPC performance. The better your keyword alignment, the higher your Quality Score and the lower your cost per click.
Q. How many keywords should I use in a product listing?
A. There’s no magic number. Focus on relevance and clarity. Include 1–2 primary keywords in your title, several secondary/long-tail terms in bullets and description, and 5–10 backend terms — all while keeping it natural.
Q. Can Amazon keyword research help boost product ranking?
A. Yes, and dramatically. Effective keyword research aligns your product with what buyers are searching for, which increases clicks, conversions, and ultimately, Amazon product ranking.
