If you’ve been thinking about jumping into KDP Publishing Amazon, you’re not alone. It’s one of the easiest ways to publish a book and start earning some passive income. But—and it’s a big "but"—choosing the right niche is crucial. Trust me, I’ve seen people put loads of effort into creating a beautiful book, only to have it sit there, gathering digital dust. The key to avoiding that? Picking a niche that’s not only popular but also has room for profit.
Let’s walk through how to nail down the perfect niche for your KDP books, whether you're publishing journals, planners, or something totally unique.
KDP Publishing Amazon! What to Know!
1. Understand What Sells on KDP
The first thing to do when looking for a niche on KDP Publishing Amazon is understanding what types of books actually sell. Low-content books like journals, notebooks, and planners are often huge hits, but so are puzzle books, colouring books for adults, and logbooks. And it’s not just about the type of book—it’s about the audience.
Tip: Take some time to browse Amazon’s best-selling categories. Check out what’s currently popular. Are people buying wellness journals? Maybe self-help planners? The Amazon bestseller lists give you a good feel for where the demand is.
2. Look for Under Served Markets
Now, this is where the fun begins. Sure, you could jump on the bandwagon and publish in a super-saturated category, but you’re much better off finding a niche with less competition. One great way to do this is by looking for specific or niche subcategories within bigger genres.
For example, instead of creating a general fitness journal, how about one that’s specifically for new mums? Or instead of a generic budget planner, what about a planner for freelancers? When you narrow down your audience, you stand out - and your book has a better chance of getting noticed.
Real Example: I know someone who published a logbook for pet sitters, and because it’s such a specific audience, their book is now one of the top sellers in that tiny niche. It’s amazing how finding a small gap in the market can make a big difference.
3. Don’t Underestimate Low-Content Books
Low-content books are an incredible way to get started with KDP Publishing Amazon. These are books that don’t require you to write a ton of text, like journals, notebooks, or colouring books. People are willing to pay for well-designed, themed versions of these books.
Popular Ideas for Low-Content Books:
Gratitude journals
Wellness trackers
Sketchbooks for artists
Travel planners
Workout logs
The best part? Once you create a template, you can reuse it for different themes or niches.
4. Leverage Trends and Seasonal Niches
Seasonal niches can be a goldmine on KDP Publishing Amazon. Think about the yearly cycles—people are always looking for planners in December and January, or gratitude journals around Thanksgiving. If you can tap into a trend at just the right time, your sales can skyrocket.
Tip: Tools like Google Trends are a great way to see what people are searching for throughout the year. For example, if you notice a spike in searches for “travel journals” around summer, that’s your cue to publish in that niche before the travel season starts.
5. Tap into What You Know and Love
Sometimes, the best niche is the one you already know well. What hobbies or interests do you have? What unique experiences could you bring to a book? Whether it’s fishing, knitting, or even gaming, there’s probably an audience out there looking for something tailored to them.
Real Example: A friend of mine is a massive hiking enthusiast and published a simple hiking logbook. It didn’t take long for her to start seeing regular sales because she was targeting a passionate community that’s always looking for ways to track their outdoor adventures.
6. Think Long-Term Profitability
While it might be tempting to go after a trending topic, always think about the long-term. Some niches may do well for a few months and then die off (looking at you, fidget spinner books). Instead, focus on niches that will have long-term appeal. Fitness, mindfulness, budgeting, and education are evergreen topics that people are always looking for.
7. Research Keywords (But Don’t Overcomplicate It)
Keywords are your best friend when it comes to KDP Publishing Amazon. They’re how your book gets found, but the key is not to overdo it. You want to find keywords that are relevant to your niche and have enough search volume but aren’t so competitive that your book gets lost in the shuffle.
How to Find Keywords:
Use Amazon’s search bar to type in a keyword related to your niche and see what pops up.
Check out similar books and see which keywords they’re using in their titles and descriptions.
Use tools like Ubersuggest or Publisher Rocket to get keyword ideas.
8. Consider Your Book’s Design and Presentation
The niche may bring people to your book, but the design keeps them there. A poorly designed cover or interior can put people off, even if your niche is spot-on. Make sure your book’s cover stands out and is visually appealing. Use clear, readable fonts, and ensure the layout looks professional.
You can hire a designer from places like Fiverr or Upwork to give your book that polished look, or if you’re more of a DIY person, platforms like Canva are a great option for creating professional-looking covers and interiors.
9. Price Competitively, But Be Smart About It
When you’re starting out with KDP Publishing Amazon, it can be tempting to price your book as low as possible to attract buyers. But here’s the thing—people associate price with value. If your book is too cheap, they might think it’s low quality. Take a look at the pricing in your niche and try to be competitive while still ensuring you make a decent profit.
Tip: If you’re creating low-content books, keep in mind that people are often willing to pay more for something well-designed and niche-specific, even if it’s not packed with text.
10. Keep Testing and Evolving
The truth is, you might not get it right on the first try. And that’s okay. KDP Publishing Amazon is all about testing different niches, designs, and keywords to see what works best. Keep an eye on your sales data, read customer reviews, and always be open to tweaking your approach. You’ll find your sweet spot soon enough.
There’s no magic formula to choosing the perfect niche for KDP Publishing Amazon, but these tips should give you a solid foundation. Whether you're publishing low-content books or diving into a more specific market, finding the right niche is the key to making your books stand out—and most importantly, profitable.
Which niche are you going to try first?
Comments