Introduction
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on crafting compelling book titles and subtitles. My name is Peter, and I have built a seven-figure publishing business with over eight years of experience in publishing. Throughout my journey, I have created numerous titles that have achieved best-seller status on Amazon.
The promise of this blog post is to share essential knowledge on how to boost your book’s visibility and sales by crafting the perfect title and subtitle. You’ll gain actionable insights that can help you rank well on Amazon and attract your target audience effectively.
What is a Title vs. a Subtitle?
Understanding the distinction between a title and a subtitle is crucial for book marketing. Let’s delve into their definitions and roles:
Title
A title is the primary text that people will see when they come across your book. It forms the first impression and is typically displayed in a bigger font on the book cover.
Example:
- Keyword Search: “dog training”
- Title: “Puppy Training Book for Beginners”
Subtitle
A subtitle supports the title by providing additional details about the book. It usually appears in smaller text beneath the title and helps clarify the book’s content and value.
Example:
- Subtitle for “Puppy Training Book for Beginners”: “Everything You Need to Know to Train Your Pet with Ease”
By looking at these examples, it’s clear that the subtitle enhances the reader’s understanding of the book and can contain keywords to improve searchability further.
The Importance of the Title
Creating the title before the manuscript is essential. Here’s why:
- Guides Your Writing: Having a clear title helps you incorporate relevant elements into the book, ensuring it aligns with the title’s promise.
- Second Point of Contact: After the book cover, the title is the next thing people notice. A well-crafted title can significantly impact your book’s success.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Titles help your book rank for specific search terms on Amazon.
Example Titles for Different Keywords
- Short-Tail Keyword: “Dog Training”
- Long-Tail Keyword: “Dog Training for Beginners”
- Extended Long-Tail Keyword: “Dog Training Book for Seniors Over 60”
Amazon’s Algorithms and Their Impact on Titles
Amazon operates as a paid search engine, similar to Google but with a focus on products. People on Amazon are ready to buy, which makes keyword targeting essential.
Differences Between Short-Tail and Long-Tail Keywords
| Keyword Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Tail | Dog Training | General keyword, high competition |
| Long-Tail | Dog Training for Beginners | More specific, lower competition |
| Extended Long-Tail | Dog Training Book for Seniors Over 60 | Very specific, minimized competition |
The purpose of your title and subtitle is not only to inform your customers but also to help Amazon understand what your book is about and who should see it.
The Role of the Subtitle in Book Marketing
A well-crafted subtitle plays multiple roles:
- Clarifies Content: Provides additional details that support the title.
- Contains Keywords: While not mandatory, including keywords can improve searchability.
- Balances Appeal: Ensure it is compelling and balanced without keyword stuffing.
Tips for Crafting Effective Titles and Subtitles
- Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Refrain from overloading your title and subtitle with keywords.
- Avoid Repetition: Don’t repeat words unnecessarily as it can lead to issues with KDP.
- Convey Benefits: Highlight unique benefits readers will gain.
- Avoid Ambiguity: Ensure titles are clear and understandable.
- Check for Trademark Terms: Avoid legal issues by checking for trademarked terms before finalizing.
Examples of Good vs. Bad Titles and Subtitles
Bad Title Example
Title: The Canine Conundrum Carousel Navigating the Lath…
Issues:
- Overly complicated
- Keyword stuffing
- Repetition of words
- Too long
Better Title Example
Title: Dog Training for Beginners
Subtitle: Master Crate, Potty, and Obedience Techniques for a Happy, Well-Behaved Pup Without the Stress
Benefits:
- Clear and concise
- Contains targeted keywords
- Highlights benefits such as a well-behaved pup and stress-free training
Analyzing Successful Titles to Improve Your Own
Study successful versus unsuccessful book titles to understand what works. Here are some tips:
- Copywriting Skills: Learn to write compelling copy that attracts readers.
- Understand Customer Needs: Convey benefits that readers care about (e.g., saving time or money).
- Pattern Recognition: Identify common successful strategies in other popular titles.
Live Title and Subtitle Analysis
Let’s analyze some live examples from Amazon:
Keyword Search: “Dog Training for Beginners”
| Title | Subtitle | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Training for Beginners | Everything You Need to Know to Train Your Pet with Easy with Crate Training, Potty Training, and Obedience Training | Contains repetition of the word “Training”, which might lead to issues with KDP, needs grammar check (can be done by ChatGPT |
| Ultimate Puppy Training Guide | Train in Just Four Weeks | Highlights quick result (benefit), lacks clear subtitle benefit but effective overall |
| Dog Training 101 | Step-by-step Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog | Clear benefit (well-behaved dog), uses “step-by-step” indicating ease of use |
Keyword Search: “Keto Diet”
| Title | Subtitle | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Plan | Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Reverse Disease | Time-specific benefit (30 days), contains multiple relevant keywords |
| Keto Diet After 60 | A Comprehensive Guide to Aging Backwards | Targets a niche market (seniors), highlights unique benefits related to aging |
| Five Ingredient Ketogenic Diet | Easy Low-Carb Recipes with Minimal Ingredients | Unique angle (minimal ingredients), reduction of cooking efforts (benefit) |
From these analyses, patterns emerge that can guide you in crafting effective titles and subtitles for your own books.
Best Practices for Creating Your Title and Subtitle
- Highlight Clear Benefits: Ensure your title/subtitle conveys clear benefits.
- Maintain Keyword Relevance: Use relevant keywords naturally.
- Grammar Check: Utilize tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT
- Fulfill Promises: Ensure your content delivers what your title/subtitle promises to avoid misleading readers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right title and subtitle is pivotal to your book’s success. By applying these strategies, you can craft compelling titles that not only attract readers but also rank well on Amazon.
Best of luck with creating your own bestselling titles and subtitles!
I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into the art of title and subtitle creation for your books.
Feel free to join our free Skool community for self-publishers and gain access to an exclusive self-publishing course worth $2000, alongside connecting with fellow authors for tips, insights, and support!
Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you in the next post!
