If readers can’t find you, they can’t read your book. If they can’t find your book, they can’t fall in love with your characters or story.
That’s the blunt truth.
And in a world where algorithms, AI search, and book discovery all rely on language, keywords are the single most important visibility tool you have. They’re how readers tell platforms what they want—and how you show those same platforms that your book is what the reader is looking for.
But keywords aren’t just SEO terms or hashtags you throw at your posts. They’re psychological markers—clues that tell a reader, “this book is for me.” When used correctly, they form a bridge between how readers search for your book, how platforms categorize content you’ve posted, and how your marketing pulls them in.
How to Use Keywords and Hashtags to Help Readers Find Your Books
In this post, I’m going to show you how to use hashtags and keywords like a searchlight—so new readers can find your books, follow you deeper into your world, and eventually join your email list because they want more.
Hashtags vs. Keywords: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
Hashtags are search signals on social media.
Keywords are search signals on your website, blog, emails, or even social media captions.
Both are ways readers search for more of what they already want: more tropes, more vibes, more books like the last one they loved.
If you’ve ever searched Instagram for #forcedproximity or Googled “books like Beach Read but darker”… then congrats, you’ve already acted like the kind of reader who wants to be found by the right author.
Now let’s flip that and make sure your posts are showing up when someone else does the same thing.
Why Hashtags and Keywords Actually Matter
Most authors aren’t struggling with what to say—they’re struggling to be seen.
And here’s why that happens:
Their keywords are too vague (“romance” vs “grumpy sunshine second chance small town romance”)
They don’t optimize for search (no alt text, no captions with SEO, no hashtags)
They focus only on current followers, forgetting that every post is a billboard for future ones
The reality is, readers don’t always follow you because of your last book—they find you when they’re searching for their next one.
What Hashtags & Keywords Should You Use
Use a stacked system that speaks to both search intent and reader type.
Here’s the 10-level keyword system to add to content:
- Industry-level: General book terms, broadest reach, high volume, general visibility. Examples: “romance books” “booktok” “romance authors of IG” “romance book blog”
- Genre-level: More specific to what you write, defining your main genre. Examples: “contemporary romance” “historical romance” “romantic suspense” “paranormal romance author” “books like Outlander”
- Trope and theme: What the reader is emotionally searching for. The core emotional dynamic. Examples: “forbidden romance” “grumpy sunshine” “single dad small town romance” “enemies to lovers” “fake engagement” “love triangle”
- Story elements: Specific plot points, elements from your story. Examples: “blind date” “different worlds” “fatal attraction” “clean and wholesome” “steamy romance”
- Emotion-Based Keywords: These speak directly to the feeling a reader wants to experience. They are powerful for social media algorithms and search engines. Examples: “make you cry romance” “feel good romance” “angsty reads” “swoony romance” “swoon worthy books”
- Reader-Specific Keywords: These are used to build a niche community around a specific type of reader, the reader’s identity. Examples: “book nerd” “readers of Instagram” “book lover”
- Format-Based Keywords: Where your book can be found and consumed. Examples: “Kindle Unlimited romance” “audio book lover” “Audible books”
- Time-Based Keywords: Relevance to a season or moment. Used to capitalize on specific moments and seasons. Examples: “summer reads” “new release” “new book alert” “holiday romance”
- Personal, branded: These are the keywords to find your content directly. Examples: “YOUR NAME books” “BOOK SERIES TITLE” “BOOK TITLE” “CHARACTER NAME” “YOUR COMMUNITY GROUP NAME”
- Fan Content Layer: Keywords that show you have extras to offer. Examples: “YOUR NAME bonus epilogue” “CHARACTER NAME character profile” “Exclusive short stories from YOUR NAME”
You need the first 6 keywords to be found!
The algorithm primarily detects layers 2-5 (genre – trope – story element – emotional payoff). This is your DISCOVERABILITY layer!
Readers in this layer are more likely to new-to-you readers, and are wanting a brand new book (and don’t know you) are typically use a combination of levels 1-8 to find a book they want to read.
Everything else (audience – format – time – branding – fan) happens after discovery – these are engagement and retention layers.
Readers in this layer are typically readers who are familiar with you and your books. They’ll typically use those keywords that are branded to you and encourage loyalty and conversion.
Use Hashtags & Keywords to Help Readers Actually Find Your Books (and Keep Reading)
Ever felt like you’re shouting into the void on social media or your blog? You’re not alone—but it’s probably not your content. It’s your keywords. Or more likely, your lack of them.
Authors often get told to “just post more.” But the real problem is that most of those posts aren’t findable by the readers who are actually looking for them.
Let’s break down how this actually works through what I call The Reader’s Map Method — a five-step process rooted in the psychology of how readers search for books.
The Psychology of the 5 Search Steps
Step 1: The Identity Check
Layers: Industry + Genre
Reader’s Question: “Is this for me at all?”
Every reader begins here. Before a reader ever considers clicking, downloading, or buying, they’re running a split-second filter in their mind: Does this belong in my world?
If you’re a historical romance reader and a post doesn’t include “historical romance,” your brain instantly discards it. It’s irrelevant. It hasn’t passed your identity test.
That’s why industry-level and genre-level keywords—like #romancebooks, #historicalromance, #romcombooks, or #darkromance—matter more than authors realize. They help readers instantly recognize your story’s world.
If you skip this layer, your content disappears into the digital noise. Readers simply scroll past because they never even realize your book is their kind of book.
Example:
On social media: “If you love small-town contemporary romance with a side of spice, meet your next book boyfriend.”
On SEO/author blog: “The Best Small Town Contemporary Romance Books for Readers Who Love Real-World Love Stories.”
That one phrase—“small town contemporary romance”—immediately signals identity alignment.
Step 2: The Emotional Trigger
Layers: Trope + Story Elements
Reader’s Question: “Will this feel like what I crave?”
Once a reader knows a book fits the genre they’re looking for, they search for the emotional arc they’re hungry for. They’re not just looking for romance—they want a specific payoff. The tension. The setup. The fantasy.
This is where your tropes and story elements take center stage.
Terms like #EnemiesToLovers, #FakeEngagement, #ForcedProximity, or #SecretBaby aren’t just fun hashtags—they’re emotional cues. They tell a reader exactly what kind of emotional ride to expect.
Without these, your book looks generic. With them, you’re suddenly offering exactly what they came for.
Example:
Blog title: “10 Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books That Deliver the Perfect Tension”
Social caption: “She can’t stand him. He can’t stop thinking about her. Enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and one unexpected kiss.”
Every word reinforces that emotional trigger the reader is chasing.
Step 3: The Vibe Match
Layers: Emotion + Audience
Reader’s Question: “Does this author and story speak to me?”
Now we’ve entered the connection phase. The reader knows what the book is—now they’re asking if it feels right.
This is where emotion-based and audience-specific keywords do the heavy lifting. Phrases like #AngstyReads, #FeelGoodRomance, #SwoonWorthyBooks, or #BookClubReads tell the reader what kind of emotional space your story occupies.
Pairing those with audience cues like #RomanceBookClub or #ReadersOfInstagram builds community and trust. It says: You belong here. This author gets you.
Example:
Hook: “Looking for a romance that makes you cry and smile in the same chapter? Welcome home.”
Blog post: “The Most Angsty Feel-Good Romance Books That Break You Before They Heal You.”
At this stage, the reader has already emotionally bought in. You’re not convincing them—you’re connecting with them.
Step 4: The Logistics Check
Layers: Format + Time
Reader’s Question: “Can I get this, and is now the right time?”
Even when readers want your book, friction kills conversions. This is where logistics come into play.
Readers are practical—they want to know where they can read your book and when it fits into their life. That’s why format-based and time-based keywords matter more than people think.
When you tag or include terms like #KindleUnlimitedRomance, #AudiobookLover, #NewRelease, #WinterReads, or #SummerBingeBooks, you’re helping readers say yes faster.
Example:
Social post: “New release! Enemies to lovers, small town, and it’s free in Kindle Unlimited.”
Blog title: “The Best Holiday Romances to Read This Winter (All Available on Kindle Unlimited).”
You’re giving them no reason to hesitate. You’re removing every barrier between their interest and their purchase.
Step 5: The Loyalty Lock
Layers: Branded + Fan Content
Reader’s Question: “Is this relationship worth investing in?”
Once the reader has finished your book and loved it, their search doesn’t stop—it shifts. They go from curiosity to commitment.
They search your author name, your characters, your bonus content. They want more.
This is where branded and fan-content keywords keep the relationship alive. Tags like #YourNameBooks, #BonusChapter, #DeletedScene, or #ReaderMagnet turn satisfied readers into long-term fans.
Example:
Blog title: “Behind the Book: Deleted Scenes from The Summer We Fell in Love.”
Social caption: “Loved The Summer We Fell in Love? Grab your bonus epilogue in my reader magnet bundle—linked in bio.”
This phase turns a one-time buyer into a lifetime reader.
How Keywords and Hashtags Actually Work Together
You use keywords and hashtags for different jobs.
Keywords are for search—Google, Pinterest, AI, or any platform where people type what they’re looking for.
Hashtags are for categorization—TikTok, Instagram, Threads—where people scroll through interests.
Think of it this way:
- Keywords speak to the algorithm’s brain.
- Hashtags speak to the algorithm’s filing system.
You need both.
Keywords make your content discoverable; hashtags make it categorized correctly.
Example:
If your keyword phrase is “best small town enemies to lovers romance books,” your hashtags might be: #SmallTownRomance #EnemiesToLovers #FeelGoodReads #RomanceBookTok
They work together to tell the platform: “This content is about this specific type of romance.”
How Layered Keywords Create Long-Tail Visibility
When you combine these keyword layers, you create long-tail keywords—those specific, multi-word phrases that attract readers who are already ready to buy.
They sound like real search phrases, not marketing talk.
Examples of Long-Tail Combinations:
“Best small town enemies to lovers romance books on Kindle Unlimited”
“Feel-good romantic comedies with grumpy-sunshine couples”
“Emotional slow burn romance series for readers who love angst and healing”
Those same phrases can become:
Blog post titles
Social post hooks
Reader magnet titles
Pinterest pin headlines
Email subject lines
Here’s how it looks in practice:
Purpose
Blog Post Title
Social Hook
Reader Magnet Title
You’re not guessing what readers want. You’re literally using the words they’re already searching for.
When Keywords Are Not Hashtags (and When Hashtags Are Not Keywords)
Let’s be clear — keywords and hashtags may look the same on paper, but they function differently depending on where you’re using them.
Keywords belong to search-based platforms — Google, Pinterest, YouTube, even Amazon.
They help you show up when someone types something they’re looking for.
They’re the backbone of SEO.
Hashtags, on the other hand, live on social discovery platforms — Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.
They help you show up when someone is scrolling or following a topic.
They’re the backbone of social discoverability.
How It All Connects: The Full Reader Journey
Let’s tie this together in sequence:
- The reader searches for “best small town enemies to lovers romance books.”
- Your blog post titled “10 Feel-Good Small Town Enemies-to-Lovers Romances You’ll Fall For” shows up in search.
- Inside that post, you include a free bonus offer—“Download my Small Town Romance Starter Pack.”
- Your social post promoting it says, “Because who doesn’t love a small town enemies-to-lovers romance that heals everything it breaks?”
- Your hashtags signal to TikTok and IG what your post is about: #EnemiesToLovers #SmallTownRomance #FeelGoodReads
Each piece connects—reader psychology, keyword usage, emotional triggers, and visibility strategy—all working together to bring the right reader straight to you.
Keywords Are Connection
Keywords aren’t just about algorithms. They’re about empathy. They’re how you meet readers where they are—emotionally and mentally—before they ever meet your book. When you use the right words across every step of your reader’s journey, you’re not just optimizing for visibility. You’re building recognition, emotional trust, and loyalty. The right keyword doesn’t just get you found. It makes a reader feel seen. And in the romance industry, that’s the secret to being unforgettable.