Amazon Ads for Authors Explained – New Updates, Better Strategy (2025 Edition)

Publishing a book today is only half the job. Getting it seen is the real challenge. That’s where Amazon ads come in, especially in 2025, when things have shifted fast. More authors are running ads than ever before, and Amazon has quietly added features that could change how books get noticed. The problem is, most writers either feel overwhelmed or stuck. Some waste money because they’re guessing. Others skip ads altogether and wonder why their book isn’t selling. Many writers still ask, Do Amazon ads work for books? The truth is that they can, but only if used the right way. This guide is here to make things easier. It breaks down what’s changed, what works now, and how to avoid mistakes in today’s crowded book market.

Amazon Ads 101 – Understanding the Ad Types for Authors

When authors first look into Amazon ads for books, they’re often confused by the choices. There are three main types: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Lockscreen Ads. Sponsored Products are the most common. They show your book alongside others in search results or on book detail pages. If you’ve ever seen a book labeled “Sponsored”, that’s what this is. It’s great for targeting keywords and showing up where readers are already browsing. 

Sponsored Brands are more advanced. They allow you to advertise three books simultaneously and include a custom headline. These are good for series authors or those with multiple titles. Lockscreen Ads are shown on Kindle devices. They can reach readers who open their e-reader every day, but they work best for books with broad appeal. Sponsored Products are where most new authors begin, and many Amazon book marketing services recommend them for easy setup and quicker returns.

New Amazon Ad Updates Authors Should Know in 2025

Amazon keeps improving ad features, and using the best book marketing tools can help you stay ahead as updates like auto targeting and video ads roll out. Now, the system learns faster and places ads more accurately. This means new authors can use automatic campaigns without feeling like they’re wasting money.

There’s also better data inside the ad dashboard. You can now see which keywords are driving not just clicks, but sales too. This helps authors stop guessing and start adjusting what works. 

Another big shift is the push toward AI suggestions. Advertising Amazon KDP will now recommend bids and even remove bad keywords on its own. That’s helpful, but you still need to keep an eye on it.

Lastly, they’ve added video ads for books in beta. It’s not open to everyone yet, but it shows that Amazon wants to push more interactive content. Staying up to date with these tools gives you a real edge, especially if your competition isn’t paying attention.

Setting Up Your First Amazon Ad Campaign (Step-by-Step)

Running your first Amazon ad might seem tricky, but it becomes simple once you follow clear steps. You don’t need a big budget or special tools to get started. Just focus on the basics, follow beginner-friendly book marketing strategies, and build from there to get steady results.

Step 1: Choose the Right Book and Format

Ebooks are great for getting a broad reach fast. They’re easy to deliver and usually cost less for readers. Paperbacks offer higher profit per sale, so they work well for books with strong reviews. Audiobooks need separate ads through Audible and usually suit later-stage marketing.

Step 2: Select Your Campaign Type

Start with auto-targeting if you’re new or learning how to promote your low-content books. It helps test which keywords and placements work best. Once you see the data, shift to manual targeting. This gives you more control and allows you to scale what’s working while cutting wasted spend.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget

If you’re exploring how to make an ad for a book, start with a $3–$10 daily budget. Raise bids on keywords that perform well. Watch for “budget exhausted” alerts. These signs show when it’s time to scale up without risking too much money early on.

Step 4: Optimize for Conversion

Make sure your Amazon book page is strong before sending traffic. Use a clear, attractive cover, a keyword-rich title, and a short but powerful blurb. Having at least 10 good reviews with a 4-star average builds trust and increases the chances of conversion with Amazon Ads KDP.

Targeting the Right Audience on Amazon

When it comes to advertising Amazon KDP, targeting is important. It decides whether your book gets seen by someone who might buy it—or someone who scrolls past. Amazon gives you a few targeting options. The first is keyword targeting. This means you pick search terms that your readers use. These can be broad or specific, but as in smart book marketing campaigns, the key is relevance. Don’t pick keywords just because they’re popular. 

Next in Amazon Ads KDP is product targeting. This lets you place your ad on specific book pages, usually ones similar to yours. It’s powerful because you’re reaching readers already interested in that type of book. There’s also category targeting. This shows your ad inside certain genre groups. It works well for niche books where the audience is clear. Lastly, Amazon’s auto-targeting uses its system to find readers. It’s hit or miss, but it’s getting smarter in 2025. To succeed, mix and match. Start simple, learn what works, and narrow your focus over time.

Optimizing Your Ad Creative and Copy

A good ad needs more than just the right targeting. It also has to look and sound right. This is why top book marketing services for self-published authors focus heavily on book cover design. If it doesn’t grab attention, people won’t click—no matter how good your targeting is. A strong cover should fit your genre, be easy to read in a thumbnail, and feel professional. 

Next is the ad copy. If Amazon asks for a headline or short text, keep it clear and direct. Mention what the book is about or who it’s for. Avoid clichés like “bestselling thriller” unless it’s true. Instead, say something that sparks interest. Something like “A cozy mystery with heart—and secrets” works better than generic lines. Also, test different versions. A small change in wording can lift your click-through rate. In 2025, Amazon is even testing images and headlines, so make sure whatever you put out matches the feel of your book.

Budgeting, Scaling, and ROI Management

Budgeting doesn’t mean throwing money at ads and hoping they work. It means knowing your limit and tracking results. A daily budget of $5 to $10 works fine for new authors. Then check your average cost per click. If it’s under 50 cents, you’re on track. But clicks alone don’t matter. You want sales. ACoS shows how much you spent versus how much you earned. A 30 percent ACoS is strong and answers the big question: Do Amazon ads work for books?

In 2025, you can also see metrics like ROAS, which supports Amazon advertising for authors by clearly showing what each campaign earns back. Scaling comes next. If an ad performs well, increase the budget slowly. Don’t double it overnight. Watch what changes. Smart budgeting means testing, tracking, and cutting what doesn’t work before it eats into your earnings. Staying informed about current book marketing trends can also guide these decisions.

Advanced Strategies for Experienced Authors

Once you’ve run a few campaigns on Amazon Ads KDP and seen results, it’s time to step up. One smart move is segmenting. That means running different ads for different goals—like one ad for visibility, another for conversions. Another is retargeting. In 2025, Amazon started quietly allowing ads to show again to users who clicked but didn’t buy. Another key move is learning how to market a book on social media alongside your ad efforts.

You can also build campaigns based on reader behavior. For example, if readers often buy your book after seeing a competing title, set a product-targeted ad on that book. Test dayparting too; run ads during hours when sales happen. Lastly, use negative keywords. This tells Amazon not to show your ad for certain terms, saving you money. These advertising Amazon KDP strategies help authors who want to turn ads into a long-term growth tool, not just a short experiment.

Measuring Success and Making Adjustments

Launching your ad is just the beginning; the real work starts after. If you’re figuring out how to make an ad for a book, start by checking impressions to see if your ad is even being seen. If not, raise your bid slightly or try using more effective keywords. Then look at clicks. If impressions are high but clicks are low, your cover or ad text may need work. After that, study sales data. Amazon now shows how each keyword performs. Pause on that spend but don’t sell. Boost the ones that do. 

Every few days, make small tweaks as part of smart Amazon advertising for authors. Adjust your bids, remove poor keywords, or test new ones. Avoid changing everything at once. Keep a simple log of what you updated and when. That way, if your results drop, you’ll know what to reverse. Even the top book marketing services use this kind of careful tracking to keep their ads on target. It may not be exciting, but it’s how hit-or-miss ads turn into steady winners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Amazon Ads

Amazon ads for books work well if you know what you’re doing. Many authors start without a plan and end up disappointed. Don’t waste money guessing. Learn what works, test slowly, and stay involved. If your book is for kids, these top children’s book marketing services can guide you toward better targeting and long-term growth.

• Using keywords that are too broad, like “fantasy” instead of “fantasy romance.”
• Letting auto ads run too long without checking or adjusting them.
• Forgetting to update your ads when your book has a new cover or a lower price.
• Turning off ads too quickly before they’ve had time to work.
• Ignoring the ad dashboard and not tracking how your money is spent.
• Expecting ads to work like magic without staying involved or making changes.

Amazon Ads vs. Other Book Marketing Platforms

Amazon Ads for books are ideal when you’re targeting readers ready to buy. They work best for direct conversions. Facebook and Instagram ads are more suited for growing your email list and building awareness among new readers. BookBub ads are perfect for experienced authors because they let you reach audiences who already follow similar books. Google and YouTube ads are helpful when you’re promoting non-fiction, especially if you’re trying to build a long-term brand presence or catch people searching for related topics.

The best strategy often mixes platforms. Amazon advertising for authors works well for driving book sales. At the same time, Facebook ads can help grow your email list and keep readers engaged. BookBub ads are great during limited-time promos or launch weeks. If your book falls under a faith-based category, professional Christian book marketing services can help you use each platform wisely without wasting your budget.

Conclusion 

The landscape for Amazon Ads KDP keeps shifting, but the basics remain the same: know your reader, test smartly, and watch your numbers. In 2025, tools are getting better, but that doesn’t mean they’ll do the work for you. Authors who succeed with ads are the ones who stay involved, adjust often, and keep learning. There’s no perfect campaign, just steady improvement. If you take the time to understand how ads work and avoid shortcuts, you’ll start seeing real results. Ads don’t guarantee success, but they do open the door wider. For any author serious about getting their book seen, learning Amazon ads is essential.