What Is Amazon A+ Content and Why Does It Matter for Indie Authors
If you're a self-published author selling your books on Amazon, you're likely already aware of how competitive the marketplace is. But did you know Amazon gives you a free tool to enhance your product page, build trust with readers, and ultimately sell more books?
That tool is called A+ Content.
A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content) allows you to add visually rich marketing sections to your Amazon book detail page. These sections can include branded banners, comparison charts, author bios, and more—all formatted like professional sales page content that lives right beneath the book description.
For indie authors, it’s one of the easiest ways to:
Make your listing stand out
Build credibility with browsers
Connect emotionally with readers
Encourage more sales and conversions
And the best part? It’s free.
Who Can Use A+ Content?
To qualify, your book must be enrolled in Amazon's KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) program and you must hold the rights to your content. Unlike vendors selling physical goods through Amazon Seller Central, authors don’t need to be part of Amazon Brand Registry to access A+ Content.
As long as you published the book through your KDP account, you can create A+ Content for it. This includes Kindle eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers.
What Can You Include in A+ Content?
Amazon offers a handful of modular layout options (like image/text combos, comparison charts, and full-width banners). While these are templated, there's still room for creativity.
Here are a few elements you can include:
About the Book: Highlight core themes, tropes, or reader promises.
About the Author: Share a personal note, writing background, or your unique perspective.
Quotes or Reviews: Highlight snippets from the book or editorial reviews.
Character Introductions: Introduce your main characters in a fun or emotional way.
Series Comparison Chart: Show how books in a series connect, which to read first, or compare standalone books by theme.
Mood Boards or Aesthetic Imagery: Set the vibe with relevant, on-brand visuals.
Step-by-Step: How to Add A+ Content to Your Book’s Sales Page
Log in to your KDP Dashboard
Go to https://kdp.amazon.com and log in to your account.
Navigate to A+ Content Manager
You can find this under the "Marketing" tab or use this direct link: https://kdp.amazon.com/marketing
Choose Your Marketplace
Select the marketplace you want to add content to (e.g., Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, etc.)
Click "Start A+ Content"
Give your content a name (this is just for internal reference).
Build Your Layout
Use the available modules to build out your content. You can combine multiple layouts, such as a banner at the top, followed by an image-and-text module, and then a comparison chart.
Upload Images and Text
Images must be high quality and meet Amazon’s size guidelines (usually JPEG or PNG, 300 dpi, no URLs or CTAs).
Avoid duplicating your book description or including pricing, promotional text, or external links.
Assign ASIN(s)
Once your content is built, you’ll need to assign it to the correct ASIN(s) for your book(s).
Submit for Review
Amazon usually approves A+ Content within 7 business days.
Tips to Maximize A+ Content
Keep it on-brand: Use your author branding: consistent colors, fonts (as images), and tone of voice.
Focus on the reader's benefit: What will they get from reading your book? What emotions or themes will it deliver?
Use white space: Don’t cram every module with content. Clean, easy-to-read designs convert better.
Repurpose your content: If you have a landing page, mood board, or launch graphics, adapt those for A+ Content.
When Should You Create A+ Content?
Ideally, you'll set up your A+ Content before or during your book launch. That way, when readers land on your product page after seeing your promo, they’re greeted with a polished, professional presence.
But if you already have books out, it’s not too late. Adding A+ Content to your backlist is a great way to refresh older titles and increase conversions from existing traffic.
What Not to Include in A+ Content
Amazon has strict content guidelines. Do not include:
Pricing or promotional language (like "Buy now!" or "Limited time")
External links or website URLs
Customer reviews with star ratings
Guarantees or unverifiable claims
Low-resolution or watermarked images
Your content must also be original. No plagiarizing from other books or listings.
Is A+ Content Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. Studies show that A+ Content can improve your conversion rate (the number of browsers who become buyers) by giving readers more context and visual appeal.
It helps you:
Communicate professionalism
Position your book effectively in its genre
Build reader trust at a glance
And if you’re competing against traditionally published books with polished pages, A+ Content helps level the playing field.
You Don’t Need to Hire a Designer (But You Can)
If design isn’t your strong suit, start with basic modules using your book cover, author headshot, and simple text. Canva can be a great resource for creating aesthetic visuals that fit Amazon’s specs.
That said, if you want to take it up a notch, a freelance graphic designer or book marketer (like me!) can help you design a beautiful, strategic layout.
A+ Content gives you more control over how your book is visually represented to readers.
A+ Content is a free, underused feature that can instantly boost the professionalism and performance of your Amazon book pages. Whether you’re launching your debut novel or breathing new life into your backlist, this tool helps you tell a compelling visual story that invites readers to click "Buy Now."
Start simple, stay consistent with your brand, and watch how a little extra polish goes a long way.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!