How to Market Your Puzzle Books for Free
So you’ve finally published your first puzzle book — that’s awesome! 🎉 You’ve put in the time, effort, and creativity to make something you’re proud of. But now you’re looking at your Amazon KDP or Etsy dashboard thinking, “Okay, how do I actually get people to find this thing?”
The truth is, marketing doesn’t have to cost you a penny. You don’t need fancy ads or big budgets to start getting sales. What you do need is consistency, creativity, and a few smart strategies.
In this post, I’ll show you how to promote your puzzle books for free using simple methods that actually work — no paid ads, no complicated stuff. Just genuine ways to get your books in front of the right people.
1. Start with a Strong Book Listing
Before you even think about marketing outside of Amazon or Etsy, make sure your book listing is solid. Think of it as your online shop window — if it doesn’t look appealing, people won’t stop to browse.
Start with your title. Be specific and searchable. Instead of something generic like “Fun Puzzles for Everyone,” go for “Relaxing Word Searches for Adults: Large Print Brain Games for Stress Relief.” That tells people exactly what your book is and who it’s for.
Then add a subtitle that includes even more details or keywords. For example: “Over 100 Themed Word Puzzles for Seniors and Adults.”
Your description is where you sell the experience. Don’t just describe the book — make the reader imagine how it feels to use it:
“Take a break from screens and unwind with these calming word searches, designed to boost focus and reduce stress while keeping your brain active.”
Finally, don’t forget your keywords. Fill in all seven boxes on Amazon KDP. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or even Amazon’s search bar (just start typing “word search” and see what comes up). Those phrases can make a huge difference in how often your book shows up in searches. In my experience, keywords = success (or at least a much higher chance of it!).
2. Use Pinterest (It’s Basically a Free Search Engine)
If you’re not using Pinterest, you’re missing out. It’s not just a social network — it’s a visual search engine where people actively look for ideas, printables, and puzzle books.
Create a few eye-catching pins using Canva or any free design tool. Show your book cover, maybe a flat-lay mockup (your book on a desk with a cup of coffee), and add short text like “Relax Your Mind with These Word Searches.”
Add your Amazon link or website in the pin’s URL field. Then post regularly — even two or three pins a day is great. The best part? Pins can keep bringing traffic for months or even years after you post them. It’s slow at first, but trust me, it builds up.
3. Join Facebook Groups and Be Social
Facebook still has a ton of value if you know where to look. There are plenty of groups for both KDP authors and puzzle lovers. Search for things like “Puzzle Book Creators,” “Self Publishing Support,” or “Word Search Fans.”
The trick is: don’t just drop your link and leave. That usually gets ignored (or deleted). Instead, be part of the community. Comment on other people’s posts, share helpful tips, and when it feels natural, mention your books.
“I just finished creating my first large-print word search book for adults — it was so fun! Would love feedback on the cover.”
That sounds human and invites conversation, which is way better than plain advertising. Plus, that can build trust and help you gain loyal customers!
4. Use Reddit and Forums (Carefully)
Reddit is another underrated spot. Communities like r/selfpublish, r/puzzles, and r/books can be surprisingly supportive.
Like with Facebook, don’t just post a link. Be genuine. Comment on threads, help people out, and then, when it fits, share what you’ve made.
“I started designing word search books to help my grandma keep her mind active, and now it’s turned into a little side hustle. Anyone else do something similar?”
That’s relatable and authentic — and people love that.
5. Build a Simple Website or Blog
If you don’t have a website yet, consider starting one. It doesn’t have to be fancy — even a free site with a few pages can do the trick. Platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Wix make it super easy.
Use it as a hub for everything you do. Add pages that show your puzzle books, include links to buy them, and maybe even post short blog articles.
If you already run something like WordGenFree, that’s perfect. You can post your puzzles or guides there and link to your KDP listings. Google loves consistent content, and that can bring organic visitors who might become buyers.
- “Why Word Searches Are Great for Stress Relief”
- “How I Designed My First Puzzle Book on Canva”
- “Best Brain Games for Adults”
Simple topics like these attract readers — and those readers might become your biggest fans.
6. Create Quick Videos (No Need to Show Your Face)
Video content is king right now, but don’t worry — you don’t have to be on camera. You can make short clips showing your puzzle book pages flipping, someone solving a puzzle, or just a relaxing desk setup with your book on it.
Apps like CapCut, InShot, or Canva Video make it super easy. Post them on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Add captions like “Can you find all 10 hidden words?” or “This puzzle book helped me unwind after a long day.”
Videos get way more engagement than static images, and they can drive serious traffic to your Amazon or Etsy page over time. This is my personal favourite — and so far, one of the most effective if your video happens to go viral!
7. Offer a Free Sample Puzzle
Everyone loves freebies. Offering a free puzzle (or a small pack) helps readers see what they’ll get in the full version — and builds trust.
You can post one or two sample pages on your website, or even upload a mini-version on Gumroad or Itch.io. At the end of the file, write something like:
“Enjoyed this free sample? Grab the full 100-puzzle collection on Amazon!”
That little call-to-action can convert curious visitors into paying customers.
Final Thoughts
Marketing your puzzle books for free isn’t about hacks or luck — it’s about steady effort and being genuine. Focus on creating things you’d personally enjoy, talk about them naturally, and keep showing up online.
Start with one or two platforms — maybe Pinterest and Facebook — and stick with them for a few months. Over time, you’ll notice your visibility growing.
Remember: building momentum takes time, but every post, pin, or comment adds up. And when someone messages you saying, “I loved your word search book!” — it’ll make all that effort worth it.
You’ve already done the hardest part — making the book. Now it’s time to share it with the world, one free strategy at a time.