Pinterest works like a search engine for images. People open it to look for ideas, plans, and products. This makes keywords a direct route to being found on the platform.
Pin titles, descriptions, board names, and your profile text all act like search fields. Use the right words, and Pinterest can show your pins to people who are interested in them.
Search drives a big share of Pinterest activity. Recent reporting shows Pinterest has millions of monthly users, and that a large portion of interactions begin with search. It means good keywords can send steady, high-intent traffic to your pins and website.
This post will show how to find the best Pinterest keywords. You’ll learn how to organize them and where to add them on Pinterest so your pins reach the right viewers.
What Are Pinterest Keywords — And How Pinterest Uses Them
When you post on Pinterest, the platform doesn’t just show your content to random users. It tries to display your pin to the right people who are searching for the same topic. For that, you should use proper keywords in the pin.
A “Pinterest keyword” is any word or phrase that describes the subject of your pin — what the content is about. Keywords help Pinterest’s system understand your pin so it can show it to people interested in that topic.
When you use good keywords:
- Pinterest can organize and rank your pins in search results and suggestion feeds.
- People searching for that topic can discover your pin — possibly months or years after you posted it. Pinterest shows older pins when they match a relevant keyword.
- Combined with a strong image and clear design, your pin has a higher chance of getting clicks, saves, or website visits.
This means keywords matter as much (or even more) than visuals when you want long-term visibility on Pinterest.
Pinterest Keywords: How to Research, Organize, and Use Them in Your Pins
How to Do Pinterest Keyword Research
Good Pinterest SEO begins with strong keyword research. You need words and phrases that match what people search for.
You should use terms that fit your niche, match search intent, and attract users ready to click or save your content.
Follow these steps to collect keywords you need for your pins, boards, and profile.
1. Use the Pinterest Search Bar
The search bar gives real search predictions based on user activity. When you type a word, Pinterest shows expanded phrases and related ideas. These suggestions come from active search behavior, so they can guide you toward terms with steady interest.
You can start with one broad phrase. Then build a list from the predictions that appear. Long phrases tend to perform well because they match narrow search intent. For example, instead of “meal prep,” you may find “meal prep for beginners,” “meal prep for weight loss,” or “meal prep vegetarian.”
Use these predictions as your base list. This gives you real terms that Pinterest sees across its user base right now.
2. Use Pinterest Trends
Pinterest Trends shows you real-time changes in keyword interest. You can analyze terms, filter by region, and check for seasonal changes. For example, “winter outfits,” “garden ideas,” and “Black Friday shopping ideas,” will get more searches in certain months.
Search your niche within trends. Write terms with consistent interest and terms that increase with each season. Your goal is to create a mix of evergreen and seasonal keywords. This will help you reach users throughout the year.
3. Check “More Like This” and Related Pins
When you open a pin, Pinterest shows more pins with the same topic. These suggestions help you spot patterns in commonly used keywords. Look at the titles and descriptions on top-performing pins in your niche. Identify repeated phrases.
These ideas lead to new variations you may not have thought of. Add them to your list.
4. Use External Tools
Several tools show keyword suggestions and help you expand your list.
Good options include:
- Pinterest Trends
- Keywords Everywhere
- AnswerThePublic
- Google Keyword Planner
- Pin Inspector
- PinGenerator keyword tool
These tools show queries from Google or Pinterest searches. With them, you can build keyword clusters and spot related topics.
5. Study Pinterest Boards in Your Niche
Top creators build boards using niche-focused names. These names reveal keyword patterns. If the leading accounts in your niche use terms like “digital marketing tips,” “web hosting guides,” or “link building strategies,” there is demand for those topics.
Look at their board descriptions too. Those descriptions often include keyword groups you can add to your own list.
How to Organize Your Pinterest Keywords
Once you prepare your list, save it in Google Sheets or similar tools. This helps you plan content easily and use the right keyword groups on each pin.
1. Create Keyword Buckets
Group your keywords by topic. If you create content about digital marketing, your buckets may include:
- Content marketing strategies
- Email marketing tips to boost CTR
- Best social media management tools
- Social media graphics
- AI tools to generate content faster If you create fitness content, buckets may include:
- Beginner workouts
- Home workouts
- Weight loss tips
- Meal prep
- Running plans This structure helps you match pins with the right group. 2. Build a Keyword Spreadsheet Use a simple spreadsheet. Create columns such as:
- Primary keyword
- Secondary keywords
- Keyword variations
- Long phrases
- Seasonal terms
- Notes
This sheet becomes your reference when planning pins and board updates.
3. Plan Content With Keyword Groups
Your buckets can help you plan weekly or monthly posts. For example, if you are running a home decor business or blog, you can plan content like this:
- Week 1: Home office ideas
- Week 2: Small bedroom decor
- Week 3: DIY wall art
- Week 4: Kitchen storage hacks
This keeps your content tied to search demand.
How to Use Pinterest Keywords in Your Pins
You now have your keyword list. The next step is using those keywords in the right places.
1. Pin Titles
Your title should include your primary keyword. Keep it natural and clear.
For example:
- “Small Bedroom Decor Ideas for Tight Spaces”
- “Meal Prep for Busy Weeknights”
- “Simple DIY Wall Art for Beginners”
Powerful titles help Pinterest understand your pin in seconds.
2. Pin Descriptions
Use your primary keyword at the start of your description. Add two or three related keywords later in the text. Write in natural language, not a list of keywords.
A good structure:
- One opening sentence that includes your main keyword
- A second line that expands on the idea
- A few related terms placed naturally
Pinterest uses your description to match your pin with searchers. A clear description helps your pin reach a more people.
3. Alt Text
Alt text supports accessibility. It also helps Pinterest classify your content. Write a short line that explains the image and includes a keyword naturally.
5. File Name (Optional)
Some creators rename image files before uploading. While Pinterest does not depend heavily on file names, it doesn’t hurt to use a descriptive name.
How to Use Keywords in Your Pinterest Boards
Your boards act as topic containers. When you name and describe them with keywords, Pinterest gains strong context signals.
1. Board Names
Use phrases people search for. For example:
- “Home Office Ideas”
- “DIY Crafts for Beginners”
- “Healthy Dinner Recipes”
Short names work best since they stay easy to read.
2. Board Descriptions
Add a few related keywords in full sentences. Keep the language natural.
A clear description helps Pinterest categorize your content and strengthen your account’s topic focus.
3. Niche Boards Build Topic Authority
Instead of broad categories, create niche boards. For example, instead of “Fitness,” try:
- “Home Workouts for Beginners”
- “Core Workout Plans”
- “Strength Training at Home”
These boards help Pinterest understand your niche. Your pins then rank better in related searches.
How to Use Keywords in Your Pinterest Profile
Your profile gives Pinterest more clues about your niche.
1. Display Name
Add your main niche keyword. For example:
- “Sarah | Home Decor Tips”
- “Mia | Easy Meal Prep”
- “Leo | Digital Product Ideas”
2. Bio
Use one or two strong keywords. Keep your message short.
Good example:
“I share small home decor ideas, DIY wall art, and easy room makeovers.”
3. Profile Categorization
Pinterest looks at the topics in your pins, boards, and bio as a whole. When your profile uses clear keyword groups, Pinterest can send your content to users who search for those topics.
Final thoughts
Pinterest keywords help your content reach the right audience. Good research provides terms that match actual search behavior.
When you organize those terms into keyword buckets, you will get a clear structure for your posting plan. Add these keywords to your pins, boards, and profile. Pinterest can show your content to users searching for ideas in your niche.
A clear keyword strategy creates steady growth. Use these steps, update your list frequently, and continue posting pins with topics your audience wants.
Top comments (0)