Keyword Research and SEO
Get found by the people who are ready to buy.
Keywords are how people find you on Pinterest. Think of them as the breadcrumbs that lead users straight to your content. If you skip this step, you're basically hoping people stumble onto your pins by accident. Let's not do that. How to Find the Right Keywords Use Pinterest's Search Bar Start by typing a broad term related to your niche into Pinterest's search bar. As you type, Pinterest will auto suggest popular searches based on what real users are looking for. These suggestions are based on actual search behavior. That makes them gold. For example, if you're in the skincare niche and type "skincare routine," Pinterest might suggest: skincare routine for dry skin, skincare routine for acne, or skincare routine steps. Write these down. They're your starting point. Check Out Your Competitors Search for pins similar to what you want to create and see what keywords successful pinners are using in their titles and descriptions. You're not copying. You're learning what's already working in your niche and finding ways to do it better. Use Pinterest Trends Pinterest Trends (available in your business account) shows you what people are searching for right now, broken down by location and time period. Use this to spot seasonal opportunities and trending topics in your niche.
LESSON 02 Other Helpful Tools
LESSON 03 Keep a Running Keyword List
As you gather keywords, compile them into a master list. This isn't a one time project. Pinterest trends shift, and new search terms pop up all the time. Revisit your list regularly and add to it as you discover what's working. Use your keywords in: Board names Board descriptions Pin titles Pin descriptions How to Write Pin Descriptions That Get Clicked Your pin description is prime real estate. It tells Pinterest and your audience what your pin is about, so don't skip it or phone it in. Use Keywords Naturally Place your most important keywords toward the beginning, but keep it sounding natural. No keyword stuffing. Be Clear and Helpful People should instantly understand what your pin offers. No fluff or vague language.
LESSON 04 Include a Call to Action (CTA)
LESSON 05 Tell people what to do next. Examples:
LESSON 06 Click to shop now
LESSON 07 Find out more here
LESSON 08 Save this for later
LESSON 09 Nail Your Titles, Hashtags, and Visuals
A strong pin isn't just about the description. It's the whole package. Pin Titles Use titles packed with keywords that match what your audience is searching for. Example: Best Budget Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin. Hashtags Hashtags are far less important on Pinterest than on other platforms. Pinterest's algorithm prioritizes keywords in your title and description, not hashtags. If you want to use them, stick to 1 to 3 highly relevant ones. Many successful pinners skip them entirely. Visuals This is Pinterest, so your images need to be good. Use tools like Canva to design eye catching pins with clear imagery and text overlays that are easy to read.
Don't wait until your keyword list is perfect to start pinning. Start with what you have, track what gets clicks and saves, and let your own data guide you toward better keywords over time. Real performance beats theory every time.
Keyword research isn't glamorous, but it's what makes the difference between pins that sit there and pins that actually drive traffic. Spend time getting this right upfront, and everything else gets easier.
Action Steps
Check these off as you complete them.