Pinterest SEO: How to Find and Use Pinterest Keywords


The thing that will make or break your success on Pinterest is the correct use of Pinterest keywords.

If you’ve tried Pinterest marketing for your business but haven’t seen the progress you’ve heard people raving about, there are most likely some things that you’re missing or doing incorrectly.  Here I’m sharing the most important one which is not using Pinterest SEO a.k.a. Pinterest keywords and not using them correctly.

 
 
Learn why you need Pinterest keywords, how to find them, and where to use them on your account and website with this quick lesson on Pinterest SEO that will make a big difference in your Pinterest marketing.  Pinterest keywords are a must for succes…
 

Why you need Pinterest keywords

You’ve probably heard you need keywords on Pinterest, but why?  Because Pinterest is a visual search engine, not social media. Keywords are the backbone of Pinterest just like Google and they tell Pinterest who you are and what your content is about.  Once Pinterest knows, they can match your content with the people interested in, and searching for, content just like yours.  

Like your website, you need to put keywords in certain places to help the search engine work its magic, but you have to use keywords people are searching for.  This is where the Pinterest search bar lays it out for you so you know the words you should be using rather than the ones you think you should be using.  

How you find Pinterest keywords

Pinterest wants keywords that are the most relevant to your content.

To find the most relevant keywords, you first want to gather a list of topics your content covers.  If you’re a wedding photographer your topics include things like the bride and groom, receptions, flowers, and the wedding party.  If you’re a family photographer you might have topics such as family photography, newborn photography, children photography, seniors photography, etc.  

You’ll find keywords for the topics you gathered and from there you’ll know what your board titles should be, what keywords to include in your board descriptions, pin titles and pin descriptions and profile.


Head to the search bar and type in one of your topics.
 
If it’s a topic being searched for, once you hit enter you’ll see little boxes under the search bar that are deeper searches under that broad topic.

Pinterest Keywords Search Bar


Do those words match up with your content?  If so, great! If not, try different words and see what the search shows.  Sometimes it’s a matter of wording. For example, are you using the word “bridal” versus “bride”?

When you find the keywords being searched for, dig even deeper.  

Maybe your search looks very popular and you have lots of boxes showing up under the search bar.  Are there even better keywords for you to use? Are there keywords that fit your content and your ideal client better? 

How about topic ideas?  Is there one you haven’t thought of?  Try typing in the topic you’re searching for and as you do, watch the drop-down menu Pinterest provides.  It’s showing you popular searches just like Google does so use that information as ideas for searches and other keywords. 


Here’s an example:

Pinterest Keywords Guided Search Example


Where to put your keywords

There are multiple places for keywords that are essential for you to tell Pinterest and the user about you and your content.

Profile description - Who are you?  What do you do? Who do you serve? Use 2-3 of the broader keywords in your description.  Use keywords in your display name, too.

Board titles - These are broader keywords that tell the topic of each board.  What keywords provided good search results? You want topics with plenty of keywords for your board titles.  Remember that these are searched for titles not a fun way of describing your board. Also, don’t use characters or symbols because they’re not being searched for.  For example:// wedding dresses // isn’t being searched for.  Wedding dresses is.  

Board descriptions - This is where you use the keywords that appeared under your broad topic search.  Tell Pinterest more about what your boards are about. Write 2-3 sentences that incorporate those keywords telling the user what they’ll find when they’re viewing your boards. 

Pin titles - Choose 2 keywords that are most relevant to your content and write a description of what your pin is about.

Pin descriptions - Use those same 2 keywords you used in your pin title when writing your pin description.  If there are more keywords that are applicable you can use them here, but again, only use the most relevant to that content.  

When using keywords, it’s better to use fewer quality keywords that are very relevant to your content than more keywords just for the sake of using them.  

Your website - Keywords need to be in your blog post titles, blog post content, URL, and your image names. Those are all places Pinterest picks up information and when the keywords you’re using on your Pinterest match the content on your website, your Pinterest content will rank better.


I hope this post helps you understand the importance of utilizing Pinterest SEO with Pinterest keywords, how to find them, where to use them, and how to use them.  By utilizing those Pinterest tips, you’ll be on your way to an optimized account so your ideal client can find you and your content. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and for more help, I have some suggestions, so
contact me and be sure to follow me on Pinterest to stay in the know.


Where to get more help with Pinterest keywords

The topic of Pinterest keywords can’t be completely covered in a blog post, so while the above information gives you a really good place to start and work on your account, to dig deeper or get help with Pinterest keywords, I have three suggestions:

  1. Take a course.  Hands down the best course on Pinterest keywords is Simplifying Pinterest Keywords by Kathryn Moorhouse.  It goes deeper into all of the topics I did and it goes beyond those topics to understand how Pinterest uses keywords and how to maximize your website to work with Pinterest.  Kathryn is an amazing teacher and her knowledge is incredible. I encourage you to take advantage of any and all resources she offers.

  2. Have me do an account set up or clean up.  I research your keywords, create your board titles, board descriptions, set up your profile, and make sure your settings are maximized.  I’ll give you keywords to use with your pin titles and descriptions and provide action steps specific to your account.

Other posts you might like:
Pinterest: The Key to Your Photography Business Success

How to use Pinterest for Your Business - Going Beyond Keywords and Tailwind


Was this post helpful for you?  If so, I’d love for you to share it on Pinterest!

 
Learn why you need Pinterest keywords, how to find them, and where to use them on your account and website with this quick lesson on Pinterest SEO that will make a big difference in your Pinterest marketing.  Pinterest keywords are a must for succes…
Learn why you need Pinterest keywords, how to find them, and where to use them on your account and website with this quick lesson on Pinterest SEO that will make a big difference in your Pinterest marketing.  Pinterest keywords are a must for succes…