What Are Pinterest Keywords + How to Use Them: Expert Guide [2025]

What Are Pinterest Keywords?

If you’ve been asking yourself this question, you came to the right place!

I am a Pinterest expert with over 10 years of experience on the platform, and as a Pinterest Manager, I use keywords on a daily basis when optimizing content for my clients.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about what keywords are, how to use them, and where to use them, so you can use Pinterest in the most effective way even in 2025!

Let’s dive in!

What Are Pinterest Keywords?

Pinterest keywords are the words and phrases that users type into the search bar when looking for content on the platform.

These terms serve as the bridge between searchers and creators, helping Pinterest’s algorithm understand, categorize, and deliver the most relevant content to users.

Unlike traditional SEO keywords that focus primarily on Google search, Pinterest keywords are often unique to the platform and focused on visual aspects of the question.

While Google keywords often revolve around questions and information-seeking, Pinterest keywords frequently center on inspiration, ideas, and aspirational content.

For example, on Google, you might find keywords like:

• things to do in London
• best restaurants in London
• where to stay in London

While on Pinterest, the search is much more aspirational and visual:

• London aesthetic
• London night life
• London outfits
• Instagram Locations London

Understanding how Pinterest uses these keywords is very important, because it is the key to content visibility on the platform.

What Happens When You Use Keywords Correctly

When you optimize your pins with the right keywords, two important things happen:

• Search Visibility: Pinterest will show your pins to a small part of your existing audience to see how they engage with it, and it may also be shown in search results for your keyword.
• Saves to Grow: As the users save your content, it signals to Pinterest that it’s high-quality content and will be distributed to a wider audience.

These two points are super important.

You need to use the right keywords to increase the visibility of your content initially, but any further growth beyond the initial optimization comes really from the engagement signals on that pin.

So, getting a lot of repins on brand-new content will shoot up your engagement rate and tell the algorithm to distribute it to a wider audience.

Where To Use Keywords on Pinterest

Let’s break down each area where keywords can and should be added to maximize your pin’s visibility.

1. Pin Title

The pin title is one of the most important places for keywords.

Pinterest’s algorithm heavily weights these words when determining what searches your pin should appear in.

Pinterest will scan your title for any keywords, so it can understand what your content is about, and what audience to show it to.

Here are my top tips for Pinterest title keywords:

• use them as early as possible in the title
• use some sort of benefit in the headline
• avoid overly click-bait style headlines
• stick to the recommended character limit
• test different variations of headlines for your pins

2. Pin Description

Your pin description provides space to expand on your title and incorporate additional relevant keywords naturally.

Ideal length: 100-300 characters. While Pinterest allows up to 500 characters, most users won’t read descriptions longer than a few sentences.

On mobile, it is also much shorter so the users will only see a few of the first words of your description – make it count.

How to optimize descriptions:

• Include 2-3 long-tail keywords naturally within the text
• Add context that might not fit in your title
• Include a clear call-to-action – I like to use ‘save for later’ to increase engagement signals

Example of a well-optimized description:

“Transform your living room with these cozy fall decor ideas perfect for small apartments. Learn budget-friendly ways to create autumn ambiance without cluttering your space. Save this to your home decor board for later!”

Notice how the keywords (italicized) flow naturally within conversational text. This is much more effective than keyword stuffing, which can actually harm your visibility.

3. Image Alt Text

Alt text is often overlooked because you can only add it if you’re using the native publisher on Pinterest.

In my experience, it doesn’t seem to have much more weight in the algorithm, so if you’re not using it, it’s not something to stress about.

If you happen to use the native publisher on Pinterest (meaning pinning manually via the platform), feel free to use it and optimize it for your keywords, making sure it’s descriptive and not just used for stuffing keywords.

4. Text on Pin Graphic (Text Overlays)

Did you know that Pinterest can actually “read” the text on your pin images?

Their optical recognition can scan not just what’s in the image, as in objects, but also read what text is displayed in there.

This is a tremendous opportunity to optimize your pin more and give it the highest chance to be seen by more users.

How to ensure your text is scannable:

• Use clear, legible fonts
• Ensure high contrast between text and background
• Keep text concise and keyword-focused

Design tip: Combine your main keyword with a clear benefit statement. For example, “Fall Decor Ideas for Small Spaces” tells both what the content is about and who it’s for.

5. Board Titles and Descriptions

Do not neglect the keywords used on your boards – this is the most common mistake I see clients make.

Boards are collections of pins grouped by a specific theme, and this should not be completely random.

You should not use cute or branded board names, but research them as keywords and use them with properly optimized descriptions.

The relationship between your pin and the board to which it is pinned has a lot of weight in the algorithm, so do not underestimate the importance of also optimizing your boards for SEO.

Example:

• Generic board: “Home Stuff”
• Keyword-rich board: “Fall Home Decor’

Read more about board SEO here:

• What Are Pinterest Group Boards + How to Use Them to Grow Your Traffic
• Pinterest Board Ideas: Use These Board Names to Rank Faster
• How to Merge Pinterest Boards: Step by Step Tutorial
• How To Create A Board On Pinterest: Expert Step by Step Tutorial

How to Find Pinterest Keywords That Actually Rank

Knowing where to place keywords is only half the battle—finding the right keywords to target is also very important.

Here are a few keyword research methods I use when finding the best content opportunities for my clients.

1. Pinterest Search Bar Autocomplete

The Pinterest search bar is the most valuable (and free!) keyword research tool at your disposal.

When you start typing in the search field, Pinterest suggests popular search terms based on actual user behavior.

These are displayed in a specific order – so the suggestions on the top will have more searches than the suggestions at the bottom of the list.

To use this method effectively:

• Type a seed keyword related to your content
• Note all the autocomplete suggestions
• Click on one suggestion, then delete one word to generate new related terms

This method reveals exactly what Pinterest users are actively searching for, giving you direct insight into popular terms.

2. Pinterest Trends Tool

Pinterest Trends offers a more data-driven approach to keyword research. This free tool shows you:

• Relative popularity of search terms over time
• Seasonal spikes in interest
• Related terms and topics
• Geographic differences in search behavior

This tool is particularly valuable for planning seasonal content, as you can see exactly when interest in topics like “Halloween costumes” or “summer recipes” begins to rise, allowing you to publish content in advance of peak search periods.

You can also use it to find low competition long tail keywords, by using the filters on the left side – use the keyword filter and type in a broad keyword, or use the filters for interests.

3. Analyzing Top-Performing Pins

Competitive research is another powerful strategy for keyword discovery:

• Search for your target topic
• Examine the top-ranking pins
• Note the keywords they use in titles and descriptions
• Look for patterns in how they structure their keyword usage

This reverse-engineering approach helps you understand what’s already working in your niche.

4. Pin Inspector Tool

This is a paid tool, but very inexpensive (one off payment) and it will pay for itself almost immediately.

Pin Inspector allows you to do keyword research much faster and also more methodically, allowing you to find dozens of relevant keywords in a matter of minutes.

Here are a few articles where I illustrate how I use it:

• How To Create Pinterest Board Strategy with Pin Inspector
• Pinterest Marketing Hacks: 3 Ways to Use Pin Inspector for Explosive Growth
• Pinterest SEO Keywords: How to Find Low Competition Keywords in Seconds
• 7 Best Pinterest Traffic Tips For Bloggers: How to Grow Pinterest Traffic FAST

Long-Tail Keywords: Your Secret Weapon

While broad keywords like “healthy recipes” or “home decor” have high search volume, they also face intense competition, making it difficult for new content to rank well.

This is where long-tail keywords become invaluable.

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that typically have lower search volume but much higher intent and conversion potential.

On Pinterest, these detailed search terms reflect users who know exactly what they’re looking for, and are much more likely to click on the result.

For an effective long-tail keyword research, combine these elements:

• Core topic (wedding dress)
• Style/aesthetic (vintage-inspired, bohemian, minimalist)
• Features (with sleeves, backless, tea-length)
• Occasion/season (winter wedding, beach ceremony)
• Audience (for curvy bride, for petite frame)

Make sure these exists on Pinterest as search predictions.

Why Pinterest Keywords Matter for SEO Beyond Pinterest

The benefits of a strong Pinterest keyword strategy extend beyond the platform itself.

Pinterest has exceptional domain authority, meaning pins often rank well in Google Image search and in regular search on all the different search engines.

This creates a double opportunity: by optimizing your Pinterest content with the right keywords, you potentially gain visibility on two big search platforms.

Common Pinterest Keyword Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes you should avoid for Pinterest keywords:

1. Keyword Stuffing

Cramming repetitive keywords into descriptions doesn’t help—it hurts. Pinterest’s algorithm recognizes natural language patterns and may penalize content that appears manipulative or spammy.

2. Using Overly Broad Terms

Targeting only high-volume, general keywords puts you in competition with established accounts and makes it difficult to stand out.

3. Ignoring Seasonal Shifts

Pinterest users search differently throughout the year, with interest in topics like “Halloween decorations” or “summer recipes” following predictable patterns.

4. Neglecting Board Optimization

Many creators focus solely on individual pins while ignoring the SEO potential of their boards.

5. Inconsistent Keyword Strategy

Using different keyword approaches across pins, boards, and your website creates confusion about what your content represents.

Develop a consistent keyword framework for your niche and apply it systematically across all Pinterest assets.

How to Track Keyword Performance

Implementing a keyword strategy is just the beginning—measuring its effectiveness allows you to refine your approach over time.

Here’s how to track whether your Pinterest keyword optimization is working:

Pinterest Analytics

If you have a business account (free to create), Pinterest Analytics provides valuable insights:

• Top-performing pins by impressions, saves, and clicks
• Which boards generate the most engagement
• Audience demographics and interests
• Which pins drive traffic to your website

Pay particular attention to the “Top Pins” section to identify which keyword approaches are generating the most traction.

Google Analytics

Set up Google Analytics to track Pinterest as a referral source. Look for:

• Which pins drive the most website traffic
• Engagement metrics for Pinterest visitors (time on site, pages per session)
• Conversion rates from Pinterest traffic compared to other sources

Pin Inspector

Pin Inspector allows you to analyze a lot broader range of data when it comes to your account than Pinterest analytics.

You can get a ton of valuable insights thanks to the connection with Pinterest API, which provides more data points and more detailed insights compared to Pinterest Analytics.

Conclusion: Pinterest Keywords as Your Growth Engine

Pinterest keywords aren’t just technical SEO elements—they’re the main connection points between your content and the audiences searching for exactly what you offer.

By understanding how Pinterest’s search ecosystem works and strategically placing your content within it, you will transform random posting into purposeful audience building.

Want to Learn More?

Sign up for my newsletter to get access to my free Pinterest Mini Course.

This PDF guide will give you a crash course in Pinterest Marketing – plus I included access to my free AI tool for creating SEO optimized titles & descriptions.

Love it? Save it for Later!

Save these for later so you can find this article when you need to refer back to it. You will also find lots of practical tips and guides on my Pinterest profile, so don’t forget to stalk me there.