Pinterest Keywords
Pinterest keywords are the words and phrases people search on Pinterest, and creators use them to help Pinterest understand, categorize, and surface their content in search and recommendations.
What I’d do first
- Start with a seed topic in Pinterest search and use autocomplete and guided tiles to expand.
- Place keywords in profile, board titles/descriptions, pin titles, and pin descriptions.
- Focus on 2–3 core keywords per pin—don't overstuff.
- Use Pinterest Trends to time your content for seasonal peaks.
- Test and refine using Pinterest Analytics; don't set and forget.
Here's how I'd approach Pinterest keywords from scratch.
The path I'd take
- Brainstorm 3–5 seed topics relevant to your niche. For example, if you're in home decor, seeds could be 'living room,' 'bedroom,' 'kitchen.'
- Type each seed into Pinterest search and note the autocomplete suggestions. These are real user queries.
- Click on guided search tiles to drill down. For 'living room,' you might get 'living room layout,' 'living room paint colors.'
- Use Pinterest Trends to validate seasonality. Check if 'cozy living room' peaks in fall or winter.
- Place keywords strategically: profile name/bio, board titles/descriptions, pin titles, pin descriptions. Focus on 2–3 core keywords per pin.
- Test and refine using Pinterest Analytics. See which keywords drive impressions and clicks, then double down.
Watch-outs
- Don't use Google-style wording. Pinterest users search differently. 'How to organize a small closet' might work on Google, but on Pinterest, 'small closet organization ideas' is better.
- Avoid keyword stuffing. One pin with 10 keywords confuses Pinterest. Stick to 2–3 closely related terms.
- Don't ignore seasonality. Publishing 'summer recipes' in October means you'll miss the peak window.
- Don't set and forget. Keyword performance changes. Check analytics monthly and update your sets.
What I got wrong
Early on, I treated Pinterest keywords like Google keywords. I'd stuff a pin with every variation I could think of—'home office ideas, home office setup, home office decor, home office furniture'—and wonder why it didn't perform. Pinterest rewards focus. Now I pick one core theme per pin and build a board around it. Also, I used to ignore Pinterest Trends. I'd publish 'fall fashion' in September, but the real peak was August. Timing matters as much as the keyword itself.
Next step
Quick answers
What are Pinterest keywords?
Pinterest keywords are the words and phrases users type into the Pinterest search bar. Creators use them in their profiles, boards, and pins to help Pinterest understand and surface their content in search results and recommendations.
How do I find the best Pinterest keywords?
Start by typing a seed topic into the Pinterest search bar and noting autocomplete suggestions. Use guided search tiles to expand into longer phrases. Check Pinterest Trends for seasonal patterns. Group related keywords into topic clusters.
Where should I place Pinterest keywords?
Place keywords in your profile name, bio, board titles, board descriptions, pin titles, pin descriptions, and image alt text. Focus on 2–3 core keywords per pin for best results.
What is the difference between Pinterest keywords and Google keywords?
Pinterest users often search with different language and intent than Google users. Pinterest keywords tend to be more visual, inspirational, and action-oriented (e.g., 'easy dinner ideas' vs. 'best recipes').
Sources
Primary documentation is linked directly. Anything commercial is marked nofollow.
- Pinterest Trends — Primary Pinterest tool for trend and seasonality research.
- Pinterest Business Help Center — Official source for how Pinterest search and business features work.
- Google Search Central — Useful for general keyword and search-intent concepts that also apply to Pinterest content planning.
- Pinterest for Business — Official business guidance for content discovery and platform best practices.
Notes from Callum Bennett.