How to Use Keywords on Pinterest to Boost Visibility & Drive Traffic

Julie Ostmeyer

— 4 min read
How To Use Keywords On Pinterest
How To Use Keywords On Pinterest To Boost Visibility & Drive Traffic

Want to grow your reach and increase traffic on Pinterest? The secret lies in Pinterest SEO and strategic keyword usage. Pinterest isn’t just a social media platform—it’s a powerful search engine, meaning the right keywords can get your content in front of the right audience at the right time.

If you’re ready to optimize your Pinterest marketing strategy, this Pinterest Playbook will show you how to find, use, and maximize keywords to help your content rank higher and drive more engagement.

Let’s dive in!

1. Why Keywords Matter on Pinterest

Pinterest works like Google—it ranks content based on relevance, engagement, and SEO optimization. Using the right long-tail keywords helps your pins, boards, and profile show up when users search for related topics.

Here’s why Pinterest keywords are essential:
✔ Improve pin discoverability
✔ Drive organic traffic to your content
✔ Help Pinterest understand and categorize your pins
✔ Increase engagement by connecting with the right audience

By implementing Pinterest SEO correctly, you can turn your pins into a passive traffic machine!

2. How to Find the Right Keywords for Pinterest

Using the right keywords starts with research. Here are five easy ways to find high-ranking keywords on Pinterest:

  • Start typing a keyword into the Pinterest search bar, and Pinterest will suggest popular searches related to that term.
  • Example: Type “affiliate marketing,” and Pinterest may suggest “affiliate marketing for beginners” or “affiliate marketing tips.”
  • Visit Pinterest Trends to see what’s currently trending in your niche.
  • This is a great way to find seasonal and high-performing keywords.

3. Online Resources

  • Search for long tail keywords in your niche on platforms like SpyFu or Answer The Public.
  • Use similar high-ranking keywords in your pin titles and descriptions.

4. Pinterest Ad Tool

  • Even if you’re not running ads, Pinterest’s ad tool provides keyword insights.
  • You can search for a term and see how many people are actively searching for it on Pinterest.

5. Pin Inspector

  • You can get highly searched keywords on Pinterest in real-time by using Pin Inspector.
  • This powerful software tool uncovers top trending searches, top converting content, and best-performing ads directly on Pinterest!

💡 Pro Tip: Use a mix of broad, niche, and long-tail keywords for maximum visibility.

3. Where to Use Keywords on Pinterest

Once you’ve found the best keywords, you need to place them strategically. Here’s where they matter most:

✅ Pinterest Profile – Optimize your bio with keyword-rich phrases that describe what you offer.
✅ Board Titles & Descriptions – Use relevant keywords so your boards rank higher in search results.
✅ Pin Titles & Descriptions – Add long-tail keywords naturally in your pin descriptions for SEO ranking.
✅ Alt Text (on Images) – Pinterest reads image alt text, so add keywords when uploading your pins.
✅ Hashtags – Pinterest hashtags still help with discoverability, so include 3-5 relevant ones in your pin descriptions.

Example of a Keyword-Optimized Pin Description:
Want to grow your affiliate marketing business using Pinterest? Discover the best strategies for Pinterest SEO, keyword research, and how to create high-converting pins that attract traffic and engagement!

4. How to Optimize Pinterest SEO for Long-Term Growth

Pinterest rewards consistent and well-optimized content. Here’s how to ensure long-term success:

🔹 Create Fresh Pins Regularly – Pinterest favors new content, so design unique, high-quality pins frequently.
🔹 Use a Scheduling Tool – Tools like Tailwind help automate pinning for consistent engagement.
🔹 Engage with Your Audience – Save, comment, and interact with similar content to increase visibility.
🔹 Test Different Keyword Variations – Track what works best and refine your Pinterest keyword strategy over time.

5. Start Using Pinterest Keywords Like a Pro

Now that you know how to find and use keywords on Pinterest, it’s time to put your strategy into action! Keywords are the foundation of Pinterest SEO, and using them strategically will help you grow your reach, increase traffic, and monetize your content effectively.

Want a shortcut to success? Our done-for-you Pinterest business model helps you leverage Pinterest for passive income and lead generation—without all the guesswork.

💡 Next Steps: Choose Your Pinterest Marketing Path

  • If you want to dip your toe in to see if marketing on Pinterest is for you, grab the Pinterest Playbook. It's jam-packed with Pinterest marketing basics and how to get your account set up for success.
  • If you already know that you're ready to dive in, Pinterest Marketing Academy is your next step. It will take you from setting up your Pinterest account to pinning and marketing in no time. This is where I started, and I've never regretted it for a minute.
  • If you see the power of Pinterest marketing but don't want to take the time to learn 'all the things', our DFY Pinterest Business model is a perfect match for you. Kim Ward, AKA the 'Pinterest Queen,' and her team will have your account set up, optimized, and creating leads for you and your business. Simply book a call with Barbara Bonds, her COO, at successwithkimward.com/letstalk for all of the details, and be sure to tell them that Julie sent you! 🫶🏼

🥂 Cheers to successful pinning!

P.S. This blog contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you find something that you love. 🫶🏼 There's no extra charge to you, but I will use it to support my coffee addiction! 😉

Get Notified of New Blog Posts!

Read more