Set-up your Pinterest SEO

Set Up Your Pinterest SEO Mondays by Design

0:00

/471.70927083333333

1×

Let’s talk about identifying your Pinterest keywords, but in a way that actually makes sense and helps you sell.

First, we need to understand something: Pinterest is not Google. Pinterest is a visual discovery engine. Google is a direct answer search engine.

In this post, I'm going to share exactly how Pinterest SEO works, show you how I identified my keywords, show you where I'm using them, and tell you why...

🎨 Pinterest vs. Google (SEO isn't the same for both)

On Pinterest:

• People are planning.
• Dreaming.
• Collecting ideas.
• Searching broad, unbranded phrases.
• Looking for visuals that inspire.
• Shopping with intent

On Google:

• People want answers.
• They search specific long-tail questions.
• They compare search volume + competition (using tools like Semrush).
• Authority + backlinks matter.

Pinterest rewards:

• Fresh content
• Seasonal content
• Discovery terms
• Visuals
• Accurate copy and links

Google rewards:

• Long-term authority
• Backlinks
• Deep long-tail specificity
• Clear search intent

They’re different, but complementary. And yes, your Pins and Boards can show up in Google search results. Pinterest absolutely can be part of your broader SEO plan. But here we’re focused on Pinterest as its own search engine.

✨ Pinterest uses both visual recognition and keyword signals. It understands what your image is, but keywords tell it what your image means and when to show it in search.

🔎 How I Identify Keywords (Step-by-Step Strategy)

Here is exactly how I do it.

1️⃣ Native Pinterest Search Bar

I start inside Pinterest itself.

Step-by-step:

1. Type in a broad word (example: “modern vintage clothes”).
2. Watch autocomplete suggestions.
3. Notice the colored keyword bubbles under the search bar.
4. Click into top-ranking Pins and look at:
   • Their titles
   • Their descriptions
   • Their boards

Pinterest is literally telling you what people are searching.

This is your primary keyword research lab.

2️⃣ Pinterest Trends

I use Pinterest Trends to:

• Compare keyword phrases
• See seasonality
• Identify rising searches

Step-by-step:

1. Search 2–3 versions of the same keyword.
2. Compare which one has stronger trend lines.
3. Look at when it spikes.
4. Plan content 30–60 days before peak season.

Pinterest rewards early planners.

3️⃣ Pinterest Predicts

I check Pinterest Predicts for:

• Emerging aesthetic trends
• Cultural themes
• Future-forward ideas

This is less about specific keywords and more about: “What is about to become searchable?”

You can build content before the wave hits.

4️⃣ The Global Calendar

Pinterest is seasonal.

I use:

• The Pinterest global calendar
• Retail cycles
• Cultural holidays
• Business planning cycles

Example: People search “fall marketing ideas” in July. Not October.

Fresh + early wins.

5️⃣ Tailwind (If You Use It)

If you decide to manage Pinterest using Tailwind, it can:

• Suggest keywords
• Show performance trends
• Help manage content rotation

It’s not mandatory, but it helps streamline research and publishing if you use it.

🗂️ Exactly Where to Use Keywords

Pinterest SEO is layered.

Here’s where keywords belong:

✔ Profile Name

Include your primary business keyword.

Example: “Johanna | Business Matchmaking”

✔ Profile Bio

Use 2–4 strategic phrases naturally.

✔ Board Titles

Clear. Searchable. Not cute. For a modern vintage online store we would ...

Not:
“Moody Mornings”

Instead:
“Modern Vintage Outfit Ideas”

✔ Board Descriptions

2–3 sentences.
Use short + long-tail keywords naturally.

✔ Pin Title

Front-load your main keyword. Keep it readable.

✔ Pin Description (500 characters max)

Short.
Strategic.
Encourage click-through.
Use 2–4 keywords naturally.

Users won’t see most of this unless they click, but Pinterest reads it all.

🏆 The 4 Ranking Factors You Cannot Ignore

Pinterest SEO success depends on:

1️⃣ Domain Quality

If popular Pins link to your website (or wherever you want them to go) accurately, your domain authority rises inside Pinterest.

2️⃣ Pin Quality

Engagement.
Saves.
Clicks.
Fresh visuals.

3️⃣ Pinner Quality

Consistency, activity, relevance

4️⃣ Keyword Relevance

Short + long-tail keywords aligned with what users are searching. Understanding the Pinterest doesn’t guarantee success. Without strong visuals and consistent publishing, ROI stays low. <– this doesn't mean you need to be in there every day, this isn't creating hour long reels in IG. We'll get to content creation for Pinterest (not today).

⏰ How Often Should You Check Keywords?

• Monthly: Check Pinterest Trends for seasonality shifts.
• Quarterly: Refresh board descriptions.
• Every 30–60 days: Review top-performing Pins.
• Ongoing: Notice new autocomplete suggestions in search.

Pinterest moves slower and deeper than Instagram (that's why pins are searchable for years), but faster than google.

How to know if keywords are working? We'll discuss this when we chat about analytics! Do not just use Google SEO!