Pinterest SEO: Keyword Research Tips for Beginners

Pinterest keyword research has the potential to elevate your content from being overlooked to becoming highly visible. While many see Pinterest as another form of social media, it’s actually a powerful search engine, and mastering keyword research on Pinterest is essential for ensuring your content reaches the right people. 

In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Pinterest keyword research, why it matters, how to do it, and the tools that can help you along the way. Plus, you’ll get a handy free printable to make your keyword research easier and more organized.

The Importance of Pinterest Keyword Research

Contrary to popular belief, Pinterest is not social media, it is a visual search engine, and just like any search engine, keywords are the key to being discovered. You can gain visibility and increase organic traffic by strategically incorporating keywords into your pins, boards, and descriptions. Conducting keyword research on Pinterest helps your content find its way to your ideal audience—the individuals actively seeking what you provide.

Successful Pinterest keyword research drives traffic to your content and helps you connect with your ideal audience. Think of it this way: if your content is a bridge, then keywords are the planks that lead your audience straight to you. By understanding and using the right keywords, you can meet your audience where they are and offer exactly what they’re looking for.

Understanding Your Niche and Target Audience

Before you jump into Pinterest keyword research, it’s important to know who you’re trying to reach. Defining your niche and understanding your target audience are crucial steps. Your niche represents the specific field or topic you specialize in, be it home decor, nutritious recipes, or financial advice. Defining your niche simplifies the keyword research process and enhances its impact on Pinterest.

Next, think about your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests, needs, and challenges? When you know who you’re trying to attract, you can start thinking like them. What keywords would they type into Pinterest when looking for content in your niche? For example, if you’re in the travel niche, your audience might search for “budget travel tips,” “family vacation ideas,” or “best travel destinations 2024.” The more you understand your audience, the more effective your Pinterest keyword research will be.

Finding Keywords on Pinterest

There are several methods you can use, for locating keywords. Each offers insights into what people are searching for. Below are some of my favorite tools when searching for ideal keywords for my niche. 

Using the Pinterest Search Bar

The Pinterest search bar is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for Pinterest keyword research. As you start typing a keyword, Pinterest suggests related terms that users are actively searching for. These suggestions are a goldmine for discovering popular keywords. For instance, if you type “make money,” you might see suggestions like “make money from home,” “make money online,” or “make money on Pinterest.”

Exploring Pinterest Trends Tool

The Pinterest Trends tool is another fantastic resource for Pinterest keyword research. This tool allows you to see what topics and keywords are currently trending.  It’s very useful for identifying seasonal trends and emerging trend topics.

For example, during the holiday season, you might notice a surge in searches for “Women’s Fall Outfit Inspo,” “Christmas decoration ideas” or “holiday gift guides.” By leveraging these trends, you can tailor your content if applicable to your niche to increase your visibility.  

Read this article from Pinterest to learn more about using Pinterest Trends. 

Utilizing Pinterest Guided Search Bubbles

After you perform a search on Pinterest, you’ll often see pretty colored bubbles below the search bar. These are Pinterest Guided Search Bubbles and they’re incredibly useful for Pinterest keyword research. 

These bubbles offer extra keyword suggestions tied to your search. For example, searching “wedding planning” could bring up bubbles like “checklist,” “ideas,” or “decor.” Clicking on these bubbles can help you hone in on your keyword research and discover even more targeted keywords.

Using “For You” Suggestions for Keyword Research

Another helpful tool for Pinterest keyword research is the “For You” suggestions that appear as you scroll through the pins on your feed. Based on your previous searches and activity, Pinterest curates a list of suggested topics tailored to your interests.

As you scroll through the pins, you’ll notice a section with keywords and topics related to your search query. These suggestions can be a goldmine for discovering fresh and relevant keywords you might not have considered. By incorporating these “For You” suggestions into your keyword strategy, you can uncover new opportunities to target a broader audience and create content that resonates with what people are currently looking for.

Utilizing a Free Printable for Pinterest Keyword Research

To make your Pinterest keyword research even easier, I’ve created a free printable that you can use to organize and track your keywords. This printable is designed to help you categorize keywords, plan how to use them and ensure that you’re consistently optimizing your Pinterest content.

Using the printable is simple: as you discover keywords, write them down and categorize them based on relevance. You might have categories like “seasonal keywords,” “evergreen keywords,” or “niche-specific keywords.” This way, when you’re creating new pins or boards, you can quickly reference your list and choose the best keywords for your content. This printable isn’t just a time-saver—it’s the perfect tool for enhancing your strategy.

Final Thoughts on Pinterest Keyword Research

Understanding and implementing Pinterest keyword research is a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their visibility on the platform. By understanding the importance of keywords, knowing your niche and target audience, and utilizing the various tools Pinterest offers, you can create content that reaches and resonates with your audience. 

Download the free printable to help you organize your Pinterest keyword research and start creating SEO rich Pinterest content for your audience.  With the right keywords, your Pinterest content can soar to new heights!

Interested in more information on keywords?  Read, “What Are Keywords and Why do I Need Them? “