Although Pinterest has some social features, it’s really more of a visual search engine. And when it comes to search engines, you need people to be able to find your content and pins in the first place with SEO (search engine optimization). Here’s everything you need to know about Pinterest SEO.
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How to Grow Your Account with Pinterest SEO
SEO, or search engine optimization, is how you make your pins or content get found in a search engine like Pinterest.
As a visual search engine, Pinterest has the added benefit of images in addition to titles and descriptions.
One way to get people to see your content in the first place on Pinterest is with a strong keyword strategy. Where can you put keywords? Well, everywhere! A keyword is something that a person can search on Pinterest OR they might see your pin as a related or suggested pin because based on the keywords, Pinterest believes it’s similar to someone else’s pin.
Pinterest is a search engine, so your goal is to make your topic as clear as possible. Even though Pinterest tries to look at your image to understand what it is about, the technology is not perfect. Using keywords makes it much easier for Pinterest to understand your content and show it to the right people.
For example, if you have a pin about Boston cream pie and your whole account is about recipes, Pinterest might guess the topic from the picture. But it still helps to include recipe, dessert, and baking keywords so your content reaches a bigger audience. This matters even more when you use stock photos, because a picture of a desk doesn’t really tell Pinterest that your post is about marketing.
But where should we be putting those keywords on Pinterest?
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Where to Put SEO Keywords on Pinterest
Pin descriptions
Write descriptions that sound natural but are also easy for Pinterest to understand. You might say something like “This Boston cream pie was a hit at our family gathering. Click to learn how to make this quick and easy Boston cream pie recipe.”
On the pin image and file name
You can use keywords on the image itself with text overlays. You can also rename your image file before uploading it. Instead of IMG435.jpg, use boston-cream-pie-recipe.jpg. This gives Pinterest one more way to understand your content.
Your profile description
Use broad keywords in your profile to describe your niche. Words like easy recipes, desserts, or baking can help Pinterest understand what your whole account is about.
Board titles
Choose clear titles over cute ones. Instead of Yummy Things, try Easy Dessert Recipes or Baking for Beginners. Clear titles help your pins rank better in search.
Board descriptions
You can also add keyword-rich descriptions to each board. Grouping similar content on one board makes Pinterest understand the topic better and can boost your reach.
FAQ
What is Pinterest SEO?
Pinterest SEO is the process of using keywords and clear descriptions to help your pins show up in search results.
Do keywords really help on Pinterest?
Yes. Pinterest needs text signals to understand your topic, so keywords help your pins reach the right people.
How many keywords should I use?
I usually use one main keyword for the pin image and pin title and potentially add a couple related keywords in the description, but it depends on the pin and what makes sense. You don’t need to stuff in a bunch of unrelated keywords to get results.
How long does Pinterest SEO take to work?
Pinterest takes time to push content out. It often takes 6+ months to get consistent results.
If you’d like help growing your Pinterest account, learn more about hiring me for Pinterest management.
Prefer to DIY your marketing? Check out my Pinterest course to grow your Pinterest account!
