Did you know that 81% of Pinterest users try a new product or service based on what they find on the platform? With the potential for such high visibility, it’s essential to understand how to optimise your content for Pinterest search engine optimisation (SEO). In this post, we’ll discuss the steps to take to effectively use keywords to your advantage on the platform to help users find your content more easily. 

Understanding Pinterest Search Engine Optimization

One crucial element of optimising your Pinterest presence is having a solid understanding of Pinterest SEO. While many businesses may overlook the importance of SEO on this platform, it can significantly impact your online visibility and attract your target audience. By familiarising yourself with the principles of Pinterest SEO, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of this platform and propel your business to new heights.

Like traditional SEO, Pinterest SEO involves optimising your content to rank higher in search results and attract more organic traffic. However, there are a few key differences to remember regarding Pinterest. For example, Pinterest is a visual search engine, so your optimisation efforts should focus on visual elements too, such as videos and images, rather than only text. Additionally, Pinterest uses its own search algorithm, known as “Smart Feed,” which prioritises certain types of content based on user preferences and previous interactions.

Keyword research

To optimise your Pinterest profile, conducting thorough keyword research is important. Start by identifying the keywords or phrases that are relevant to your business and target audience. You can use tools like Pinterest’s own keyword planner or external keyword research tools to uncover popular and relevant keywords related to your niche. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your profile description, board titles, and pin descriptions to increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

The best places to look for keywords

• Search bar

When you type a keyword into your guided search, you will first see the top 5+ trending long-tailed keyword sentences; before you even hit “enter” they should appear. NOTE: This won’t happen for every keyword you type in.

• Ribbons bar

You will see “buttons” below the search bar with additional words listed. These are keywords that are associated with the original topic you searched for. 

• Related Search

Have you ever typed something into the search bar on Pinterest and scrolled through your options? And when you get halfway down the screen, you see ribbons or related searches to what you’re already searching for, and they’re kind of like buttons. These are even more keywords that may be relevant to your original topic. 

• Trends tool

This tool is a great way to see which keywords are trending based on the current month we are in but you can also get information about keywords that are trending all year round.

• Ads

Often overlooked, but the Pinterest Ads tool is actually a great place to find more keywords. 

Optimising Your Profile

To truly harness the power of Pinterest SEO and propel your business to new heights, it’s crucial to optimize your profile. Your Pinterest profile is not just a placeholder; it’s an opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with your audience, and boost your visibility. You can make your profile more discoverable and appealing to potential customers with a few simple tweaks.

First and foremost, ensure that your profile name reflects your brand or business. This will help Pinterest users recognize your brand and make it easier for them to find you when they search for related content. Additionally, your profile name is a key element that Pinterest’s search algorithm takes into account when determining search results, so choose your name wisely.

Next, craft a compelling and keyword-rich bio. Your bio is a chance to introduce yourself, your brand, and what you have to offer. Make it clear, concise, and engaging. Incorporate relevant keywords that align with your business and the type of content you share on Pinterest. By doing so, you’ll increase the likelihood of your profile appearing in search results when users look for specific topics or products.

Maximizing Board Visibility

Firstly, it’s crucial to organize your boards in a way that makes sense and is easy for users to navigate. Create specific board titles that accurately reflect the content they contain. This not only helps Pinterest’s algorithm understand the relevance of your pins but also makes it easier for users to discover your boards when they search for specific keywords or topics. Hide every board that is not in your niche.

In addition to optimizing your board titles, take advantage of the board description feature. Use this space to provide a brief overview of what users can expect to find within the board. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into the description to improve the chances of your board appearing in Pinterest search results. Remember to keep the description concise and engaging, as users are more likely to engage with boards that have compelling descriptions.

Creating SEO-friendly Pins

Firstly, it’s important to choose the right keywords for your pin descriptions. Incorporate relevant keywords that reflect the content of your pin and align with what your target audience is searching for. This will help search engines understand the context and purpose of your pin, increasing the chances of it appearing in relevant search results. Aim for a keyword-rich yet natural-sounding description that entices users to engage with your pin.

Secondly, pay attention to the file name of your pin image. When you upload a pin, ensure that the image file name includes descriptive keywords that relate to the pin’s content. This small but vital step can significantly improve your pin’s discoverability in image search results.

Creating SEO-friendly pins is crucial to reach a wider audience. Similar to optimizing your profile, there are a few key elements to focus on when crafting pins that are search engine optimized.

Additionally, make sure your pins link back to your website or blog. Including a link in the pin’s description or adding it to your pin’s destination URL helps drive traffic to your website and boosts your overall online visibility. Remember to use relevant and engaging call-to-actions to entice users to click through to your website and explore further.

Another important aspect of creating SEO-friendly pins is optimizing the pin’s alt text. Alt text serves as a description for users who are visually impaired or have images turned off. It is also used by search engines to understand the content of the image. By using descriptive alt text that includes relevant keywords, you enhance the chances of your pin being discovered by both users and search engines.

Lastly, always aim for high-quality and visually appealing pins. As Pinterest is a highly visual platform, eye-catching and well-designed pins tend to perform better. Invest in creating visually appealing graphics, use high-resolution images, and ensure your pins are easy to read and understand. Creating pins that are aesthetically pleasing and attention-grabbing will not only attract more clicks but also encourage users to save and share your content, further enhancing your overall reach and visibility.

Measuring Success and Making Adjustments

By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can maximize the visibility of your Pinterest boards and drive organic traffic to your business. However, it’s important to regularly measure the success of your Pinterest efforts and make any necessary adjustments to further optimize your results.

One way to measure the success of your Pinterest strategy is by tracking the engagement metrics of your pins and boards. Look at the number of repins, comments, and clicks your pins receive. This can give you valuable insights into which types of content are resonating with your audience and driving the most engagement. Additionally, you can use Pinterest Analytics to gain a deeper understanding of your audience demographics, interests, and behaviours. This information can help you tailor your content better to meet the needs and preferences of your audience.

In addition to tracking metrics, it’s important to evaluate and make adjustments to your Pinterest strategy regularly. Pay attention to what is working well and what is not. If certain types of pins or boards are consistently performing better than others, consider creating more of that content. Likewise, if you notice low engagement or click-through rates on certain pins or boards, it may be time to reevaluate their relevance or quality. Remember to always stay flexible and adapt your strategy based on the feedback and data you gather.