SEO for Pinterest Pins
In my previous blog I spoke about how Pinterest is actually a visual search platform rather than a social media platform, so what this means is that, unfortunately, there needs to be some sort of strategy behind each pin you create, and that it goes beyond designing aesthetically pleasing pins. That's where SEO for Pinterest pins comes in.
As you may know, people use Pinterest to search for ideas, inspiration, products, tutorials and solutions. So thinking about SEO when you create your pins can actually help Pinterest understand what your content is about and then connect it with the relevant search terms people are searching for. It’s not as complicated as you think, though. Let's look at the SEO for Pinterest pins in more detail.
What is SEO for Pinterest Pins?
SEO for Pinterest pins involves the process of optimising your pins so that the algorithm can understand the subject and how relevant each pin is better. SEO for Pinterest involves things like:
It involves things such as:
Researching relevant keywords
Writing descriptive pin titles
Creating useful pin descriptions
Using relevant board names and descriptions
Creating visuals that clearly communicate the topic
Linking to relevant content on your website
The best thing to do when optimising your Pinterest pins is to complete all the available pin fields and use keywords within your descriptions to provide more context around your content. Don’t keyword stuff! You’ll only harm your presence on the platform.
How Does Pinterest Search Work?
Using Pinterest as a search engine works a little differently compared to Google because it provides users with pins when they search for something rather than information that is relevant to what has been searched.
Someone might search for:
"small bedroom storage ideas"
Pinterest will then show them the relevant pins, boards, products and other content related to small bedroom storage. It will also look at providing suggested search terms and guides the person in narrowing down their searches. So, the best way to navigate this is to think of what your audience is looking for, rather than what you want to promote. Your Pinterest strategy needs to be focused around your audience.
Start With Keyword Research
I spoke about this a little more in the previous blog on how to market for Pinterest, so check it out for more detail.
You’ll need to start with keyword research once you’ve thought about what your topic will be. Type your topic into the search bar in Pinterest and see what comes up - this is a great and easy way to start off with keyword research. You can then use those ideas to inform your pin titles, descriptions and wider content strategy.
Where Should You Put Your Keywords?
Once you have your keywords, you’ll need to think about where to put them. There are a few different places you need to think about using descriptive language when creating your pins because they help provide context.
1. Your pin title
Your pin title needs to be clear on what the content is actually going to be about that is linked within your pin. Try to be as specific as possible when writing out your Pinterest title. Also, make sure that you add the main detail in the first part of the description in case the rest gets cut off in the feed.
2. Your pin description
Next, you’re going to need to fill out your pin description. This gives you the opportunity to explain the context of your pin and the chance to include those keywords from your keyword research as naturally as possible. Descriptions still help the algorithm in determining the relevance of your pins, even though they don’t directly appear in the feed.
3. Your boards
Don't overlook your boards. Make sure that they have clear, descriptive names that tell both Pinterest and your audience what they’ll find inside. Pinterest specifically recommends giving boards proper titles and descriptions using clear, descriptive language.
4. Your website
Your pin and the page it links to should always make sense together and be relevant. So, for example, if your pin is about Pinterest SEO for beginners, it should link to the page/blog that discusses Pinterest SEO (like this one). Make sure that your viewers have a clear journey from Pinterest to the destination you want them to end on.
Create a Pin That Clearly Communicates the Topic
As I mentioned earlier, Pinterest is a visual search platform and isn’t only about keywords. The way your pins look matters just as much as your title and descriptions. When someone is scrolling through Pinterest, your pin needs to communicate its subject quickly - don't make your audience work too hard to figure out what the pin is about.
A strong pin could include:
A clear headline
Relevant imagery
Readable text
Consistent branding
A clear benefit
The recommendation when creating Pinterest pins is to use a vertical 2:3 format for your images and to make sure that the important information lands within the safe area so that it is visible across all devices. I use Canva to create my pins, which helps me to choose the right layout easily.
A Simple SEO Checklist for Pinterest Pins
Before publishing your next Pin, ask yourself:
☐ What is this Pin about?
☐ What would my audience search for to find it?
☐ Have I identified a relevant primary keyword?
☐ Is that topic clear in my Pin title?
☐ Have I written a useful description?
☐ Does my board have a clear, relevant name?
☐ Does the image reinforce the topic?
☐ Does the Pin link to a relevant page?
☐ Does the destination deliver what the Pin promises?
☐ Am I writing for people rather than simply inserting keywords?
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, you're off to a good start. If you want this checklist as a downloadable document, you can download it here!
Making sure the SEO for Pinterest your pins doesn't need to be complicated. All you need to remember is that your pins need to help Pinterest understand what they are about so that they get pushed out to the right audience.
Start by understanding what your audience is searching for. Use relevant keywords naturally in your pin titles and descriptions, create clear and useful visuals, organise your boards around relevant topics and make sure every pin leads to a valuable destination.
Are you looking to start your content strategy journey? Get in touch today to book a discovery call!
