How to Use Pinterest Keywords to Get More Clicks in 2025: Expert Strategy Guide

Want to know the secret to getting more clicks on Pinterest? It's not about creating prettier pins or posting more often—it's about mastering Pinterest keyword strategy. With 465 million monthly active users searching for ideas, products, and inspiration, the right keywords can be the difference between pins that get buried and pins that drive thousands of clicks to your website. In this comprehensive guide, I'll show you exactly how to find, use, and optimize Pinterest keywords to dramatically increase your click-through rates and traffic.

Why Pinterest Keywords Are Different (And More Powerful)

Pinterest isn't social media—it's a visual search engine. This fundamental difference changes everything about how keywords work. Unlike Instagram or Facebook where hashtags are secondary, Pinterest keywords are the primary way users discover content. Every search on Pinterest is an expression of intent: someone actively looking for solutions, ideas, or products to buy.

Pinterest's search algorithm analyzes keywords in your profile, board titles, board descriptions, pin titles, pin descriptions, and even the text overlay on your pin images. This multi-layered keyword system means you have multiple opportunities to rank for valuable search terms—but only if you know how to strategically place keywords throughout your Pinterest presence.

The most powerful aspect of Pinterest keywords is their longevity. While a Google search might drive traffic for a few days, a well-optimized Pinterest pin can drive clicks for months or even years. Pinterest's algorithm continuously resurfaces quality content that matches user searches, creating a compounding traffic effect that grows over time. This is why professional Pinterest marketers obsess over keyword strategy—it's the foundation of sustainable, long-term traffic growth.

Step 1: Finding High-Value Pinterest Keywords

The foundation of any successful Pinterest keyword strategy is finding the right keywords to target. Start with Pinterest's built-in search bar—it's the most powerful free keyword research tool available. Type a broad keyword related to your niche and watch the auto-suggest dropdown appear. These suggestions are actual searches people are making right now, ranked by popularity.

For example, if you type "home decor," Pinterest suggests "home decor ideas," "home decor living room," "home decor bedroom," "home decor diy," and dozens more. Each suggestion represents a proven search term with existing demand. Write down every relevant suggestion—these are your primary keyword targets.

Next, conduct searches for your primary keywords and scroll through the results. Look at the "Related searches" section at the bottom of the search results page. These related terms show you adjacent keywords and long-tail variations that your target audience is also searching for. This technique helps you discover keyword opportunities your competitors might be missing.

Advanced Keyword Research Techniques

Step 2: Strategic Keyword Placement for Maximum Clicks

Finding great keywords is only half the battle—you need to place them strategically throughout your Pinterest presence. Pinterest's algorithm weighs keyword placement differently depending on where keywords appear. Here's the hierarchy of keyword importance, from most to least impactful:

Step 3: Writing Click-Worthy Pin Descriptions with Keywords

Your pin description is where keyword strategy meets persuasive copywriting. The goal is to naturally incorporate keywords while compelling users to click through to your website. Here's the proven formula that professional Pinterest marketers use:

Sentence 1 (Hook + Primary Keyword): Start with your primary keyword in a compelling hook that addresses the user's search intent. Example: "Easy dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less are perfect for busy weeknights when you need healthy meals fast."

Sentences 2-3 (Value + Secondary Keywords): Explain what makes your content valuable using 2-3 related keywords naturally. Example: "These quick family meals include kid-friendly options, budget-friendly ingredients, and simple cooking techniques anyone can master."

Sentence 4 (Call-to-Action): End with a clear call-to-action that encourages clicking. Example: "Click to get all 25 easy dinner recipes with step-by-step photos and cooking tips."

Step 4: Optimizing Board Strategy for Keyword Ranking

Your board structure is a critical but often overlooked element of Pinterest keyword strategy. Well-organized, keyword-optimized boards help Pinterest understand your content's context and improve ranking for all pins saved to those boards. Here's how to structure boards for maximum keyword impact:

Create specific, keyword-focused boards rather than broad, general boards. Instead of one "Food" board, create separate boards for "Easy Dinner Recipes," "Healthy Breakfast Ideas," "Quick Lunch Recipes," and "Dessert Recipes." This specificity helps you rank for more targeted keywords and attracts more engaged followers interested in specific topics.

Each board should have 15-30 pins minimum to be considered substantial by Pinterest's algorithm. Boards with fewer pins may not rank well even with perfect keyword optimization. Regularly add fresh pins to your boards—Pinterest favors active boards with recent content over stagnant boards that haven't been updated in months.

Use board sections to organize content within larger boards while targeting additional keywords. For example, a "Home Decor Ideas" board could have sections for "Living Room Decor," "Bedroom Decor," "Kitchen Decor," etc. Each section title is another keyword opportunity that helps you rank for more specific searches. Learn more about creating high-performing Pinterest boards.

Step 5: Leveraging Text Overlay Keywords for Extra Ranking Power

Here's a Pinterest keyword secret many marketers miss: Pinterest can read text in your pin images. The algorithm uses OCR (optical character recognition) to extract text from pin graphics and uses it as a ranking signal. This means the text overlay on your pins isn't just for human readers—it's also for Pinterest's algorithm.

Include your primary keyword in the text overlay on your pin image. Make it large, clear, and readable. For example, if your pin is about "Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes," that exact phrase should appear prominently on the pin graphic. This reinforces your keyword targeting across multiple ranking factors.

Keep text overlay concise and impactful—3-7 words maximum. Too much text makes pins look cluttered and reduces click-through rates. The text should complement your visual, not overwhelm it. Use contrasting colors and readable fonts to ensure the text stands out against your background image.

Step 6: Tracking Keyword Performance and Optimization

Pinterest keyword strategy isn't set-it-and-forget-it—it requires ongoing monitoring and optimization. Use Pinterest Analytics to track which keywords are driving the most impressions, clicks, and saves. Navigate to Analytics > Overview to see your top-performing pins, then analyze what keywords those pins target.

Pay special attention to your click-through rate (CTR) for different keywords. A high impression count with low clicks indicates your keywords are attracting views but not compelling clicks—you may need to improve your pin design or description copy. Conversely, high CTR with low impressions means your content is compelling but needs better keyword optimization to reach more people.

Test different keyword variations for the same content by creating multiple pin designs with different keyword focuses. For example, create one pin targeting "easy dinner recipes" and another targeting "quick family meals." Track which keyword angle drives more clicks and double down on what works. This A/B testing approach helps you discover the most effective keywords for your specific audience. Discover more about Pinterest analytics and tracking.

Advanced Keyword Strategies for Competitive Niches

If you're in a highly competitive niche like fashion, food, or home decor, you need advanced keyword strategies to stand out. Start by targeting seasonal and trending keywords before they peak. Use Pinterest Trends to identify keywords that are starting to trend upward, then create content targeting those keywords 4-6 weeks before peak season.

Combine broad keywords with specific modifiers to reduce competition. Instead of targeting "wedding dresses," target "vintage lace wedding dresses for outdoor ceremonies" or "affordable boho wedding dresses under $500." These ultra-specific long-tail keywords have less competition and attract highly qualified traffic more likely to click and convert.

Create content clusters around keyword themes. If "meal prep" is your target keyword, create multiple pins targeting related keywords like "meal prep for beginners," "meal prep containers," "meal prep recipes," "Sunday meal prep," etc. This comprehensive keyword coverage establishes topical authority and helps you dominate search results for an entire keyword family.

Common Pinterest Keyword Questions Answered

How many keywords should I use per pin?

Use 1 primary keyword and 3-5 related secondary keywords per pin. Your primary keyword should appear in the pin title, first sentence of the description, and ideally in the text overlay. Secondary keywords should be naturally incorporated throughout the description. Avoid keyword stuffing—focus on natural, readable copy that serves both users and the algorithm.

Should I use hashtags on Pinterest?

Hashtags on Pinterest are far less important than keywords in titles and descriptions. Pinterest's algorithm primarily uses natural language keywords, not hashtags, for search ranking. If you use hashtags, limit them to 2-3 highly relevant ones at the end of your description. Never sacrifice valuable description space for excessive hashtags—focus on keyword-rich copy instead.

How often should I update my keywords?

Review and update your keyword strategy quarterly, or whenever you notice significant changes in performance. Seasonal keywords should be updated 4-6 weeks before peak season. If a pin isn't performing well after 30 days, consider updating the title and description with different keyword variations. However, don't constantly change keywords on well-performing pins—if it's working, leave it alone.

The Bottom Line: Keywords Are Your Pinterest Growth Engine

Pinterest keyword strategy is the single most important factor in getting more clicks and driving traffic from Pinterest. While beautiful pin designs and consistent posting matter, they're meaningless if your target audience can't find your content through search. Mastering keyword research, strategic placement, and ongoing optimization is what separates Pinterest accounts that struggle from those that drive thousands of clicks and conversions.

The strategies in this guide—from finding high-value keywords to optimizing every element of your Pinterest presence—are the same techniques professional Pinterest marketers use to drive results for clients. Implement these keyword strategies consistently, track your performance, and refine your approach based on data. The clicks and traffic will follow.

Remember, Pinterest keyword optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. The algorithm evolves, user search behavior changes, and new competitors enter your niche. Stay committed to keyword research and optimization, and you'll build a sustainable traffic engine that compounds over time. For more Pinterest growth strategies, explore our guide on Pinterest marketing strategies that actually work.